Page 127 of Clint & Ivy

“We can’t shake down info from Joker and Madden, but I’ll ask Ford and Pax what they remember about the meth house guy.”

Rock’s hard exterior cracked as he lowered his voice to admit, “I’m nervous about this first strike happening in Rawlins.”

“If this is the Void, it’s bound to get ugly. And if this guy is pissed about the end of Trigger’s reign, both of our families are in danger.”

Ginger Jones was the catalyst for Trigger’s demise. Though presumed dead by most, she slipped back into town with her crew. Rock’s mom reached out to Trigger’s son, Madden. They eventually took their plans to Joker and his loyal guys, like Ford and Pax.

Trigger’s death led to a stronger Little Memphis. The Reed brothers built happy lives with their women. Joker was a strong president. Madden made a solid VP. By the time I was born, Trigger was rarely mentioned in Little Memphis.

As I left Rock’s place and took the baggie to Ivy, I found myself irritated by how this trouble had to show up now. A year ago, I wouldn’t be so worried about every little thing.

Entering my condo, I smiled at my weakness who sat at the windows with Hanzee. They turned their heads in unison to look at me. Loving this woman was putting me at a disadvantage against enemies with no such weaknesses.

However, Ford met Shay during a dangerous time in Little Memphis. Pax claimed Bebe only weeks before shit hit the fan with Trigger. Shay, Bebe, and Lula were nearly killed before Trigger met his end. Life must have seemed hellish back then.

However, my parents had survived together during a dangerous time. I had no choice except to trust Ivy and I would be as lucky.

IVY

Ifelt so strange drivingpast the gas station where Clint and I met. I knew Uncle Dwight had died on a nearby road. This place held both positive and negative vibes for me, so I was relieved when we didn’t stop there on our way to visit Boone.

Before the trip, Goldie warned me that her brother could seem gruff, especially now that he was locked up.

“No one likes to be in a cage,” I replied, and she smiled at how I didn’t judge Boone.

Clint radiated a weird calm as we arrived in the Missouri town where Boone was held.

“I hate this place,” he admitted after we checked into the hotel. “They railroaded Boone because the local sheriff was having an election and wanted to look tough on crime. Now, that same sheriff is terrified of Lula, but it’s too late. Boone is stuck doing time.”

“I always thought people went to prison after they were sentenced.”

“Lula thought Boone would be safer in the local jail, where she could apply more pressure. These smaller towns can’t afford endless lawsuits like the state can. Boone has been as protected as possible.”

Hugging Clint, I murmured, “Boone knows you tried your best.”

“Did Goldie tell you that?”

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