Chapter 12
Early the next morning, after a hearty breakfast courtesy of Eloise and Lukas, Moose hugged all the kids goodbye, promising to be back in a couple of days. He leaned down and gave Flora a kiss on the cheek. “I’m so glad to see you back to your old self after the horrific year you had.”
Flora smiled warmly at him. “It was a rough year, but we’ve all come back together and formed this wonderful home for all of us.
” Her resilience shone through, a testament to the strength she had shown after surviving several attacks from a disturbed woman.
It was those experiences that had prompted Bear to leave the SEAL team and start a new chapter of the Brotherhood Protectors, originally founded by Hank Patterson in Montana.
Now, Bear, Link, and Moose were developing their own chapter called the Blue Ridge Protectors here in Virginia.
Just then, Bear tugged Flora away from Moose, teasing, “You can’t have my wife!”
Moose laughed while the kids all groaned at Bear’s antics. Flora rolled her eyes playfully as Bear leaned in to give her a deep kiss, stopping just short of being X-rated. The moment was filled with warmth and laughter, a reminder of the family they had built together.
After saying his final goodbyes, Moose climbed into the truck and started her up, the engine rumbling to life. He waited patiently for Bear, glancing at the clock on the dashboard. “Okkk, Bossman, we have a four-hour drive ahead of us, and we need to be there before lunch…”
Bear emerged from the house with a grin and gave Flora one last kiss goodbye before hopping into the passenger seat. “Let’s roll.”
Moose’s foot stayed heavy on the gas, his impatience to get back to his hometown pushing them forward. Three and a half hours later, the truck slid into a spot at the Blue Star Diner.
“Here’s where we grab some lunch and catch up on the local buzz,” Moose said, his voice dropping low. “And keep an eye out for any strangers hanging around.”
Moose’s mind had been racing throughout the drive with thoughts of Elena and the gang she was running from, The Latin Counts.
Ever since learning about her situation, he had been worried that the gang would reach Banner before he could warn everyone.
The last thing he wanted was for his mom or anyone else to be caught in the crossfire.
As they stepped out of the truck and made their way into the diner, the familiar scent of coffee and grilled food filled the air, momentarily easing some of Moose’s anxiety. The diner was a staple of the community, a place where locals gathered to share stories and news.
Opening the door, Moose was suddenly transported back to his childhood.
This diner had been the hub of the town, where everyone came to catch up and exchange the latest gossip.
The moment he crossed the threshold, memories flooded back—laughter, the clinking of silverware, and the warmth of friendly faces.
A shout rang out from behind the counter, breaking the nostalgic spell. “Mikey!! Oh good Lord, Mikey, you’re back!”
Everything in the diner came to a halt as Gladys hustled around the counter. She rushed toward Moose, enveloping him in a huge hug. The embrace was warm and familiar, filled with the kind of affection that only comes from someone who has known you since childhood.
“Gladys!” Moose exclaimed, his heart lifting. “It’s so good to see you!”
“Oh, it’s been too long!” she said, stepping back to look at him. “You’ve grown into such a handsome man! How long has it been since you’ve been home?”
“Too long,” Moose admitted, a smile spreading across his face. “I’ve been busy with work; you know how it goes.”
Gladys’ expression shifted slightly, her eyes narrowing with concern. “You haven’t been hurt again, have you? I told you to duck when you’re out on those missions of yours!”
Moose laughed lightly as Bear slapped him on the back. “Yeah, Mikey, you were supposed to duck!”
Smiling, Moose nodded. “Yes, Ma’am, I’ve learned to duck better now. But hopefully, I’m done with missions for a while.”
“Come on, sit down! I’ll get you something to eat, and you can fill me in on everything,” Gladys said, bustling back toward the counter, her energy infectious.
Bear followed Moose to a booth, a wide grin spreading across his face. “So, Mikey or Moose… which one should I use?” he joked.
As they settled into the booth, Moose sighed listening to the comforting sounds of clinking dishes and friendly chatter, a reminder of simpler times.
He glanced around, taking in the familiar faces of patrons who had been part of his life growing up.
It felt good to be back, even if just for a short while.
Bear leaned back in his seat, still grinning. “So, what’s the plan, Mikey? You’re not just here for a meal, are you?”
Moose rolled his eyes before his expression grew serious as he thought about the situation with Elena and the gang.
“Nope. I’m going to let Gladys in on the situation.
She’s the first to know if there are strangers in town.
I want her to warn everyone to be careful and not to give away any information.
Unless you’re sick or dying, everyone in this town pops in the diner at least once a day. ”
Bear nodded, his demeanor shifting to one of understanding. “Good idea. Hopefully, no one knows Elena is in town yet.”
Just then, Gladys returned with a steaming plate of food, and Moose caught a whiff that made him clutch his chest dramatically.
“Oh, Gladys, you’re a miracle worker! Your cooking could bring a man back from the dead.
” He gave a theatrical sigh, a playful grin spreading across his face.
“Can you sit with us for a few minutes? I want you to meet my boss and catch up a bit.”
Gladys smiled, her eyes sparkling with warmth. “ ‘Course, love to!” She slid into the booth beside Moose, ready to share in the conversation and the comfort of old friendships.
As the men ate, they filled in Gladys and Shorty, who had come out from the kitchen and joined them at the table, on the situation regarding Elena. They explained that she was an innocent caught in a bad spot, running from a dangerous gang.
Moose finished his meal and leaned back, a satisfied grin on his face.
“Damn, that was some good cookin’, Shorty…
as always.” He wiped his mouth with a napkin.
“I don’t want to scare everyone, but I just want to make sure folks keep an eye out.
We need to ensure these guys move on through town and out the other side without putting anyone in danger.
So if anyone comes in asking about the girl, Elena, she, ummm, hitched a ride to someplace in Virginia with a trucker… or something.”
Shorty nodded, his brow furrowed. “Understood. We’ll keep it quiet-like. Don’t you worry—we’ll get the word out proper without stirrin’ up no fuss.”
Gladys chimed in, her voice warm and gentle, “Now, if y’all hear anything even the least bit suspicious, you just be sure to let us know right away.
Why, in this town, we all look out for one another.
Elena’s a sweet little gal, she is. “We can’t let no harm come to her—not while I’m drawin’ breath. ”
Moose felt a swell of gratitude. “Thanks, you two. It means a lot to have your support. I just want to make sure my mom and everyone else is safe.”
“Don’t worry, Mikey. We’ll make sure of it,” Gladys reassured him. “Now, how about some pie to go with that good cookin’?”
Moose couldn’t help but smile. “Now you’re talking! I wouldn’t say no to a slice of your famous apple pie.”
After finishing lunch at the diner, Moose and Bear stepped outside into the warm afternoon sun.
Moose had a few hours to kill before heading to the farm for supper, and he intended to make the most of it.
First on his list was picking up some things for his mom—small comforts from town that she always appreciated.
Bear stretched and gave Moose a grin. “Looks like we’re gonna have to do some extra PT tomorrow to work off all that food.”
Moose chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, no complaints here.”
“We’re heading to the bakery next,” Moose said. “Mom’s got a sweet tooth, even if she doesn’t always eat much.”
Bear grinned as he walked alongside him down the uneven sidewalk. “Lead the way, Mikey,” he teased, loving every chance to needle Moose with his childhood nickname. Moose shot him a side glance, smirking despite himself.
The bakery was a cozy little place, fragrant with the smell of fresh bread and sugar. The bell jingled as they entered, and Mrs. Henson looked up from the counter, her eyes brightening when she saw Moose.
“Well, if it isn’t Mikey,” she said warmly. “Good to see you home again.”
“Good to see you too,” Moose replied with a small smile, groaning silently as Bear smirked at the nickname once more. “I’m here to grab some goodies for my mom.”
Mrs. Henson nodded thoughtfully and pointed him toward the rows of pastries and cookies. “She always loved the raspberry tarts, didn’t she? Bless ’ur heart, that sweet girl’s always needed a bit of extra care with things, hasn’t she?”
Moose’s jaw tightened, and Bear’s eyes narrowed as they exchanged a quick, silent look. Both men moved quickly through their purchase, eager to get outside before their frustration spilled over into an argument or worse—a scene.
“Yeah. And the cinnamon rolls,” Moose added, voice tight. Bear grabbed a box and nodded without looking at Mrs. Henson.
They stepped out of the bakery and hurried toward the flower shop next door. The florist, a kind woman named June, greeted them with a soft smile, a calming presence after the tense moment they’d just left behind.
June smiled warmly as Moose and Bear stepped inside. “Mikey,” she said, “it’s been a long time. What can I help you with today?”
Moose returned her smile, feeling a flicker of comfort. Before he could answer, June added softly, “I saw your mom in town last week, with that young lady, Elena. She seems to be doing well. It was good seeing her out and about.”
Moose blinked slightly, surprised that Elena had brought his mom to town, but he kept his expression steady. He glanced at Bear, then nodded. “I want to get Mom some flowers,” he said. “Something bright and cheerful.”
June led them to bunches of daisies, sunflowers, and wildflowers gathered from nearby fields. Moose chose a mixed bouquet that reminded him of simpler summers.
As June wrapped the flowers with gentle care, she said, “It’s good of you to think of her like this.”
Moose looked down at the bouquet and nodded, his voice quiet but steady. “She’s been through a lot. She deserves a little happiness.”
Stepping outside, the warmth of the sun brushed against Moose’s skin. A quiet determination settled within him. He knew he couldn’t fix everything from the past, but he could start here—with her, with small things that mattered.
Bear clapped him on the back. “Looks like you’ve got it covered. Now, ready to head out to the farm?”
Moose took a deep breath and looked down the road toward the place that held so many memories and the hope of some kind of peace.
“Yeah. Let’s go home.”