Disclaimer: I do not own this film or the characters
"After the long legal battle of Mr. Walter Rodriquez and his legal team, today we can finally announce that the jury has come to a conclusion. Mr Rodriquez was found guilty with unlawful conduct, three counts of attempted murder, two counts of kidnapping, manufacturing of a controlled substance, unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, and the involvement with James Braxton. He has also been charged with complicity of rape, murder and kidnapping. He has been sentenced to fifteen to twenty five years imprisonment, without parole until his minimal sentence."
The news team swarmed in on Walter, camera closing in on his face. "Mr Rodriquez, do you not feel any guilt towards the horrendous crimes you've been charged with?" The nosey reporter asked rudely. She shoved the microphone into his face, a set of finely manicured nails wrapped around the base.
Walter merely spat at the camera and flashed a cruel smile, "Tell my son, I'll be coming back for him!" He warned cruelly. He was then placed into the back of a police vehicle, and the camera zoomed into his face. He was blank as the vehicle drove off.
"Finally the James Braxton case can come to a close. I imagine this is a very important day for those affected by the crimes of these men." The reported concluded. She gave a warm smile to the camera before the shot went back to the newsroom.
Mac groaned loudly, gripping his remote and switching off the television. He was glad the whole case was put to an end, reporters had been done in Cainneville interviewing anyone for a small speck of information. Fortunately, no one mentioned Mac's involvement and kept tight lipped on his whereabouts or his connection to Walter and Devon. They had finally emptied out from the small town, which brought normalcy back.
It had been four months since that dreadful night, his nightmares had just stopped a week ago and he knew it was because he was no longer anxious. There had been a small doubt in the back of his mind, that his father's legal team would of won the case and Walter would of returned to Cainneville. He wasn't worried about his own safety, he was more worried about the one person he truly cared about; Audrey Jacks.
He hadn't seen nor heard from her in four excruciatingly painful months. Her name appeared in the news every once in a while, but other than that, she had flown off the radar. Mac no longer had the connections to keep tabs on her, in fact, the only person he kept around from his old lifestyle was Frank. His most loyal friend, who had been actually relieved when Mac chose not to participate in unlawful work anymore.
Mac stretched out on his couch and lazily dragged himself into a standing position.
"Fuck this," He grumbled as his cell phone rung. He gazed down at it, eyebrows raising when he noticed six missed calls. All were from Frank. Mac assumed that he was calling him to inform him about the good news that Walter was put away for good. He pocketed his cellphone, and stretched before walking out his front door. He couldn't stay in his house for one more minute.
He got into his truck, and started to drive. Throughout the last four months, he had been taking this particular drive nearly everyday. Perhaps it had been to be somehow closer to Audrey, or maybe because he just enjoyed having company around. Whatever the subconscious reason was, Mac found himself feeling at ease as he pulled outside the house. His phone buzzed again in his back pocket and he furrowed his eyebrows.
Ignoring it, Mac strolled up the driveway that lead to a reasonably sized family home. If he had been told six months ago, that he would in fact be walking up this drive way for nothing but simple company, he would of beaten up whoever suggested the idea.
He knocked firmly on the door, and in record time, the door was answered.
"Ah Mac, for a second there I thought you weren't coming over."
Mac snorted, "Where else can I get free beer Harrison?" He fake sneered.
Mitchell grinned at him and beckoned him in. He handed Mac a beer and the pair took their seats in front of the TV, a football show was booming on the set while the pair got themselves comfortable.
Mitchell and Mac had established a friendship almost immediately after Audrey's kidnapping. Audrey had left after making sure Mitchell was okay, and Mac was left with no company except Frank. So he did the most unlikely thing, he marched his sorry ass up to Beaver Valley Hospital and straight into Mitchell's room. He had apologised for his previous mistakes, even thanking Mitchell for his help.
It had been Mitchell's reaction that had shocked Mac. Mitchell was all too willing to forgive him, even shaking his hand and thanking him repeatedly for saving Audrey and eliminating her threats. Mac even received a quick friendly hug from Nina, who had almost cried a puddle through his shirt with gratitude. Mac wasn't sure what overcame him, perhaps it had been the gratitude that warmed his heart, but from that day, Mac visited Mitchell in his hospital room and when Mitchell was released, Mac started coming over his his house, a house he knew all too well.
It had been one of Mac's greatest decisions.
Mac had just gotten into a ten dollar bet with Mitchell on who would win the football game, when his phone rung another two times. He grumbled impatiently and snatched up his cell, pressing the damned thing against his ear.
"What?" He answered it irritably.
"Mac!" Frank was breathless on the other end. "Where are you?" He panted.
"Harrison's." He replied shortly.
Frank was silent for a moment, "Oh," He mumbled, a small hint of a smile in his tone. "Well that certainly changes everything." He snickered.
"What the hell are ya on 'bout?" Mac snapped. "Why ya calling me so damn much?"
"S'nothing. Enjoy your day Mac," Frank retorted.
"What the-" Mac started but Frank had already ended the call. He looked over at Mitchell, eying him up suspiciously. "You got something to do with this?" He accused impatiently. Mitchell merely shrugged and Mac sunk back into his chair. "Bunch of crazy pansies," He murmured.
Mitchell rolled his eyes, "You'll be taking that back in a bit." He mumbled.
Mac stared at him expectantly but Mitchell remained tight lipped. The pair soon immersed in silence, intrigued by the series of kicks and tackles that played out on Mitchell's television screen. They added their snide commentary at the right moments and even stood up to high five when their team scored a touch down. The men only grew silent when Nina came busting through the door.
"What on earth is all this racket about?" She snapped. Her arms were lined up with shopping bags as she scrutinised the two men. She glanced over at the television screen and rolled her eyes. "Men," She muttered.
Mitchell rose suddenly, a great big smile stretching his lips. When Nina caught his eye, a slow grin spread across her face. Mac frowned at the two, "Should I leave so you two can get a room?" He quipped snidely.
Mitchell smacked him over the head lightly, and gestured towards the front door. "Mac, I think there's something you want to see outside." Mitchell said softly. He grabbed Mac's forearm and yanked him up from the couch, shoving him gently towards the door and nodding with encouragement when Mac looked back at him. "Go on," He urged, and Mac frowned deeply, although he stepped out onto the front steps.
Mac squinted in the sunlight momentarily, before his gaze was triggered towards the sound of a vehicle door closing. He looked down at Nina's vehicle, watching as a dark haired woman appeared from behind the back with a bunch of shopping bags lining her arm. She was chatting softly to Nina's son Johnny, a smile on her lips while she ruffled his hair fondly. Mac felt his stomach lurch and he stood stock-still.
Sensing tension radiating from the house, the woman looked up and she stood still herself. Johnny removed his hand from hers, "Mac!" He shouted and came bounding up the steps and coming to a halt before him. "Look what Aunty Audrey brought me," He shoved a toy into Mac's face and Mac acknowledged it faintly.
A pair of dark orbs bore into his own, searching him for any sign of reaction. When he returned her gaze unflinching, she dropped her stare to the ground and shuffled her feet in awkward shyness. Mac cleared his throat, shifting on his spot unwelcome nervousness, something he hadn't felt since his high school years. He gulped loudly, triggering the attention of those mesmerising dark orbs again.
"Johnny, come inside. We can play with that together, " Mitchell called from within the house. Johnny shrugged and raced past Mac, his small shouts of enthusiasm the only noise filling the awkward silence between Mac and Audrey Jacks.
"Hi," He greeted quietly.
She nodded at him before ascending the stairs slowly, her gaze never once fell from his and as her presence grew closer, the same crackle of electricity ran through Mac. Once she reached the top step and was at level with him, she took a deep breath. "Hi," She murmured.
"You been alright?" He asked gruffly.
She nodded and looked up at him through her eyelashes. "You?"
"Better now," He answered honestly.
The answer relaxed her almost instantly, her arms fell at her sides and her shopping bags slid to the floor. She stepped forward, wrapping her arms swiftly around his mid-drift and squeezing him in a firm hug. "Same," She muffled into his chest. Mac squeezed her back and reluctantly let her back away from him.
"Why didn't-" Mac started.
Mitchell came out onto the front porch, snatching up Audrey's dropped bags. "How about you two go down to Luna Mesa." He suggested. He inclined his head back to the window where Nina was obviously eaves dropping. Her cheeks turned red and she ducked away. "Ya'll don't need an audience," He snorted. He waved them off, shooing them away from his house before giving Nina a rather loud lecture from within their walls.
Audrey chuckled quietly, allowing herself to be lead to Mac's truck and accepting his offer to open the passenger door for her. She snuck a glance at the bed of the truck, her cheeks tinting pink at the vulgar actions that had taken place back there on Mac's unforgettable birthday. She cleared her throat, and slid into the seat. She and Mac were enveloped in friendly banter throughout the whole ride to Luna Mesa, it made Audrey's stomach grow uneasy.
She casually strolled after Mac into the local tavern, she took a seat opposite him at their usual booth and waited patiently for her menu. However, she jumped in surprise when a shrill shriek echoed though the busy tavern and a busty blonde came racing over. She leaped into the booth, sliding in beside Mac and planting a sloppy big kiss on his cheek. She kept one arm around him while she showed off a set of large pearly whites.
"Hi Mac!" She greeted joyfully.
"Hey Lou," Mac murmured, surprising Audrey with a returned grin to the mystery girl.
The blonde beamed at him, fluttering her eyelashes and widening her capturing blue eyes. She turned her attention to Audrey, a brief smile gracing her pink lips. "And who is this?" She asked politely. She looked at Mac with a hint of adoration, a look that made Audrey's stomach churn uneasily and her eyes narrow in suspicion. The blonde merely grinned.
"This is Audrey Jacks," Mac retorted. He gestured to the blonde, "This is Louise Cooper."
Audrey observed the blonde. Her lip curling into a sneer at the low set top that her full breasts nearly spilled out of. She was wearing a pair of short denim shorts, a pair of old cowboy boots and a thick splay of makeup. Louise was leaning forward over the table, her breasts threatening to pop out right then. She was eying up Audrey, her eyes filled with something unfamiliar to her. Audrey just assumed it was jealously. She was completely opposite to Audrey.
Louise lent forward, extending her free hand to Audrey. "Nice to meet you Audrey! I've heard so much about you." She gushed. She grabbed Audrey's hand and shook it enthusiastically. A shrill laugh escaping her mouth.
Audrey returned her smile with her own tight lipped one. "My pleasure." She replied firmly. " I can't say I've heard anything about you." She added snidely, a small nasty smirk curving the corners of her mouth. Mac frowned at her, catching on to the bitterness in Audrey's voice.
Louise either chose to ignore it or didn't catch on. She simply giggled and look at Mac lovingly, "She's so nice Macky, and as pretty as you said she was." She enthused. Audrey's nostrils flared and she watched the two through narrowed eyes. "So what can I get you two today?" She asked.
"We'll get two of the special's burgers and a beer each." Mac answered quickly.
Louise looked at Audrey one last time, her lips curved into a grin before she lent forward and whispered something into Mac's ear. As she drew back, she planted another quick peck on his cheek before hopping up and moving to the back of the tavern, not once acknowledging Audrey as she passed.
Audrey scowled briefly, watching the blonde strut away. When she returned her gaze to Mac, he was watching her closely, a confused frown wrinkling his brow. He cocked his head to the side, "What's wrong?" He asked after a moment of silence. He looked over Audrey's shoulder, watching Louise disappear through the back doors. "Is there a problem?" He added after her silence.
"I don't know Macky," Audrey replied bitterly.
"Huh?" Mac grunted in confusion.
"Your new girl friend seems nice," Audrey muttered icily. She lent back in her seat, a look of expectance on her face and her brow creased with irritation. A cheek splitting grin spread across Mac's face and it only aggravated her more. "I don't see how this is funny," She snapped.
Mac snickered, shaking his head in amusement. "Shit Audrey, do you really think I'd move on that quickly?" He asked her. Audrey frowned and he rolled his eyes, "Louise Cooper is my first cousin. My mom's sister's kid. She took over Luna Mesa after..." He trailed off and shrugged. "Hell, I'm all kinds of fucked up. But I ain't that fucked up to get it on with my cousin."
Audrey felt her cheeks redden. "Oh," She mumbled.
"Besides, if she's attracted to anyone in this room. It's you," Mac snorted. Audrey's face was a look of priceless shock, "Yes Audrey, she's a rug muncher and that's her partner over there." He nodded towards a butch looking woman in a trucker hat.
"Well what did she whisper in you ear then?" She questioned, still slightly suspicious.
Mac grinned even wider, "She said she was jealous of how many positions I took you in," He purred. Audrey blushed and glanced down at her lap, not only did Mac's heated gaze want to send her into a giggling soppy mess, she felt a large amount of guilt because of her rude behaviour towards Louise. She looked over at the bar, catching Louise's eye and reeling with shock when the blonde gave her a sultry wink.
"See?" Mac assured.
"I feel stupid," Audrey mumbled.
"It ain't easy being the jealous type, I know all too well." Mac snickered.
Audrey laughed with him and soon the two had their meals placed in front of them. Louise gave her another quick wink, sending Audrey and Mac into fits of laughter when she swayed away. They bursted into harder laughs when Louise's girlfriend started an argument with Louise over her constant flirting with Audrey. As soon as the pair started to laugh, it grew more comfortable between them. Just like old times.
"I really missed you," Mac murmured softly. He gave Audrey a small smile, his hand finding her knee beneath the table and giving it a gentle squeeze. Audrey shifted in her seat, returning Mac's smile with her own shy one.
"I missed you too." She replied quietly.
"I thought you weren't coming back." Mac revealed. "Do you know how crazy I was going here. I was almost tempted to go up to Atlanta to find your ass."
Audrey smiled, "Mitchell kept tabs on you for me. Trust me, it was hard staying away from you."
"So why did you?"
"Because I was scared of how much I didn't care." She mumbled. Mac gaped at her in disbelief, and she shook her head. "No, not that way. I didn't care that you made meth, I didn't care that you had the potential to be a serial killer. I just wanted to be with you, and that scared the hell out of me. I always stuck to the law, always did the right thing. But being with you Mac, I realise that you are the only person that makes me not care about the law. I didn't put you in jail, because I couldn't bear to have you barred from me. I needed to know you were safe, and that meant sorta lying about your involvements." She revealed.
Mac sat gaping at her and she called for another round of beer. Once they were placed in front of them, Mac was able to close his mouth and took the offered beer from Audrey. She clinked their bottles together and smiled sweetly. "Congratulations Mac," She praised softly.
Mac frowned, "For what?"
"For finally buying the towns garage." Audrey said proudly. "Mitchell called me last month and told me you brought it, and that it's been doing great business." She took a long swig of her beer and then raised it to him. "I knew you could do it."
Mac grinned coyly, "It didn't need much work."
Audrey rolled her eyes, "Don't act coy Mac. We both know that place was a dump, and you hardly got any customers." She enthused. "I'm so proud of you!" She praised.
Mac tilted his head to the side, "Yeah?" He perked up in his seat.
"Of course Mac! You've always had the potential, I've never been more prouder."
Mac lent forward over the table, a darkened look in his eye. "I really fucking love you," He blurted out loudly. Audrey blanched in surprise, she cleared her throat and stared at Mac from across the table. He nodded, "Yeah, I mean it babe."
After a moments silence, she replied surely. "I love you too Mac."
"You don't have to say it because I said it."
"Why do you think I came back here Mac? I didn't come for a free meal and a place to sleep." She said firmly. Mac looked at her expectantly, and she grinned. "I'm here to stay Mac. Milton transferred me down here, and I'm Sheriff of Cainneville." She exclaimed.
"Sheriff Audrey Jacks?" Mac grinned devilishly.
"The one and only," She beamed. "First woman Sheriff."
Mac slid his hand up her knee, "Fuck, I just wanna jump you from across this table babe." He hissed. Audrey's lips quirked into a smirk, and he shook his head. "Don't give me that look, or I won't be able to control what happens from here on out." He warned.
"You're such a changed man Mac. I hope your tainted sexual appetite is still corrupted," Audrey purred.
"Some things never change baby," Mac replied gruffly.
"Take me home Mac, I'm sick of this chit chat." She snapped.
Mac rose almost instantly, he slammed a twenty down on the table and hauled Audrey up. He threw her light body over his shoulder and practically jogged towards his truck awaiting outside. She giggled with amusement, allowing Mac to throw her into the passenger seat and clamber into the drivers seat. He took off down the highway, swatting away Audrey's hand as she skimmed it up his thigh.
"If you do that now, I ain't gonna make it to my house and there ain't no way I want anyone seeing you shout my name." He replied shortly. Audrey sat back in obedient smugness. She didn't have to wait long, Mac was parked outside his house within ten minutes and dragging her tanned ass over the threshold. As he threw her down onto the bed, spreading her legs apart and placing himself at her entrance, he looked up at her with a thought.
"What about Sheriff Audrey Rodriquez?" He asked.
"What are you on about now?" She snorted with a frown.
"Walter is a quarter Spanish. I wanted my mom's surname, but y'know, Walter beat the shit outta me for that suggestion." He muttered.
"Mac what are you asking me? Don't get my hopes up." She snapped.
"You know what I'm asking Sheriff, I'm asking you to marry me." He blurted out. H
"Holy shit," She gasped.
"So what do you say Sheriff?" He asked shyly.
Audrey glanced at the bed post, spotting Mac's old familiar gas mask. She smirked up at Mac, "Put the mask on Mac, Mrs Rodriquez has missed it." She whispered softly. Mac grinned, placing the most sweetest kiss on her plump lips before shoving the mask on his head.
THE END.
I'd just like to thank all you guys who stuck this story to the very end. I know I've been terrible and haven't updated much, but it's great to finally end this. Thanks again guys, and I hoped you liked this last chapter.