AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Eighteen
Anya
Isawthevanapproaching and knew it wasn’t good.
The men were out mending fences, and my mother was setting up lunch in the shed. I walked towards the house, wanting to keep whoever it was away from her.
As the van pulled to a stop, two men got out with guns, and I froze.
“Miss Anya Hart. Lovely to meet you in person.” One of them said and I swallowed nervously.
“Who wants to know?” I questioned as I took another step towards the house.
“Stop right there. We are a friend of the men Damien works for. I am here to give you a message.” He said as my mother stepped out of the shed.
Everyone turned to look at her and her eyes darted to me.
“Don’t be shy. Come out and join your daughter.” He crooned, pointing the gun at her.
“Anya…” She started and I shook my head.
“It’s fine, Mama,” I said softly as she walked towards me, her eyes never leaving the man pointing the gun at her.
“What message do you have?” I said, wanting to get right to the point.
“You have two options. Sell to the Fellowship who practically own this place anyway and continue to work here, or you get the product shipped by the end of next week and no one has to die.” He said and I couldn’t help it. I laughed.
“Are you fucking serious? What kind of an option is that?” I said and he leveled the gun on me.
“The only one you have. And just so you know we are clear…” He turned the gun back to my mother and pulled the trigger.
I screamed as I watched her fall, her arm soaked with blood.
“Next time it won’t be a flesh wound.” He said as they climbed back into the van and drove away.
“Fuck, Mama!” I dropped to my knees, ripping my shirt off to press against her wound.
“Fuck. Fuck! I don’t have my phone on me.” I said as I rushed back to the house to get it. I came back out to find her passed out and adrenaline rushed through me.
“No, no, no, no!” I said as I dialed the ambulance.
“I need an ambulance!” I shouted as someone picked up. I rattled off the address as I pressed the shirt to her arm to try and stop the bleeding.
I noticed the dust kicking up on the driveway, announcing another car. Fuck. I needed a gun.
I know Austin used to keep one by the door in case we had to put livestock down. I ran back inside to get it, sending a little prayer of thanks when I found it in the exact same spot.
I stood over my mother as she stirred, murmuring as she tried to sit up and I held the gun up as I watched the Ute approaching.
It was Beau's, but I couldn’t be sure. I didn’t trust anyone. My hands shook as I took a deep breath, the Ute pulling to a stop and I let out a shuddering breath as Beau leaped from the car.
“ANYA!” He shouted as he ran towards me, I let out a sob as he reached me, taking the gun from my hand.
“Are you hurt?” He asked and I shook my head.
“No. they shot Mama. I already called an ambulance.” I said as he gripped my shoulders searching me all over.
“Fuck.” He said as he looked down at my mother.
