Page 59 of Chasing Liberty

“Maybe you should stop feeling sorry for yourself and go change things.” Cave had always been a man who never splintered the truth.

“It is what it is.” He downed the whiskey in one gulp. The burning sensation sliding all the way into his gut was a relief. “Liberty made her decision.”

"Talked to her lately?"

"Not at all."

Cave massaged his forehead. "Her sisters are protecting her. It's as tough to get a hold of her now as it was tricky for us to return from Mexico, unlike the easy crossing we had going there."

"That was unwise," Wyler chuckled. “But getting past the sisters would be far worse than border patrol.”

"You have a point," Cave said, chuckling.

Wyler glanced at the envelope with his name on it but didn’t care what was inside. "Besides, she's not interested in talking to me."

"She might not right now, due to grieving, but give it time..."

Wyler placed his feet on the floor. "I'm mourning as well. She's acting as if I'm not in pain too, pushing me away."

Cave raised his hands. "Easy, I didn't say you were to blame. Lower the weapons, buddy."

"Right. This isn't on you. How's she doing?" Wyler said, touching his face.

"She's fine. Excited about being an aunt."

"I can imagine." Wyler grabbed some popcorn out of a nearby bowl and munched on the stale kernels.

"Josephine’s also your niece. You’re still family, man."

Acknowledging this, Wyler straightened up. "Appreciate you letting me know. You're doing well for yourself."

"Honor wanted me to come here."

"To ensure my well-being?" he inquired.

"Her hope was that I might be able to reason with you," Cave admitted openly.

"The relationship with Liberty is over for me."

"I'm hardly one to offer guidance," Cave said as he got up. "Apologies for the abrupt departure. I gotta get back to Honor and Josephine. Can we talk later?"

Wyler stood and extended a steady handshake to Cave. "Sure. I appreciate you stopping by. And once more, congratulations."

"And just a tip, tidy up this place and wash your body," Cave chuckled as he walked onto the porch.

Wyler slammed the door and headed to the kitchen for a sandwich.

Returning, he noticed the envelope again.

After polishing off his sandwich and a big swig of whiskey to wash it all down, he tore open the envelope.

Inside were photographs.

Of Liberty.

And a cowboy.

Wyler stood up so fast the photos fell to the floor and scattered