We all laughed as only one can following a Hail Mary victory and living to tell the tail.
* * * *
I snapped back into focus, not forgetting my promise to the man who died in my arms only a couple of hours ago. I would talk with his family, his wife, and little girls who would never remember their daddy or have another day with him.
“Excuse me,” I said, brushing past everyone on my crutches to reach Nate. I need the man’s name who died in my arms, and that of his wife and children.
“It’s okay, I can tell them,” he said.
“No, Nate,” I replied sternly. “I promised I would do it, and I will. What are their names?”
We all walked slowly towards the house, with Vlad and me keeping up on our crutches. I was getting much faster with them now and caught a glimpse of everyone watching us approach the house from the front porch.
I could feel the intensity as the women and children each scanned the group for their partners. I knew it would only be a matter of moments before the two spouses of our dead realized they were missing.
The wife of my hole mate who ran off would surely be wanting answers also, but I had none to give her.
I was right as the cries began, with more than a few of the adults pointing to one leg hanging out the side of the four-wheeler trailer. We had done our best to cover them, but it was all too late now. The men were gone, and their families would never be the same again.
I met Joy’s eyes, and she was both relieved and sad.
Her new friend under her arm was sobbing, as her two young girls looked on.
“I’m so sorry, ma’am, about your husband,” I told her. “He was a brave man and helped to save all of our lives today. He told me you and your girls were the best things that ever happened to him, and he loves you all so much.” I realized I was paraphrasing now, but I was able to get the sentiment across.
“What now?” she asked through her cries. “Where will we go?”
“Please sit down,” I asked her. “Excuse me for just a minute, ma’am.”
I pulled Joy aside and whispered, “I told you I would make it back. The man, her husband, well he died right in my arms, and I promised him that she and their girls could join one of our groups. Can you please help me with that?”
“Leave it to me, and I’m so happy you’re back,” she said. “Are we safe now?”
“I think so.” I replied, “I think we are.”
* * * * * * *
Chapter Seventeen
Saddle Ranch
Loveland, Colorado
Cory, having observed the MacDonald house for another hour, radioed Mac.
“We’ve got 50 or more people up here, most from the shootout you had with Ralph and those with him yesterday. Mr. MacDonald and his wife have been safely recovered, and they don’t appear to be searching for them. Drake Miller knows this area up here well and has offered to help devise a plan moving forward, if needed.
“We will need to return to the Ranch soon with the MacDonalds, until they can safely return to their home.”
“Okay, hold on for just a bit while I talk with John and Bill,” replied Mac, still feeling weak and tired from his recent near-drowning.
Sarah, taking a well-deserved break from the hospital, drove Mac down to John’s house in Samuel’s truck for a quick meeting.
“It’s good to see you up and around,” said Bill, sitting with John on his front porch.
“I like to swim, but that was ridiculous!” joked Mac.
Sarah gave him the “too soon look” taken from several comedians who would tell a joke about something serious and then say, “What? Too soon?”
“Well,” replied John, “we’re just glad you’re okay. It was hard enough on our group losing Jimmy, and we can’t afford to lose another.”
“I understand,” replied Mac, then relayed the “MacDonald incident,” as it would come to be known down the road.
“I know Mr. MacDonald,” said Bill “and he’s a bit gruff, to put it kindly, but I don’t see a reason why he and his wife couldn’t stay for a few days until we can sort this out.”
“What do you think, John?” asked Bill.
“Sure, we can put them up for a few days, I suppose, but long term I’m not sure about.”
“You don’t have to worry about that,” replied Bill. “Mr. MacDonald will be back up at his place the very second it becomes vacant. He doesn’t like people all that much, and I’m sure he won’t ask to stay.”
“Okay, let’s get them settled in. I’ll meet with the council if something changes and it becomes more long-term,” added John. “My bigger concern, Mac,” he continued, is what to do about 50 not-so-friendly people likely led by an unpredictable ex-employee of Samuel’s who is still accusing you of stealing his wife.”
“That man is a true piece of work,” interjected Sarah.
“That reminds me, Bill, that we need to speak with Chef Rico today,” said John casually.
Mac cringed, hoping he hadn’t let something out of the bag in front of Samuel about his friend Rico that would get him in trouble.
Sarah squeezed his hand tightly.
“Is everything all right?” asked Mac. “I mean with Rico?”
“Oh, sure,” John responded. “We just need some clarification on a few things is all.”
“We would be happy to go pick him up in my father’s truck,” offered Sarah, now appearing nervous to Mac.
“Thank you, Dr., but if you don’t mind, just send him down here on your way back. That would be great.”
“With all due respect, John, this is
