The target moves back after Winter placed a new sheet over it. Then begins to swing. I aim, track and pause, waiting for the moment I think I need. This is a learning curve, the same as anything else. It’s all about timing! Shoot.
This time I’m near the center of the target and I give Winter a huge smile, which she returns. “Well done, Vicky. In your next lessons, we’ll use different weapons. Shotgun, rifle, and even crossbow.”
“Can’t wait. I’m really enjoying the lessons.”
“That’s what I like to hear. Now, let’s get you out of here. By the way, the kutte looks great,” Winter comments, and I can see she means it.
I strut up and down as though on a catwalk, swaying my hips and twirling. We are both laughing at my antics, but I am proud to wear it. Property of Chaos isn’t such a bad thing, because he knows damn well he is Property of Victoria.
Parking near the bridal shop, I check my phone as I’d heard it buzz while I was driving. Hammer has sent a message. I knew Chaos had given my contact details to the club brothers, as he’d warned me I might get messages or calls from them at any given time.
There is a photograph, and when I open it, it’s a headstone. My heart lurches, and I hold my chest for a moment. Breathing through my nose, in and out. I need to calm myself down.
The headstone has a rose on one side. The engraving makes my heart race.
Bethy and Art Forester-Collins
Siblings together
‘Two stars in the sky, always seen and remembered’
It is that simple, no date of birth or date of death. It's a straightforward portrayal of a brother and sister sharing death.
The message, along with the photograph, simply asks if that is okay. I text a reply that yes, it is perfect, and to please let me know when it’s completed. I sit for over thirty minutes. Allowing thoughts to flow. My heart aches for my best friend, and even some for Art who had lost his way.
Eventually, I climb out of the truck and head into the costume shop. Now I’m, for some reason, supposed to get a Cleopatra costume, but you know that’s not really who I am. I’m going to have a look around, and if I see something I like better, I’m going to contact Star and tell her I don’t want to be Cleopatra. In fact…
Victoria: Star, I don’t want to be Cleopatra. I’m at the costume shop and going to look at what they have. I’ll let you know what I’m comfortable wearing.
Star: Stay right where you are. I’m coming.
“Hi, I’m Brooke. If I can help you in any way I’ll be over at the counter.”
Turning from where I was looking at a pirate costume that I think would look very nice on Chaos, I smile. “Thank you. I’m waiting for a friend at the moment.”
“No problem. There is a coffee corner,” Brooke points to where a small table has a coffee machine, cups, and a condiment bar. “Take your time browsing. We are never in a rush here, and we do alterations if needed.”
“Thank you so much,” I reply and watch as she walks over to where she was working behind a beautiful counter. It has engravings on the front, but from where I’m standing I can’t see what they are.
Oh, now this looks cool. I pick up a cowboy hat and put it on my head. Look at myself in the mirror on the wall and grin. Yeah, I can see myself as a cowgirl.
The door opens and Star enters, “Hi, Brooke. How are you?”
Brooke gives Star a massive smile, and it is obvious they know and like each other. “I’m fine, Star. How are you and that hunk of Meat you have?”
Hunk of Meat! I like it. The pun is cool.
“We are good. Meat thinks we are trying for a baby, but I’m not ready yet. But the trying is fun,” Star states, then cackles at some memory she must have in that weird mind of hers.
“I think we go western,” I state, grabbing Star’s attention for a moment.
She frowns at me, then looks back at Brooke. “Where’s Lily?”
“She’s gone to look at a place for sale in Pinecrest Valley. She keeps telling us it’s time to expand.” Brooke rolls her eyes, and I look away because the smirk on Star’s face says they both are going to laugh in a minute.
I leave Star speaking with Brooke and head back to the western section. Replacing the hat, I look at the fringes on skirts, chaps and vests. I could be a rodeo girl with a white blouseand fingerless leather gloves. “Star,” I shout, “WE ARE going western.”
It takes a while, but I get Star to agree, and she contacts Kya who apparently is the girl gang leader. Whatever the girl gang is I don’t know yet, but I’m one of them now it seems!
