Twenty-one Year Rule Read online

  Bash gazed into her green eyes. They sparkled in the dim light. He could get lost in those eyes. Grace’s voice was soft and soothing. He loved her perfect white teeth, her delicate mouth with full pouty lips.

  Bash pulled her against him and kissed her. Their lips met in a soft gentle kiss that quickly turned to fire. Grace wrapped her arms around him allowing her hands to explore his hard muscular back. Bash’s hand moved slowly down her back to cup her behind. They slid off the log and onto the sandy earth.

  Bash undid the clasp of Grace’s bathing suit and her hands went instantly to her breasts. Her eyes opened wide in alarm, she said, “Bash, I’m sorry but I don’t do that.”

  He stared at her in amazement and asked, “What are you saying?”

  Grace rose and turned her back to him as she put her top back on. “I’m saying I don’t do that. I’m sorry if I gave you the wrong impression.” She turned to face him as he rose to his feet.

  “Its okay, Grace,” Bash said softly, “It’s not your fault. I was moving too fast. I’m sorry.”

  Their eyes met, and Grace’s expression softened, “I really like you Bash. When you kiss me, my heart goes crazy. It feels like I’ve been snowboarding on a rough hill all day. I couldn’t stop thinking about you today. When you called me tonight, I was so excited. But we hardly know each other.”

  Bash reached out and ran his fingers down her bare arm. “I get it.” He smiled, “Why don’t we sit down and talk. I’ll keep my hands to myself as much as possible.”

  Grace laughed and gave him a quick hug. “I’m not a nun. Let’s just keep our clothes on.”

  Chapter Six

  Molly cuddled against Jake on the small lumpy loveseat in their mom’s living room. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder and used the remote to scan the channels for a children’s program. It wasn’t long before Molly fell asleep next to him. Jake rose and allowed Molly to slide down onto the cushions. He covered her with a thin blanket draped over the back of the sofa and went to check on his mom.

  He gazed into her bedroom. Joanne’s light brown hair poked through the covers at the end of the bed; her arms lay stretched out on either side. Jake carefully moved to the bed and draped the covers over her. His foot bumped against an object. He reached down to pick it up. It was a small square bottle made of dark colored glass. Jake didn’t have to look at the label, he knew what it was.

  Jake frowned at his moms still form willing her to stop drinking and act like a mom for once in her life. He glanced through the doorway at Molly and anger burst to life inside him. He tossed the partially full bottle on the bed next to his mother.

  He went to her dresser and began to search through her drawers. He found several of small square bottles hidden inside, all of them were empty. Jake stormed into the kitchen and dragged the trashcan back to Joanne’s room. He tossed the bottles in the trashcan and searched the room for more.

  When he was certain all the bottles were in the trash, he pulled the trashcan up next to the bed and shook his mother’s shoulder. “Mom, wake up.” Jake said harshly.

  Joanne stirred and pushed his arm away, “Go to bed, Jake.” She said, slurring her words.

  “No mom,” Jake shook her shoulder again, “I want you to see this. Open your eyes.”

  She rolled over and gazed up at him. Her eyes were red and bloodshot. “What is it Jake, I’m trying to sleep?” Jake stepped back; her breath smelled like gasoline.

  “I found all your bottles.” Jake began, “Look at them!” He shook the trashcan as he pulled it closer. “You promised dad you would never drink again. You promised us all. You are supposed to be sober all the time.”

  Joanne’s eyes snapped open. She rose up on one elbow and peered over the side of the bed into the trashcan. “You didn’t take the last one did you?”

  Jake glared at her, “You can’t take care of Molly when you’re drunk. She deserves a mom who can actually cook her dinner and brush her hair. All you want to do is smoke and drink. Every time we come over, I have to feed Molly and put her to bed. You don’t even try anymore.” Jake’s eyes filled with tears. “If you don’t stop mom, I’m telling dad.”

  Joanne struggled to sit on the side of the bed. Jake didn’t miss her casual search for the liquor bottle as she moved. She slid the bottle up beside her and sighed. “Jake,” She said softly, “It’s not that simple.”

  “Yes it is. You just have to stop.” Jake answered, tears streaming down his face. “Give me that bottle!”

  “No, it helps me get to sleep.” Joanne snapped at him and lay back down on the bed clutching the bottle to her chest. “Go to bed Jake.” She added gruffly.

  Jake stared at her in the darkness as she took another sip from the bottle and curled up on the bed. His mind flashed to Beth. Why couldn’t his mom be like Beth?

  **********

  Bash crept quietly up the stairs and into his bedroom. He walked in the door and flipped on the light. He stopped abruptly when he saw Randy sitting on the end of the bed waiting for him. Randy was sitting awkwardly stiff. His face was pale, but his eyes were alert. He rose slowly as pain flashed across his face. He took a deep cleansing breath and said, “Well you certainly look like you’ve been with a girl.”

  Bash stood in the doorway waiting for the bomb to drop.

  Randy moved slowly toward him adding, “I know you’ve been on your own for a while. However, if you’re going to be part of this family, then you need to keep decent hours. There’s nothing you can do with a girl at three o’clock in the morning that you can’t do at ten.” Randy flashed Bash a quick smile and headed back to bed.

  Bash spun to face him and asked, “Randy is there any way I can get in to see Chet? I’m worried about him. He was really close to Joel.”

  Randy stopped in the doorway to his room and slowly turned to face him. He studied Bash’s innocent expression then said, “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I thought you were going to distance yourself from him.”

  Bash nodded, “I am, but Joel was like a brother to Chet. I think it would help him to know someone out here cares enough to offer condolences. It won’t take long, just a few minutes.”

  Randy sighed and stared hard at Bash. He felt like Randy’s eyes were boring into the dark areas of his soul. Finally, Randy said, “You’re a grown man Bash. If you want to see him, I’m not going to stop you. He’s at the county jail. I’ll see what I can set up for Monday.”

  **********

  Bash was sound asleep in the back seat when Josh pulled up to Joanne’s duplex. He was careful not to slam the truck door. It was early on a Saturday, and he was certain Joanne’s neighbors would not appreciate it. His light knock on the door went unanswered. Knocking louder, Josh called out in a soft voice, “Jake, it's dad. Are you ready to go?”

  It wasn’t long before Jake appeared at the door. His sleepy expression and mussed hair told Josh all he needed to know. “Did you forget to set the alarm?” Josh said with a smile.

  “Yeah,” Jake answered with a yawn. “Hang on. I’ll be out in a minute.”

  Josh squinted into the darkness, but saw only shadows of movement. He heard Molly’s sleepy little voice say, “Don’t leave me.”

  She appeared in the doorway and gave Josh a big hug. Josh frowned down at her and scooped her up into his arms. She was wearing the same outfit as last night, including her tennis shoes. He asked, “Why didn’t you put on your pajamas?”

  Molly yawned and laid her head on his shoulder, “I forgot.”

  Jake appeared with their overnight bags and walked quickly past them to the truck. Josh glanced inside and asked Molly, “Where’s your mom?”

  “Shush!” Molly answered, “She’s asleep.”

  “Does she know you’re coming with me?” He asked closing the door.

  Molly raised her head and kissed his cheek, “Yes, she said it was fine.”

  He loaded them in the car and headed back toward the lake house. Making a quick call to Beth, he made sure she was
up and ready for Molly. The ride back to the lake was strangely quiet. Josh chuckled at the idea of a grand fishing adventure with his two sleepy companions. Randy wouldn’t be up to a trek along the creek for a few weeks. Josh could tell Jake and Bash’s hearts weren’t committed to catching fish this morning, but he wasn’t giving up.

  When they arrived at the house, Josh lifted Molly out of the back seat and carried her sleeping form to the house. Beth met him at the door with a smile. She rushed to the sofa and fluffed the pillows as Josh chuckled and lowered Molly gently onto the cushions. He said, “I can tell your morning is going to be as exciting as mine. Bash and Jake are sound asleep in the back seat.”

  Beth kissed him and pushed him toward the door. “They’ll wake up when you get there. Bring us back some trout. Randy’s counting on a fish fry tonight.”

  When Josh reached the river access, Bash was snoring so loudly Josh was amazed Jake was sleeping through it. Josh jumped out of the truck and opened the back door. “Get up, we’re here. Let’s get some fish.”

  The cool morning air rushed inside the truck as Josh opened Jake’s door on the other side of the truck. “Let’s go.” Josh said giving Jake a gentle shake then heading to the back of the truck. Pulling the fishing rods and tackle box out of the truck bed, he glanced up and flashed the two sleepy heads a huge smile as they climbed out of the truck. “The first thing you need to know about trout Bash, is not to let them see you coming.”

  **********

  Beth pulled into the strip mall on the other side of the lake. She helped Molly out of her white SUV, and they headed inside the small bakery that sat on one end of the building. Ordering Molly chocolate milk and two Raspberry Danish, Beth helped her settle at a table near the window and went to fill her coffee cup.

  Returning to the table, she found Molly deep into the center of her Danish. Molly smiled up at her and said, “This was a great idea, Beth. I love Danish! Are we having another girl's day out like we did with Amy last year?”

  “We sure are,” Beth answered, “We should have more of these. Once you finish breakfast, we'll go next-door to get our nails and toes painted. Then we can call Alice and see if she wants to come over and swim with us.”

  “Can mommy come?” Molly asked.

  “Sure,” Beth reached into her purse for her phone and handed it to Molly. “Why don’t you call her and see if she wants to meet us at the house in about an hour?”

  “Oh, not right now.” Molly stared at the phone, “She sleeps pretty late. Can we call her after lunch?”

  “Of course,” Beth answered with a smile.

  *********

  Bash wasn’t sure what he expected on this fishing trip. However, having all three of them spread out to the point of fishing on their own was not it. He glanced upstream to where Jake stood casting his rod across an open area of water. Beyond him in the distance, Bash could just make out Josh standing on the bank.

  This was not fun. It was extremely boring. Bash glared at the water. He got a bite on the first throw and not one since. Reeling in the line Bash headed toward Jake. He caught a slight movement out of the corner of his eye and turned to find two scruffy, scrawny dogs with long legs staring at him from a short distance away, just inside the brush. He quickened his pace and headed straight for Jake.

  Tapping Jake on the shoulder Bash motioned toward the brush. The dogs had kept pace with him, still hidden slightly within the brush. “What are those things?” Bash asked quietly.

  Jakes eyes grew wide in surprise, and he turned toward Josh, “Dad!” He yelled then turned back to stare at the dogs. Josh stuck his pole into the dirt to anchor it and rushed toward them.

  “Coyotes!” Jake said loudly as Josh neared pointing toward the brush.

  Bash’s eyes darted back toward the brush. “Are we in trouble?” He asked.

  Josh’s hand went to his belt and he strode toward the brush. “No, I’m surprised they ventured this close.”

  The coyotes darted into the underbrush and disappeared. Josh turned around and smiled at them. “It’s nothing to worry about.”

  Bash was astonished, “When I turned around and saw them, I thought they were stray dogs.”

  Josh came back and patted Jake on the shoulder. “Coyotes are scavengers. They don’t usually attack humans, unless they have an advantage. Once they saw you weren't alone, they took off.”

  “Besides,” Jake added with a wicked grin, “Dad’s got a Magnum.”

  Josh chuckled and added, “What do you say we call it a day. We’ve caught enough trout for dinner with Amy and Randy. Let’s head home and hit the pool to cool down before we head into town.”

  **********

  Beth leaned back in the floating lounge chair watching Molly and Alice take turns jumping off the diving board trying to splash her. Beth was careful to stay just out of reach.

  “Missed me again,” Beth taunted, “Splash bigger!”

  Suddenly a shout came from the side of the house. Jake and Bash came tearing past the corner and ran through the open gate leading to the pool. Josh rounded the corner not far behind them at a quick sprint. Jake hit the water right beside Beth tipping her chair over as Bash dove into the deep end. Josh rolled into a cannonball on the other side of Beth and scooped her up as he rose to the surface.

  Molly and Alice didn’t hesitate. They jumped into the pool next to Josh, and everyone began splashing. Beth spun in Josh’s arms, grabbed hold of his head and dunked him. She turned and helped the girls splash Jake. Bash came to his aid with a huge belly flop beside her.

  “Oh!” They shouted as one at the sound of the belly flop.

  Bash shot straight up out of the water and blanketed the girls with a barrage of water. Josh sprang to the surface and dived on top of Beth rolling with her back under the water. The girls giggled and screamed then raced to use Beth’s lounge chair as cover. Josh crashed through the surface of the water with Beth in his arms and tossed her toward the deep end of the pool.

  Bash headed for the side of the pool followed by Jake, and the two began jumping off the diving board. Beth headed for the ladder as Josh swam toward her. He smiled and said, “We have a cooler full of fish in the back of the truck.”

  Beth smiled and said, “Great! I told Amy we’d be there around six o’clock. I set the fryer in the garage.” She slowly climbed up the ladder allowing Josh full view of her assets.

  **********

  Randy was lounging comfortably on the sofa watching football. Emma was asleep in the baby swing next to him. Amy walked slowly up the stairs and into her bedroom. She opened her dresser drawer and stared at Bash’s money. She had to confront him, but what would she say? Should she tell Randy? Randy would assume it was drug money. Could it be anything else?

  Shutting the drawer, Amy headed back downstairs to start dinner. Everyone would be there soon. When they were gone, she would get Bash alone and tell him she took his money then demand an explanation. She’d give him a chance to explain before she told Randy.

  When Beth arrived with everyone, Bash was smiling and joking with Josh and Jake. Amy shot a pleased glance at Randy. He flashed an encouraging smile and accepted a big hug from Molly. Josh headed out back to start cooking the fish.

  Molly asked Amy, “Can I ride the horses today?”

  The sun disappeared behind the mountains, and the sky was turning pink and orange. Amy smiled sadly and said, “Not tonight, honey. It’s getting late.”

  Molly’s lower lip protruded into a pout, and she asked, “Can I go see them if Jake comes with me?”

  Amy nodded and glanced out the front door. “Yes, that’s fine. Can you bring the dogs in when you come back?”

  “Sure,” Molly announced with glee and ran to grab hold of Jake’s arm. “Amy says you can take me to see the horses.”

  Jake stared down at her with a blank expression. Bash grinned at his reluctance and said, “I’ll come with you.”

  **********

  The last of the sunset surrendere
d to the night sky. The stables were a short distance away from the house through the trees. A narrow gravel road led to the corral beside it. Molly ran to the corral and climbed the fence. She straddled the fence and glanced around.

  “Jake,” She asked, “Where are the horses?”

  Coming up beside her Jake and Bash scanned the grassy area within the corral. Jake said, “They must be in the stables.”

  The stable door was slightly ajar and moved easily. Bash pushed the doors to the side and walked into the dark stable behind Jake and Molly. They glanced in each stall, but the horses we not inside. Jake rushed to the corral and nudged the gate. It opened easily.

  “The gate was open.” He said quickly, “They’re gone!”

  “No!” Molly began to cry. “Somebody stole the horses.”

  Bash walked out into the corral and said, “I don’t think they were stolen, Molly. They just got out of the corral. I’m sure they’re close by. Jake take Molly inside and tell your dad. I’ll start searching for them.”

  Bash watched Jake and Molly run through the small patch of trees toward the house. When they reached the grassy lawn, he turned and scanned the area for the horses. It would be just like Pete to sneak in and let the horses out to show his presence. The real question was, would he steal them?

  Bash searched the dirt and grass beyond the gate. He could see several horse prints in the dirt beyond the gate. He was no tracker, so if there were other footprints he didn’t see them. At least there were no tire marks indicating a theft. Walking slowly along the tracks Bash searched the deepening shadows for any sign of movement. His thoughts went back to the coyotes, were there any around here? Did Amy say a bear attacked Beth last year?

  “Bash?” Josh called from behind him.

  “Over here,” Bash spun to face him. “It looks like they went this way.”

  Josh and Beth rushed toward him. Josh carried a flashlight and shone it on the ground as they neared. “Beth, can you go get two halters and a bag of feed from the stables.”