January 2030 – Mexico
While Texas was dealing with the Patriots, Hector Nunez fought his own war against a rival drug lord, Raphael Sanchez. Nunez and Sanchez had been negotiating a treaty between the two rivals. They were working on forming a Cartel that would control all of the drug distribution in northeastern Mexico.
Connor met Sanchez's daughter during one of the meetings between the two families. They started seeing each other, which both fathers encouraged to further strengthen their arraignment.
Carlos Ramírez was Connor's second. Ramirez was Nunez's nephew and jealous of Connor. He felt that he should be the one as Nunez's right hand. After all, he was blood. With Connor out of the way, his uncle would turn to him to be his second.
Ramirez hatched a plan. He leaked confidential information to Sanchez. Nunez was furious. Constantly paranoid, based on the information leaked, Nunez was sure there was a traitor in his organization and most likely among his command group.
Ramirez planted the seeds of doubt that Connor may have been talking to Rosa, that maybe he was looking to join the other side to be closer to her and get in her father's good graces.
Nunez sent for his adopted son and confronted him with the allegation. Connor was stunned. He had always been his Papi's confidant and right hand. He couldn't imagine where this was coming from.
Not trusting Connor's loyalty because of Rosa, Nunez had him tossed into one of the cells in the basement of the hacienda. The same cell that had held Monroe. Conner knew he was in trouble; Nunez could be unstable in the best of times, and he expected that his dear Papi would have him whipped like he did Monroe and then strung up as a traitor for the birds to feed off of him. As Connor sat in his cell, he couldn't help but recall what Monroe had said to him, that Nunez would one day turn on him. Now he's regretting not leaving with Monroe and Matheson.
"Señor Bennett…" Juan whispered as he approached Connor's cell. Connor stood and went over to the bars to meet him. "Señor Nunez is gone loco. He's listening to that pedazo de mierda ( piece of shit ) Ramirez. We're here to get you out. We have horses waiting."
2 Weeks Later: Somewhere in South Texas
The three men parted ways after crossing into Texas. Connor decided that he would try and find his mom and set out for Jasper.
After a week and a half riding, he found himself in "no-wheres-ville" Texas. If the town were any smaller, it wouldn't be on the map.
Riding slowly down the almost deserted main drag, Connor spotted what he was looking for… the ever-present town bar. Securing his horse to a hitching post, he pushed his way through the old-fashioned western-style swinging saloon doors and made his way over to the bar. The barman approached and eyed him with suspicion. "Just passing through?"
"Yup, whiskey, if you don't mind," Connor replied politely.
He slapped a glass down in front of him and poured him a shot.
"Would I be able to find a room for the night? Maybe a meal and a bath?"
"Ahh-yup, just down the way, there's an old motel that Johnny has kept open. Don't know how he does it when hardly anyone comes through. He should have a room."
"Sounds good. How about something to eat?"
"Got some stew here if you're so inclined."
"I'll take a bowl, thanks."
Within a few minutes, a bowl appeared in front of him, along with another whiskey.
His meal finished; Connor set out to find the motel.
A bell rang over the door as he walked into what was once the lobby. A tall thin man of about fifty came out from the back. "What can I do for ya, Buddy?"
"Room, if you've got one,"
Laughing, "All I've gots is rooms. That'll be three diamonds for the one night, extra if you want hot water for the bath."
Connor handed over five diamonds for the room and bath. "Being that this is a motel, you wouldn't happen to have any maps left?"
"I got a few. Where are ya looking to go?"
"Jasper, Indiana."
"I think I've got something here that could help you," going under the counter then coming back up with a road map of Texas through Missouri. "You'll need another one to get you further, but it looks like you keep going on old I-30. That should get you close. Can I ask, what's in Jasper? Kind of a strange destination."
"Looking for my family…my mom, actually."
"You need to be careful of those US guys. I hear that they are pretty thick further up north and east. I'd steer clear if I were you. There are rumors of the conscription of young folk, as young as fifteen, the mongrels."
"I've heard. I'll keep that in mind. Somewhere I can leave my horse for the night?"
"Sure, around back. I have a fenced area for guests. Got feed too, two diamonds." Connor gave him another two diamonds.
After getting his horse settled, he went to his room and looked at his map while waiting for his hot water. Studying the map, he figured it to be approximately one thousand miles to Jasper, a little over two months with rest stops for his horse. (Should get there around April if I don't find any trouble.)
Late March: Indiana
The weather is warming nicely, and the sun feels good, caressing his back as Connor slowly makes his way. Stopping on a rise, he can see the Town of Jasper. Pulling out his binoculars, courtesy of a Patriot patrol he had dispatched after they tried to take him for their tin-pot army. Grunting as he watches the town gate, the town appears to be in lockdown and is crawling with those assholes in khaki.
Not wanting his weapons confiscated, Connor decides to hide them under a fallen tree, then he covers them over with brush. Weapons secured; he approached the town.
"HALT RIGHT THERE!" a Patriot guard ordered. "State your name and what's your business here." As four Patriot soldiers held their guns at the ready.
"Connor Bennett, here to see my mother."
"Dismount! Any weapons?"
Connor did as he was told. His person and his horse were searched. "How long are you planning to stay in Jasper?"
"Don't know, it depends on my mother. I haven't seen her in sixteen years." Connor notices a strange look coming from the lead guard. "It's a long story…."
Jasper, Indiana 2003
Bass Monroe and Miles Matheson had one last party before heading off to the Marines and Parris Island for basic training. After midnight, all their well-wishers had left, leaving just Emma Bennett with Miles and Bass. Having dated over the last two years of high school, Emma and Miles became engaged the month before.
Miles, Bass and Emma were inseparable, as close as friends could be. But with Miles' drinking, Emma would often find herself alone with Bass. Emma was his brother's fiancé, yet Bass loved her.
As usual, Miles had drunk himself to oblivion and was passed out on his couch. Bass and Emma were keeping each other company on Miles' balcony. It was all innocent enough, laughing and talking until it wasn't. They spoke about them leaving and how they most likely would be sent to Afghanistan and the war there. Then one thing led to another. Bass leaned in and kissed her…
Both Emma and Bass vowed to never tell Miles what happened between them on that balcony. After discovering that she was pregnant and with Bass' baby, Emma broke off the engagement. The brothers had just been deployed to Afghanistan. Seven months after that, Emma gave birth to Bass' son, Connor.
Puritanical, religious, and old-fashioned, Emma's parents were furious and embarrassed about their daughter's unwed pregnancy. Emma was sent to stay with her aunt in Missouri in order to keep her from town gossip and also not wanting her in town when the boys returned on leave either. They refused to let her tell Bass about the baby. Bass never knew that he had a son.
When Connor was three, Emma returned to Jasper. Seven years later, the world went dark.
2026: Sixteen Years After the Establishment of the Republic
The Republic was imploding, and neither Miles nor Bass knew what to do about it. They were arguing.
There was a food shortage, among other things, and people were angry and started to fight back. Rebel factions sprung up, attacking the militia and trying to overthrow Miles and Bass. It was a civil war.
Bass periodically suffered from depression and paranoia after losing not one but two families. His decisions became erratic and his actions brutal as he watched his Republic crumble.
With the Republic becoming unstable, Emma was afraid of what would happen to Connor if Bass were to find out about him. She wished that she had told him about Connor years ago and wondered how that might have changed all their lives. Maybe it would have changed Bass' life. He was so kind, thoughtful, and fun when the three of them were together. But it was too late, he was too far gone, and now she was afraid of the man she had once loved. She wrote to Miles' asking for his help.
Stunned and then pissed when he found out that Emma had Bass' baby, Miles thought back on how hurt he felt when she ended their engagement just two months after he left for basic. Still, he agreed to help her hide Connor from Bass even though he knew what it would mean to his brother to find out that he had a son. He had reservations, but he told Bass some bullshit story about needing to inspect the troops and went ahead and brought ten-year-old Connor to his aunt and uncle in Mexico.
Jasper- Late March 2030
Connor rode slowly through the town green, and he couldn't help but notice the oversized American flag flying from the town's flagpole and the Patriot soldiers drilling on the green.
Connor's first stop would be the town's pub, always a good place to gather local information.
Securing his horse to the hitching post outside the Jasper Tavern, he went inside, took a seat at the bar, and ordered a whiskey.
"New to town or passing through?" the barkeep asked.
"I used to live here. I'm looking for my family, actually. My name's Bennett. Connor Bennett."
"The name's not familiar to me, but I bet if you spoke to the Reverend, he might be able to help you. He pretty much knows everybody."
"I guess I'll do that," then he indicated he wanted another shot. "Where could I find him?"
"He lives in the rectory next to the burned-out church just to the other side of the green."
Leaving the tavern, Connor took up his horse and walked around the green until he saw what was left of a burned-out building. The sign in front proclaimed it was once the First Congregational Church. To the side was the church cemetery and then a large brick home with a placard designating it as the Rectory. Connor climbed the steps to the covered porch, twisted the old-fashioned doorbell hearing it ring inside. Shortly, a squat man in his sixties came to the door.
"Hello? May I help you?" Reverend Stone greeted.
"Hello, Father. I'm looking for information about my mother, Emma Bennett. Would you know her?"
Reverend Stone was momentarily taken back but recovered quickly. "My goodness! You must be Connor! It's been…what…sixteen years! Come in, dear boy. Let's have some tea."
"Thank you, Father," Connor replied.
"It's Reverend Stone, but call me Bill. Come, have a seat in the parlor while I put the kettle on."
Connor followed him into the sitting room. The room was filled with antiques, the most prominent a large Grandfather's Clock that had just finished chiming four o'clock. Shortly Reverend Stone returned with a tray carrying tea and scones.
"Come, sit. Try one of these scones; they're raspberry. My housekeeper makes them. Now, you were asking about your mother, Emma. Can I ask where you've been?"
Taking a sip of tea and a bite of scone, Connor answers, "These are delicious. My mother sent me to live with my aunt in Mexico when I was ten."
"Yeah, that sounds about right. You've been there ever since? What made you decide to come looking for her now after all this time?"
Connor hesitated, not wanting to reveal his sorted past. "Umm, after a couple of years with my aunt and uncle, they got typhus. They both died and I ended up on the street."
"How unfortunate. You look as though you have fared well, however."
"A prominent businessman took me in and raised me like his son. He recently died," Connor lied. "I didn't have any other ties to the town. I had always wondered about my mother, and I wanted to find her."
"Well, I'm sorry, son, but Emma, your mother, was killed during a confrontation four years ago. I can take you to her gravesite if you like."
Connor bowed his head, disappointed, then looked up. "I'd like that. Can you tell me what happened?"
"It was a dark day for the town… dark times. Sebastian Monroe came storming into town with his militia and his helicopter to confront General Miles Matheson. It appears that Monroe and Matheson were on the outs. Your mother and these two…well… excuse me… assholes… were friends growing up."
(Assholes and my father, it seems.)
"So, what happened?"
Monroe torched the church with townspeople inside all to try and draw Matheson out. Matheson was able to rescue them. Then Monroe took your mother and held her hostage at gunpoint, still trying to get Matheson to come out of hiding and face him. He was standing right over there at the edge of the green.
A shot rang out. One of the soldiers that had followed Matheson shot her while trying to kill Monroe. The bullet went through your mother and into Monroe. Matheson killed the shooter.
Monroe went crazy after your mom was killed and his men had to drag him away. Matheson stayed around to bury your mom."
"So… Monroe's and Matheson's feud got her killed."
"Yeah, basically, that's it."
Connor looked away, wiping tears, then looked back. "I'd like to see where she's buried."
"Of course. She's here in the church's cemetery."
Reverend Stone led Connor outside and into the cemetery. "The town folk had a stone marker made for her," he said as they approached her gravesite. "Would you like to pray for her?"
Connor wasn't religious but didn't want to offend the Reverend, so he nodded and bowed his head while Reverend Stone said a few words.
"Thank you, Reverend. Is there anyone in town that might still have some of her things?"
"You could check with Jenny Morrison. She and your mother were close friends. She works in the general store; you can probably find her there."
"I'll do that. Thank you again."
"I'm sorry that there wasn't better news for you, son. God Bless."
As promised, Connor found Jenny working at the store. He introduced himself, and she was, of course, surprised to see him.
"Connor, my God! You were just ten when I last saw you, now… look at you! Where have you been? Emma never told us what happened, only that she sent you out of the Republic to live with your aunt and uncle."
"I've been living in Mexico, a small border town."
"Connor, would you meet me after work? I'll be done at four, then we can talk. Have dinner with me?"
"I'd like that."
Connor was waiting for her outside of the store at four o'clock. Jenny had him follow her home, where she introduced him to her husband. Over dinner, Jenny talked about Emma and answered Connor's questions about his mom. After dinner, Jenny brought out a photobook. It had been Emma's. Connor was fascinated looking at the photos of his grandparents and his mother. One that surprised him was of his mom standing in between Sebastian Monroe and Miles Matheson, their arms around each other.
"They were all friends?" Connor asked.
"They were. We all went to high school together. I wish I knew what happened to those two, Miles and Bass, that they turned out like they did. They were cut-ups, full of mischief, but kind. They would stand up for the kids that were being bullied. They were good guys."
"Did my mother ever tell you who my father is?"
"She did. Do you know?"
"Yeah, I do. Sebastian Monroe. I met him around a year ago. He came to Mexico with Matheson looking for me after he found out he had a son. Monroe told me that he was obsessed with finding me after he found out."
"How did he find you?"
"Matheson. Monroe finally hooked back up with him and got him to come clean about where I was. In fact, Matheson went with him."
"I wish Emma hadn't decided to keep you from him. Maybe things could have been different. I'm sure that she would still be alive. I don't think Bass ever intended to hurt her. He just wanted Miles."
Jenny also had a box with some of her personal belongings. He picked out a silk scarf to take with him wrapping it around his neck.
Jenny offered Connor a room. He planned to leave town after breakfast the next day.
In the morning, he hugged Jenny, thanked her, then tucked the photobook and scarf into his saddlebag.
While heading out of town, Connor was stopped by a Patriot sergeant wanting to know his name and where he was going. He asked Connor if he would be interested in joining the Patriots, 'they were always looking for good, young men.' Connor shrugged like he didn't understand, then responded in Spanish, telling him that he was looking for his mother. That he didn't find her and that he was returning to Mexico.
The only thing that the Sergeant got out of his answer was 'Mexico'. He let Connor pass.
Returning to the hillside, he collected his weapons, then turned northeast, hoping to run into Monroe Militia and maybe Monroe himself.
Two days later, he got his wish when he crossed into Ohio and came upon a Monroe Militia Platoon of about seventy-five militiamen and women camped on the bank of the Ohio River. He took a deep breath and rode forward to their picket line, hoping they were still friendly to Monroe. They were still showing the flag of the Republic, and he thought that might be a good sign.
Approaching the encampment, he was stopped by a sentry and asked the usual questions before being allowed admittance to the camp. He asked to see the commanding officer and was asked to state his business. He took a chance and said he knew Monroe and hoped to find him… that he was a family friend.
While waiting for Captain Anderson to arrive, Connor contemplated his next move and again, deciding to take a chance and capitalize on the Monroe name.
Captain Anderson entered the command tent and extended his hand towards the young man standing before him. "I'm Derek Anderson. What can I do for you?"
"It's what I may be able to do for you, I think. I'm Connor Bennett Monroe. The President's son."
Anderson was speechless, then, "I wasn't aware that he had a son."
"My mother kept me from him. I've been in Mexico since I was ten. I'm trying to connect with him. Have you seen him?"
Anderson was still taken back. "Ahh… as far as I know, no one has seen him since he left for the tower. We're not even sure that he's alive."
"Yet you've stayed together."
"Most of us don't have any place to go. A lot of us lost our families in the bombing. We've been doing what we can to protect the Republic from those US bastards still hoping to hear from the General."
"Well, he's alive. He found me in Mexico about a year ago and asked me to join him. I didn't leave Mexico right away, I had family there, and I didn't know him. He left, and I lost touch. I've been looking for him."
"You're his son? How can I be sure?"
"In my saddlebag is a photobook. There's a picture of my mother with President Monroe and General Matheson." Connor retrieved the book and showed the captain the photo.
"The captain then looked at Connor and saluted. Sir, by the law of the Republic, you would be next in command as the President's son."
Connor was stupefied but inwardly pleased… this was easier than he thought it would be.
By the end of June, Connor had amassed an army with the help of Captain Anderson. He gave Anderson the rank of major and made him his right hand. He called himself General Bennett Monroe. Connor could see his plan to take back the Republic coming together.
Once his army was in place, Connor started taking on the Patriots and with some success. They fought, pushing the Patriots to the west away from the Republic. He gained more troops from the disenfranchised militia and some rebel forces that realized that the Patriots were far worse than Monroe.
While Connor was pushing the Patriots west, Jeremy Baker, having joined the Georgia Federation forces, began driving the Patriots east. At one point, the two forces met. Connor met with Jeremy, and they devised a battle plan.
May 2030
Texas' forward scouts notified General Frank Blanchard of Connors's Militia's activity, pushing the Patriots west across the Mississippi River and into Texas territory.
"This intel is accurate? The force operating across the Missippi is the Bennett – Monroe Militia? Who is this Bennett guy?"
"Unknown, Sir. He just sort of showed up. Calls himself Connor Bennett-Monroe. Whoever he is, the troops follow him, and he's making progress, Sir."
"Huh…"
Blanchard was pissed that the Patriots were being pushed towards TexasTerritory. Still, after reflecting on this development, Blanchard sent a dispatch to General Bennett-Monroe with the proposal that he and Texas work together against the Patriots. Connor accepted, and a coalition was formed.
Blanchard already had the Matheson & Paige group fighting and pushing them south and with California moving them east. If they could contain the eastern half of what was once the United States, the Patriots could be wiped out.
Learning that someone claiming to be a Monroe was leading the new Militia force… ( interesting)… Frank decided that this was information that he should keep to himself. He didn't want Monroe taking off to meet this mystery man claiming to be a Monroe.
April 2031 Connors Army
The Patriots, having been defeated in Texas and their westward progress stopped, Connor, turned his attention to helping Jeremy clear them out of the east to the Atlantic and then taking control of Washington.
Austin April 2031
Miles was settling into his new office a Commanding General of the Texas Rangers. He would be meeting with Blanchard, now President, in one hour.
"General! Come in! Settling in, okay?" Frank Blanchard asked.
"Yup, no issues."
"Before we get into things, I have something you should know. Were you aware of who was Commander of the Eastern Forces against the Patriots?"
"Nah, I had enough on my plate. Not something I figured I needed to know at the time. All I knew was that it was some of Bass's old militia."
"Well, hold on to your Texas size hat. The new President of the New Monroe Georgia Federation is a feller by the name of Bennett-Monroe. Do you know him?"
"Yeah, I know the horse's ass. He's Monroe's son."
"His son…"
"He was living in Mexico. I took Bass there to find him, and things didn't exactly go well. Bass ended up the unwelcome house guest of a drug lord. Bennett was the drug lord's adopted son. When Bass tried to get him to join us, his so-called father had him bullwhip Monroe. We were just able to get him out of there."
"Well, apparently, he left Mexico and managed to take over what had been left of the Monroe Militia by capitalizing on the Monroe name. As the new President of the Monroe Georgia Federation, Connor requested that Sebastion not be told of him. He wanted to work out telling him himself."
"Great, another tin-pot dictator."
"Are you going to tell Monroe?"
"As you know, he left for Oklahoma right after the wedding, I don't really know where they are right now, and I don't want Bass to go chasing after him with Charlie. I think that for now, at the risk of Bass being pissed at me again, I'll keep that bit of info to myself if that's how Bennett wants to play it. "
"Good enough. Now, next order of business…."
July 4th, 2031
It was Independence Day all over again. The scourge of the Patriots was eliminated, Washington and the country east of the Mississippi River was now under Connor's control. Jeremey had no problem letting Connor take over the newly formed nation, now known as the Monroe Georgia Federation. Jeremy was offered the position of vice president, but he declined. The last thing he wanted was to be in the employment of a Monroe. Didn't work out real well for him the last time.
A treaty was signed that west of the Mississippi would go to Texas. Anything east would be Monroe Georgia Federation.
Over the next eight years, Connor presided over the Monroe Georgia Federation. Surprisingly, he became an effective leader and implemented a plan to stabilize his country by ensuring that the people had the resources needed to produce food and serviceable goods. He set up trade with Texas and with steam-powered ships, trade with the island nations.
Connor had gotten the empire that he wanted from Monroe, and it turned out that he was a good leader. Now, he was ready to move on, having gotten the whole power trip out of his system. Connor discovered that there was a lot of work and stress involved in being the leader of a country.
He married the Texas Ambassador's daughter, Camella Marie Steinhouse, in September 2038. They had one child, Emmett Sebastian Monroe.
Having had enough of the pressure of leading a country and public life, Connor and Camella decided they wanted a simpler life. Elections would be held for a new President. Connor passed a law that elections would be held every eight years unless needed sooner for the position of President, Vice President, and district representatives.
April 2040
The election was over, the new President was sworn in. Connor and Camella packed their most valuable possessions. With one and a half-year-old Emmett, they boarded the train for Austin. Connor, of course, knew that Miles Matheson had been President. He would bet that he would know where to find Sebastian.
Austin April 2040
While Connor was setting up his own elections, he had been informed of Texas' elections being held. To his surprise, Jeremy Baker was now President. Connor sent a message that he would be in Austin and would like a meeting with the new President.
"Connor! Or should I say, Mr. President," Jeremy teased.
"Just Connor is fine, private citizen now."
Jeremy poured them drinks and directed him to the sitting area.
"I have to say, every time I hear 'President Monroe,' I break out in a sweat," chuckling.
"Why's that?"
"Long story. Something that happened with Sebastian. What can I do for you?"
"I'm hoping to find my father. I want to find Sebastian."
"So, he really is your dad."
"Yup, he really is."
"Miles told me about what happened in Mexico."
"Yeah, not my best moment."
"Well, Miles told me that he has a farm in Granby, Oklahoma."
"Granby…Is he married?"
"Yup, two kids.
There's a daily train from Austin to Oklahoma City. One of the stops is Durant, Oklahoma. Durant is two hours out from Granby by horse or wagon."
"How long does it take from here to Durant?"
"Ten hours. Train leaves at 8:00 am. Most people stay over in Durant then move on the following day to wherever they're going."
"Would we be able to get on tomorrow's train?"
"Of course, Mr. President. As a courtesy, I'll have the Presidential Car prepared."
"That's too kind."
"Not at all. One world leader to another," Jeremy quipped.
"Is Miles Matheson still in Austin? I'd like to have a word."
"Matheson is now Justice Matheson. He's based in Durant; you could probably catch up with him there."
"Huh, a judge…."
"Yeah, funny how those things go."
They shook hands, and Connor left to join Camella and tell her of the plan to leave the city in the morning.
Connor and his family were escorted onto the train. With the respect given to a foreign leader, he was provided with a Ranger escort.
They arrived in Durant, and Connor dismissed his security detail with thanks. Then settling into the Grand Hotel for the night, they would set out for Granby in the morning.
At 10:30 in the following morning, they arrived in Granby in their rented wagon filled with their belongings. Camella was all smiles as they rode down the quaint main street. Granby was precisely what she imagined and was hoping for as a place to settle in. A picture-perfect western town.
After the blackout, the townspeople formed a "clean up" crew to clear the town of the now useless vehicles. The storefronts and buildings were kept maintained. The citizens of Granby took great pride in their town. There were planters of colorful flowers lining the main street giving the town a welcoming feel.
Connor spotted an Inn near the end of the main drag. He pulled the wagon up to the large pale-yellow two-story home with an inviting wrap-around porch. The sign in front announced it as the 'Granby Inn'.
"This is lovely," Camella commented with some excitement.
Once his family was settled, Connor went to the livery and rented a horse to take him to the Monroe farm.
Connor had told Camilla his story and about what happened to his mother. "I need to see him alone before bringing you and Emmett. Depending on how this goes, we might not even be staying in Granby." They discussed moving on to Oklahoma City should things not work out with Bass.
"Go…You do what you need to, and we'll take it from there. Don't worry about us. We'll occupy ourselves. I'm going to peruse the shops, and I saw a playground where I can take Emmett. I'll see you for supper?"
"Yeah, I'll be back," leaning in for a kiss before mounting his horse for the hour's ride to the Double M Farm.
It was a glorious afternoon. Bass was sitting in his favorite spot near the lake, watching his children play. Little Josh was sitting on a blanket with some toys, and Brie was playing with her doll, showing her Charlie's flower garden. A contented smile is sitting across his face.
Hearing a rider coming in, he stands to greet whomever it might be. They rarely get visitors other than Maddie and Warren, and he is wary even after several years. He's always concerned about someone wanting revenge.
As the rider got closer, Bass stood, then was stunned and utterly speechless.
"Daddy! Daddy! Who's here?" Brie cried out, running over. Bass scoops up Josh and takes Brie's hand.
"Well, Poppet, that's your big brother." Bass doesn't know what to think.
Connor looks down at Bass from atop of his horse. "Hello…Dad…" his tone was one of contempt, and Bass thought,… oh, so this is how it's going to go…
"Connor… you found me."
Charlie had heard the rider. She came out from the garden where she was weeding and made her way over to Bass and the stranger. She could sense the tension in her husband and took the kids from Bass.
"Charlie, this is my son…Connor."
"Connor from Mexico?" she frowned, remembering the condition of Bass' back and seeing the results of the whipping every day.
"Looks like you've got quite the family," Connor commented with some disdain.
"You could have been part of it," Bass replied. Then turning to Charlie, "Could you give us a moment?"
Charlie gave his arm a squeeze. "Sure, Babe. Come on, Brie, let's have some juice," herding her into the house while Josh was perched on her hip.
"Connor, what are you doing here?" Bass had been crushed after Mexico. It took awhile for him to accept that he had effectively lost his son, the son he never really had a chance to know.
"We need to talk," dismounting. Then stepping over to Bass, he punches him square in the face knocking Bass on his ass.
"WHAT THE FUCK!"
"YOU! YOU GOT HER KILLED. YOU AND MATHESON GOT MY MOTHER KILLED!"
Brie had been watching the strange man through the side window. "MOMMY! THAT MAN HIT DADDY!"
Charlie rushed to the door just as Bass was standing. "BASS!"
"It's okay, Charlie. Leave us, okay?"
She wasn't happy, but she went back inside and pulled Brie from the window, not wanting her to see anymore, especially if a full-on fight broke out.
"Connor…" Bass said, wiping blood from his lip.
"I've been to Jasper, Dad… I found out what happened."
"It was a dark time; I was in a dark place. I know that's not an excuse for what I've done, but it's all I have. I wish I could take it all back."
"Explain it to me. Explain how you and your bestie got my mother killed."
"We should sit, have a drink. This will take a while. Meet me by the lake."
Connor secured his horse while Bass went in to get a bottle and glasses. Charlie went over to him and wrapped her arms around him. "Are you okay?"
"I'll be fine." Charlie kissed him, and Bass took the bottle and glasses out to Connor.
Sitting in the chairs by the lake, Bass poured them both a drink and then went on to tell Connor all of what happened, starting with when the power went out. He talked about how he and Miles formed the Republic. Bass told him about the loss of his family and the loss of Shelly and the baby, and how Miles kept him grounded. Then he went on to talk about Mile's betrayal, explaining how he and Miles were brothers since early childhood and how much that betrayal hurt.
"Connor, I was never going to hurt her…In my sick, addled brain, I wanted …needed...my brother back. He was my only family. I thought that holding her hostage would force Miles to come to me. I didn't know about you until right before Emma was shot by that Georgian soldier. Miles killed him, by the way. Emma had told me about you right before she was shot. She never got the chance to tell me where you were."
Connor listened without interruption. "How did you find me?"
"After I met up with Miles again, when Texas was going to execute me…"
"What? Execute you? You're here…what happened?"
"Yeah, another long story for another time. Anyway, while I was waiting for them to come for me, Miles came to say goodbye. I told him about you and asked him to find you and do whatever he could for you. That's when he told me that he already knew about you and that he knew where you were. He knew all along where you were. I was more than pissed and hurt that he would do that to me.
After I got out of that mess, thanks to Charlie, I made Miles take me to you."
"How did you avoid execution? Did they change their minds?"
Bass snorted, "Change their minds? Ahh…No. Charlie saved me. I promise to tell you about it sometime."
Connor had calmed. He was disgusted about what happened to his mother, but now that he knew about everything, he was ready to move on. He could see how much he meant to Bass even though he wasn't there when he was growing up. It wasn't Bass' fault.
Nunez was a sick fuck, and he realized that his father had been right; Nunez did turn on him.
"Would you like to meet Charlie and your sister and brother?" Bass asked.
"The Charlie that saved your ass?"
"Yeah, that Charlie," Bass laughed.
Bass led Connor up onto the porch and into the house. Brianna, with clenched fists, immediately ran to her father like a mini Charlie. "You hit my Daddy! It's not nice to hit people!"
Connor knelt down, "I did, and you're right. It's not nice to hit people. I'm sorry. I was angry, but it's still not right to hit people. I'm sorry I hit your Daddy. Will you forgive me, little sister?"
"I'm your sister?"
Bass picked her up. "Brianna, this is your very big brother. His name is Connor Bennett."
"Connor Bennett Monroe. I hope you don't mind, but after Mexico, I took your name."
Bass teared up, "I… don't know what to say…."
( Don't have the heart to tell him that I used it to get what I wanted.) Connor was thinking.
Connor reached for Brie's hand. "Nice to meet you, Brianna. That's a real pretty name. How old are you?"
"I'm three, Joshua's almost one. He's my brother too."
Connor laughed.
Charlie went and stood next to Bass. "Charlie, Baby, this is my son, Connor."
Charlie wasn't sure that she fully forgave him for the whipping that he gave Bass in Mexico. Obviously, Bass had.
"Connor, nice to meet you. Would you like to stay for dinner? Bass went fishing earlier, and we have plenty. In fact, we have a spare room if you would like to stay over and get drunk with Bass."
Bass and Connor laughed. Bass had his arm around Charlie's waist, and he pulled her closer, placing a kiss on her temple."
"I'd love to, Charlie, but…my wife and son are waiting for me in town. If it's okay, I'd like to bring them by tomorrow to meet you all."
"You're married!" Bass exclaimed. "And a kid! I have a grandson! Shit, I'm old!"
Charlie and Connor both laughed.
"How old is your son?" Charlie asked.
"Almost two. He'll be two in July. His name is Emmett Sebastian Monroe."
"Emmett Sebastian…" Bass' chest got tight.
"What day in July? Joshua's birthday is June 2nd; he'll be one."
"July 20th."
"Bass' birthday is the 8th. Seems July was a popular month," Charlie said with a smile.
"We have another one on the way, due in October."
"That's wonderful, Connor," Bass says. " Two grandkids!"
Connor stayed for another drink and then started back to town.
That evening, Connor told Camella about his visit with Bass.
"So, all's good?"
"Yeah, all good. They're looking forward to meeting you and Emmett." Then Connor laughed, " Our kids have an aunt and uncle the same age."
"Bass has children?"
"Two, a girl, Brianna. She's three and a son, Joshua, almost one. Brianna is a spit-fire. Bass…ah…Dad…is looking forward to meeting his grandson."
"I'm sure he is. How's your stepmother?"
Connor snorted, "She's my age, maybe younger, and she's beautiful. Wait until you see their farm. The house is amazing… a log home on a lake."
Before Connor had left, Charlie invited him and his family to lunch the following day. When the wagon arrived with Connor and his family, Bass and Charlie were there to greet them, and introductions were made.
"Daddy, can I show Emmett the pigs?"
"You'll have to ask Connor or Camilla."
"Can I, Connor?"
Connor looked to his wife. Camilla smiled and nodded. "Hold onto his hand, okay?"
"Okay, come on, Emmett."
"Poppet, come straight back," Bass told her. Then to Connor, " the pigs are just straight back; they'll be fine." Camilla was looking a little nervous. She was a city girl.
Charlie's mother's instincts took over. "Come on, Camella, we'll tag along."
While the kids were checking out the pigs, Bass and Connor unhitched the horses and turned them out.
Lunch was simple, ham and cheese sandwiches and some boiled eggs. Charlie had learned to make mayonnaise, so there was some for the sandwiches.
"Connor, what are you're plans?" Bass asked.
"Well, Camilla and I talked, and we would like to settle here or at least close by. I need to figure out what I want to do."
"I heard that Bud was thinking of selling his bar. It's nice…has a lot of potential and ready-made customers," Bass said around a bite of sandwich.
Connor looked to Camella; she shrugged. "Sounds interesting."
"We could pay Bud a visit, and you can check it out," Bass suggested.
"Sure, whatever, that sounds good," Connor replied.
"We'll be in town on Wednesday to take our eggs and such to the market. We could meet then," Bass suggested.
Wednesday morning, Bass, Charlie and the kids headed into town to the market. Connor and Camilla met them at the coffee shop for coffee and a morning snack. Afterward, Conna went off with Bass while Camilla joined Charlie at the market.
Charlie introduced Maddie to Camilla, and they chatted about Camilla's pregnancy. After, Camilla took the kids to the park while Charlie finished up.
Bass took Connor for lunch at Bud's Bar. Connor was impressed with the place and saw some potential. After lunch, Bass went and found Bud and had him join them to talk about the sale.
While walking back to meet the women, Connor asked Bass about houses.
"Dad, how do I find out about available houses?"
"The sheriff has the list. Most can be had for back taxes. I'll introduce you and Camella, and you can see what's available.
I can't believe that you are actually here… well, my face does, anyway," Bass says, rubbing his jaw.
Connor snorted, "Yeah, wish I could say I was sorry, but… I had to; it needed doing."
"I get that. I probably would have done the same or…worse. I'm really happy that you are all here."
"We are too."