Behind Their Shields
Story by James Matrix on SoFurry
Imported from SF2 with no description provided.
Hello, all!
I wrote this story that had been rattling around in my head for awhile now. I felt the need to tell their story. I used my fursona name here because it just felt right, even though it's not really a reflection of me. I hope you enjoy it!
James would swear he could hear the cicadas over the sound of his car bouncing on the dusty dirt road, if he was a swearin' man. Ma and Pa raised him better than that though. The heat easily bled through the steel of the Chevy, and it along with the humidity were not kind to his fur or uniform. The young wolf refrained from muttering under his breath about such things as he dismounted his car at the fuel station.
“Evenin', sir. I'll be right with ya." the coverall clad labrador called as he fueled another police car. The star and county name emblazoned on the side gave the wolf a miniscule pause.
“Howdy, Trooper!" James followed his ears to see an older human in a white shirt and tan pants strolling over. A gold star pinned to his shirt pocket, and a .38 hung from his hip.
“You must be Sheriff Willis." The wolf greeted with a pleasant smile. “Trooper James Matrix." He held out his right paw.
“Ah yes! The trooper and his wife from the city. Sorry to hear about your pa-in-law. He was a good man, and a good doctor, even if he wasn't mine." The sheriff said, firmly clasping the offered paw and giving it a firm shake. “My wife and I give our condolences to you and yours.
“Mighty fine of you sir. I'll give Anne y'all's best."
“It's meant. We said a few prayers in church for him as well." The sheriff sagely nodded. “Well, welcome to the county by the way. Good to finally meet ya!"
“Likewise sir. I was actually headed to your office to do just that. Figured I should meet my fellow officers in the area. I'll be up and down the interstate, but no doubt we'll run into each other often enough."
“Indeed! It's always a quiet county, but sadly it seems the criminal elements are also moving some of their operations out of the city and into the surrounding countryside. Disgusting"
“I quite agree. Friend in the capital's detective unit says they've done well cleaning them up, but it's only chasing them out to these parts. It'll be my pleasure to assist in stemming that tide though."
“I'm glad to hear it, son. You and your wife moved into the doc's house, yes? I hear she's taking over her father's work as well. Never had a lady doc in town before."
James chuckled politely.
“Well, her dad sent her to the best medical school he could afford, and she wanted to move out of the city when he passed, left his part of the practice to her."
“I see." The sheriff nodded, glancing up at the labrador as he finished fueling the tan police car. “You have any pups?"
“Not yet. Not for lack of trying though." He said with an appropriately manly chuckle.
“Must be tough with a working wife." He said, poker faced.
“It will be, yes. Family is first though. Already got the building permits for the land. We're building a new office on the ranch. Bit further out of town, but pa's patients want to stick with the family business. Doc Mather and Mrs. Mather will be holding down the fort, and Sister Patrice will be around as well. She'll be able to be with the kids, but hold down the family business. Pa paid off the house, land and the new Packard so we sold our place, her car, paid off my truck, and got the cash for the permits and building supplies."
“Sounds like y'all have your futures well in hand. Good to hear from hard working young folk."
“Our mothers and fathers raised us right, sir."
“Glad to hear it." The sheriff paid out the gas fee and prepared to take his leave.
“Well Trooper Matrix, it was nice to meet you. Welcome to the area. Let me and Belle know if you and Mrs. Matrix need a thing."
“I appreciate that sir. Hope you have a fine day." The two officers shook hands and the sheriff took his leave, a small dust cloud settled as the only indication he was there after a short moment.
“Well. That went well." The lab smiled carefully at the wolf, who's hackles he was smoothing down, unable to hold them once the sheriff left.
“Indeed. Oh, just top her off please. And I'll take a pop if the machine is cold. Hot as heck out here." He pulled at his stiff collar.
“Of course sir. BIlly, by the way." The lab offered his paw. “Welcome to the county. I actually mean that too."
“Thank you, name's James." The shook hands. “If you don't mind me asking, not to gossip like a housewife's book club, but he cleary rubs you the wrong way. Something off about him too."
“He is a powerful man here in the county. Family is old money and politics. Not too fond of foreigners and our kind. Just be thankful you're not, say, a shepherd or akita. Nice 'normal breed' he'd say. You're a lawman, and you have a proper family. That'll go a long way too." The wolf listened as the labrador began fueling the chevy. “You in the war?" James shook out of his musings at the question.
“Yeah. Army. German front. You?" He asked.
“Navy. Pacific front. Fought the japs. Sheriff was out there too in the Marines. My destroyer offered bombardments for his unit a few times during the war. That and this business being in the family for years has left me and missus in his good grace."
“Hm. I'll keep that in mind."
“I don't like to soil a man's name, 'specially to a newcomer, but I gotta worn a fellow fur, and one that'll be working the roads with him and his men. God, manners, and hospitality are the only good things in that man's head and heart, as far as our kind are concerned with him and his men. I'll leave it at that."
“Well, thank you Billy Brown." The two young men shared a silence as the pump finished filling the police car with a thunk and wir.
“Receipt?" The lab asked as he totalled the amount on the register.
“Please. Expenses will pay me back." The wolf opened his bill fold and offered a few to the lab. “Seems a little low. She was on fumes."
“Gas is half off, and pop is free to the lawmen and firemen. Another thing to keep the deputies happy. It applies to everyone though. Couple city slicker feds came through a couple weeks ago and I offered it to them as well. They were surprised I could even tell. Let them know suits weren't too common to the locals, except for the banker. Also they left the gumball light on the back seat." He said with a chuckle, handing back a few coins.
“That's mighty fine of ya. Thank you." The wolf smiled as he eagerly took the offered frosted glass bottle. He took a swig and nearly moaned as the cold, fizzy sweet drink hit his throat. “Darn good."
“Perfect for this fierce heat. Cicadas need to quiet down too. Can barely hear a man holler over it."
“I agree with that. Well, I'm fixin to start my beat." He offered the lab a small card. “Call me if ya need a thing. Office and house are on there. Gotta stick together these days. You seem like an honest sort."
“Thank you James. Likewise. I'm sure the missus will want to meet you and yours when we have the time. She always likes to greet the new furs."
James took his leave and began his rounds, silently cursing the heat.
James was soon pulling out of the brush behind an old Cadillac out on the interstate. The number plate was that of a known smuggler and Radio had informed him that some city cops were tailing, and needed a trooper to pull the car over outside the capital's limits.
James spotted the black Ford carrying the two detectives in question, and eased his big chevy passed them. Pulling behind the Caddy, He flipped a switch and the gumball on the roof lit up and began its rotation, a dash mounted red steady burn on the rear activated alongside a pulsing yellow light. The next switch activated the roof's siren. Almost immediately the Cadillac surged forward. James swore and put his foot down, hoping the newer Highway Patrol Chevy could keep up. Even an older Cadillac was still fast on the flat, straight highways of the central state. The black ford behind him activated its siren as well, a steady red burn light in the windshield announcing its part in the chase.
Minutes passed as the wails of two police cars gave chase to the criminal Cadillac. The Cadillac slowly left the Ford behind, but the Chevy kept up. The state paid for the big engines for just these things, and it worked. To James' sudden surprise, the Caddy's left rear tire struck a pothole and gave out, sending the swerving car off the interstate, through a fence, rolling down a gully, and resting on its roof. James cut the siren, and unlocked the shotgun on the dashboard.
Using the vast hood of his car, he trained the 12 gauge on the Cadillac.
“I want to see some hands! NOW!"
The passenger door opened and a silver glint showed itself in the mid-day sun.
BANG BANG BANG
Large caliber rounds struck the dirt near the trooper. James kept his hands steady and unloaded all 5 of his rounds into the Cadillac. Drawing his .38, he heard the Ford screech up. The two detectives ran up, pistol and shotgun trained on the now silent but smoking car.
“Moving up."
The three officers cleared the car, finding two dead criminals inside. The driver crushed by the steering column, the passenger, who had fired a Colt 1911 at James, dead from buckshot.
“Well, that's two less assholes in the city. Hoped we could talk to them, but maybe we can find something in the car." The human detective said, walking back to the Ford to use the radio.
The other detective, shotgun resting on his hip, regarded the trooper.
“Glad we could offer some city fun to the country cop." The fox said with a distinctly wolfish grin.
“Last I checked Kowalski, my Chevy was the one to not lose them, and it was my shotgun that shut these idiots up."
“Yeah, well, I'd like to see that lumbering thing corner in the capital. You good? Doesn't look like you or your car were hit. Lousy aim."
“Yeah we're both good thankfully. Less paperwork. Must've been the 6 spirals the thing did before it stopped. That probably didn't help his aim or sight."
“Hey, Ski. Coroner and a tech guy are on their way up now. LT wants us to take point on this search, but asks if you can stay and help, Trooper. Our case, your chase."
“Yeah of course. I'll stay and help out. It'll keep county at bay if anything. Less fingers in the jurisdiction pot the better."
“Agreed." The bespectacled detective said, “Smith. Ski talked about ya before. Said he saw your ugly mug pass us before the fun started. Served together?"
“Matrix. Yeah we did. Good to meet'cha." The two exchange a few pleasantries, as is polite, before James took the initiative, “Let's get started."
The three officers began their work in cataloguing everything in the car, finding all sorts of goodies that made the detectives quite happy with themselves. Much to their dismay, the coroner took several hours to arrive, and the heat was not kind on the dead.
“So. Now that we're almost done here, how's the city treating ya?" James asked his friend, all three officers a good distance from the now odorous Cadillac.
“Good! How's the rural life to you and Anne? New house and all that."
“It's been good. Enjoying the quiet. The town is nice enough, and still close enough to the city that we can go and see a show or something."
“I get that. Good to see Anne taking after her father. Lucky man to bag yourself a lady doc." He smiled at James, a strange look in his eye.
James noticed his friend's partner was over with the coroner, and all were busy in conversation, well out of earshot, especially with the cicadas' roar.
“Josh. You should come up this weekend. I get off Friday evening. Anne would love to see ya. Plus she has a conference on Saturday through Sunday for the state medical board stuff. She'll be downtown in the city. We can fish, hunt and whatever. Whole house and ranch to ourselves."
“She won't mind?"
“Not at all. She'd be happy to see ya. Plus it's been too long for us." He sid, smiling lightly at the fox who studied the wolf's face with interest.
“Yeah. I can take the weekend off. I'll drive up Friday night. Have some dinner with Anne."
“Well you can take the bus too. Heard an advertisement that they got the new air conditioned one running on the line through here. I've got my truck, Anne has her car, we won't need yours."
“It's a deal." The fox smiled brightly. It was soon back to business for the cops and coroner.
A few hours later, James had finished filing his paperwork at the barracks, and drove the big Chevy home. As he pulled into his driveway, he saw Anne exit the house with a pleasant smile and walk down to the driveway.
“Hey, hon!" She said as she approached her husband. Anne Matrix was a young but brilliant woman with a fierce intellect and a fiercer demeanor. She adored her husband, and she loved her work as a doctor as much as she loved being a wife. Most women found her offensive and intimidating. The “traditional" housewives found her balance of work and family to be blasphemous, and the “modern" women found her devotion to keeping a clean and proper household for her family to be equally as blasphemous. Anne just didn't give a damn. She may not “fit in" with most circles in the city or countryside, so she made her own. She had her purpose in life, which was more than most men and women could say, and she stuck to it. Society be damned.
James wrapped his arms around her tall but petite form. Her head furs were immaculately curled and kempt, and her summer dress was perfectly spotless and wrinkle free. The yellow and white flower pattern on the blue cloth just made her black fur and blue eyes shine brilliantly. James thought her beauty was just one more thing some people were jealous or intimidated by.
“Hey babe. How was your day?" He asked after they shared a passionate but properly chaste kiss.
“Excellent! The renovations to the kitchen are done, the new air conditioner is installed between the kitchen and living room, I approved the final plans for the office, and the bills and receipts are all sorted. How was yours?" She asked. They now had moved inside and she hung his hat on the rack by the door, and took his leather gun belt, pistol and all, from him as he removed the weight. James revelled in the newly cool air inside his home.
“Oh goodness. That air is a god send." He said, speeding the process of removing his boots and uniform dress shirt. Anne stood with his gear and clothes, accepting each new addition to the growing pile with an amused expression. Once James was clad in only his undershirt and under shorts, he answered her.
“Thank you! It wasn't bad, lots of paperwork, and few tickets. Nothing crazy."
“Uh huh. Nothing crazy, huh? Even over the day's sweat and stink I can smell gunpowder and death on your clothes." She said, one eyebrow up, a light knowing smile on her face.
“Okay yeah. Some smuggler was running from Josh and his partner in the city. Needed HP to help pull the idiot over. He ran. Shots were fired. Everyone's fine minus one wrecked Cadillac and two dead perps."
“Good to hear." She leaned over and pecked his cheek. “At this point I'd think you'd know not to lie to your wife. I call you out on it. Cold sweet tea and beer is in the icebox and I have a sandwich in there as well for ya. DInner won't be ready for a couple hours. Started the roast late."
“Thanks hun."
“Yup! Gun will be in your office. Clothes will be in the wash. Yuck." James helped himself to the sandwich and a beer. He parked his sweaty ass on a chair in front of the AC.
Anne returned to the kitchen from her chores and laughed.
“What?" James asked bewildered, a half chewed bite of the beef sandwich still in his maw.
“Don't talk with your mouth full. Rude." She chuckled, “And you sitting with your jewels practically hanging out, air condition blowing your stink across the house. It's just funny."
“Ah. Well after working outside all day, it's hard for me to keep my sundress pressed and hair curled." He shot back with a smile.
“Fair enough. If I had to bake all day in that beast out front I'd be pretty gross too. I have to confess that after it was installed today, and I walked back over from the work site, I held my dress up to it for a few minutes." James laughed at the picture.
“It's an amazing piece of tech that our bank accounts will not soon forget. Worth it though. Gotta say, the kitchen looks amazing. You did well working on it." He looked about, finally taking in all the new cabinets and fresh appliances from Sears. He liked what he saw.
“Thank you! Being smart with our money paid off. Selling my old car and the house paid off your truck and the kitchen, plus some extra. Dad's savings bought the office. I know our accounts are a little more empty then you'd like, but we'll easily bounce back. Paid off house and land, and two paid off cars makes things perfect."
“You being here for it all makes it perfect, hun. I'm gonna stop stinking up your kitchen and take a bath. Thanks for the food. The roast smells amazing and I'd have gone feral without the sandwich."
“Of course. Oh! Did you say hi to Josh for me? Almost forgot you mentioned him." She asked as she poked around the kitchen, checking the dinner.
“Yeah! He's doing well. Asked him to come over Friday for the weekend. Have dinner with us, and while you're at your conference, we can fish, hunt and chill in front of the air drinking beer."
“Of course he's welcome! I'd be thrilled to see him. I'll go shopping tomorrow and can whip up a casserole and pie for dinner. All of our favorite." she said, buzzing with excitement.
“That would be great, doll. Thank you!"
“Of course!" She paused as she lit up a Lucky Strike from her purse, and held the tin and lighter out to James. He took one and lit it. “I need every excuse to use this kitchen properly, or the barracks, sheriff's station and doctors office will be inundated with baked goods and casseroles."
“I totally get it. You'll have to teach me sometime. I should probably know how to cook and use all these fancy things if you'll be traveling a lot."
“I'd love to."
“Oh! Before I go. I've gotten some weird vibes from the sheriff and his men. Not a lot of trust on our side with them."
“Our side? As in highway patrol or furs?" She regarded him seriously. James pondered a moment.
“Both. Cap warned me about the area, and that the local furs are weary. Sheriff asked a lot of questions about us when I bumped into him. Nothing unusual for us in a new small town, but it set off those old warning bells."
“I understand. I'll be careful and keep safe. Especially if Captain Morgan is weary." She raised her dress on her left leg to show a small revolver resting in a band on the inside of her leg, just above her stockings. “I got precautions."
“That's my girl. Love ya hun. I'll go wash now."
The week flew by from there, and before James knew it he was standing at the bus stop in the town center. He didn't even have time after shift to change. He stood under the shade of the awning and his patrol car was a block down, parked under the nearest tree. James stood idly, lighting up a smoke and watching the town folk go by. Many waved and said polite hellos, and he did the same back. Most of the people seemed to approach more out of curiosity then politeness. James didn't mind of course. Small town folk aren't used to newcomers, especially from the city. They'd naturally be curious. Having grown up in the Bible Belt, James and his wife were perfectly adept at the never failing politeness. As Anne would say, “They'll smile, ask how your kids are doing, say they're looking forward to seeing you at church next sunday, and offer a piece of pie or a glass of sweet tea as they sink a knife into your chest."
As James let his thoughts wander, a large silver bus rounded the corner at the supermarket. James glanced at his watch and saw it was right on time. The bus eased up to the stop, and James noticed that the words “AIR CONDITIONED" emblazoned on the side were larger and more prominent than the actual bus company's name. He couldn't fault that as he felt more sweat drip down his back.
The bus occupants, all two of them, disembarked the bus followed by a fox that greeted the waiting wolf.
“James!" He said shaking his friend's hand, “Good to see ya! Feel like you're rolling out the red carpet for me. Got a police escort."
James laughed at his plainclothes friend. The fox was wearing nearly white slacks, and a white button down short sleeve shirt tucked in. Also tucked into his belt was a slight bulge where a badge and a revolver were clipped to his right side inside his belt. His headfurs were slicked back, and his muscles were accented just right in his clothes. Damn he looked good.
“Right. A police escort for the most obvious 'not a cop' looking guy in the bus. Good to see ya bud. Car is over there."
“Damn. These highway cars are nice. Didn't get to look at it closely with that case earlier this week." James put Josh's bag into the back seat and got into the car.
“Oh yeah. It's a beast. Two way radios are awesome too. Work almost anywhere in the county."
“Wow! The lack of big hills and skyscrapers must help. In the city some of the hills and river sides are nearly impossible to get a signal in. The new skyscrapers are going up too and that doesn't help."
“I bet that does it." James and Josh sat in silence as they left the town and hit the back roads. James looked over at Josh and found him regarding the wolf with fond eyes.
“It really is good to see you." He reached out with his left hand and grasped James' right paw. James looked over and smiled sheepishly.
“Yeah. Same. Really looking forward to this weekend." The two sat in comfortable silence, enjoying what little touch and affection they could allow in that moment. Soon James wheeled the large patrol car off the main dirt road and eased it into a narrow break in the tree line.
“Need me to get out and guide?" He mused, as he watched James struggle the large car into the tight driveway.
“No. I got it. Just didn't swing wide enough off the main road. I was distracted." Finally the car made the turn and he accelerated down the driveway. “I need to trim those trees and move the rocks. Always forget to until I have to get my truck or this into the ranch."
“I'll gladly help this weekend." Josh offered, releasing James' paw as the large, southern farmhouse came into view. “Damn. This is gorgeous."
Josh looked every which way as the while ranch could be seen. Smack in the center of the clearing, sat a large, two, maybe three story white farmhouse. Archways and wood columns dotted a large wrap around porch on the first story. It cleary led around to the back as well. A white picket fence bordered the immaculate front yard. To the left of the house was a huge red barn. The top half of the barn doors were open. Joshua had heard their plans to get horses again, for Anne. To the left of that, off to the side were about a dozen workers smoothing down a concrete foundation, tools, trucks and equipment scattered about. To the right of the house was a large, open shed. James' Ford F-1 Custom pickup sat outside the open bay style doors. Inside the shed, backed into it was a dark green car with a tan soft top that surprised Josh.
“You have a fucking Packard Custom 8 Victoria?! That thing is nearly six thousand dollars!" His eyes darted across the green and tan car, adorned heavily with chrome. It's bright red interior quite evident, even in the shade of the shed.
“It was pa's. Left it to us along with the house and land. He bought it in cash so we sold Anne's old car and paid off my truck. She drives that now." James said with a chuckle.
“Well good thing she drives it! A doctor could get away with it. Everyone would think the mob bought you out if you showed up to the precinct in that thing. I wanna see her run!"
“Well you can ask Anne. Her dad bought it last year since his last car died, and he just so happened to get it in her favorite colors. I think it was meant to be a special gift for when he passed. She treats it better than me. I've only driven it once myself."
Josh regarded James' humor for a moment before realizing the car was parked and James was staring back. The front door of the house opened and Anne walked out wearing white shorts, and a blue sleeveless shirt. She was definitely in the middle of housework. She rounded the front of the car, not sparing a look at James, and gave Josh a big wolf hug.
“Oh my heavens, it is so good to see you!" She nearly squeezed the air out of the fox.
“Good to see you too, Anne! It's been too long. I feel like I should've visited sooner." Anne released her grip on Josh and waived him off.
“Its okay! We've been busy with the move and stuff. Lets get inside out of the heat."
“No love for me?" James said with mock hurt as he grabbed Josh's bag and followed the two inside.
“I see you every day, hon. Josh, I haven't seen in ages."
Josh stopped to study the house's interior as James went through his routine of taking his gear off. The foyer was spacious, but not wasteful. To the left was a large staircase leading to the second floor, and to the right was a closed door, likely leading into a parlor or den. Passed the stairwell the hallway led to the back door porch. He was led into the living room through an open doorway, and took in the living room and and kitchen. A whir filled the room and finally Josh noticed the air was much cooler inside.
“You have a fucking air conditioner?!" Josh walked up to the unit near the window and was amazed at the cool breeze coming from the vents and making him nearly shiver.
“Language! Beer?" Anne asked the two as she exited James' den and opened the fridge up.
“Please!" James and Josh agreed. The two sat at the table in the kitchen as Anne prepared some lunch for everyone.
“Making a light lunch, so don't fill up. Dinner will be ready in a couple hours." She regarded Josh, “so tell me. Any lovely ladies in your life to speak of yet?"
“No ma'am. I think you set the bar too high. Maybe you can find me another lady doc at your conference?"
“I'm gonna spend most of that conference being confused for a nurse or secretary, not a medical doctor. Doubt I'll find you another one."
“Well, I guess I'll be a bachelor till the end of times." He mused. Anne laughed.
“I'll give it my best shot. Every man needs a woman's touch in their life. Even a confirmed bachelor." She smirked at him knowingly.
“Ah. Yes. Well, James is a very lucky man to have you. I hope to be half as lucky."
James, Josh and Anne enjoyed light conversation as they snacked and enjoyed their beer. Dinner came more swiftly then the three furs realized, and the conversation and laughter increased as the libations took their toll. Anne excused herself to get the guest room ready for Josh, leaving the two men alone for the time being.
“Anne is such a sweetheart. I love her to death." He said watching the stairwell she had disappeared up. Without thinking Josh found himself practically rushing James, framing his grey and white face in his paws and meeting his lips to James'.
James startled, but quickly leaned into it and did his part in the deep, passionate kiss. One paw held his slowly warming beer, the the other pulled Josh closer, paw resting on the back of his neck. They parted quickly, both men panting, muscled chests heaving as they touched foreheads and caught their breath.
“Damn. I've wanted to do that for so long."
James swore he could get lost in Josh's bright green eyes. Those shimmering emeralds held so much of his emotion and feelings. Nobody could ever pick up on it. Josh hid himself as a fur behind sarcasm, jokes and a thick veneer of just enough aloofness to keep most people away. James however could read every line, every sparkle as if it were the pages of his favorite novel. At that moment, those eyes were filled with love and adoration, but the pages behind held sorrow, grief, and a longing that this cruel world could never fulfil, even for an angel such as he. A tear dropped from James' eye. He quickly wiped it away, gave Josh a quick peck, and stood up from the leather arm chair.
“Another beer?" He asked.
The fox nodded, a sad but appreciative smile on his face. He heard James acces the ice box and the distinctive pop and clatter of two bottles being opened. He tore his eyes away from the empty chair and took a hold of the offered beer. Taking a swing, he felt the hoppy, slightly biter and nutty taste wash into his mouth. It was but a temporary respite.
Anne bounded down the stairs, returning from her chore with an excited zeal. She slid to a halt at the open doorway, as if stopped by an invisible wall that cut off the kitchen and living room. It felt far too melancholy. Anne felt the buzz clear from her head as her maternal pack instinct kicked in.
“Hey, boys!" She cleared her throat. “The guest suite is all set up for you Josh. You can turn in whenever. It's the first door on the left. Bedroom with an attached full bath."
“Thank you, dear." Josh said with a smile. Some of the weight lifted in the room.
Anne took a deep breathe and paused.
“I'm going to turn in for the night. At least wait till I leave. I'm getting up at 7am and leaving at 8am sharp. Then you two have the house as long as you clean up after yourselves."
“Thank you, Anne." James stood up and hugged his wife and gave her a kiss goodnight. “I'll be up later." With a smile and nod to Josh, Anne retreated up the stairs.
Along pause crept into the room as James returned to his chair and lit up a Lucky.
“She knows." Josh stated as a fact, not a question. He didn't look at his lover.
“Yup. Has since the day she met you on the pier when we got back from France. At least that's what she says, but I think she knew before, or had her suspicions at least." James took a deep drag, and let it out after a long pause. Josh grabbed a Lucky from his tin and lit it up as well.
“Damn." He said, finally regarding James with a look that the wolf couldn't read. That scared James. “How is she okay with this?"
“I don't know. She just is. She doesn't care I like sleeping with men too, and you like sleeping with men."
“Yeah, but she being okay with us liking it is one thing, but knowing it's happening is another."
“Well. She's her own being. She's her own goddess in the Pantheon." James said with a little awe and adoration, Josh failed to barely conceal a wince, “She sees beauty where she sees fit, decides what she wants and what she's okay with on her own terms. If she decides she's fine with this, she's fine with it. She doesn't owe anyone an explanation, or even a reason. She is. That's all that matters to her. She loves both of us, that's for sure. With me, she gets a husband that adores her, a lover that is passionate, and someone who supports her independence and 'crazy woman ideas'. She knows what you mean to me, what I mean to you, and won't stand in the way of that. She likes you as a fur too. I swear she's from another era. Somewhere in the future where everyone can be equal, women, men, humans, furs… all stand at the same height. She gives some concessions to society as to not risk what she has, but she also just does not give a damn. She won't bow to a single being on this green Earth."
Josh pondered that for a long time. The two men were on their next beer and cigarette before Josh answered.
“I'm not sure if I can share that though." James cocked his head at that with concern, “But I guess I can be okay with that."
“Be okay with what? I don't understand."
“Honestly, I thought you married Anne because it was too good to pass up. An amazing wife that you can raise the smartest and fiercest of pups with." He waved his arms around at the house. “A house, two cars and a white picket fence, and the yard soon to be littered with balls, bicycles and toys. Normal." James let out a wry chuckle.
“Anne is anything but normal, and neither is our life. I bet the town is going to be having a weeks worth of Gossip when they see that dark green Packard leaving the town, top down, woman at the wheel, hair curled, scarf tied onto her hair to keep the wind off, sunglasses perched on her snout and leather driving gloves gripping the wheel. My very own Audrey Hepburn. Not a husband in sight as the 'Lady Doctor' goes to the city on a work conference full of MEN. Fuck 'em all." James put out his smoke. “I'm gonna turn in. Getting up with Anne to see her off. Want me to wake you when I get up, or when breakfast is ready?"
“Before Anne leaves is fine. I'll say goodbye."
“Okay." James turned to the stairwell before pausing, returning to Josh and placing a deep kiss on the fox's lips. “Goodnight."
Josh downed the rest of his beer and turned to the guest room. He undressed, alone. Stood under the hot water in the shower, alone. He got into bed and wept, alone.
James showered, scrubbing the day's sweat and grime from his fur. When he was clean and dry, he eased his weight onto the large mattress, occupied by his slumbering wife. He rolled towards her, kissed her cheek, and faced away. As he stared at the wall, a tear came to his eyes, and he quietly wept at the world. The amazing, fantastic, fun, thrilling, blessed life he led, but also the secrets that yearned to be free. Never in his lifetime could he have that wish. James felt the bed shift and a black arm draped across his muscled torso. A light breath tickled his furs as Anne nuzzled him.
“I know, babe. I know. I'm here." She held him like that until the night gave way to day.
The next morning the sun began to cast itself into James and Anne's bedroom, and the alarm clock sprung to noisy, irritating life. A paw slammed the alarm clock off, and two wolves groaned before quickly springing out of bed. No need to chance falling asleep again.
“I'll get breakfast while you gussy up." James spoke as he yawned, sore muscles and joints popping.
“M'kay." Anne stood on her tippy toes and pecked him on the cheek. “I'll be down in a half hour."
James walked his way down the stars, making a beeline for the new coffee pot. In his sleepy state, he nearly gave up on getting the newfangled thing to work before it popped and fizzled into life and began its work. James shook his head, missing his old coffee pot. James brought out a few pots and pans from the cabinets, and some butter, eggs, bread and bacon from the fridge. It was a harder task then he would've liked. The kitchen layout and its contents were in vastly different places than their old house. Twenty or so minutes after the alarm clock, James sipped his coffee as his head cleared. The air conditioner rumbled to life as the morning turned hot, and the stove cast its heat throughout the kitchen.
“Something smells amazing." Josh walked in, wearing a shirt and baggy shorts. “This looks amazing too." Josh regarded the fizzing and crackling bacon with interest, noting bread toasting and eggs popping as well.
“Help yourself to some coffee. Leave a mug for Anne if you value your life."
Josh poured himself a cuppa, and idly chatted with James as he finished breakfast. As soon as the table was set, Anne walked into the kitchen. She set an overnight bag down on the floor and took her seat.
“This looks lovely. Thank you, James."
“You are at least as equally lovely." She got a peck on the cheek before the three dug in.
She really was lovely though. Her jet black hair and fur was immaculate. The sweeping, glossy grace of her hair style accented her face perfectly. Her style was impeccable too. She wore a bright red knee length skirt, with a red blouse and a white jacket on top. Her pearls slung perfectly on her neck, and her white high heels gave her and extra inch. A red and white sun hat was perched on her bag by the door.
Silence set in, except for the rumble of the A/C, a few contented noises from the diners, and those evil cicadas.
At 8am sharp, James and Josh, the latter with a hint of envy, watched and waved as Anne glided away in the dark green packard with its tan top down.
“That is a gorgeous car." Josh shook his head in envy and regarded James, “Gorgeous wife too."
James and Josh retreated into the silent house, and the two found themselves standing across from one another, unsure of what to do with their newfound, but secret freedom. Josh decided what he wanted and crossed the hallway and pressed against James. James didn't feel his head and back thunk against the wall as mouths and paws roamed muscle and fur. Josh pressed his body into James and the passion rose. A few minutes later, with clothes strewn about, Josh again pressed into James.
The two men awoke from a light doze. The midday heat had kicked into high gear, searing the landscape and hill country.
“Fishing? Water in the river is pretty cold. Perfect for this heat."
“Yeah. I'd like that." He snuggled back into his lover's body despite the heat. “I'd like to stay here a bit longer."
Josh revelled in the feel of his lover's fur and body pressed against his. It wasn't often they got this chance. The revelation that Anne knew, let alone supported it, was something he still couldn't process. He wouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth though. Ever since their time in the trenches and burnt out houses of France, he couldn't imagine a life without his friend. The world was full of evil and cruelty, even to the good men and woman. He couldn't get what he would've wanted, but he would take what peace he could. God knew there wasn't enough as it was.
“You ever think of France, or London?" Josh asked.
“All the time." James answered quietly. His ears perked up as he tried to recognize the tune Josh was humming.
“Hey, James! Over here!"
James turned to the man calling out his name, though he could barely hear it over the music and sounds of the dance floor.
“James. This is Mary and Nora." The young stallion gestured to the two gorgeous women.
“Hello, James. Nice to meet you." The blonde gal named Nora smiled and held out her hand.
“Nice to meet you, mademoiselle." The wolf took her hand and kissed it genty, recognizing her Belgian accent.
“Real charmer this one is." Mike said, pulling Mary a bit closer to him. “A dance, madam?"
The stallion and his new friend disappeared into the dance floor crowd as the tunes turned up.
“So sergeant, shall we grab a drink?"
“After you." James smiled and let her lead the way through the crowds and smoke. “Your accent sounds Belgian. Are you from Brussels?"
“Oui. My father works at the Belgian Embassy here in London. It's more of a refugee home at this point. An ambassador of a sovereign nation, now ruled by tyrants. I used to hate living here, but now, even despite the bombs, I'm grateful that we aren't trapped in Belgium like so many."
“I'm sorry. I'd have been perfectly fine entering the war sooner and crushing the nazis before they got real bad."
“It's not your fault. Not sure who's fault it is, except for the nazis. Too many people cast blame. We're where we are, and we have to live with it, whether we like it or not."
“I agree." James smiled. He opened his mouth with the intent of asking her to dance, but she spoke up first.
“Friend of yours?" She gestured to the uniformed fox across the room, clearly having been caught staring.
“He's in my company, yes. Good guy." James answered, studying the young man.
“I'd be lying if I said he was staring at me." She said, seeing James' gaze lock onto the Fox. “I'd guess that he fancies you." She said in a conspiratorial whisper.
James smiled at the fox, and got one in return. They had chatted many times before, but while his affection grew, he stamped it down. He knew Kowalski would not in way would return such dangerous feelings. Until now, maybe.
“Go to him. You may all be dead next week. Life is too short to second guess certain things." Nora smiled at the soldiers.
James bid goodbye to the wise young woman, and swaggered over to Kowalski.
“Hey there. Need another drink? On me."
The fox smiled back at him.
“I'm fine. I would like to dance though." James did too, but not here.
“I have a suite down the road, at a hotel. It has a record player and I have a few records I got mailed over." the wolf said, trying to be casual, but his voice betrayed the hope.
“Lead on, sergeant."
Matrix and Kowalski strolled out into the night dark streets of London. They didn't speak when they arrived at Matrix's room. Nor did they speak as Kowalski took his time looking at the records. After what felt like an eternity of silence to Matrix, Kowalski set the record onto the player and dropped the pin. Brass, wind, and string instruments played out a deep and sultry tune. Kowalski stood in front of Matrix, bodies nearly touching. The fox gently guided the frozen wolf's paw to his own right shoulder. The young, handsome grey wolf stood stock still as the fox placed his own right paw on his dance partners hip. Both felt a jolt of electricity when the fox grabbed the wolf right paw and held him there. He took the lead, and began leading the sergeant into a slow dance as Frank Sinatra began his song.
I had the craziest dream, last night, yes I did
I never dreamed it could be
Yet there you were, in love with me
Matrix's heart thundered in his chest as he felt the fox's heat radiate through their uniforms and into his body. He couldn't break away from those bright, emerald green eyes that gazed into his own grey ones. The touch of another man was foreign and taboo, but also welcome. The fox was quite muscular, and James reveled in the feel of him. Unconsciously he pressed closer to the man, and found himself cheek to cheek.
I found your lips close to mine, so I kissed them.
And you didn't mind it at all
When I'm awake, such a break never happens
How long can I guy go on dreaming
The two soldiers kept their slow dance around the room, Kowalski still guiding the nervous wreck of a wolf. He kept him close and safe.
If there's a chance that you care
Then please say that you do
Say it and make my craziest dream come true
In time that was far too short, the song ended and so did their sway. Kowalski, and Matrix couldn't tear their eyes off each other, nor could either one make a move as they searched each other's gaze for answers. Kowalski, finding himself no longer the bold one, made a tentative move. He raised his paw, and rested it on the back of Matrix's neck, and pulled him a little closer.
Two heart beats hammered in chests, as their breathes tingled their whiskers, only an inch apart. Kowalski brushed his lips across Matrix's. It was a question and a hope. Matrix answered back and tentatively kissed the fox again. It was tender, and filled with equal parts fear and desire. A part of Kowalski's brain had enough of the wait, his lips eagerly finding the wolf's. Wordlessly the two men made out, and quietly undressed. It was a night of passion, need and fear. A temporary quiet before the inevitable storm. Both of them could die in the next few days. Most of them probably would. What was one secret night between two men?
James stirred behind him.
“I have to pee." Josh laughed at the simple comment that gladly broke him of his musing. He smacked the grey wolf's bare ass and gave him the room to get up.
“I'll get some lunch going, and pack up food and drinks. I saw the cooler in the shed."
“Thanks, babe." He bent down and kissed the sexy, gorgeous fox in front of him. “Gonna go pee now."
After a lunch of beef sandwiches, the fox and wolf loaded their fishing gear into the white Ford truck. Once their food and fishing supplies were scure, they began their half hour trek to the watering hole a certain labrador had mentioned, paw in paw.
The watering hole James mentioned wasn't so much a hole, as it was wide, slow flowing river. Josh dipped a paw in, and nearly shivered from that alone.
"This is freezing!" The fox marveled before noticing the wolf was undressing. "What are you doing?"
"Going for a swim, of course." The wolf smiled as he pulled his shirt off, and began tugging his pants down too.
"What if someone sees us?"
"Nobody will. Even if someone does, who cares about a little skinny dipping?" The now stark naked wolf puffed his chest out and flexed a bit, throwing the fox a grin. "Already feeling better!"
Josh indeed felt something. He always thought James was one of the most handsome men he'd ever seen. His physique was something to behold. The tall wolf was built with no lack of muscle or strength. Josh didn't know what pat he liked best. James' arms were solid and strong, and he loved the feel of the flexing in his soft coat. The large pecs were nice too, and the thick tufts of chest fur that always poked out of James shirt always got to the fox. Of course the flat, muscled stomach was a sight, and it happily led to a perfect V. At the end of that V was the taboo prize. James' thick sheath proudly stood out from thick tufts of fur. Josh knew all the buttons to set the man off, even now he wanted to roll those large, hanging balls in their fuzzy sack. A spot of red was showing in the wolf's sheath.
James had long since stopped his little show, and now just gave his fox a fond look.
"I think its only fair I get to admire your body some too."
Josh efficiently undressed. The last thing off were his underwear. Much to his fear, but thrill, his red foxhood was already halfway to attention.
"I see I woke up someone." the wolf smirked, approaching the aroused fox.
James looked around, before quickly leaning into a quick kiss. Josh didn't even have time to register that before James was on his knees.
"Wha-oooooh..."
James took hold of the foxes thick thighs, and drew his tongue from the foxes taint to both his white furry orbs, to the end of his sheathe and finally to the very tip of his cock. Josh's rich, musky scent filled his senses. The taste of his fox's manhood and salty sweat exploded on his tongue. His fox was well endowed, and he loved it.
"James..." The fox panted, "we can't. Not here."
"I'll make it quick."
James knew just what buttons to press. He slicked a finger and pressed it against his lovers taint, messaging it. In one fell swoop, James engulfed Josh in his maw. His nose pressed to his bush as he messaged the flesh with his tongue and throat. Josh saw stars as he felt a finger press against his hole. James pulled off the slick, shiny tool, and began licking the steady stream of pre. The fox's knot was already swelling, and James didn't want to push their luck. He wrapped his paw around the fox's thick not and squeezed it just right. He quickly engulfed the rest of Josh with a hunger. James on his knees with his cock in his muzzle was one of the most erotic and favorite sights for Josh.
Josh's sense were overloading. The sheer audacity of the act filled him with fear, but also an addictive thrill He was getting close and James knew it. Then he felt James' finger breach his hole. His body vibrated as James found that magic button inside him. James locked his suction down on the cock, squeezed the now throbbing know, and added a second finger into the slick and twitching hole. The fox gave a powerful shudder as his full body orgasm crashed into him. James felt Josh tremble and twitch just before jet after jet of pent up fox filled his muzzle. The yipping and moaning fox seemed like his legs would give out at any moment. James eagerly drank it down as if it were life itself. He pulled the cock out of his mouth with pop, giving the overly sensitive red flesh a few more teasing licks.
"Fuck, babe." The fox pulled the wolf up and eagerly plunged his tongue into James' mouth. He loved tasting himself in his man. Using his own fluids, he slicked his paw and grabbed a hold of the wolf's previously unattended cock. The two made out and moaned and within a minute, Josh was holding a shuddering wolf to him as he shot his load over both of them. The two men were left sticky and panting. The heat was now nearly unbearable, and the hot and humid breeze did little to mask the musky scent of their rutting.
"Lets head to the river." James smiled. "Race ya there!"
"Hey!" Josh yelled after the wolf. The furry grey blur careenedto the river, half hard red still jutting between his legs. That didn't last long when the over heated wolf hit the cold water.
Josh laughed at the wolf's thrashing and yelling as the shock of the cold water hit him.
_Well, best get it over with. _
Josh tore after the wolf and followed suit.
A few beers in, a couple caught fish later, the two's chatter was interrupted by a rustling. It was clearly hurried. As they located the source, a man stumbled from the brush and rushed to the two.
“Smith…? The fuck are you doing here?!" the fox regarded his partner. The man wore his badge and gun on his waist, and a rifle was slung on his shoulder.
“We need to leave now. Not much time to explain, but you're in danger. There's a threat on your lives and I got here to get you two to the barracks. Your captain and about a dozen troopers are on their way now, but I'm all you got for now."
“The fuck?" The two fishing cops gathered their supplies, glad for the weight of their .38's on their hips.
“Look. I tried calling the house, no answer. I tried your office, and got no answer. I called your wife's office and the lady said she didn't know where you were, but knew where Doctor Matrix was. Got a hold of her, and she said you had fishing plans, but couldn't say where. Got the word out, and when I got into a town, a gas station guy said he told you about this place. Now I'm here and we need to go."
At the truck and the detective's Ford, they tossed their gear in the back when they were again interrupted.
From further up the drive a flatbed truck lurched to a halt and a dozen men in white robes and hoods hopped out, armed to the teeth. Smith raised his rifle, along with the trooper and detective next to him.
“Police officers! Drop your weapons and get on the ground!"
In retort the robed figures silently raised their weapons and aimed. Time froze for the 2 furs and their human partner. Gunfire broke out. James unloaded his .38 and struck one of the robes in the head and one in his leg. Josh did the same, striking one in the shoulder and two more in the chest. Smith dropped another with his rifle, but a .45 from a 1911 dropped the officer. He fell dead next to the other two as they reloaded.
“Fuck! I need the radio. Cover me!" James rose and fired slowly but steadily as Josh dove into the Ford. Josh spared a peek as he activated the radio, and saw James go down, clutching his stomach.
“Officers down at Ranch Road 2224, river crossing! Shots fired. Trooper down! Trooper-" across the radio net for the city, the yelling could be heard, followed by piercing scream and silence. The calvary was already racing to them, unsure if they were too late. A signal went out, and every county, precinct and barracks close enough, some even too far, raced to the call, fearing a massacre of fellow lawmen. Hospitals dispatched ambulances.
Captain Eugene Morgan of the State Highway Patrol arrived first. He swung his car off the road, hiding it in the bush, hoping to use stealth. He didn't have the numbers he would've liked. A dozen of his men were a few minutes out, but at this point it was an eternity.
Morgan carefully, but swiftly made his way through the brush. The human was deftly using his skills in wilderness tracking and hunting. He stopped when he heard voices. Zeroing in, he moved to the area, his old Army Springfield at the ready. The captain neared the road, and was horrified at the sudden roar of gunfire. He sprinted full tilt, and as he emerged from the brush onto the road, a large truck nearly hit him, full of humans in white robes. Their masks off, he recognized the sheriff, a preacher, and a half dozen deputies. They looked worried, as several of them were lying dead on the flat bed, but they wore vicious smiles. Those smiles turned angry as they saw the trooper and raised their weapons at him and fired. Morgan stood his ground, steadied his aim, and emptied his rifle at the truck. The priest and a deputy fell dead, another wounded. Morgan was unharmed, whether bad aim in a shaky truck, or divine intervention he didn't care. He turned and sprinted to the scene. What he found was blood and shell casings everywhere. James' truck and the detective's ford wore broken glass and bullet holes. Morgan rounded the cars, weapon readied, and balked at the horror he saw.
Detective Smith was flat on his back, a round having passed through his left eye. James was leaning against the police car, appearing dead as he held a fox in his arms. Morgan pressed a hand to James and Josh necks, and was relieved to feel a pulse. He grabbed all the towels and spare clothes he could find from the two cars, and began tying up and applying pressure to their wounds. After he finished what he could, a bloody hand grasped the radio.
“Officers down. One KIA, two critical. I need ambulances here now! Ranch Road 2224, river crossing."
The call was already out, but he did it anyway. Seconds later a chorus of sirens approached, and soon multiple cars screeched to a halt on the dusty road. Troopers ran up, weapons out.
“Is the ambulance here yet?!" The captain asked.
“Not yet."
“Okay! Get me a car now and a middle point between us and the ambulances closest to the hospital, and I want 5 troopers with me for escort. This was an attempted assassination. I saw who did it, and I could be next. Get every trooper, cop, and deputy from any other county you can, except this one, and stage at the hospital. Consider all county deputies working for Willis armed and dangerous. All are to be arrested on sight, as is the sheriff himself."
The trooper looked bewildered and stunned.
“Now sergeant, that is an order!"
“Yes sir!" The Trooper moved out of the way of the other troopers and began the marching orders.
After receiving the phone call from the detective, Anne was filled with fear and near panic. She raced her green Packard down the interstate, praying for her husband and his lover's safety. Her fear only grew as several Highway Patrol cars raced by, lights burning and sirens wailing. Her car could not drive fast enough for her taste. Ten minutes later she saw a police car from two counties over speed by and her fear rose to new levels. Twenty minutes later, she heard more sirens as she entered town. This time, they came down the opposite side of the small paved road. She pulled to the right, and nearly panicked when three ambulances and a half dozen Highway Patrol cars sped by. The hospital, they were heading to the closest hospital. She ran a list through her head and quickly turned the car around, its massive engine giving chase.
Soon she arrived at the hospital and found it was practically a fortress of police officers from a dozen jurisdictions. Anne raced into the ER hearing murmurs of a dead cop. She practically assaulted the nearest trooper.
“Where's my husband? Where is Trooper Matrix?"
“Ma'am. You need to talk to the doctors. I'm sorry."
Anne rushed the counter.
“I'm Doctor Anne Matrix, my husband, Trooper James Matrix is here. What is his condition?"
Anne was filled with near panic, but bolstered herself with her medical profession. It was all she had.
“Anne." A soft voice spoke behind her. She whirled on the familiar voice. She clutched at his arms.
“Captain. Eugene, how is James?" She noticed the blood drying on his uniform and screamed.
“Anne! Anne it's okay. He is in surgery. He and Detective Kowalski, along with Detective Smith were ambushed by klansmen. They fought back, and James and Joshua are injured, but stable."
“What about the other officer?" Anne cried, but steadied herself. She had to be strong.
“He didn't make it. Nobody could've done a thing. Joshua had the worst injuries but James managed to put some pressure on them before he passed out. I bandaged them up, and we had to get them to the medics. The medics did well, and we got here in plenty of time. The station called ahead and they were scrubbed in and ready for us. Blood donations are being offered from every cop in here. They should pull through."
Anne let herself cry a bit on the captain's shoulder, blood or no. After a few seconds, she steeled herself and took a seat a trooper offered. She was as close to the door as she could be. Even her medical credentials couldn't get her near the OR, and it wouldn't do any good. She had to wait. These doctors were good.
“Surgery for James and Josh went well, and they made a full recovery. Josh resigned from the PD out in the city, and moved into our house. He recovered well with James, both under the watchful and skilled eyes of me. James returned to duty and continued to work his old beat, despite many times the brass tried to move him. 'I fought nazis in France, and I'm not letting nazis here to tell me who I can be.' he would say. I always just said 'fuck 'em."
“Grandma!"
“Oh shush. Joshua eventually joined the Highway Patrol and was assigned to the same beat. The rumors were crazier and stronger than ever before for awhile. Whispers of infidelity and inappropriate relations swept through the county. They were all utterly ignored, and even mocked by us. Thankfully the rumors turned to communists and the cold war. Fear of nuclear annihilation has that effect. Assholes."
“Grandma…"
“The more you interrupt the more I swear. Speaking of assholes, Sheriff Willis and 4 deputies, as well as a few other locals were arrested by officers from eleven different jurisdictions. All were charged with the first degree capital murder of Detective Smith, four counts of the attempted murders of Detective Kowalski, Troopers Matrix and Morgan and later Sheriff Carter of one county over, as well as multiple accounts of conspiracy to commit murder, aggravated assault, weapons charges and every code the judge could pass down. They were all sentenced to death under the state court. They did not win their appeals."
“Why were they attacked?"
“Well, the sheriff, a lot of his men and some of the locals were fundamentalist human centric imbeciles. They were KKK. They decided all the furs movin' in, especially cops, were bad for the community. The FBI was suspicious and were investigating them already so they're paranoia was high."
“Did great gpa run the police after?" A small pup asked from the side of her couch.
“Well he eventually became very high ranking, he and Gunkle Josh both. A young Lab named William Brown ran for Sheriff and won. First non human sheriff ever of this county. People tried to corrupt him and run him out of office. Didn't like diversity in their deputies. He retired after 32 years of service. Won every election by a landslide." She answered followed by a fit of coughs.
“Mom it's okay. You don't need to talk anymore if you don't want." An aging wolf regarded her.
“Fuck that. I've never had a chance to tell the full story after your father and uncle's deaths. They would've wanted me to. It wasn't too long ago they passed, and I don't have much time left here either. Someone has to hear it."
“That was years ago, ma."
“When you're my age, a decade feels like a day. Now shut up and listen. I taught you better manners."
Anne finished her story, surrounded by her family. Three generations lived and breathed in this house and she felt so blessed.
Later that night she took a walk. She circled the ranch, breathing in the air, taking the sounds in of the ranch. No cicadas, thank god. She smiled. That summer they were horrid. She walked up a steep path, her determination kept her going, and she didn't want her cane. At the top of the hill, in a fenced off patch, sat two gravestones for her two boys. Joshua was the only person buried here that was not technically a Matrix. In their hearts he was, and that was good enough for the family. She rounded the house onto the path to the offices of her old practice. Her son owned it and ran it now. It, like the rest of the ranch, was familiar yet foreign. The same walls, some of the same furniture, but filled with the next new technology that she had no clue, or desire, to work. She found herself in the garage after more strolling. It was now modern too, well lit, and climate controlled. Her dark green Packard Custom 8 Victoria still sat in its spot, a little worn, but still a sexy beast. It got her to the store for years before she lost her license. Every time she went into town in it she drew many eyes and cameras, as well as the whispers. Everyone knew it was Doctor Anne's car. Finally, with much effort and a creaky set of bones, she opened the car and reached under the seat.
Her hands shook a bit as she opened the leather case. Inside were all sorts of photographs meant only for her and her two boys. She had told the story, as they would've wanted it, but seeing the pictures she wasn't so sure it should be that way. Photo after photo of her, James and Josh. Some she and James were smiling, snuggling, or kissing. A few were of James and Josh doing the same. There was one of all three in Paris in the 60's. They had gone for a reunion with their old unit. Her favorite was the day James pinned Joshua's Highway Patrol badge on at his graduation. Everyone saw a proud friend and mentor, but in those smiles she saw nothing but love and adoration. Now James and Josh were together in peace and love as they wanted and deserved. In her old age she found herself living in an incredible modern era. One of her granddaughters was a cop too, and a lieutenant at that.That funny young lady with a wife had her own show and everything.
Anne made up her mind. She got out of her old, faithful Packard, and gave it one last goodbye. She crossed over the porch they spent many evenings on, sipping juleps and enjoying the sunsets. She climbed the stairs one more time. For the last few years she lived in a downstairs suite, unable to traverse the old, narrow steps. At her insistence, no one had moved into their old room. After a struggle, the elderly wolf entered their room one last time. She felt surrounded by their love and memories, their determination and energy. She opened the night stand, and from a velvet lined box withdrew their badges. Matrix and Kowalski emblazoned under the scrolls that read “Highway Patrol."
Anne, determined to not give a fuck, climbed onto the massive bed and tucked herself in. With the leather case and the two badges clutched to her chest, she muttered “Fuck 'em." and drifted off into a deep eternal rest where she could join her two boys.
Rumors flew once again at the discovery of the box and photographs, and the true reason for the Ranch Road Massacre. The family didn't care. James Matrix and Joshua Kowalski no longer had to hide behind their shields.