“Damn, I thought BUDs knocked the stupid shit out of boys, not make them bigger bitches?” York said, breaking the silence as everyone watched Thomas’s retreating back.
“It’s supposed to, but every now and then, one slips through the cracks.” Eddie said, shaking his head as he rubbed his wife’s back. “You ok babe?”
“Yeah, I should be asking Shane and Laura if they are ok. Thank you two for helping me where Candy and Ruiz are concerned. I knew Candy didn’t like me because Dakota loved it at our house, but I never knew she was angry like that.”
“No need to thank us Sheila. There was no reason for their anger like it was. Don’t let them get to you. We’ll find Tina and Dakota.” Pratt said, firmly as she was wrapped up into a hug from Highlander.
“Ok, so, Tex, you asked about the people in the alleyway behind the mall finding something, does that mean something was dropped back there?” Cortez asked, bringing the group back to the point before the disruption from Thomas.
“Yes, looks like the two guys threw the girls purses and cell phones away in the alleyway.” Tex responded, the keyboards clacking away in the background on the phone.
“Shit, Dom, Raso, York, Diesel and I will go back into the alleyway and talk with a few of the homeless ones we know. They’ll be more likely to come forward if they found anything.” Pratt said, looking at the ones she mentioned. “Dom, grab some burgers or something from the stand over there that’s still open. We’ll start with Jonsey and then work our way from there.”
Chapter 5
Pratt, Highlander, Dominick, Shane, Wolf, Dude, Rocco, Raso, York and Diesel went back into the alleyway behind the mall and found several of the homeless who camped behind the mall, getting ready for the night. Pratt and Shane, with Highlander behind them walked up to the man they called Jonsey.
“Hello Redhead. You’ve brought friends today. To what do I owe the honor of this visit?” Jonsey asked with a chuckle as he looked at the two people behind Pratt.
“Hey Jonsey, Brought you a burger and some coffee, the real stuff. This is my sister Shane, and my husband Joe.”
“Ah so I finally get to meet the man I have to beat up to steal your hand?” Jonsey asked with a smile as he took the burger and cup of coffee from Highlander.
“Aye, ye can try ye old bugger. My friends and teammates call me Highlander.” Highlander said, smiling as he moved over behind Pratt.
“Teammates huh? What do you do kid?” Jonsey asked, eyes Highlander up and down.
“I’m in the military sir.” Highlander answered, smiling more at Jonsey.
“And what do you do?” Jonsey prodded more, narrowing his eyes at Highlander.
“Waste management, sir.” Highlander said with a smirk.
“Ah the age-old waste management comment.” Jonsey laughed. “Chief Petty Officer Grant Jones at your service young man. I was the demolitions expert for my team back in the day.” Jonsey said, with a sad smile.
“Once a SEAL, always a SEAL, Chief Petty Officer Jones. It’s an honor to meet ye.” Highlander said, saluting Jonsey out of respect.
“So they say, but a SEAL never fails, not even his family. I lost that right to call myself a SEAL when my wife died. This…” Jonesy said, dismissing Highlander’s praise.
“No, you do not deserve this, Jonsey. You fought hard along side your wife. She would not want to see you like this. She would want you living your life as you two talked about before she died.” Pratt told Jonsey, sternly with her hand on her hips.
“Is she always this feisty?” Jonsey asked Highlander, ignoring Pratt.
“Aye, always.” Highlander laughed then grunted as his wife elbowed him in the gut. “Part of her charm that caused me to fall in love with her.” Highlander winked at Jonsey.
“Children!” Pratt smirked. “Jonsey, mind if we talk for a few? I really need your help.”
“I told you earlier, Redhead, I didn’t see anything. I was out with Glass and Posey at our usual spot most of the day. We had just gotten back when you and your crew came through here doing whatever it was you were doing.”
“Do you know if anyone found anything back here?” Shane asked softly.
“We don’t really talk about things we’ve found, especially if it’s valuable. That’s a good way to have someone steal from you in these parts miss.”
“True, unfortunately what we’re looking for belongs to the two girls that were kidnapped. We need to find it to see if we can get anything from it.” Pratt said, rubbing her forehead.
“Do you know what was missing? I can probably talk to the others and see if they found it. You know there’s going to be a price, right?” Jonsey asked.
“Yeah I do. I know Ice, York and Diesel are talking to them now. They brought them food and coffee as well.” Pratt answered, agreeing with Jonsey’s need to help the small group.
