Page 51 of Cougar

“You granted me jurisdiction when you advised the dispatcher not to send the ambulance. You granted my jurisdiction when you said it’s not a call worth responding to. I could charge you with a slew of infractions.” The small suited man’s face turns red as he continues to rage at Connard.

Once revealed Connard attempted to halt emergency care, Cowboy takes two steps toward Connard but is held back by Zombie and Rambo.

“Now listen here,” Connard stands over the man, his grotesque stomach bumping into him, but the fed stands strong. “My department has been working very well over these past few years.”

“After the prior sheriff was killed in the line of duty. Tell me, did you figure out who killed him yet, or is the case still sitting on your desk, gathering dust? You’d think you would want to bring justice to a fallen brother. But,” he waves his hands in an open motion in front of him, “nothing. In fact, according to your station’s personnel files, you fired the man’s son with no real reason listed. A decorated officer, who should have gotten a few promotions, was fired. What for, Connard?”

Taking a deep breath, Connard lets it out as his fists clenched at his sides. “This is not the time or place to air this out.” Connard’s eyes shift to us and back to the man.

The agent doesn’t back down. He looks at Connard as if he can read Connard’s mind. This goes on for a good minute, and it’s clear Connard is starting to sweat.

“No, it isn’t, but this conversation isn’t over. You and I have a lot to discuss. For now, you and your men need to leave. I suggest you take a good long look in the mirror and attempt to come up with a reason for why you should remain in your position.” He shifts a little and projects his voice. “This is now an FBI case. All members of the sheriff’s department need to vacate the premises. Any and all evidence you’ve collected must be turned over immediately.” He steps up to Connard, “I will be calling your boss at the governor’s office when I am done here. That excuse you’re gonna come up with better be a fucking good one.”

“Holy shit,” Copper mumbles. I look over to him and his smile is the biggest I’ve ever seen.

I stand in shock. I look toward my brothers, who all have the same face as me. We all got to witness Connard get his ass handed to him, and fuck, it was glorious.

“Gentlemen,” the fed turns to us, “while I can’t go into further details quite yet, I want you all to know we’re looking into the unlawful treatment Sheriff Connard has bestowed upon you. While I understand MCs have dealt with unfair rulings before, this blatant lack of respect and care toward an attempted homicide is unforgivable. My team and I will work to figure out who did this. You have my word. In the meantime, you should get yourselves to the hospital and be with your loved ones. We are going to take pictures and evidence from the house. Were you all together tonight?” He asks, pulling out a notebook and pen.

“Yes. We were trying to wrangle a few stray cattle when my mom came running to us covered in blood.” Cowboy is a strong man, but I can see him struggling to hold his mother’s now sleeping form. Rambo must have as well because he takes El from him.

“You deal with the animals?” The agent asks with his brow raised.

“Sir, we may be part of an MC, but we’re a cattle ranch and home for foster children first. This land was built on farming and helping kids society doesn’t want. So yes, we help with the animals.”

He jots something down and gives a small hmm before he continues, “Where is the rest of the family?” He asks, not looking up at us.

“All of our significant others, kids, and fosters are at the big house. I mean the main ranch home. This is the original homestead; my wife and I live here. The day-to-day and family activities are at the main house where my parents live with the group home kids.” Cowboy explains.

“Alright. Well, I want you guys to get on your way, but I will need her clothing for evidence. Does your wife have clothes she can borrow?” The fed asks, and Cowboy nods. “Good. We don’t want her showing up soaked in blood. I will have an officer follow you into the house to get the clothing. Do you have somewhere you can change her?”

“Yeah, but I….” Cowboy drifts off, looking at the house. He doesn’t want to see the blood from his father and a man who is practically his uncle. And he shouldn’t have to.

“Prez, I can help. I can change her.”

He looks at me, and I see the storm clouds raging in his eyes. He doesn’t want my help, but he knows he needs it.

“Cougar…. Thank you. You’ll find what you need in the bottom two drawers of the dresser. Get her in, changed, and out as fast as possible.”

“I’ll take care of her, Prez, I promise.”

I turn to Rambo and hold my arms out, indicating for him to give me El. I’m sure there is blood transfer on all of us now, but what the hell do I know? If the feds need her clothes, so be it.

Once El is in my arms, I follow another agent into the house. The smell of copper is strong as it permeates the air. It makes my stomach roll. We have to pass the entry to the kitchen, and I can’t help myself. I look. Blood is everywhere. Evidence of Elvira walking and slipping through the blood. Footprints that could belong to anyone. So. Much. Blood. How long did Connard withhold the ambulance? How the fuck can he do this and live with himself? It will be a damn miracle if they live. Pulling myself together, I grip El tighter and walk faster through the house.

Once inside Cowboy and Bri’s bedroom, I lay Elvira on the bed. I’ll buy them new sheets. I find clothes and start changing her. I make quick work of it. Each article of clothing goes into the agent’s evidence bag. Again, it all seems pointless to me, but cooperating is our best bet for them not to catch on to the fact we have a dead body in the cellar.

Finally finished, I scoop El back into my arms. The bed isn’t that bad, but I still make a mental note to replace their bedding—one less thing for either of them to worry about.

Outside, I give Prez his mom.

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome, brother. I’m here for you.”

“I know. Listen, we’re all heading to the hospital now. But I need you to get a hold of Knuckles.”

“No problem. I’ll get there when I can.”

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