Free Target 84 by K Larsen

grass smells like it’s been freshly cut. White chairs adorn either side of a blue aisle runner. The final head count for the ceremony reached thirty guests. All eyes are currently on Pepper in her cream-colored gown. Her dress follows the curve of her body without clinging. A V-neck plunges enough to be sexy without overdoing it, and the cut at the bottom shows a hint of her ankles and strappy shoes. The shoes are to die for. We picked them out together just yesterday: stiletto with rhinestones, and straps. Really, she could have just worn those and been perfect. I snicker at my thoughts and raise my hand to my brow to shield the sun from my eyes.
    Pepper stops at the end of the aisle and a rogue tear cascades down her cheek. Allie is the only person in the wedding party and I’ve never seen Sawyer look quite so hot before. The man was made to pull off a linen suit. Hoot, Beau, and Dom all sit in my row with me. Besides a couple of guys from the gym Pepper and I work out at, and Pepper and Clara’s therapist, the rest of the guests are Mayhem brothers and their old ladies.
    Clara starts to speak. She’s marrying them today and it’s bittersweet, really. From lovers to friends to bitter, jealous shrews, Sawyer and Clara have done it all together. Yet here they stand, supporting each other’s new lives and happiness. It baffles me. If I were Pepper, I would have killed Clara long ago. Hoot’s hand rests on my thigh. I stare at his profile and wonder, if I just let him in, all the way in, would I have what Pepper has?
    No. I don’t feel anything for Hoot. I use him and that’s it. He doesn’t dominate my thoughts unless I’m horny. He couldn't possibly be the one. I brush his hand from my thigh and refocus on the couple in front of me. Such joy. Abundant adoration. They radiate emotions that I war with. Emotions that I'm not even sure I’ve truly experienced or ever will.
    Vows are said. Promises are made and Pepper and Sawyer strut halfway down the aisle before he sweeps her up into his arms and kisses her passionately the rest of the way down the aisle runner. I’m looking forward to the reception at Mayhem’s clubhouse. I could use a few shots and some loud music.
    I’d like to lose myself tonight.

 
     
    Chapter Ten
    ATF Agent Bentley James
    “We're looking for redemption. It was hidden in the landscape of loss and love and fire and rain. Never would have come this way. Looking for redemption.” - JARS OF CLAY – “REDEMPTION”
    The local police department is a joke. The building is outdated and the cops inside appear to be as well. They are huddled around one desk throwing money into an empty coffee can as I enter the room.
    “Good morning, detectives, taking donation for the policeman's ball?” I quip, not caring who I insult.
    “We don't have balls,” a young-looking detective answers, confused.
    “I actually have no response to that,” I volley back. The young man’s eyes widen as he understands the punch line of my retort. It is priceless. A few other men groan and punch him in the arm for his slip-up. No doubt he’ll be hearing about it for months to come.
    “Agent James, yeah?” A bald-headed man greets, stepping in front of the young man who still looks embarrassed.
    “That’s me.”
    “Chief Harvey.” He grips my hand too tightly and shakes it. “Come into my office so we can discuss details.” He ushers me down a long row of desks until we enter his glass-door room he calls an office. Shutting the door behind us, he half lowers the crooked, cheap blinds to give the illusion of privacy.
    “How many men can you commit to a protection detail?” I ask, sitting uncomfortably in a chair left over from 1971.
    “We have two new cops that would be happy to get some experience logged.”
    “You can't win a war without a few strategic losses, no matter how regrettable they may be, but I’ll be damned if those losses will be on our end. I need more than two men. We’ve got Clara