Charmed Life (29 page)

All hell broke lose.

Grace jumped over the railing, and as she did, Bobby broke free of the henchmen and rushed to her. With a swing of his hand, one of the thugs grabbed hold of Damian.

Stew pulled his revolver again, but wasn’t quick enough.

A second henchman fired a shot dead center of his chest, blasting him back.

Clyde raised his shotgun, and without hesitation, fired off a single shot, taking out one of the thugs. He shifted the chamber and shifted his aim. “Put down my granddaughter.”

He did.

“Freddy,” Clyde ordered. “Call emergency services. Rhoda, run in the house and get me the duct tape.”

Rhoda took off running.

“Damian.”

“Yes, pap.”

“Lift that slingshot of yours.”

On the grass, Bobby held onto Grace. “You OK?”

“I’m sorry.”

“No, are you OK?” Bobby asked, cupping her face in his hands. “I thought I lost you.”

Grace nodded. Everything caught up to her, and she just started to cry.

Taking her back into his arms, and watching all that transpired, was all Bobby could do at that moment.

+++

It didn’t take long for the Theresa to show up along with the State police.

The Chief of Police was in pretty bad shape and things were uncertain for him.

The two henchmen that remained alive were in their own bad way. Duct tape wasn’t good enough from Freddy. He sought out the industrial strength Fly strips.

Things had just settled, the ambulance’s had left, and the state police were speaking to Grace when the FBI showed up.

They informed the State police that they would take it from there and brought them all into the house.

“The one’s dead,” Agent Wilson stated. “Two are in custody. Mr. Carlotta, he’s lost his eye.”

“What now?” Bobby asked. “Is it over?”

The agent looked at them.

“I’ll ask again, is it over? Can we just move on?”

“I’m afraid. It’s not that simple. In fact,” the agent said. “It’s probably worse.”

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

Los Cruces, New Mexico

“Dust,” Freddy coughed a fake cough. “I’ll never adjust.” He slipped through the doorway, by the boxes. “Vampires live in this town. That’s why no one’s out.”

Grace chuckled. “They do not, Freddy.”

“Yes, I think I caught a glimpse of a coffin. I need to find some garlic. A crucifix. I need to find religion.”

“Coming through,” Bobby said, carrying a box. He dropped it on the floor.

Freddy coughed. “More dust. It’s the sand. The desert.”

“Freddy’s complaining.” Grace said.

“I see that. Where are the girls?” Bobby asked.

“Regan is asleep and Rhoda and Damian are outside,” Grace answered.

“Which is where I’m going,” Freddy said, walking to the door. “They steal children in towns like this.” Freddy screeched to a halt before leaving. “Oh, princess. Before I forget…I hear there’s a writer a few doors down. You can make a friend with him. Probably a vampire.” Freddy walked out.

Grace exhaled and faced Bobby. “So.”

“So.”

“What do you think?”

“We’re alive and safe,” Bobby said. “I can handle this. The kids can handle it. I’m not so sure my parents are all that happy about starting a business all over again. They’re ready to retire. I’m also not so sure they can handle Freddy living with them. Or if this town can handle Freddy living here.”

“I’m sorry this had to happen.”

Bobby waved out his hand and winked. “Sometimes a fresh start is good. Hey, look where it got us when you got your fresh start.”

“True,” Grace stepped to him.

“Who knows?” Bobby took her into his arms. “Things may be perfect. We may finally found a way to live a peaceful existence.”

“Dad! Dad!” Rhoda raced in the house. “Damian got Freddy stuck in a cactus.” She ran back out.

Bobby smiled at Grace and tilted his head. “Maybe not.”

END