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“Sorry, Layla got away from me. I’m watching her today for a brother, and Layla has been naughty as fuck,” he said. Gauntlet, that was his name.
“She’s going to bite me!” I squealed as Gauntlet’s lips twitched in amusement.
“No, Julie, Layla’s as good as gold.” Gauntlet sank his fingers into Layla, the man-eating dog’s fur, and stroked her head. Layla promptly flopped at his feet and showed her belly. Gauntlet laughed and crouched down to give Layla the fuss she was begging for.
Meanwhile, I backed slowly away from the crazy guy and Cujo. We all know what happened to that damn canine.
“I’d be more worried about Hunter and Mina’s dogs. Lucifer and Demonicus would rip your throat out at a command,” Gauntlet said, rising to stand again. Layla gave a happy bark and snuggled into his legs.
“Do they come around often?” I squeaked, still moving backwards.
“No. Just Layla. After Calamity and Klutz, it appears I’m her favourite,” Gauntlet replied, eyes watching me. “You frightened of dogs?”
I was gonna deny it because I adored dogs, but then realised if I denied that, I’d raise his suspicions as to why I was backing up. Having watched Layla roll around like a pup, I wasn’t scared anymore, but I didn’t want to be garnering interest.
“Yes,” I said, nodding as I gained the porch. And without another word, I flew through my front door and slammed it shut. Damn it. Why wouldn’t my neighbours stay away? Was everyone this nosey? I wondered as I looked through the spy hole and saw Gauntlet staring at my house in complete puzzlement. Go away, I urged silently.
Finally, after a few more seconds, Gauntlet whistled, and Layla sprang up and followed him down the drive. Shit, I now needed a privacy gate.
With a sigh, I blew out my cheeks and texted Simone, telling her what I wanted. Simone replied immediately and said she’d get someone on it. Damn it! After ten years behind bars, I was willingly putting myself back behind them. But it was an added security measure, and with people wandering on and off my drive, it was a great idea. Tomorrow was Thursday, and I had to avoid Mrs Jepson.
???
Quietly, I snuck up the path, posted the sorry note through Mrs Jepson’s letterbox, and fled as fast as my legs could go. Before anyone could catch me, I jumped into my Ford Ranger and drove away. I didn’t know Rapid City and wasn’t geared up for exploring. But today, I planned to head towards Mount Rushmore. It was something I’d never seen, and although touristy, I lived near it now. Of course, I had to view it.
A few hours later, I stood gazing at the majestic faces on the cliff face and wondered what they would make of our modern times. Each of these men was a legend for a reason. Their faces were carved for eternity, barring a massive landslide and rockfall, the pedantic part of me pointed out. The sight was completely awe-inspiring. Did they realise they’d leave such legacies behind? Some scholars called them modest, others egotistical. Still, I bet they’d never imagined that every school child would learn their names two hundred years later.
I spent the day doing touristy things, something I’d never had the opportunity to do. The whole experience felt alien. Even while I enjoyed it, I still waited for the slam of the cell door. Or for a firm hand to grab me and say, ‘sorry, there was a mistake in your release.’ Freedom was a precious thing, and I’d never underestimate it again. Even though I’d been innocent.
Four months had passed since I left jail, and I wondered how Simone and Butch were getting on tracking down any trace of my innocence. The folder Warden Mackles sent was a good start, but many questions were unanswered. Should Cordelia track me down, I’d be dead before anyone knew it. Cordelia losing her freedom would be unthinkable as far as her family was concerned. They’d already railroaded me into being the criminal; having their story torn apart now would be, for them, inconceivable.
I had been assured a lawyer was working on my behalf, but I hadn’t yet met them. Would they believe my innocence, or would they think this was a plot and seek to cover it up? Or would they take a bribe, like no doubt my previous lawyer had? If not for Seraphine assuring me these people were safe, I’d have run. And then probably be dead. Mr and Mrs Wellspring would have tracked me down ages ago.
If they did, at least the precious package would be secure. Simone kept me informed of what was happening there, but the package’s caregiver was pushing me for contact. That scared the shit out of me. I needed everything resolved before I could meet with them.
As the night sky darkened, I walked back to my car and began the drive home. It had been fun, and I’d bought several souvenirs. I knew there were other attractions around Rapid City and swore to investigate them, too. I may have to hide, but I doubt anyone would look for me in tourist places.
When I parked the truck, I climbed out and headed to my front door. A sudden movement in the shadows made me cry out, and I reached into my pocket for my mace.
“That was fuckin’ rude, what you did,” Gauntlet said, stepping out. Angry eyes glittered in the moonlight, and he was seriously pissed.
“I left a note,” I replied, moving away and back towards the Ford.
“Gran was looking forward to it. She’d gone all out and bought special shit for your meal tonight,” Gauntlet snapped. His head cocked as he stopped walking, and I did. Gauntlet took a step, and I moved backwards again.
“I tried telling her I didn’t want to go. But Mrs Jepson ran over me. I don’t want to be friends with anyone here, Gauntlet. Hell, why can’t I be left alone?” I demanded.
“Don’t worry, doll; after tonight, none of mine will bother you again,” Gauntlet replied.
“Good,” I whispered.
Gauntlet turned on his heel and strode away. That was exactly what I wanted.
Gauntlet
Gran was waiting when I crossed the road and walked up her driveway.
“Did you yell at Julie?” Gran asked.
