Page 23 of Fanatic

“Make sure you get my name right,” I said loudly so everyone could hear. “It’s Assistant Special Agent-in-charge, Willow Ware of the Rapid City Federal Bureau of Investigation. My department is Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch, which forms part of the Criminal Investigation Division. You have a problem having an FBI agent on your doorstep, take it up with my supervisor, Assistant Director Thomas Markin. While you’re on the phone to him, you can tell Thomas, his honorary nephew, says hi!”

I turned, leaving Edna gaping like a fish.

“I’m sure he’ll want to know you’re shacking up with a filthy biker!” Edna finally found her voice just as I reached the doorstep. Danny chirped, and I agreed.

Spinning back around, I flew down my drive, and Edna appeared worried.

“You wanna know about my personal life? I’ll tell you, you nosey old goat!” I yelled as Fanatic pulled up. His head swivelledbetween me and Edna, and Danny cooed. I skidded to a stop and handed Danny to Fanatic, who looked amused.

“This man here is my best friend, you stupid bitch. We’re not shacking up in sin, fucking each other’s brains out!” I shouted. Edna gasped and clenched a hand to her chest. “He is my son’s Godfather and is looking out for us. He also happens to be Micah Michaelson, Phoenix Michaelson’s eldest son. And Fanatic is one of the Heroes of Rapid City. Look at that patch, you judgemental asshole. That’s a Hellfire MC cut.

“Fanatic jeopardised his life to protect that city. I don’t give a shit who the fuck you are, you don’t spit on that cut, man, or me. We risked our lives to defend Rapid City a year ago. And my fiancé died there. Former Special Agent Daniel Grey was my fiancé and the father of my child. And I’ll burn your house down around your ears if you ever disrespect our sacrifices again! My fiancé was a hero, a goddamn hero, and he’s dead,” I cussed.

I was panting heavily when I finished, as Edna shrank back from my anger. I moved a hand to brush my hair away from my face, and a sparkle caught my eye. On my finger was my beautiful engagement ring bought by Grey. A square sapphire surrounded by diamonds. The ring was 19ct gold with small diamonds inset into the shoulders that held the sapphire and larger diamonds. A sob hitched in my throat.

“Aw shit!” Fanatic muttered from behind.

“Never, ever…” a sob caught again, and I tried to swallow the tears.

“Here, give me the baby,” somebody offered. “You get her.”

Fanatic’s arms wrapped around me, and he began leading me in.

“Too far with your hate and bitterness, Edna. You’ve truly done it this time. Insulting that girl, and she’s just moved in!” someone scolded.

“How was I to know?” Edna said, but her venom had died down. “Anyway, she threatened me.”

“Funny, I didn’t hear a thing. Did anyone else? No. Tell ya what, Edna, you’ve got issues with everyone here. That’s cool. From now on, you’re non-existent. You can stand in front of us bleating your bullshit, and we’ll look right through you. You no longer exist! Come on, sweetie, let’s find your mama. Aren’t you a cutie?”

I was laugh-crying when Fanatic walked me inside. I turned to the woman who handed me Danny.

“Sorry, we’re waiting for our furniture and stuff to arrive,” I said, wiping my eyes.

“Not a problem, sweets. Gil, bring coffees,” the lady shouted. “I live next door, and I’m Gladys. Oh, I’ve waited so long to see someone put that witch in her place. That was wonderful,” Gladys cheered. Her face sobered. “I’m sorry for your loss, Agent Ware. Gil and I did a tour of the memorials and laid flowers at each one. Too many died, but we’re so proud of you. Gil and I know if Rapid City had fallen, the rest of the smaller towns would have been attacked, too. Thank you.”

A big guy knocked on the open door. “Hello?” he called.

“In here, Gil. Go get some garden chairs, these young folk are waiting for their furniture. Do you like carrot cake? Or perhaps chocolate, this dude looks like a chocolate man to me. Bring them both, honey. Phoenix Michaelson? I love her English accent, do you have one too?” Gladys said.

Amused, I watched as Gladys bustled around with the coffee tray, her mouth going a hundred miles an hour. Fanatic and I swapped glances, and I giggled as he smiled. Talk about a shitshow.

Chapter Five.

Fanatic

Iwondered what the hell I’d come home to as Willow stormed down the drive after an old woman who was clearly shooting her mouth off.

Willow spotted me and swerved to give me Danny and then carried on down the warpath. I leaned back against my hog as Willow read the bitch the riot act, and then I heard the sob. Shit!

I rushed to get to Willow before she broke down in front of that evil witch she was yelling at. A lady deftly snatched Danny from my arms, and my focus was split. As I led Willow away, I kept a sharp eye on Danny and the unknown neighbour, who was also now blasting the old woman. Luckily for her, because I’d been ready to tackle her should she make the wrong move. The stranger followed me up the path, talking to Danny.

Danny was blowing bubbles and cooing back, and clearly, the lady was taken with him. Willow let out a strangled half sob and laugh, and I hugged her tight. I guided her into the living room and surveyed my surroundings, slightly perplexed. I had planned to sit and comfort her and couldn’t. No furniture! Thewoman, Gladys, I’d discovered, was a neighbour and boy could she talk.

To my amusement, Gladys’ husband appeared with a coffee tray and disappeared again. Gil made several more trips, bringing in some fold-up garden chairs and then cakes. Meanwhile, Gladys was busy pouring coffee and making herself right at home. Relief soothed me as Willow started smiling at Gladys.

“So, you’re best friends?” Gladys asked and continued before we could answer. “And you’re looking after her? How wonderful of you, young man!”

I tried not to laugh. By my reckoning, Gladys was in her early fifties. Willow grinned, enjoying this thoroughly, and I was relieved to see her tears had dried up.

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