*Violence*
Fighting to Rebuild
If fate means you to lose, give him a good fight anyhow.
~William McFee
"Are you sure Enos? It's your house now. Don't you want some say in how it looks?"
"I'm worn out, Emily. I trust you. Just make it look like ... like…" Enos sighed. "I miss how it was when Beth was here."
"Aw, Enos." Emily gave him a gentle hug. "I know what I'm gonna do. You rest before Daisy gets here tonight. We should be home early."
"Dan and Barney are comin' with us to blow off some steam while I take Emily shopping." Gus put his arm around her. "I'm taking my wife to that fancy new steakhouse."
"Oh, Gus!" Emily gasped. "How wonderful!"
"You deserve it, Miss Emily. Have fun." Enos kissed her cheek. "Thanks for going with me today. It was good that you were there."
"Now Enos," she retrieved her purse. "That's what family does. Do what I tell you. Take it easy and get off that foot. There's plenty of food in th' fridge."
"Yes ma'am."
After Gus and Emily left for Capitol City, Enos stood in the living room and looked at his house. It was coming along, but it still didn't have the same spirit it did when Beth was here. He had the same problem in the master suite. It was missing that warm and inviting ambiance that Beth's presence brought to it. It wasn't home just yet. Perhaps it would be better when Emily finished putting her feminine touches on it.
Enos was exhausted from all the changes, confrontations, and people watching every move he made. He was still recovering from serious injuries and had been on his feet too much. As a result, his pain was nearly off the charts.
Gus had filled his prescription for pain medication before they left Wyoming, but Enos couldn't bring himself to take the things. He hated that spaced out feeling and had such a low tolerance for pain medication that he felt drowsy after taking it for most of the next day. He preferred to keep his mind sharp and tough it out.
Ten minutes later, he was stretched out on his bed, staring at the new paint on the ceiling and counting his pulse as it whammed painfully against the cast on his foot. He was miserable and filled with regret over taking that last ride in Wyoming.
If he had stayed at Bear Creek ... no, if he had stayed with Jenny ... the accident wouldn't have happened. They would've had their chance and he believed with all his heart they would still be together. Drake wouldn't have been able to drag her away against her will. He would've fought for her, or they could've fought him together. Maybe, they wouldn't have had to fight him at all.
If Drake loved her enough to protect her life, it proved he could make hard choices when it wasn't easy to do, but he still should've trusted her. Unless he knew something Enos did not. Had Monroe been closer than they realized? What had his backup plan been anyway?
That was a frightening thought.
Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out her pendant and gazed into the stone. Oh, how he missed those beautiful eyes. No matter what anyone might suggest, she wasn't a rebound, or a security blanket, or a passing fling. What they shared was too special, too extraordinary. It had been weeks and he couldn't stop thinking of what might have been - or could be - if she returned.
Daisy would be here in a few hours and while it didn't hurt as much as he expected to see her today, the incident at the Boar's Nest was on his mind. When the room went silent, she stepped up and handled it ... like always. She hadn't pushed any of her recent narratives and appeared to be willing to give him the space he needed. A problem came up, she took charge and dealt with it. So why did that bother him?
Enos knew the answer. He felt embarrassed in front of all those people. Instead of letting him handle it his way, she drew more attention to the subject and made it look like he couldn't speak for himself. He doubted she would ever let him be an equal partner in a marital relationship. At one time she looked up to him and even let him take the lead. That was a very long time ago.
He couldn't blame her. It was his fault for playing the village idiot for so many years. If he was going to keep the Circle M, those days were over. He would have to let the whole world know that he wasn't stupid. He would have to show Hazzard County what Beth saw in him.
Enos again gazed into the green stone of the pendant and tried to imagine Jenny in his arms. He remembered how she felt against him, the way she smiled, that delightful laugh … her kiss...
'You say the funniest things.'
Exhausted, he fell asleep gazing into the gemstone. It didn't take long for the dream to begin. She was always in his dreams now. It was the same dream he always had. Ever since the accident, since she was taken from him, it had played over and over in his sub-conscious with heartbreaking precision.
Thunder rumbled in the distance and he shivered from the cold as heavy mud caked on his skin and covered his clothes. The stench turned his stomach. Decaying vegetation was mixed in with the mud and the stagnant water had long begun to mildew. Then the current began to move and the water began to inch higher. He knew what was happening and panic set in. His fingers clawed into the side of the ravine as he tried to pull himself from the water, but he couldn't break free. The water turned thick and brown in color as it continued to rise higher and higher. Soon it would swallow him and he would drown.
"Help me! Somebody, please help me!"
"I'm here, Deputy! Look up at me and don't let go!"
Jenny was here. How? She floated above him like an angel suspended in flight.
"Keep your eyes on me and don't look away! I will not lose you, Enos!"
"Jenny, I can't move! Help me!"
"We'll have you out in just a minute! I've got you and I'm not letting go!"
Jenny reached for him and the scene around them faded away. Now he was in the hayloft, her soft curves beneath him, her eyes smoldering, her smile teasing, playful, sexy...
"Precious moments are rare, mo chridhe. I want to make the most of every moment together. We have so little time."
"We have the rest of our lives. Aw, Jenny you're so beautiful. I want to share so many things with you. Stay with me."
He kissed her, sweetly at first, softly, until her lips opened and allowed him inside. His tongue dueled with hers as she arched her back, pressing her lush curves against the hard planes of his chest. He slowly ended the kiss so he could gaze into those gorgeous eyes. They twinkled, as if only for him. Could it be that she was feeling the same thing he was feeling? He never wanted this to end. He wanted to make her his ... forever.
She wrapped a leg around him and in a quick move he was on his back, her hair falling like a curtain of silk around his face.
"My turn," she said, her hands caressing his chest.
"Jenny, I have to tell you something," he whispered. "When you saved my life in the ravine, I knew. I just knew. You're so special to me and I need you to know the truth ... before it's too late."
The smile she bestowed was glorious, lighting her eyes with an ethereal glow. "What is it? You're safe now. I told you I wouldn't let go. I'll never let you go. I can't because I... I..."
He buried both hands deep in her soft wavy locks and moved her face closer. "Tell me, Jenny. Say it. Please?"
"Oh Enos, I want..." she gasped when he kissed her neck, hungrily moving along her throat to that little spot where her neck and shoulder joined. "You've changed everything. I don't know how to say what I feel."
"Just tell me, hon," he said. "Tell me what you want. If you want the stars, I'll find a way to get them for you."
"I don't need the stars. I just need..." she hesitated as tears filled her eyes. "It's not fair. I could cost you your life."
"Life without you isn't what I want. A day with you is better than a lifetime alone. Stay with me. Please?"
"Promise not to break my heart?"
"I promise," he looked into her eyes and pressed his forehead to hers. "I will never hurt you. I see you, Jenny MacFarland. You deserve so much more than you've been given. If you give me your heart, I'll protect it with my life. I'll take care of you forever. I promise."
Tears rolled down her cheeks, "Oh, Enos. I think I've fallen in-" Jenny suddenly cried out and her weight disappeared as she was dragged away from his body.
Enos gasped, seeing Drake standing tall above him, his hands firmly gripping Jenny's wrists as he forced her further away. His expression chiseled into an icy scowl as he said, "I warned ye the lass has a tender heart. I told ye to mind yerself and not break it! I'll no allow ye to use her to get over yer relationship with Daisy!"
Jenny fought to get free, but she was no match for her brother. She cried as she begged, "Don't do this to me, Drake! Please let me go! I need him! Enos, help me!"
"Stop!" Enos shouted. "She wants to be with me! Leave her alone!" He tried to get up, but he couldn't move. His body wouldn't do what he asked of it.
"No, Drake! No!" Jenny screamed again as her brother hauled her over his shoulder. "Stop it! Enos!"
This couldn't be! His arm finally moved and he reached for her, but Drake yanked her away and vanished into the darkness, leaving only the emerald pendant in his hand.
"No. No! This isn't fair!"
"Jenny... No, Jenny!" Enos bolted upright in his bed, gasping for air as a horrible ache in the center of his chest stole his breath. He looked at his hand where the precious jewel twinkled in the light.
The sadness was overwhelming as he was once again forced to accept the reality that Jenny was gone.
Wiping the tears on his sleeve, he turned to glance at the clock. Thirty minutes had passed. Would it hurt this bad forever? He couldn't stay this way, but he didn't know how to let her go. They didn't get their chance. How was he supposed to go on without her when his feelings seemed to grow stronger every day?
Determined to stay ahead of his heartache, Enos got out of bed and limped downstairs. He would seek comfort from the one place he was guaranteed to get it.
He grabbed his hat, limped outside, and walked towards the barn. The hot sun's rays quickly heated his skin through his clothes and he broke out in a sweat, easing the memory of her soft fingers caressing him here and there.
He reached the barn and pulled Tag from his pen. It was killing his ankle to be on his feet, but his heart didn't really care. Enos needed to shut off the emotion. All of it. He needed to stay busy.
He grieved as he brushed out Tag's coat and combed his mane and tail. By the time he was done, the horse gleamed, but he wasn't ready to go back in the house. He fed the stallion a few treats and returned him to his pen, then went through the same routine with Bella. When he finished with Bella, he did the same with Abby, then another horse, and another. Four hours later, he could barely stand and limped back to the house in excruciating pain. He cleaned up, poured a large glass of iced tea and took two more aspirin before collapsing in the shade on the porch swing.
He propped his ankle on the seat, gave the swing a push, and closed his eyes to listen to the world around him. The breeze rustled in the trees, the chains tinkled above him and the swing creaked. Enos was soon sound asleep and her voice called him to her as she reached out through his dreams.
You're safe now. I told you I wouldn't let go. I'll never let you go.
Five days earlier...
On a private jet, Jaxon MacFarland sat in the rich leather seat across from his sister. She held a small stuffed bear in the crook of her arm and occasionally wiped at her eyes. Jenny was upset and dishing out a massive helping of the silent treatment after another explosive argument with Drake.
Jaxon looked at the bear with a sad sigh. It reminded him of when they were children and concerned with only childish things. That was before Finn was killed and their lives were split into two dramatically different worlds. Childhoods once filled with love, laughter and safety were lost to long days of military discipline, exhaustive training, and cool fatherly indifference. Jaxon and Drake needed the tenderness Jenny's love brought into their lives as much as she needed their strength and protection. The lads made a promise to watch out for her and they were not going to break that promise now.
Jenny wasn't very appreciative of their protective nature today. After some very heated words and a few colorful curses, she'd effectively decimated Drake's pride. Now she had turned her back on both of her brothers, making it apparent that she wasn't the traumatized ten-year-old who struggled so hard to regain her voice.
Needing some space of his own, Drake grumbled his way back to the cockpit, leaving Jaxon alone to watch their sister fight back the waterfall of tears that threatened to spill unfettered down her cheeks.
Unable to stand the silence, Jaxon reached out and tenderly took her hand in his. "Jenny, please talk to me. Tell me how I can help you."
She didn't reply.
"Okay." He rolled his shoulders, easing the tension that continued to build. "When this is over, I'll go with you and help explain everything to Enos."
"When it's over?" Bruised, swollen eyes met his. "And how much longer will that be? Months? Years? All we've done for the better part of two years is run." Jenny took to her feet and began to move aimlessly through the cabin of the luxury aircraft. "I can only imagine what he's thinking right now."
"He probably thinks Drake is one righteous asshole."
"Drake is being completely unreasonable. Do you think Enos might wait for me?" Before Jaxon could answer, she was waving her hands in a negative gesture. "No, no, that's not fair to him. I don't even have a reasonable expectation that he would wait under these circumstances."
Jenny glared towards the open door of the cockpit, her voice reaching fever pitch. "And it's all Drake's fault!" She raised her fingers in the universal air quote sign and bellowed in a mocking imitation of Drake's brogue, "Especially since I'm 'no allowed ta contact the lawman!' I dinna ken it was required ta' have permission from Himself! What's next? A hall pass ta go to the privy? Or will ye require an armed escort instead?!"
"Now, Jenny don't start this again. It won't-"
"He just pulled his typical caveman act and dragged me away from the people I care about! He's not even sorry for doing it!"
"Of course he's not!" Jaxon drove a hand through his hair and stood to face her, taking both of her hands and forcing them down to her sides. "Now, take some deep breaths and hear me out. Monroe knew exactly where you were. That means you and the people you care about were in more danger than you can imagine. The thought of you in his clutches terrifies me!"
"Jaxon..."
"Please, Jen. Just listen. I love you. Drake loves you. Stop and think about the risk you would be taking. Don't make our biggest nightmare come true."
The rapid rise and fall of Jenny's breast began to slow while she made a valiant effort to calm down. She was crying quietly now, as he expected she would. As twins, they shared a very special, almost empathic connection. It had diminished a little over time and distance, but now that they were back together and emotions were high, Jaxon could sense the havoc the situation was causing her physically.
He struggled against the sickening nausea of dread from an unknown future, and the tremble of panic skittering from head to toe. That was just the beginning. There was also the unsettling outrage caused by a lack of control and the crushing agony of a breaking heart. Doing the right thing meant losing the love she had just found with Enos. No wonder she wasn't sleeping at night.
"I'm so sorry," Jenny said. "I'm just tired of running and I miss him so much."
Jaxon drew her into a hug."I know you do, pet. Come sit down and dry those eyes before you give yourself a migraine." He gave her his handkerchief and guided her toward the couch before moving to a small cabinet to retrieve his briefcase.
"It's so frustrating." Jenny dabbed at her sore eyes and dropped onto the couch. "Maybe we should consider going after Monroe on our own instead of running all the time. I wish you had met Enos. I think you would really get along well. You would see for yourself how trustworthy he is. We were good together, Jaxon. He isn't afraid of Monroe and wants to help us stop him so we can have a normal life."
"Then he's so love-struck he's lost his common sense, just like you. We are not normal people." Jaxon continued shuffling the papers in his briefcase.
"He's aware of the danger." Jenny began swinging her crossed leg anxiously. "You're missing my point, Jaxon. I want to stop living my life on the run, just like you do. Enos is good at what he does. I'm sorry if I'm being selfish about what I want, but I'm in love with him and I didn't get to tell him that. Why does Monroe constantly get to call the shots? Enos wanted to be with me and go after Monroe together. I'm not sure Drake's grand plan of keeping us apart will stop him. The law is in his blood. It's more than his job, it's part of who he is."
Jaxon paused to meet her gaze. "Are you saying Enos will try to catch Monroe on his own?"
"Yes. I know he will, but Drake doesn't seem to care about that. Don't you think Enos deserves better from us?"
"I think we all deserve better." Jaxon found the file he was looking for and took a seat across from her "Look, I get it. I'm tired of running, too. I'm tired of not having a home, tired of never seeing my friends from college, I'm tired of a lot of things. But for the immediate future, we have to put all of that on the back burner and call a truce with Drake. There's a problem."
"There's always a problem." Jenny's gaze was pulled back to the window when sunlight began to fill the cabin. "We're changing course. I thought we were going to the lake cabin?"
"Not anymore. We're taking a more southerly route." Jaxon offered her a thick file. "Take a look at this. It concerns you."
"Me?" Jenny opened the file and began to study the contents. For the next few minutes, Jaxon listened to the muffled roar of jet engines and the quiet sound of pages being turned as his sister read.
"Monroe had two informants following me. That's lovely." Jenny sighed and continued studying the file. "What is this about a deal with a County Commissioner?"
"The Commissioner hired the second informant. She was to report the position of the cattle drive back to the Commissioner, who would then forward it on to Monroe. The Commissioner paid this woman's expenses to Wyoming so she could go on the ride and keep tabs on your location. She was Monroe's back up plan, even though she worked for the Commissioner."
"Well, that explains why I never caught wind of her. I wasn't with the trail riders very long. Who was it? And what was in it for the Commissioner?"
Jaxon shifted uneasily in his chair. "My source thinks the Commissioner wants an expensive piece of property that doesn't belong to him. He offered to keep Monroe apprised of the cattle drive's position in return for Monroe's help in pressuring the landowner into giving up his property."
"Just pressure? Nothing more?"
"That's my understanding. Although, I think the Commissioner was in over his head from the start." Jaxon rested his elbows on his knees and clasped his hands together. "When Drake killed Reid Duncan and got you out, the Commissioner's informant dropped the ball. Monroe lost track of us completely. Which is good for us, but bad for them. Now the County Commissioner and the second informant have been targeted for elimination, along with the landowner."
"Why kill the landowner? He hasn't done anything to Monroe."
"Not directly, no. But I have a good idea why he's on the list." Jaxon rubbed his temples and muttered. "I hate this."
"Well, what is it? Why haven't you told me who these people are?" Jenny's face suddenly drained of all color. "Oh, god. Which county are we talking about?"
"It's Hazzard County, Jen. The informant the Commissioner hired is-"
"Daisy Duke." Jenny slammed the file down next to her. "Did Reid find out she was Monroe's back up plan? Is that why he kidnapped her?"
"I really don't know. She was probably just the one he picked to use as ransom because he saw you with Enos."
"Damn." Jenny closed her eyes in a futile effort to reign in her anger. "So the property in question, we're talking about Beth O'Connell's Estate, Enos's inheritance, right?"
"Right. I don't know if Monroe wants Enos's property, or if he's made Enos a target to punish us. I'm looking into it. I'll know soon."
"Well, we aren't going to let Monroe kill Enos or take his land." Jenny shook her head in disgust. "After everything Enos told me about the Duke family, I never would have expected Daisy to betray him like this. I was wondering how she could afford a last minute trip like that on a waitress salary. Do we have a plan yet?"
"Drake was on the phone with Aiden all morning. Supplies and transportation will be on the ground when we land. We will arrive in Hazzard a few days before Monroe's people. That will give us plenty of time to do the prep work and get set up. Drake thinks if we take out an entire tactical team, Monroe might leave Enos and the others alone or see them as protected. He may drop this particular issue."
"Not if Monroe wants Enos's land. How many people will Monroe send? Do you know?"
"At least six," Jaxon groaned. "Zeke Harvey's team. Three assassins, three spotters. Maybe one more if they bring a wheel-man. They've been ordered to keep collateral damage at zero, if possible."
"They're going to hit them all at the same time. So, it's two to one. Isn't that nice of them." Jenny said sardonically. "I want Zeke. He still has part of the bullet I put in him with my .38 last fall. It's time to introduce him to my Mossberg."
"Alright, Drake is going to watch the Duke farm. I'll watch Hogg and the Boar's Nest."
Jenny tipped her head inquisitively and asked, "If Drake knows about this, how can he justify leaving Enos without future protection?"
"Because this is only the beginning of the MacFarland Offensive." Jaxon grinned like an imp and pointed at the file. "I've been busy. Take a look at page forty-seven. How do you feel about plastic explosives?"
"They aren't bad, but I prefer my grenade launcher. I haven't used it for ages. Are you saying I'll get the opportunity?" Jenny retrieved the file and found page after page of Monroe's hidden criminal assets. Drug warehouses, sweatshops, gambling establishments, brothels, and quite a few connections to the bigger drug lords in Central and South America. It was all neatly organized by investment cost and monthly profit. She gave a long whistle and looked up at her twin with a proud smile. "You know, the way you get this information amazes me. This is enough to put him away for good! Have you turned it over to the FBI?"
"Not yet. I haven't found the right person. Until we know who was behind the hit on the FBI safe house that started all this, that file stays between the three of us and no one else. There is someone dirty on the inside and I want to be confident we've found the mole first."
"That's why you're the strategist. Smart move. Did everything pan out with your new FBI contact?"
"Travis Patterson? Yes. So far so good. He wants to be my handler," Jaxon chuckled. "He's a little arrogant and loves to condescend. We'll see how things go in Hazzard before I contact him again."
"Good. For the record, something about Travis bothers me and it's more than his bad attitude. It's just a gut feeling. Watch yourself, okay?"
"Noted," Jaxon replied.
Jenny drew a deep breath. "You know, I just don't understand how Daisy got involved in this. She has nothing to gain. I thought she loved Enos."
"Don't overthink it." Jaxon crossed his arms. "They're still in danger and we all have to focus on staying alive. If we back Monroe off, it's going to be best that you leave Enos alone for awhile ... for his sake. If you can do that, I'll make sure Drake gives you the opportunity to explain. It'll keep him safe in the meantime. Can you do that?"
Jenny shot him an icy glare and handed the file back to him. After what she experienced with Enos, asking her to leave him behind was like asking water to flow upstream. "Oh Jaxon. It may never be safe for any of us."
"Come here." Jaxon moved next to her and put his arms around her. "My offer stands. I'll help you talk to him, or I'll figure out a way to get in touch with him in a way that is safe. Just hang in there."
"Thanks, Numpty. I love you." They stayed that way for a long time. Jenny shed tears over lost hopes and dreams as her twin comforted her. She couldn't change her immediate fate, but she could help protect Enos and the people in Hazzard who were important to him.
"I guess it's time to go before Himself." Jenny kissed Jaxon's temple and stood.
"Good luck."
"Thanks. I'll need it." When she reached the open cockpit door, she cleared her throat and knocked against the wall. "Hey, want some company?"
Drake raised an eyebrow and looked over his shoulder. He turned back to the controls with a grunt.
"Don't be a jerk, Drake." Jenny closed the door behind her and sat down in the co-pilot's seat. "Care if I take over for a bit?"
Drake nodded towards the controls. "Be my guest. Do ye still have yer license?"
"Of course I do." Jenny grabbed the headset and adjusted the mic. "About Enos ... all I wanted to do was stay long enough to make sure he would be okay and say goodbye. It would've been nice to be there for him. He deserved an explanation."
"I know what ye wanted, but I could no' risk your life. He was severely injured and would no' be in shape to talk to ye for a couple of days. We had to go. I hope I can make it better once we stop Monroe, but I still have concerns about ye moving so quickly with the lawman. I'll no' have ye be any man's rebound."
Jenny bristled. "Yes, so I've heard. But I'm not his rebound and you can just stuff your concerns. You've made your point and that's the end of it. My relationship. My business. Jaxon brought me up to speed and I understand we have a priority mission. So we'll do things your way, for now. That doesn't mean I have to like it."
"I am sorry, ye ken. I dinna take ye away because of yer relationship with Strate. I took ye away because yer life was in danger. I want yer promise that ye will no' contact him or the Raffertys until we get Monroe behind bars."
"Behind bars!? But that could take us years!"
"It's the right thing to do! It will keep everyone we care for safe. Promise me now. I'll no' bury another loved one."
Jenny looked up to see eyes filled with worry and sorrow. She knew Drake loved her dearly, but he was caging her out of fear. He had lost so much in his young life ... including the woman he loved.
"Oh, Drake. I love you," she said, her voice cracking with emotion. "You're my brother and I'll always be here for you. Even when you're a complete jackass."
"Och, easy on the ego lass. Flattery does no' work with me. I thought ye would have figured that out by now. I want yer promise as a MacFarland that ye will do as I ask, even though it's hard."
"Fine, I promise, but not on the family name. I can't give you that right now. You still owe me. Big."
"Aye, ye wee sprite. I'll accept it. If it keeps ye alive I'd gladly serve at yer beck and call." When she looked away, Drake's teasing evaporated, leaving a heavy weight on his shoulders and a sad frown on his face. He decided not to push the issue and called over the intercom, "Jaxon! Get a wiggle on. We've business to discuss!"
Jaxon opened the door and poked his head in the cockpit. "What? Is the war over?"
"More like a temporary cease-fire," Jenny replied.
"Have a seat and buckle up now." Drake reached for the flight plan, keeping a concerned eye on his sister. "Jenny is taking the controls."
"Well, you aren't yelling at each other. That's some progress." Jaxon sat in the third seat and patted Jenny on the shoulder.
"Is that what it's called?" Jenny adjusted the volume on her headset. "Let's get this thing on the ground. I'm starved. Heading?"
"I'll take ye ta' dinner wherever ye want to go." Drake handed Jenny the new course and advised, "South-southwest to Capitol City, currently at 18,000 and descending. She's all yours."
"Roger," Jenny said. "Capitol City. Isn't that a little close?"
"Aye, but convenient. I want a fast getaway in case of trouble."
"It'll be dark by the time we land anyway," Jaxon said.
"Aiden is leaving Jaxon's car in Da's hangar along with supplies and a company chopper in case we need a fast getaway. The Leer is going back to Boston tonight. We should be able to get in and out without being noticed." Drake looked over his shoulder at Jaxon "There are too many people in Hazzard who know what Jenny and I look like. We cannae risk going into town. Ye ever run into Zeke Harvey or anyone else on his team?"
"No." Jaxon rolled his eyes. "Great, I get to do most of the groundwork by myself. What about Enos? This could be Jenny's only chance to explain."
"It's all right, Jaxon." Jenny sadly interjected. "Drake is right and I already made a promise. Trying to contact him now would just complicate our plan. I want both of you to know that I'll keep my distance for now, but that's only temporary. There will come a day soon when I reach out to Enos and tell him how I feel."
In the uncomfortable silence that followed, Jenny closed her eyes and pictured Enos in her mind. Her heart broke a little more. You're safe now, Deputy. Please wait for me. I won't let go. I'll never let go.
"I am sorry for what ye must do, lass." Drake said. "I wish there was another way."
"We're all professionals, remember? I can take it." Jenny swallowed the lie and turned off the autopilot. "Capitol City traffic, Leer Niner Juliet Tango, ten miles to the northeast at 15,000, landing Capitol City."
Jaxon stepped to the back to secure the cabin while Jenny finished her call.
"Jenny, I need to speak with ye." Drake's voice was apprehensive. "It's about Cynthia."
"Cynthia?" Shocked by the topic, Jenny took his hand. "Drake, you haven't even said her name since she died. What's wrong? Are you okay?"
"N-no. I dinna think so." He again cleared his throat. "I betrayed her, with another woman, at Bear Creek."
~~*(Pt. 2)*~~
Friday, June 12, 1987
The afternoon had passed slowly for Daisy. As she re-stocked beer mugs behind the bar, she watched the second hand make another spin around the clock. The well-dressed stranger from earlier walked in and had a seat at the end of the bar. At least she had an interesting customer to help fill the time.
"Hey, sugar. What can I get for you?"
"Hi, there." He dropped his keys on the bar and aimed brilliant eyes into hers. "I just stopped by for another cup of your coffee. I have an appointment though. May I please have it to go?"
"You got it. Do you have time for me to make a fresh pot? Just takes a few minutes."
"Let's see." He glanced at a pricey-looking watch. "Yes, I think so. Thank you. That's very kind of you."
She could see him watching her in the mirrored tiles on the wall. Good grief he was a nice looking package, but not the one for her. Daisy looked over her shoulder as she started the coffee. "So, you're in town on business. It's getting late in the day for an appointment. Are you staying the weekend?"
"No ma'am." He crossed his arms over the bar. "I have another appointment in Boston tomorrow and have a plane to catch later."
"Oh." Daisy returned to the bar and fiddled with his keychain. "Do you mind if I ask what you do?"
"Me?" he chuckled nervously. "I'm a strategist."
"You're gonna have to tell me a little more about that." Daisy smiled playfully. "Are you a card shark or some undercover CIA agent?"
"It's a fancy way of saying I look for investment opportunities."
"I should've known. We don't get many suit types in here."
"Hey, I prefer jeans and a t-shirt any day, but when duty calls what can you do." He shrugged his shoulders and smoothed his tie. "Whatever keeps the boss happy. Believe me, I don't want to make my boss unhappy."
"I hear that." Daisy tossed her hair back. "Some days I wish I could throw these heels in the dumpster out back, right along with the boss!"
He laughed and lowered his eyes to her hands.
He's checkin' for a ring. Daisy drummed her fingers.
When he met her gaze again, he wore a very sexy smile. That dark hair was thick, wavy, and begging to have fingers run through it. Daisy shook it off. It was just a little chemistry. Her perfect package was waiting for her at the ranch.
She backed away a little. "So are ya' workin' with Boss Hogg? He owns most everything around here."
"No. I'm on an independent contract." Something in his eyes turned playful. "I'd tell you who, but then I'd lose my job and I couldn't afford to buy your coffee."
"Oh my, we can't have that now can we, sugar."
"Oh no." He leaned closer, eyes smoldering, voice smooth and low. "We couldn't have that at all."
Daisy blinked rapidly. "Um, excuse me. I'll just … check on your coffee."
"Thank you, sweetheart."
She watched his smile dim in the mirror. While it didn't vanish completely, another look came through. Something about him seemed ... lonely. Daisy felt bad for him.
"Here ya' go, sugar. One fresh coffee, on the house."
"On the house?" His dark brows curled as he reached for his keys. "I haven't lost that job yet. Are you sure?"
"Yes, if…" Daisy snatched his silver keychain off the bar and dangled it in front of him. "You call me Daisy."
"Okay, Daisy." He tipped his head in a regal manner. "I'll do that."
"And, the next time you get back this way, be sure to drop in and say hello."
A charming smile lit the room. "It can be really lonely in my line of work. I'm pleased to meet you, Daisy. If I get back this way, I'll be sure to come by. Thanks for making my trip here memorable. Have a nice evening."
"You, too."
Daisy handed him his keys, he took his coffee and left.
She felt a twinge of guilt about flirting with the man, but he was leaving town. Nothing would come of it and Enos would never know. The dinner rush filled the bar and Daisy was soon swamped with tables. By the time Daphne arrived, she was more than ready to leave.
The sun flickered through the trees as Dixie bounced along the rough terrain of Old County Road. Daisy was almost to the ranch when she glanced at her purse. Nagging doubts had plagued her ever since leaving the bar. This seemed like a good idea this morning, but now she wasn't so sure. After waiting all day, now it felt like this moment had come up on her before she was ready for it.
"I'm doing the right thing. I'm doing the right thing."
Doing the right thing was giving her a horrible stomach ache. Daisy loved him. She loved him so much she wanted to prove herself to him and salvage their friendship, even though she wanted more.
The problem was plain as day. Daisy wanted to be his wife, not just his friend. If she did this, would she be locked into the friendship category?
That was one place she did not want to be if Jenny came back.
She ceased pondering the issue when she missed the turn into the driveway and had to back up. The gate was gone. Decorative shrubs had been planted on either side of the lane and flower beds were waiting to be filled. Now the place truly looked like a picture from a child's storybook, not an entrance to a castle from the dark ages.
Dirt and gravel cracked beneath the tires as Daisy drove slowly towards the house. She spotted Enos on the porch swing, sound asleep. Her heart twisted with regret as she parked the Jeep and stepped out. This would have been her swing, her house, and her husband. Daisy reached back for her purse as her knees grew weak. She took her time getting up the stairs.
When she reached the porch, she kept her distance and watched him sleep for a moment. She could see the tall, skinny boy that had been her constant companion growing up. He had lost a little weight. She hadn't noticed that earlier, but now that he wore a short sleeve t-shirt, it was obvious that the accident had really affected him.
Daisy looked deeper. He looks like a troubled old soul. The tension formed horizontal lines in his forehead, even in his sleep. Enos looked tired and she feared his spirit was broken.
Her legs felt like mush as she moved closer.
"Enos?"
"Daisy!" he startled and fell out of the swing. "OW! Ding dang it!"
"Oh, Enos!" Daisy rushed over to help him up. "Sugar, are ya' okay!"
"I can get up myself!" He batted her hands away as he grabbed the porch rail and pulled himself to his feet. "I'd been fine if ya' hadn't snuck up on me!"
"Well excuse me, Enos Strate!" Daisy folded her arms angrily. "It ain't like I just showed up! You knew I was coming!"
"Sorry, Dais." Enos leaned on his cane and grimaced from the pain. "I don't mean to be grumpy and hadn't planned on falling asleep. I reckon I'm just tired. What's this about Boss and Monroe? Do you want to sit down?"
"In a minute." Daisy leaned against one of the porch posts. "Before I talk to you about Boss, I want to know how you're doing. Mrs. Rafferty told me all about the accident. It scared me, Enos. Nothing would be the same without you. Are you sure you're all right?"
Deep blue eyes looked into his with loving compassion. It shook him to the core. Daisy's eyes had always been there, until recently.
He cleared his throat nervously. "I'm okay, Dais. It's just gonna take some time for the bones to heal in my foot. The bruises are almost gone and I'll be back riding Tag in a few weeks."
"That must have been a terrible thing to go through. I'm sorry I wasn't there for you." Daisy looked down and fidgeted with the strap on her purse. "I know you're hurting about other things, too. I'm really sorry to hear about ... about Jenny. That wasn't ... fair to you."
That pang-twist in his chest hit him so hard he almost fell backward.
"Enos?" Daisy's brow furrowed in concern. "What's wrong? I've never seen you look so defeated! Can I help ya' somehow?"
"Really, I'm okay."
"No, you aren't, but I'm not going to push. I just want you to know that I'm here for you and … oh wait…" Daisy took her purse off her shoulder and searched inside. "I brought something for you."
"Huh?"
"Y-yeah, it's ... um ... it's in here..."
Daisy was never nervous, but here she was, right in front of him, shaking like a leaf as she rambled away.
"It …. it isn't mine to keep anymore, so I want you to have it back." Daisy paused and looked up with wide eyes. "Oh, b-b-but it isn't because I don't want it! That's not why! It's because I-I want you to … um … maybe someday you'll want to…"
Daisy looked back inside the purse. "Oh, shoot! Where is it?!" She stomped her foot in frustration. "There!" she announced. "I found it. I…um…"
"Daisy Mae? What in the blue blazes is the matter with you!?"
With one hand in her purse, she looked up with tears in her eyes.
"Aw, Daisy Mae. What are you crying for?"
"Enos, just listen, before I lose my nerve." Daisy took a deep breath, pulled her hand out of her purse and looked into her palm.
Enos hadn't seen Daisy like this since she was a teenager. He started to argue, but clamped his mouth shut. Whatever she was up to, it was hurting her deeply.
"I take full responsibility for what happened between us." Daisy hitched her purse back over her shoulder and leaned against the post. "I lost you because I was insecure and scared. I should've trusted you instead of jumping to conclusions. I'll be paying for it for a long time. I just hope it's not going to be for the rest of my life."
"Daisy, I told ya-"
"I want you to have this back," she announced, sniffling through her tears. "It's my promise that I'll never treat you that way again. I'll always love you, Enos. I know I ruined any chance we had of being husband and wife, but I couldn't take it if I lost you as a friend, too." Daisy extended her hand, holding her engagement ring out to him on the palm of her hand.
Enos recoiled. "Possum on a gumbush!" His head snapped up to her face and he said, "Where did you get that?!"
Her hand shook as she waited for him to retrieve it. "Bo found it, sugar. It was stuck in a crack in the side of the well. Cooter used the winch to lower him down and he pried it out for me. He even took it to Mr. Worthington's jewelry shop to repair it while we were in Wyoming. Bo thought it was a sign. That finding it meant maybe someday..." Daisy bit her lip and pulled herself tall. "Anyway, I want you to take it and hold onto it. Like I said. It's my promise that I'll always be your friend. No matter what."
She'd regained control of her voice, but the tears streaming silently down her cheeks told a different story. Enos stared at the ring that he once placed on her finger and hated how they got to this dark place. He thought the ring was gone, just like their relationship, but a touchable symbol of the love he once carried for this woman had survived the devastation left in the wake of their fight. Could Bo be right? Could it be a sign that they were meant to be? That their love could survive if they gave it enough time?
Enos might be tempted to believe it, but he just didn't feel the same way anymore. Feelings weren't everything in a relationship, he learned that from his father. Love is a commitment, a promise to stay together and work things out no matter what hardships occur in this life. The problem was with him, not Daisy. He didn't want to work it out anymore and he didn't know how to fix that.
In fact, he didn't know how to fix any of it. Even if he could repair the broken trust, how could he forget Jenny? He couldn't and wouldn't give up on Jenny. So here he was, stuck. Unable to start over with one, unable to let go of the other.
Daisy broke his hyper-focus. "Enos, please say something."
"Dais, I don't want it back. I'd never turn my back on our friendship. The ring is yours to keep. You do what you want to do with it."
"But I want to give it you." Daisy's brows knit together. "With all my heart I want you to understand what I'm saying, sugar. I'm giving the ring back to prove to you that I love you enough to let you go. I want you to be happy. I wish that meant you still wanted me, but if not, then I want... I..."
"Daisy Mae," he rubbed his neck with a grimace. "Giving up what you want isn't going to make me happy."
"What?"
"Don't you see? I'm not sure what it's going to take for me to be happy again, but that's not your fault. Right now I have so many problems I don't know where to start. Giving up your ring won't fix anything. It'll just make you unhappy, too." Enos plopped down on the swing, a little to hard. "OW! Ding dang it."
"Oh, sugar. Let me help." Daisy dropped to her knee, She grabbed a pillow and the footstool from under the swing, then carefully propped his broken ankle on top. "Is that better?"
When she looked up, he saw it again. That familiar loving compassion that was uniquely Daisy. It gazed into his eyes and went straight to his heart, but his heart didn't respond the same way. It was nice, comfortable, even warm, but it wasn't the same. It was just ... easy.
"Sugar, does it hurt?" Her hand rested on his calf. He hadn't noticed she was touching him. "Let me get you some ice for it."
"N-no, that's okay. It's better, thanks, hon.
Daisy stayed where she was and offered the ring again. "Enos, please take it."
"No."
"Why!"
"What are you trying to prove? Do you think I'm gonna shove you outta my life? Is that it? Do you think by making this sacrifice it'll save our relationship?" Enos reached out and took her wrist gently between his hands. "I can't give you my heart right now, Daisy. But when I gave you that ring, it was yours. I knew what I wanted and it was you. That's what that ring means. It belongs to you."
"But you don't love me that way now," she whispered, softly.
"No, not anymore," he said, sadly, looking down at the tiny stone. "If I take that ring back, it feels like I'm saying everything we did together and everything we felt was all a mistake. Things changed, but I don't want to take the past we shared away. What we had wasn't a mistake. I loved you, Daisy. I loved you so much I…" Enos closed his eyes and took a couple of deep breaths. "I lost who I was. It's like I disappeared. Until I get my life straightened out, I can't see past the next five minutes. Do you understand?"
"Yeah," she whispered, softly. "I think I do."
"It's gonna take time to rebuild the trust between us, but I want to, as friends. I really do. Please, Daisy. Keep that ring."
Daisy closed her fingers around the ring and reached up to cup his cheek with her free hand. "Oh, Enos. I never meant to hurt you so badly. If you had died in that ravine, I would've died with you. I've been so lost lately and I wish I had done things differently. I lost you so fast."
"Aw, Daisy. Come sit down." Enos pulled her up to sit next to him on the swing. "You haven't lost me. I'm still gonna be here for you."
Daisy's head rested against his shoulder. He stroked her hair and rocked the swing ever so slightly in an effort to comfort and reassure her.
"Enos, do you think, in time, that there's a chance? What if we started over?"
She moved to gaze into his eyes. That familiar pull tugged on them both.
"I'll never stop loving you, Enos." Daisy moved closer, her fingers crept up his chest to run along his jaw.
"D-Dais, we should talk about that phone call you said Boss-"
"Later," Daisy took his face between her hands and kissed him.
Apparently, Daisy wasn't giving up without a fight. And she was fighting dirty. It was a slow, tender, deeply moving kiss with all her love behind it. It made him question if a love like they had wasn't meant to win, to overcome anything, to last forever. She obviously wouldn't let it blow away in the wind. Was he making a mistake by walking away?
At first, he hesitated, but then his arms wrapped around her of their own volition. He let himself go as he took another spin on her merry-go-round, her lips moved gently against his and her fingers threaded through his hair.
His hands caressed their way down her back, drawn in by familiar fantasies that he had yearned for over a decade. Now they were his for the taking. All he had to do was say 'yes' and she would give herself to him. Completely.
Daisy loved him, she wanted him, and her kiss was making all the heartache disappear. She was here, now, and could help him forget the pain. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her long curves against his muscular chest. She moaned, hungry with desire, and squeezed him tight. Too tight.
Pain shot through his ribs, a cold chill shivered down his body, and he saw Jenny's eyes as she fought to save his life.
'I'm here, Deputy! Look up at me and don't let go!'
His body switched off, acutely aware of every difference between Daisy and Jenny. It was as if his heart stopped beating. He wanted voluptuous curves, the melodic laugh, the gentle purr that she made when he kissed her. He wanted all the things that made Jenny unique and nothing else would satisfy his need. What would he do without her?
His eyes flew open and he nearly choked from the pain.
"Mmm … n-no. No! stop!" Enos couldn't back away fast enough. He grabbed Daisy's arms and pushed her back as guilt swept over him like a sickness. "I can't, Daisy. I'm sorry, but it hurts."
"But, y-you kissed me back! Wait, what did you say?" She brushed her hair back with her hand and stared, dumbfounded, into his eyes. "It hurts? It hurts to kiss me?"
"Ding dang it. I'm sorry, Dais. I'm sorry." Enos rubbed his hands over his face. "I shouldn't have. It's not right. I won't lie to you or be with you because I'm lonely. I won't disrespect you that way. This is what I mean when I say I'm not in a position to be with anybody."
Dark clouds settled in Daisy's eyes, "Anybody? Or anybody but Jenny?"
Enos cringed at the shot across the bow, but he didn't retaliate. "I reckon I deserve that."
"No, you didn't. It's my fault, she said, kneeling down for her purse. "I pushed when I shouldn't have. I'm gonna go. Thank you for seeing me."
"Dais, you don't have to leave. I'm didn't mean-"
"I need to go, Enos. Just let me leave with some dignity." Daisy wiped at her tears, pulled out the small pill box where she kept her ring and sat on the swing. "I'll tell ya' about Boss another time."
Enos didn't know what to say. He felt like a filthy pig.
"Daisy, I'm sorry."
"Me, too. I really messed this up."
Daisy tried to open the pill box, but she was shaking so badly that she dropped the ring. It fell on the porch and she bent down to retrieve it.
Enos heard a small 'ping' and the picture window behind them exploded. Glass flew everywhere.
"Daisy! Get down!"
Daisy screamed as Enos pushed her to the porch floor. She landed on her back and he threw himself over her.
Someone was shooting at them!? He looked to the side. There were clay box planters in front of them. Their only protection. It wasn't nearly enough!
"Enos! What's happening!?"
"Don't move!" He reached down instinctively. "Ding dang it! My gun! It's in the house!"
There was another ping. Another window blew out and immediately there was a smaller caliber gunshot, the crack of a rifle, and then...
[BOOM]
The shotgun blast caused Daisy to jerk in fear. "Enos! They're everywhere! Why are they shooting at us!?"
Enos was trying to figure out where the shots were coming from, but the last three hadn't landed near them.
"Just hold on. I'll get you inside!" Enos looked into Daisy's eyes. "Are ya' hurt?"
"I don't think so!" She grabbed his shirt and held on with clenched fists. "What are we gonna-"
[BOOM]
Daisy screamed again. "Enos!"
He had no idea where that shot landed and he covered her head. Another 'crack' was heard and the rungs in the porch blew apart just ahead of them. There was only one way to save Daisy.
"Daisy! When I get up, run for the house! Stay as low as you can. Don't stop and don't look back! My rifle is on the wall by the stairs! Use it!" Enos let her go and pushed up with his hands.
"Enos, no! Don't!" Horrified, Daisy yanked him down. She fisted her hands tighter in his shirt as tears of frustration gathered in her eyes. "Don't do that again! You are not gonna sacrifice your life for mine! We go togeth-"
[BOOM]
She screamed her outrage and wilted in his arms. "Enos, don't do this! Please! You have to think! You'll find another way! You always do! I will not watch you die!"
"Daisy Mae, why are you so ding dang stubborn?!" Enos rested his cheek against hers.
"I'd rather die with you! Please, sugar. Please."
"Okay, okay. Just let me think."
There was another 'ping' and the clay planter on the porch rail blew apart. Dirt and clay rained down on them. Enos wrapped his arms around Daisy's head to protect her.
[BOOM]
Shotgun…12 gauge…
Something caught his eye across the pasture and he lifted his head. "I think I see them, Dais!"
Daisy pulled him down and pressed scolded, "Stay down!"
Enos closed one eye and squinted through the tiny slit between two planters on the porch. He saw movement in the trees. A man ran out into the road with a sniper rifle, turned around and aimed into the woods.
"Possum on a gumbush. What is he-"
[BOOM]
He saw the flash of the muzzle in the shadows of the forest just before the man clutched his chest. He dropped his rifle and fell forward, where he remained, motionless in the middle of Old County Road.
"Enos, what happened? Are ya' hurt!?"
"No, I-"
"Heads up, Lawman!" The voice came from the bushes behind them. "Take the girl and move! There's one more, but I've no' been able to take him out!"
"Drake!?" Daisy gasped, "Is that you!?"
"Hold yer wheesht, Daisy Girl!"
A deafening crack exploded above them and Drake jumped to the porch for cover. "Bloody hell! There's another one on the-"
[BOOM] [BOOM]
A dark clothed figure fell from above them and landed in a sickening thud in the flowerbed.
"Roof," Drake finished. "He dinna count. The other one is out by the barn."
"He didn't count!?" Daisy shouted. "What do you mean 'He didn't count!?'"
"Lawman, take the saucy wench in the house before I shoot her m' self!"
Enos took the Rutger and prepared to run! "Ready, Dais?"
"Oh, why not?!"
Drake raised the rifle to his shoulder and aimed down the hill. "I'll be right behind ye as soon as she reloads! If anybody gets past me that ye dinna ken, shoot him! Dinna let him get to the girl! Go now!"
Before Enos could second guess the plan, Drake opened fire. He got to his feet and pulled Daisy with him, keeping her shielded as they raced inside the house.
Once behind the wall, Daisy shook him. "Don't you ever try and sacrifice yourself like that again! Ever!"
"Can we fight about it later!?" Enos put his hand on her cheek. "Daisy, get under the kitchen table and stay there. Keep away from the windows and the doors. Go. Go now!"
She dropped to the floor, but stayed near him, knowing he would protect her.
Enos tried to focus. Drake was here and said she had to reload. Jenny was here. It sure sounded like her Mossberg. He raced to the stairs and grabbed his rifle, then moved back to the wall near the front door just as Drake ran out of ammo. Enos lifted his Remington and opened fire.
A barrage of shots hit the porch as Drake jumped over the swing and leapt through the broken window. He rolled into the living room, where he hunkered down on one knee.
Enos called across the room. "Are you sure there's only one!?"
"Aye! Zeke Harvey is the only one left!" Drake pulled the radio from his jacket, "Our packages are undamaged, lassie. Nice job! Zeke was behind the oak near the pasture! What's his position now!?"
"The barn, south side. I'm in a bad position, but I'm okay for, oh ... sh*t!"
There were three rapid shots fired and Drake yelled into the radio. "Jenny!? Sister! Answer me!"
"Jenny!" Enos searched the yard. "I can't see her!"
"Och! Focus on the man trying to shoot ye and let her do her job!" Drake shouted back.
Jenny's breathless voice came over the radio, "I'm okay, but one of you will have to take him! I can't get a clear shot!"
Enos was panicked and relieved all at once. Jenny was more than capable of taking care of herself, but his heart was racing a million miles an hour. This needed to end so he could have it out with Drake. He wasn't letting the stubborn Scot rip them apart again.
Determined to end the attack, Enos handed the pistol to Daisy. "Take it and stay back!"
"Be careful, sugar." Daisy touch his arm and moved away.
He nodded and moved back to the doorframe where he again raised his weapon. As he scanned for the shooter, a thought struck him.
What about Jaxon? He kept searching as he called out, "Drake! Where's Jaxon? What's he wearing!? I don't want to shoot him!"
He didn't reply.
Enos turned just in time to see Drake fall to the floor in an unconscious heap. The eldest MacFarland was white as a sheet. Blood soaked his shirt and was spreading fast.
"No!" Daisy cried out and scurried across the floor on all fours. "Wake up, Drake. C'mon you big oaf, don't do this! Please wake up!"
"Daisy! Get back, it's not safe!"
"He needs help!" Daisy snapped and put pressure on the wound. "I'll stay down! Just get us out of this mess!"
Without knowing where Jaxon was, Enos couldn't risk taking a shot that might kill the wrong man.
Think, Enos, think!
The shotgun. If Jenny could paint the target…
"Daisy! Toss me Drake's radio! Hurry!"
"Here!" Daisy slid it across the floor.
Enos snatched it up and squeezed the mic. "Jenny! Shoot something near him! Make him move!"
Putting the radio on the credenza, Enos raised his rifle and moved further into the doorway, using the house itself as a barricade. A few seconds passed like an eternity.
[BOOM]
The tires blew out of the trailer by the barn. A man in camouflage ran out from under the gooseneck while firing his rifle in the direction of the blast. For a terrifying second, Enos lost sight of him, then Zeke stepped back in the open and turned his gun on the house.
Enos opened fire.
There were two simultaneous cracks and the man fell to the ground as Enos was knocked back against the doorframe.
It was over. Zeke Harvey was dead. Enos's bullet had struck the hired killer right between the eyes. It wasn't pretty and he felt sick, a little too sick.
As the adrenaline subsided, the pain came through his side. Something was wrong. He put his hand to his side where it was sticky and warm.
"Oh…dang it…"
"Is it over, sugar? Did you get him? Drake is hurt real bad! I can't stop the bleeding!?" Daisy was ripping Drake's shirt to use as a compress, but she hadn't managed to slow the bleeding. A large crimson puddle now spread across the floor.
"I got him, Dais. Jenny should be here any second. It's over. Are you okay? Are ya' hurt?" Enos tried to stay upright, but he ended up sliding down the the door casing to the floor instead. Jenny, c'mon. I need you, hon.
"I'm okay. I don't know what else to do to slow the bleeding down! We need help! Can you call th' ambulance?"
Enos's voice was calm, but inside he was mortified. Jenny should've been here by now. "I need you to do it. Tell them there are multiple gunshot victims."
"What?" Daisy spun around. "Oh no!" She ran to his side, her hands shaking as she checked his wound. "Oh, Enos."
"Dais, I'm okay."
"You will be! Just hang on, sugar. Don't you leave me this way, you hear me?"
"Aw, Dais. It's just, AH! A ... little scratch." Enos reached out and stroked her cheek. "Call for help?"
"Don't you go dyin' on me, Enos Strate."
"Yes ma'am."
Daisy kissed him and ran to the phone.
At least Daisy was safe. Enos tried to hold on, but this was just too much. His heart shriveled in his chest when Jenny didn't come to him. He couldn't help her. She was out there, injured, and he couldn't save her. He couldn't fight this heartbreak anymore. He had fought enough.
Enos closed his eyes. His rifle fell to the floor and he crumpled to the side. He was unable to move when he heard Daisy cry out for him. There were more voices around him and he listened for Jenny's.
He heard Emily calling his name over and over. Gus was here, too. He heard Barney and Dan, but he was waiting for Jenny. He wanted to call out to her, but he couldn't make a sound and the voices moved further and further away.