Page 4 of Stolen Salvation

Nodding at Bob the landlord, who knew what and who the team were and was talking with old man Johnson, he ordered a pint of IPA from the bar and saw Watchdog waving him toward the table they’d commandeered in the corner.

The villagers were used to them all now, but they hadn’t always given them such a warm welcome. A small village like this one didn’t take kindly to newcomers until they got the measure of them.

Taking his drink, he walked over and sat with his back to the door, knowing his friends would always have his six. “We eating?”

Titan flipped the beer mat in his fingers as he responded. “Hell, yes, I’m starving.”

“You’re always starving.” Hurricane threw a peanut at Titan who caught it like some freaking wizard.

“You boys are truly just overgrown children, aren’t you?” Lotus was shaking her head in disgust at the two men.

“Nothing wrong with that, Miss Uppity Pants.”

“Oh, mature, Titan. Real mature.”

Bishop zoned them out as he began chatting with Watchdog about a program, but felt someone come up behind him, and an old, ringed hand landed on his shoulder.

“My boys, I’d like you to meet my mother.”

Bishop swivelled in his chair to take in Mrs Jones, who was seventy if she was a day, and beside her was an older woman who barely made it to her shoulders she was so tiny. Jumping to his feet, he offered Mrs Jones and her mother a seat as Titan did the same.

Wizened eyes looked up at him with a twinkle as Mrs Jones’ mother took the seat. “Thank you, son.”

“Mum, this is Bishop and Titan and their friends.” Mrs Jones looked up at him. “She wanted to come and meet you specifically.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs—?”

“Howard, but you can call me Rose.”

“Well, Rose, it’s my pleasure.”

He kissed her hand and heard her cackle with glee. “Oh, you’re a charmer but you hide so much pain. You need to forgive, Noah.”

His blood ran cold at her words. Nobody called him Noah except his ex, and she was long out of the picture. “I don’t hold grudges, Miss Rose.”

An aged, wrinkled hand grasped his with more strength than he’d expected. “Dear heart, you do, and it’s ill placed. You need to forgive if you’re going to heal the rift with your other half.”

Bishop looked at Mrs Jones for help and she smiled. “Mum is somewhat of a psychic.”

Bishop relaxed, his shoulders dropping from the state of tension they’d been in when she spoke her warning. “Ah.”

“You don’t believe?”

Bishop angled his head to Rose. “I didn’t say that. I’m just more of a sceptic.”

“That’s okay, son, you’ll see. Your destiny is bringing the past and future together.”

“Okay.”

“You’ll see.”

“So, Miss Rose, are you here long?”

The old woman pursed her lips and frowned at her daughter. “Damn girl made me come live with her so she can take care of me like I’m a child needing my nappy changed. I’m a God damn grown woman. Been through a war, worked the land, and raised my babies when my husband, God rest his soul, was killed in action. I don’t need a babysitter.”

Bishop rolled his lips to keep from smiling. He loved her feisty spirit, even if her words from earlier terrified him slightly. “Maybe she just wants you close. Maybe she needs you, not the other way around.”

“Hm, maybe you’re right, young man. Perhaps this whole village needs me, and especially you young-uns.”