Twenty-one Year Rule Read online

  Beth turned and disappeared into the darkness. Josh turned to face Bash, “Was the gate lock broken? It was only a year old.”

  “I don’t think so,” Bash answered, “The gate was just standing ajar slightly. We didn’t realize it was unlocked until we touched it, and it moved.”

  “Sounds like someone let them out.” Josh clarified. “That makes no sense. The horses are older. No one would want to steal them; they aren’t worth more than a few hundred dollars. I’ll check the latch after we find them. Maybe Amy forgot to close it.”

  Glancing back toward the stables, Josh added, “They won’t go too far. We’ve kept them mainly in the corral. The woods won’t be familiar. They’ll try to head back once they’ve settled down from the excitement of their escape.”

  Bash grinned at him, “Are you serious?”

  Josh met his gaze, “Yes, horses are creatures of habit. The fact that both of them escaped will make it a bit harder. They are a pack animal. If only one of them got loose, she would have been back by now. With the two of them together, they’ll feel more secure and wander farther.”

  Beth appeared behind them. She handed Josh a rifle and said, “Amy gave me this, she said a bears been getting into their trash at night. They had to start locking it in the garage.”

  Josh smiled at Beth; she looked so sexy in the woods at night. Her hair flowed in the breeze and her dark green eyes sparkled in the dim light. He was going to have to get her alone in the woods some night, soon. Suddenly he was aware that Beth was staring at him.

  He flashed a wicked grin and said, “Now that I have my trusty side arm, let’s go catch some horses.”

  Bash tried not to roll his eyes again; he’d been doing that too much lately. He smiled and stepped aside to allow Josh to lead. They moved deeper into the woods. Bash squinted into the darkness around him. Josh’s flashlight was the only thing keeping them from total darkness under the thick canopy of trees.

  Beth’s explanation for the gun suddenly hit Bash, “Wait a minute,” He called to Josh a few steps ahead, “Did Beth say there’s a bear stomping around out here?”

  Josh turned and smiled at him, “Don’t worry, you’re making enough noise to scare a family of bears off.”

  The trees thinned then opened into a small clearing that ran beside the narrow brook running through Randy’s property. They stopped suddenly. Standing in the cool water drinking their fill were the two horses. Josh turned to Bash and said softly, “The key to catching a horse is to stay calm, speak in low tones and make sure the horse sees you coming. Don’t try to sneak up on it, or you’ll get hurt.” Josh reached into the bag of feed Beth was holding and stuffed a handful into the pocket of his jeans.

  Josh handed Bash a halter and added, “Follow my lead. I’ll get Mazie. Once she’s in the halter I’ll lead her back toward you. Flo should follow. If this works the way I hope, Flo should come right to you.”

  Bash shrugged his shoulders and glanced at Beth. They both stood silently as Josh moved slowly forward calling to the horses. It felt like an eternity before Josh managed to get Mazie to turn and face him. Once the horse came around Josh moved in closer. “Good girl, Mazie. You are too far from home missy. Time to get you back where you belong.”

  As Josh talked, he moved closer making sure Mazie could see his every move. Mazie snorted when he reached her, and Josh froze. “Now, this is no time to get stubborn and bolt on me Mazie.” Josh said softly, “I’m not going to hurt you.”

  Slowly sliding the halter around Mazie’s neck, Josh patted her on the shoulder and offered her the feed he had in his pocket.

  Mazie nuzzled his hand and nibbled on the feed. When she was done, Josh turned and pulled her gently behind him as they walked toward Bash. Flo nickered and snorted as Mazie left her behind, and then she slowly followed. Bash did as Josh said; he stood still and waited as Flo neared.

  “Talk to her,” Josh urged Bash, “Let her know you’re there, make sure she sees you with both eyes.”

  Bash felt ridiculous talking to a horse, “Hey Flo, you’ve caused a lot of trouble tonight. Let’s get you back to the stables so Molly will stop crying.”

  Flo stopped before him and snorted in challenge. Bash held his ground, “What was that?” He asked with a smile, “I bet you want some feed like Mazie.”

  Beth gave him a handful of feed and Bash held it out slowly to Flo, “Come and get it.” He said, still feeling ridiculous.

  Josh moved closer and said quietly, “Let’s get the horses back to the stables, we’re not alone.”

  Chapter Seven

  “Is it a bear?” Beth asked softly glancing around.

  Josh reached out and took her hand pulling her with him as he led the horse back toward the stables. “No,” he answered and glanced back to make sure Bash was following with Flo.

  When they emerged from the trees, Josh released Beth’s hand and took Flo’s reigns from Bash. “Bash, can you take a look inside the stables and see if there are a couple of padlocks in the storage area.”

  Leading the horses to the corral, Josh released them onto the grassy field and examined the gate. “The mechanism is working fine. There’s no way the horses could have forced it without damage.”

  Shining the light on the ground Josh frowned. Bash returned from the stables and offered Josh a padlock, “There was only one.”

  Josh glanced up at the house and said, “I may have another padlock in my truck. Bash can you lock up the gate for me? I think someone let these horses out. Probably some kids looking for excitement, but we’re going to make it harder for them next time.”

  The tone of Josh’s voice didn’t match his words. Beth gazed into the woods as Bash locked the gate. Josh went to his truck and pulled a padlock out of the console. Moving back to the stables, Bash helped him swing the stable door shut and secured them with the lock.

  “That should do it.” Josh announced with a smile. “If they want to let the horses out again, they’re going to have to make some noise.”

  Josh turned to Bash who was staring intently into the woods and added, “Bash, it’s time for you to learn how to grill steaks.”

  Bash turned toward him at the mention of his name and said with a sly smile, “I was born to grill.”

  After dinner, Bash slipped upstairs to shower and change. Grace would be dropping by to pick him up soon. He snatched his backpack off the floor and stopped suddenly. It was too light. Digging into the pack Bash gasped, the money was gone.

  Randy, it had to be Randy. That’s why the son of a bitch was so insistent about cutting all ties with Chet. That’s why Randy was in such a good mood when he returned so late. That asshole was a dirty cop.

  Amy appeared in the doorway as Bash slammed the pack down onto the bed. Amy said, “Bash, we need to talk.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Bash answered with a sneer, “Randy got you to do his dirty work? He’s a coward.”

  “Bash?” Amy answered sharply, “Watch your mouth. Randy is no coward and what dirty work are you talking about?”

  Bash grabbed the stack of clean clothes sitting neatly on the end of his bed and stuffed them into his pack. “Stay out of it Amy!” He ordered, then pushed past her and headed down the stairs. Not waiting for a response, Bash stormed across the room and slammed the front door behind him.

  When Bash reached the main road, a pair of headlights appeared in the distance. Bash stood in the cool night air staring at the headlights. He shouldn’t have yelled at Amy; it wasn’t her fault. This was between him and Randy. What was Randy thinking? What did he expect Bash to do when he discovered the money was missing? It made no sense.

  The headlights grew closer, and the vehicle slowed as it neared. Bash suppressed a growl as a dark blue jaguar stopped in front of him. The window slid slowly down, and Pete’s face appeared in the dimly lit interior. He locked eyes with Bash and asked, “What have you got for me?”

  Bash took a deep breath and glanced down the road for any sign of Grace’s
car. He answered, “He’s in the county jail. I’m getting in to see him Monday.”

  Pete smiled, “Good, you’ve got 48 hours. Bring the product to Sadie’s Tuesday night at ten o’clock, and we’ll figure out where we go from here.”

  Bash flashed an icy smile. A headlight appeared in the distance. Bash added, “I’ll be there.” He turned and headed for the approaching vehicle.

  The roar of the engine reached him before Bash realized it was a motorcycle. He stopped to stare as the bike pulled in next to him. The driver slipped off the full bullet shaped helmet as she stepped off the bike. A cascade of flowing blonde hair fell across Grace’s face as she tucked the helmet under her arm.

  “Hey Bash,” She said in surprise, “I could have made it up the drive to the house. You didn’t have to walk down to the road.”

  All the tension of his argument with Amy and Pete’s sudden appearance disappeared when Bash saw Grace. “Grace, you are full of surprises.” Bash chuckled, “Is this your bike or did you steal it from your brother?”

  “What?” Grace feigned outrage, “Am I too butch for you now?” She sat the helmet down on the seat and walked around the bike to stand before him. “Oh, I get it, City Boy. You’ve never been on a bike before, right?”

  “You wish,” Bash countered softly. He wanted to pull her against him and kiss her until she moaned, but he resisted. He didn’t want to scare her. “Your tiny Honda is nothing compared to what I’ve had between my legs.”

  Grace’s eyes opened wide in surprise. “I’ll let that comment stand alone.”

  Bash stepped closer saying, “Speaking of standing alone, how come you’re so far away?”

  Grace smiled and closed the distance between them, leaning against him. “How’s this?”

  His arms slipped around her waist, “Perfect,”

  **********

  Amy stood at the top of the stairs staring at the front door as it slammed shut behind Bash. The living room fell silent. Amy sighed and headed down the stairs. When she reached the landing there was no need to glance around the room, she knew all eyes were upon her. Turning to face the crowd, she smiled brightly and said cheerfully, “Bash left.”

  Beth was the first to take the hint and change the subject. She rose and said, “It’s getting late, and I’ve got a book signing in Salt Lake City tomorrow, so we better get going.”

  Josh glanced at Randy, who was staring intently at Amy and added, “I’m beat, a couple of bad fishermen wore me out this morning.”

  Jake was sitting cross-legged on the floor. He jumped up at his dad’s remark. “I caught 4 fish this morning!”

  Josh laughed as Jake began to dance like a boxer ready to fight. Jake added, “I’ll show you something bad!”

  Molly came running in from the kitchen headed straight for Josh, “Get daddy!” She yelled just before Josh swept her up and tossed her over his shoulder.

  Josh turned to Randy and asked, “You need help getting up the stairs?”

  Randy smiled and said, “We’re fine. I’m sure Bash will be back soon.” He glanced at Amy.

  Amy added, “Jake would you like to earn some money mowing our lawn tomorrow. Randy’s not quite up to it yet.”

  Jake turned to Randy and in a deep, authoritative voice said, “Twenty bucks.”

  Randy chuckled and agreed, “You might want to renegotiate your fee before you’re done. I have a riding mower, but there’s a lot of trimming to be done.”

  Jake glanced at his dad and added, “Oh yeah, trimming is extra.”

  Josh grinned and said, “If it’s okay with Amy and Randy, why don’t you spend the night? You’ll want to get started early, before it gets too hot. I’ve got to run to the office in the morning, so I’ll pick you up on my way home around eleven o’clock.”

  Randy rose gingerly from the recliner. “Jake, you’re welcome to stay if you don’t mind sleeping on the sofa.”

  Amy added, “I’ll get you a pillow and blanket.” She turned around the headed up the stairs.

  Beth walked to the base of the stairs and gazed up after her. She turned back to Josh and said, “So I guess we’re all set.”

  **********

  Grace pulled the motorcycle into a large condominium complex. She drove to the far end and parked in a spot under a long row of covered parking. Bash climbed off as she turned off the bike. She climbed off and locked her helmet in a small case at the back of the bike.

  “Who lives here?” Bash asked as she turned to face him.

  “I do,” She answered and took hold of his head. “It’s a small two bedroom.” She added as they headed toward the building.

  He followed her up three flights of stairs to the top floor. She opened the door and flipped on the light. The small apartment had dark gray walls and light gray carpeting. The living room was just large enough to hold a small cream-colored sofa, a chair and a narrow glass coffee table. A tiny oak kitchen table with two chairs sat up against the opposite wall. The kitchen was at the far end of the room, and a small hallway led into the back of the apartment.

  “So who’s your roommate?” Bash asked moving to sit on the small sofa.

  “My second bedroom is a workout room. I’ve got my weights set up in there.” Grace explained moving into the kitchen. “Do you want something to drink? I’ve got bottled water.”

  Bash sat down and frowned as she disappeared, “Any beer?”

  “No, sorry, I’m not into beer.” She answered from the darkness of the kitchen that jumped to life as she opened the refrigerator.

  “So what are you into?” Bash asked with a grin.

  She peaked around the corner of the kitchen and said, “I’m into life.”

  Moving across the room, she stopped to grab the remote off the TV stand and place it on the coffee table. “We can go get some beer if you like. Just because I don’t drink, doesn’t mean you can’t.”

  “You don’t drink alcohol at all?” Bash asked in surprise.

  “Bash, I’m LDS or Mormon as many people call us. We don’t drink alcohol. Well most of us don’t drink alcohol.” Grace explained softly moving around the table toward him. “Emmett’s not sure about his faith right now.”

  Bash looked at her serious, yet calm expression. “You’re kidding, right?”

  Grace chuckled and said, “No joke, I’m LDS or Mormon if that’s a better term for you, like 60% of the people in Utah.”

  Bash frowned, “Do you have three moms and thirty brothers and sisters?”

  Laughing Grace sat down beside him and punched his arm saying, “No, those are Fundamentalists. There aren’t many of those left anymore. Most LDS only have one spouse; although I do have ten brothers and sisters. Large families are the norm here.”

  Grace offered him a bottle of water. He resisted the urge to lean slowly against her until she sank down on the sofa and allowed him to crawl on top of her. Instead, he smiled and asked, “So what’s the plan?”

  Reaching out to brush a strand of hair from his forehead she answered, “I don’t know. I thought we could watch a movie or just talk, unless you want to go out somewhere?”

  “Actually,” His smile disappeared, replaced by a grin of embarrassment. “I’m kind of short on cash at the moment…”

  Grabbing the remote off the coffee table, Grace leaned back into the cushions and said, “No problem, I’m a big movie buff. I’m sure we can find a great chick flick…”

  “Uh, no,” Bash snatched the remote from her hand and leaned back next to her. “There’s this great porn on demand you’ll love about Red Riding Hood and the Big Bad Wolf…”

  Grace gasped and reached for the remote. Bash evaded her grasp and raised the remote high over his head forcing her closer. He added, “The wolf is a very, bad boy.”

  In one swift movement, Grace rolled onto his lap and straddled him as she wrestled for the remote. Bash wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her against him as he thrust the remote behind his head forcing her closer. When Grace finally manag
ed to reach the remote, Bash stopped struggling.

  She glanced down to find him gazing up at her. When their eyes met, her breath caught in her throat. His hand slid slowly down her arm and across her shoulder to slide slowly down her back. He gazed longingly up at her and whispered, “Grace, will you be my Red Riding Hood?”

  Before she could answer, Bash flashed a wicked grin and threw her down onto the sofa cushions. She squealed with laughter as he rolled on top of her.

  **********

  Josh reached into the back seat and lifted Molly into his arms. He grabbed both of the kid’s backpacks off the floor of the truck and shut the door softly as Molly snuggled up against him. Glancing up at the star filled sky, Josh headed up the driveway. Beth moved quickly to unlock the front door. She stepped aside to let Charlie in the house, and held the door open for Josh.

  Kissing the top of Molly’s head as Josh passed her, Beth said, “I’ll lock up and meet you upstairs.”

  Josh headed upstairs to put Molly to bed. He pulled back the covers of her bed and lowered her gently down. She snuggled up against her pile of stuffed animals. He covered her with a blanket. Josh tossed her backpack on the floor at the end of her bed and headed to Jake’s room to do the same.

  Jake’s backpack hit the hardwood floor with the resounding crack of broken glass. Josh cringed; Jake must have left a bottle of soda in his backpack again. He grabbed the pack and turned on the bedroom light. Lowering the pack onto the bed, Josh unzipped it and peered inside.

  A rush of malt snaked into his nostrils. Josh frowned as he reached inside. When he pulled out a broken bottle of whiskey, Josh stood frozen gazing down at it. “Oh Jake,” He whispered softly, “You’re only fourteen.”

  **********

  Amy squinted against the bright morning light as she opened the backdoor to let Kilo back inside. He trotted across the room and bounded onto the sofa on top of Jake. “Kilo!” Jake moaned and reached out blindly to push Kilo’s nose away from his face.

  “He loves you,” Amy’s voice called from across the room. “You’re his best buddy. He needs someone to wrestle. Randy just hasn’t been up to it lately.”