Page 39 of Don't Leave Me Behind
I could have been hit by one of the trucks screaming past us at highway speeds, and he wouldn’t have even looked my way. That’s not true, he would have, but fuck, man. In the twenty-plus years we’ve been friends, we’ve never fought. Not about school, sports, or women…probably because I was constantly fantasizing about his sister. Still, I don’t think he’s ever been genuinely mad at me…it’s fucking miserable.
Finalizing the assignments for tomorrow, I get up from behind Brooks’ desk in the big barn and make my way to my truck. Toby is kicked back on his tailgate, a beer resting on his thigh, his head tipped toward the sky. He’s the quiet Kane, not in a brooding kind of way, but more like a quiet observer.
He doesn’t see the attack coming. Adler strolls up behind him, pure chaos gleaming in his eyes. Before I can even utter a warning, he strikes with perfect precision. Sliding up beside Toby, he taps the bottom of his beer bottle to the top of Toby’s. White foam instantly spills over the top. Toby’s curses echo through the ranch yard as he bolts after a cackling Adler.
A smile tugs at my lips, exhaustion keeping it from taking hold. Toby saunters back, looking a lot like he pissed himself, his eyes promising revenge as he stomps to his truck and climbs into the cab. The slam of the door rings in my ears.
I crawl into my own truck, my body weary. Wrecked from the physical labor of the day, not to mention the adrenaline. Nothin’ quite sets your blood on fire like watching a big rig turn one of your beef cows into red mist.Fuck, that’s an image I won’t be erasing from my brain any time soon. I drive the long way to Leni’s cabin, taking the highway. Trying to kill more time, hoping she’ll be upstairs, or already in bed by the time I get home.
I’ll have to sneak through her room to grab a shower, but that might be worth it to avoid any potentially awkward situations. My phone buzzes when I finally get to the cabin, giving me an excuse to stay outside a little longer, avoiding confrontation like the pussy I am.
Kane Family Group Chat
Ma
Thanks for the help boys. looks like tomorrow will be a busy one again. Brooks won’t be back until after next week. Will pack family dinner to go tomorrow.
Addy
What do you mean after next week?! IS HE DYING?
Tobes
I’m going to go check on him
Ma
No you are not Tobias Russel. You will go back to your house and mind your business
Addy
Ma this is insane. Brooks doesn’t take vacation he doesn’t take personal time
E-Man
Just give him some space dude. He’ll let us know what’s going on when he’s ready
Tobes
What do you know
Addy
WHAT DO YOU KNOW?!
Ma
Clayton worked out a schedule for tomorrow to reinforce the fences in the 7s. Looks like someone mighta driven through it.
Addy
Now Traeger’s doing paperwork? we are literally falling apart
I do paperwork at my day job. Dick
Addy
Oooh mister big shot police man.
