Page 6 of Javier

He swiped a hand across eyes full of mirth, then extended it, moving toward her slowly, chuckling as he pulled her to her feet. “What a fucking beautiful mess you are, Memphis Creed.”

“I came to talk.”

“Not now. My day is full.”

“But—”

His demeanor changed like lightning and the handsome face shuttered. She blinked, grabbed a post supporting the covered stoop, and curled inward in a protective posture.

“Another time. Another place. I’m not in the mood to dredge up the past. Look. I’m not gonna hurt you, or touch you,” he said, his low tone adding more warning than the spoken words.

Pissed, she sneered. “You just did.”

“Seriously? I should have left you on your ass.”Tsk-tsk.He shook his head. “You don’t want to threaten me. Cameras are recording this interaction. Go in. Clean up. I’ll stay out here until you leave. You’ve two minutes.”

She fumed in the surprisingly clean and organized bathroom while making herself presentable. Damn him. What a mercurial fucker. She suppressed a shiver and washed her hands in haste.

It was an effort, but she feigned composure as she walked away, sensing that he watched her trek to the fully restored ’68 GTO. She didn’t dare look over her shoulder or in the rearview mirror once seated on the ivory leather bucket seat. Irritated, she fastened the lap belt, curled her left fingers around the woodgrain steering wheel, and turned the key. Ignition a go, she reached and spun the volume knob. Too much. Steppenwolf’s “Born to be Wild” blasted from the speakers as she punched the gas. The muscle car responded, spitting gravel behind it as she pulled onto the main road.

She turned the music off, pulling her hand back as if the knob burned. Despite no longer being in the presence of Cabrera, she felt so … juvenile, Memphis drove north until she saw a large bridge that spanned the river to an elevated section of Torch River to her right. She would have exited onto the bridge if the sign bearing Founders Park hadn’t appeared first, its deep shade beckoning.

What now? She needed help. Trey Rooney smelled the blood in the water and a chance to acquire their ranch and the revenue from the oil deposit through the marriage of Eben to his daughter Arla.Take a break and regroup.

Curious what the town was like on the other side of the river, she drove across the beautiful bridge. Whereas the area she had driven from was primarily at river level, this section soared above it, so different from the rural feel of the other side where she spoke to Rose at Daphne’s Diner and the man at Cabrera’s. A totally different vibe. Upscale and chic, it proudly displayed its abundant wealth. Also of notice was that the marina and club she passed before taking the bridge bore the name Founders, just like the park she had stopped in. Interesting. There was a story here, maybe more than one.

She lunched outdoors at the Overlook, under a pergola fitted with fans. Her small table had an unobstructed view of a river that was hemmed in by lush green trees and understory and rock formations. The salmon salad was wonderful.

Laughter caught her attention. She peered over the rail. Below was a beach filled with kids and families, reminding her of lazy afternoons spent at Shards Creek on the ranch. What fun she had with Pops and Eben, and later with friends and boyfriends at the tributary that meandered through the ranch. It seemed so long ago.

She looked across the river. The lowland area was hidden by the thick trees and foliage. The Torch divided the town, calling attention to its dichotomy. She was eager to get back to the other side and the task Pops had given her. And she wanted answers about the estrangement.

Not knowing how long she would be in Torch River, Memphis bypassed getting a room at a tonier hotel or at one of the chains on the outskirts of the town. She reserved a suite at the Smugglers Inn, blocks from Daphne’s Diner. The inn’s brief and colorful history on its “About” page drew her in. It also reminded her of home.

Pleasantly full and lulled into a peaceful state by the river, Memphis drove back, the hoity-toity vibe vanishing into an unassuming densely wooded, small town feel as she excited the bridge. She passed a marker that readWelcome to the Narrows. Was there one at its southern boundary, too? Probably. Enthralled by the stunning surroundings and wondering about her father’s connection to a place and people he had never mentioned, she found herself veering off the shoulder several times.

CHAPTERTHREE

Javier drained the rest of his glass and rolled his lips. River Rats made great beer. He surveyed the Wake’s enormous deck cantilevering over the river’s edge. It was packed with an assortment of locals, Cliff Bunnies looking for edgy thrills they couldn’t get in the wealthy section of Torch River, and bikers were easily identifiable by their leather vests, patches, and the women with them, who ranged in age and displayed a generous amount of cleavage.

Like any summer weekend evening, the black metal tables and chairs had been pushed to the sides, giving patrons places to sit, eat, and providing ample space to those mingling and dancing under the suspended party lights. The band—Road Warrior—was off to the right, playing a great cover of ZZ Top’s “La Grange.” The line at the outside bar moved quickly; Sammi and Jack were efficient barkeeps.

The night held secrets and revelations—a perfect for trouble. He sensed it in his gut and just like that the image of Memphis Creed popped into his head, as well as the night of wilding decades earlier.

“Fuck.” He muttered, lifting the glass again, forgetting it was empty. He strode to the bar where Sammi moved fluidly, taking and filling orders.

Without looking, she set a fresh beer on the concrete counter in front of him and swiped his emptied glass. “Here you go, Jav,” she said, then carried beers to a group at the other end of the bar.

It was like that between his sisters and brothers. They had anointed themselves as such when Mom, Sammi’s mother Daphne Kayce, became their foster mother, creating a family that none of them had ever had. They had each other’s backs. All of them had gone from home to home. Not wanted. Discarded. Until ending up with Daphne. Their final placement.

His life changed at Daphne’s. He changed. Javier no longer considered himself a throwaway human. He had value and began to believe in himself. He was enough.

“I have room for you in my heart and home, forever. I love you.” Daphne told him, his sisters, and brothers.

Javier discovered the truth of her words. He was loved. He knew hope. There was no fear of aging out when any of them turned eighteen, only the joy and security of a permanent family.

Daphne and Sammi demonstrated what heart, home, and family were. The fact that Sammi wasn’t jealous was remarkable.

Mom encouraged Ransom, Stone, Rose, and him to be the best versions of themselves and as a result, they forged deep, lifelong ties. As adults, they were closer than blood. Except for Ransom.

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