Page 89 of Barron

He frowned. “Why not? It’s the dream most people have, and if we can afford one, there’s nothing to stop us.”

“Oh, Daddy.”

“Come on, let’s take a peek. This is just the first development. If we don’t like anything here, I have a couple more lined up. Plus, there’s a lot to choose from.”

Mr. Womack, the agent, remembered him, of course, which impressed Yoanni. Womack gave them packets with floor plans and brochures outlining the benefits of life in this wonderful neighborhood, then sent them on their merry way to explore the different models.

Yoanni had a discerning eye. She cut through the trappings of decorations and furnishings and went for the functional meat of each home. Two hours later, they came out of the last model home. From this vantage point, they had a decent view of the development set atop rolling hills.

“The lots are nice and big,” she said.

“We should ride around and get a better view.”

“I agree.”

“You don’t have to decide if you’re not ready. Did anything catch your eye?”

The smile she gave him was so bright, it dazzled him. “I loved the second home.”

Actually, he’d liked that one too. The couple’s retreat, boasting a magnificent balcony and a small laundry area, was located on the second floor. Everything else was on the ground floor.

“We should search for a lot high above the others,” he explained.

“Where we can watch the sunset,” she added.

“Absolutely. Let’s go.”

On their way to the bike, Mr. Womack waved at them from his desk. “Aren’t the homes beautiful?”

“They are,” Barron replied. “Show me your lot plan. Where is the highest point?”

“Right over here.” The agent pointed at different spots on his wall map. “I think you’ll love twenty-five.”

“We’ll let you know.” Barron ushered Yoanni out.

They climbed on the bike and rode to the end of the development, which was still in mid-construction. As they hoped, lot twenty-five’s elevation was the highest in the development. He helped her down, then walked to the marked limit line.

“Pretty, isn’t it?” Staring above a tall line of evergreens, he stood behind her and put his arms around her waist. “I bet the view from the second-story balcony will be amazing, especially the sunsets.”

“I see it, Daddy,” she murmured, leaning on his chest.

“What do you say, Nugget? I want you to be happy. Can you see yourself living here with me, making a life together?”

“Yes.” She sighed. “What a beautiful life it will be.”

EPILOGUE

Five months later…

Blade, the Devils’ Spawn prez, stood at the doorway to his office in his usual stern and imposing stance. Muscular arms folded, he waited for the brothers to answer his urgent summons to church. Judging by the frown carving a deep line on his forehead, he was running out of patience with the guys’ slow arrival and seemingly disinterested attitude.

As one of the last stragglers who filed in, Johnny Gun slid onto the chair next to Barron’s.

“What the fuck’s going on?” he whispered.

“I’m not sure, though I suspect it has something to do with Deacon.”

Johnny Gun stiffened. “Deacon? As in the Daltonchapter prez?”

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