Epilogue
This time around, Givon arrived second to the clearing. North watched behind his mirrored sunglasses as the sheriff pulled to a stop behind his beat-up truck. He scratched at the healing scab in his hairline, the bandage around his head now replaced with his usual American flag bandana. Givon jumped out from behind the steering wheel.
“What’s this fucking bullshit about Gray Dog being a hero?” North instantly demanded.
“I don’t know,” Givon answered. “Merrie Walden is sticking with the story.”
North snorted. “He threatened her, then.”
“If he did, I can’t do much about it unless she tells me the truth.”
“Well, shit,” North said. “We’ve had several businesses wanting the Demon Devils as their protectors instead of us. This is bad for the Wolves, Givon.”
“You’re going legit, North. I don’t need to hear about your extracurricular extortion activities.”
North chuckled. “There’s a reason why the Red Wolves are just over the county line. Your reputation is safe, Sheriff.”
“Fuck you, North,” Givon grumbled. “You’re still trouble in Destiny.”
“So what’s the deal between the three of them?” North asked.
“Who? Braden, Leo and Merrie?”
North nodded.
Givon shrugged. “They’re together.”
“Like…all together?”
“Well, I think it’s more a case of the two men share her,” Givon said.
“I don’t know…” North shook his head. “I can’t imagine sharing a woman in a long-term relationship. A one-night stand, sure, but no woman is worth being in bed with another man’s junk for the long haul.”
“Well,” Givon replied. “It’s not really our concern. But if it works for ’em? Hell, more power to them.”
“I guess. Hey, want to go fishing soon? I haven’t been to the lake since Old Patch died.”
“That would be great,” Givon said with a nod. “I could use a little break. Axe is going to remain an open case on my books since I can’t list him as dead, although I’m pretty positive we never have to worry about him again.”
“Yeah, that’s a sure bet.”
“Well, I better get back,” Givon stated. “Let’s get to that fishing trip soon, all right?”
“You betcha. Later, asshole.”
“Jerk,” Givon teased back.