Page 34 of Bernadette
“What’s wrong?” Bernie demanded.
“That’s a six-hour ride on horseback,” Wilson said. “If we’re going after them, you know, to see if they ran into trouble, then we’re going to want to take ATVs. We have ten over at the ranch.”
“We have seven here,” Chuck said. When everyone turned to him, he shrugged. “We’re going with you. I’m not telling anyone what to do, but if something did happen, then I think Dolly and April should stay here.”
“Why?” Bernie demanded.
“This house is bulletproof. I was here when June and Alfie read those letters about how that guy, whoever he is, wants to take April, DJ, and the rest of the Erwins out. Morgan is now an Erwin, she’s part of the family. But she’s also a Stuart, and we’re her family. With this place being bulletproof, the walls as well as the windows, I think the women would be the safest here.”
“If push came to shove,” Justin said. “They can hole up in the tunnel between here and the house.”
“There’s a tunnel?” Bernie asked in shock.
“Yes,” everyone answered, and it was Dolly who spoke next.
“Leave us a weapon, and we’ll be fine.” They agreed and Bernie hobbled over to the map, and began asking Wilson, Dillon, Lucas, and DJ, questions.”
“One thing,” Lucas said after they made their plans as to who would be doing what.
“What’s that?”
“A storm is rolling in, and if Ava will allow it again, I’d like to borrow her NVGs, as well as her camo.”
“You got it,” Ava said as she gave him a high five, then looked at Bernie. “You got any weapons with you?”
Bernie grinned and blew on her knuckles, only to wipe them on her shoulder. “What do you think those three trunks were loaded with that I had the guys carry up to the attic? Do you have your Kevlar?”
“We do, but not very many extras.”
“I have six in my trunk,” Carl said as he started for the door.
“Wait, I have two dozen with me, and I know that time is of the essence, but why were you swearing before the men arrived?” Bernie demanded, then looked at Joyce. “You too? What’s up with that guy you said you recognized?”
“You first,” Carl said as he pointed to Joyce.
“I remember that guy, because not only have I seen him in person, but I’ve also seen him on video.”
“Who?” all the women demanded.
“I don’t know his name, but he was the man that I saw at Stinger’s Garage the day I went to release Stella from prison. He yelled at me for sitting at Marcus’ desk. That’s when I saw him in person. On video.” She turned a scowl onto the crowd. “I believe he’s the man outside my empty storage locker. The part of the video with the trailer in it.”
“Holy shit,” several of the people present said as one.
“And you, Miller?”
“You know Astrid and I are combing through the photos of the license plates and vehicles from the reception, correct?”
“Yes, what about it?”
They all watched as a photo came up, and they saw a dark full-sized SUV come into view. “This vehicle right here, I was swearing because the plates came back to an alleged dead man.”
“Who?” again, everyone demanded.
“Gus Carter.”
“But…” the women sputtered and whipped around to explain to Bernie. “He’s the man who allegedly stole Stella from my storage unit. I had him arrested. then he was shipped back to California on several warrants for him there. He was also wanted for questioning, and he was a person of interest in a murder or two down there. Don’t quote me, but I believe the California charges, other than the theft of Stella, is unrelated to this shit we’re investigation.”
“Shit, so he’s a bad man?”
