Page 58 of Savage Ends

“Look at these cuties,” Violet said.

Her sister lifted up a tiny costume that was that of a turkey but for a kid.Ava smiled.

“I love kids,” Violet said.

She was aware of her sister’s love of children, but she hated the thought of giving birth.Every now and then, it seemed Violet wanted to start a family.She wanted a big family.Then, there were times when she wondered exactly what Violet wanted.Ava had a feeling she was never going to leave home, and would start her family with their mother.

“Have you ever thought of adopting?”Ava asked.

“Yes, and I have even looked into it, but it is such a long process.I mean, literally years to get approved,” Violet said.“I don’t know.I think maybe having a child of my own, I may go to one of those sperm clinics.”

“You have thought about this?”

“Yeah, it’s what I want, and that way, I don’t have to go through the whole dating thing.Do I?I like my life the way it is, and I know a child would just be the cherry on top.”

Ava looked toward her sister.“I thought you wanted to get married?”

“Yeah, well, it would seem that after having your one and only boyfriend cheat on you with your best friend, it kind of puts a damper on trusting men.”

“Violet, you cannot let that happen.”

“I know, I know, but come on, seriously.Relationships take a lot of work, and I just don’t think I have what it takes, you know?”Violet asked.“I live with Mom, and I love living with her.I don’t want to be anywhere else.”She sighed.“It doesn’t matter.”

Ava wanted to say more, but what else could she say?Her only true relationship was the one she was currently having now, and she snuck out on him that very morning.

For the next two hours, she and Violet continued to put the window display together.Once it was done, she, Violet, and Hazel stepped outside to see if it was eye-catching.

“You girls are amazing,” Hazel said, and kissed their cheeks.

Ava laughed.“We were taught by the best.”

“Kiss ass,” Violet said, and they all started laughing.

They were about to head in when a car pulled into the parking lot.There were several cars in the parking lot, but this was Mrs.Henderson’s car.She was a lovely woman, had several dogs she would take everywhere with her.Ava loved them all, and even now she approached.

“Oh, my days, did you girls hear?”Mrs.Henderson asked.

Ava was stroking one of the dog’s head.A cute little Jack Russell named Richie, and so adorable.

“No, we haven’t heard anything.”

“There was a big shoot-out at the Chaos and Carnage MC garage.I mean, I was in the diner, getting Mr.Henderson his usual sandwich for today, when the bullets came down.I swear, I have not heard that sound in over fifteen years.I thought that man had come back from the dead.You know the one, Bull’s father, Reynolds.I can never remember that man’s name.”

Ava looked at Mrs.Henderson.“What?”

“I even think there were some men working on a car when it was being hit.Rumor has it the younger brother, Grant, came and picked them up.One of them was hit.You had that military one, and then ...what is that guy’s name.Metal, Rust, no, Rusty, that’s it.”

Ava felt her heart racing.

“Mom, please,” Ava said.

“What’s the matter?”Mrs.Henderson asked.

“Go,” Hazel said.“Violet, go with her.”

Ava rushed back into the store, grabbed her car keys, and Bernice was there, at attention, rushing out with her.

Violet was already opening the car as she clicked the button to let them in.This couldn’t be happening.Violet secured Bernice into the back and then climbed into the front.