californiadreaminginpink

[californiadreaminginpink]

Use me

Gator Tillman x OC

Word count: 3080

18+ Minor's do not interact.

CW: Slow burn, future smut, swearing, violence (particularly this part), assault, smoking, drinking. Don't know if i've missed anything?

Summary: A new criminal family has moved to Stark County, opening possibilities up for Roy Tillman, but only if his son can focus, which is difficult when he is intoxicated by the daughter of said family.

Part 2 - Consequences

This is a true story. The events depicted took place in Minnesota in 2018. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred.

The large door mat which lay at the entrance of the police station muffled the sounds of stomping boots as Gator forcefully lead out a petite Blonde woman, his hand gripped roughly to her upper arm. He winced at the brightness of the sunlight, amplified against the fresh dusting of snow as they stepped through the automatic glass doors. The blonde struggled slightly, stumbling over her inappropriate choice of footwear, heels which slid dangerously on the ice. Gator practically threw her against the exterior brick wall of the station and she yelped slightly, before rearranging her dishevel coat, scowling at him under a large pair of sunglasses which had been covering her icy blue eyes.

“You can’t just turn up at the station whenever you want Ruby,” Gator glared at her through gritted teeth, his fist clenching subconsciously. He realised what he was doing and took a step back to calm himself. Ruby knew exactly how to get a rise from him and he wasn’t in the mood for her childish games. He grabbed the vape from the pocket of his cargo trousers and took a long deliberate drag from it, staring down the woman in front of him in an attempt to look threatening. She was used to this look, it was usually followed by him grabbing her face roughly and crashing his lips against hers. She smirked back at him expectantly, however for the first time in months he simply looked away from her.

“Well, what do you expect when you ignore me huh?” She bit back, trying to find the right button to press. She was there for a reason and she always got what she wanted, especially when it came to Gator, he was so easy to get a rise from, to tease. “Least you could have done is text me that you weren’t coming over. Might have got a decent night’s sleep ‘stead of waiting up for you.”

“You’re not my girlfriend. I don’t owe you shit.” Gator said bluntly. His words stung, making Ruby bite the inside of her cheek as she felt a wave of emotion she wasn’t expecting. Sure, they hadn’t labelled anything, but they weren’t nothing. Sex involved some emotions at least, even if they were just a means to an end for each other. She hated herself as she realised in that moment she had let it become more for herself.

“Fuck you Gator,” she spat, her voice filled with venom. She shoved him harshly in the chest, desperate to hurt him, forcing him to step back. He smirked lazily looking down to the hands on his chest before shrugging them away, only to be met with a harsh slap to his cheek. He bought his hand up to the burning sensation and rolled his jaw slightly to stave off the sting.

“Whatever Ruby.” He laughed. “Whatever the fuck this is, is done. Don’t fuckin’ text me and don’t show up at the station again ya hear?” He spoke with finality, hoping to finally walk away, but Ruby continued, she really was relentless.

“I’ll remind you of that later when you’re beggin’ me like a dog shall I?” She jabbed at him with one last desperate attempt, the button she knew always worked.

“Shut you damn mouth for once in your life would ya?” Gator muttered harshly, turning back to face her, more threatening than before. His fist clenched again, but he didn’t notice this time.

He was saved from his reckless intentions, however by the loud humming of motor engines as several large SUVs pulled into the parking lot, one after the other. The convoy had caught the attention of both himself and Ruby as they passed them and parked a few rows of spaces back from the station. The doors started to scatter open as Gator blinked against the sunlight to see who it was. A few men he didn’t recognise stepped from two of the cars, stretching their stiff bones lazily and zipping up their various jackets before continuing conversations that had been started from the warmth of their cars. It was the third car that caught Gator’s eye however, as the now familiar figures of Charlie and his brother Sam exited from the back seat, either side of the car. Gator straightened up and took another hit of his vape a small frown forming on his features. He watched as, silhouetted against the sun, Charlie held his hand out and helped Rose jump down from the raised step of the car with a gentle thud into the snow. The three of them huddled together in conversation as their father exited from the driver’s seat of the car and a further man from the passenger side, the two of them continuing their own conversation.

Charlie stubbed out a cigarette on the ground, his eye catching something on his brother’s sleeve. “Did you not wash this?” He asked, eyeing the red stain that dotted Sam’s cuff, picking his wrist up for emphasis.

“’Course I did.” Sam protested grumpily, pulling his arm from his brother’s reach before eying the stain himself, picking at it in an attempt to make it less obvious. “Damn stain won’t come out. Been there since Michigan.”

Charlie rolled his eyes, “Just chuck it already.”

“No way it’s my lucky shirt!” Sam protested, hiding the shirt cuff with the sleeve of his jacket which he tugged down.

“Baking soda will get it right out,” Rose suggested simply. “let me have a go with it later, good as new I’m telling ya” she smiled, continuing to muse the benefits in her teasing way.

“Who’s that?” Ruby huffed, crossing her arms in front of her defensively with a scowl.

“When did you get so nosey?” Gator frowned, pulling his eyes away from the gathering in the parking lot for a moment to look down at her.

“Get fucked Gator.” She bluntly retorted. “Better yet, maybe I’ll try over there. The blonde is gorgeous.” Her final attempt to get a rise from Gator, no such luck.

“Good luck to ya.” He smirked, taking a final drag from his vape before turning and stalking back inside the station, not gracing her with a look back.

“Okay, ready sweetheart?” John asked, placing a gentle kiss on his daughters temple.

“Oh one second,” she said before diving back into the car and pulling out a small bunch of hand picked flowers, neatly tied with a bow and a worn enamel tin, the kind which could be mistakenly opened at a grandparents house, only to find sewing supplies instead of the desired sweet treats. “Okay ready!” She smiled warmly, a skip in her step as she made her way towards the entrance of the station flanked by several well built men, most of whom where littered with questionable scars. Ruby watched, eying the new woman up and down from under her sunglasses until she disappeared through the entrance whilst half of her party remained outside watchfully.

Though the station had recently had a fresh coat of paint, the smell of which still lingered in the air, it was still dated. The tiled carpet floor was worn and the posters on the notice boards had edges which were starting to curl. The warmth of the heater blew gently down as Rose crossed the threshold, warming her cheeks. She took a moment to take in her surroundings, noticing the scattered desks and unkempt coffee station where sticky rings decorated the surface of the table. She glanced towards the work stations and spotted him instantly. He was leaning against his desk, eyes watching her intently as he exhaled a cloud of fruity  vapour, half obscuring his face, but not enough to hide the pinking shape of a hand forming on his cheek. The right side of his lip raised in a smile and his eyes flashed cheekily, sending a wave of butterflies through Rose’s stomach as her breath caught a little in her throat. She returned the smile which soon turned into a questioning smirk as she noticed the untidy hell he was perched on; energy drinks littered everywhere with various levels of liquid and scruffy stacks of paper work covered in crumbs and coffee stains. She pulled her gaze away, following her dad and brothers up towards the reception desk, helpfully labelled in large letters, where a frumpy older woman sat, her hair tightly permed and lipstick smudged at the edges. She looked over the brim of her wire glasses at the group in front of her before giving them a welcoming smile. “Well good morning, how can I help you today sir?”

“Good morning sweetheart,” her father started, making the poor lady blush, “I believe Sheriff Tillman is expecting us. Name’s Cornell.” He lifted the heavy duffle bag he had been holding and slung it over his shoulder with ease, waiting patiently. Rose knew it was full of cash, it did make her laugh sometimes at how unsubtle her father could be.

“Bare with me just a moment,” the receptionist smiled, looking through a pink polka dot diary that was sitting next to her large mug of tea. Her finger traced down the page, along the various time slots under the day’s date and stopped by 14:20: Sherriff meeting John Cornell.

“Oh there it is. You can go straight through to the back there, it’s the office at the end of the corridor. If you wait on one of the chairs outside, I’ll let him know you’ve arrived.”

“Thank you darling,” John smiled with genuine charm. He turned giving his sons a nod before moving on to find said corridor, duffle still slung over his shoulder.

“And can I help you miss?” The receptionist asked Rose, now next in line to speak to her.

“Yes, I’m looking for Deputy Clarke,” Rose asked sweetly, making sure to bat her eyelashes in a way which made her innocence shine through.

“That all for him sweetie?” The receptionist chuckled, gesturing to what Rose was holding.

“Hmm? Oh no mam, these are just a good will gesture from us to the station. We’re new to the area see. Myself, father and brothers.” Rose said gesturing to the two men standing behind her, both of whom were waiting for her to finish. “Thought they might brighten the place up a bit. They’d look just lovely on your desk here,” Rose continued handing over the flowers to the receptionist. “Oh and these are for everyone, Oatmeal raison and Choc chip. Thought you should all have a few options.” She finished handing the tin over next.

“Right… Well that’s mighty nice of you.” She took the tin graciously if not slightly confused. “I’ll just pop them in the staff room miss?”

“Rose. Rose Cornell.” The receptionist nodded, Understanding now that she had come with her father.

“Well Miss Cornell, Deputy Clarke’s desk is just over there by the window.” She pointed over to the empty desk situated next to a large dying house plant. “He’s in the staff room on break but I’ll let him know you’re waiting.” She smiled before leaving the desk.

Rose turned to her brothers, and gestured with nod of her head to follow her. She walked calmly over to wait, making sure not to look Gator in the eye, but instead emphasis her hips as she sauntered right past him, something that didn’t go unnoticed. She flicked her hair over her shoulder, making sure that fresh scent of her shampoo enveloped him as she did so. Delicately, she sat on the worn chair in front of Dan’s desk and waited patiently despite the rough fabric scratching against her skin. Her brothers remained stood either side of her like guard dogs waiting for their trigger word. This didn’t go unnoticed by other deputies at work around them. Their presence was a threat that naturally put them all on edge.

Finally deputy Dan Clarke walked back onto the open floor of the office, his movements full of false confidence, a dark grin dominating his features. He sat down heavily in his chair, stretching backwards lazily before leaning in closely on his desk.

“Deputy,” Rose smiled, hands situated neatly in her lap.

“Well well well. Couldn’t stay away huh?” Dan leered at her. She tried not to show her repulsion at the crumbs dotting his stubble and the grease stain on the front of his formally white shirt.

“Something like that.” Her smile faltered slightly and formed an annoyed pout.

“And who’s this? Boyfriends? Pimps?” Dan asked gesturing to the men behind her dismissively. Sam prickled visibly at his words, moving his jacket back to flash his gun sat comfortably on his hip before starting to crack his fingers loudly.

“These are my brothers Charlie, and Sam.” She introduced them. “Sam darlin’ don’t do that, you know it’s bad for your joints,” she added as a throw away comment.

“Brothers. Huh.” Dan smirked eying them like prey. To him it seemed their threat wasn’t real, oh how wrong he was Rose smirked to herself. “Well what brings you here? Got a crime to report or something?” Dan asked slinging a casual arm over the back of his seat, unphased.

“No. Just wanted to return this.” Rose said simply, pulling the business card from her bag, it’s edges now starting to crumple. She placed it on the table before sliding it firmly over the surface towards him, her eyes not backing down from his. “While it’s very hard to resist, I’m going to have to decline your offer.”

“You came all the way here to tell me that?” Dan scoffed, his un-earnt confidence unable to be disguised.

“Oh no silly. I came to do this.” Rose mused softly. She turned to Charlie who nodded at her and made his way to stand next to Dan behind the desk, Sam following making it impossible for Dan to find a way out as they towered over him.

“What? What are you-“ Dan started before Sam made to grab for his arm, managing to subdue him at the same time. Dan struggled against his grip before being shoved roughly by Charlie forcing him forward so that his face collided with his desk.

“No the left hand, he still has to work,” Charlie said casually to his brother, Dan’s flailing not bothering him at all as he continued to hold him down with ease.

“Right, right” Sam rolled his eyes in annoyance. He swapped the arm his was currently holding and slammed the left into the table, making sure that it was in Dan’s direct eyeline before pulling a large knife from a holster which sat on the opposite hip to his gun. The sound made Dan’s eye widen as he started to understand what was about to happen and his struggles worsened.

“What? No please! PLEASE!” Dan begged before screaming out in agony as Sam plunged the knife straight through his hand and into the table, leaving it there. The two men released him finally only for him to continue to sob and writhe in agony.

“What the fuck is wrong with you?” He cried, continuing to howl in pain every time he made the slightest movement.

“Fucking maniacs!” Another deputy shouted from nearby, making a move to pull his gun from its holster, only to be stopped by the rough hand of Gator holding his arm down. “Sit down. Don’t fucking move the lot of ya. This has to be, you hear?” The man reluctantly did so and looked at Gator with a mixture of confusion and obvious disgust. A look mirrored by several other deputies all watching things unfold before them.

“Jesus Christ Rose, you gotta do that in here in front of everyone?” Gator grumbled, trying not to look at Dan, still crying out in agony next to them as she stood to face him. “And he’s fucking left handed! Fuck!” He continued in growing disbelief. He knew something would happen but he hadn’t expect it to happen so soon and so publicly. He eyed Rose wearily for a moment, she wasn’t the sweet innocent girl he had originally thought, but that only made his intrigue grow. There was a danger to her which pulled him closer to her still.

“Oh shit.”  Rose grimaced mockingly. “Sorry Dan.” She called over her shoulder to him. “He’s a lefty guys!” She elaborated to her brothers.

“Who the fuck is a leftie?” Charlie questioned with a frown.

“Not anymore he’s not” Sam tried to hold back a cruel laugh but failed, smirking at him.

“You could always try and become ambidextrous?” Rose suggested, her voice dripping with sarcastic concern. She turned back to face Gator who had closed the gap between them. “You’re girlfriend do that?” She asked, genuinely curious, reaching her hand to his face as she softly brushed over the mark. “Need someone to kiss it better?”

“You done?” Gator asked starting to scowl at her. She may fascinate him, but she had also just caused him a lot of unnecessary work and inconvenience.

“We done boys?” Rose asked.

“Yeah we’re done.” Charlie replied casually, moving away.

“That’s right huh Dan?” Sam smiled dangerously at him before pulling his knife from Dan’s hand, causing a fresh wave of agony. He grabbed an old napkin from a nearby bin and wiped the knife down before re holstering it and following Charlie.

Rose turned to smile sweetly once more at Gator. “I’ll see you in Church Deputy,” her eyes lingered on his, tempting him, before she followed her brothers’ lead, dancing quickly along to catch up with them.

“Ergh this is even worse now, are you sure baking soda will work?” Sam asked as she reached him and looped her arm through his. Blood stains now flecked along the front of his shirt, not just the sleeve.

“Trust me,” Rose insisted, before turning with a sudden thought. “Oh Dan, baking soda! It’ll get rid of the blood stains just peachy, save your shirt at least, might even work on the grease stains.”

As the sliding door closed behind them a shrill scream pierced the air along with the sound of smashed crockery. Rose grimaced, “It took me ages to make those cookies!”

[californiadreaminginpink]

Use me

Gator Tillman x OC

Word count: 6565

18+ Minor's do not interact.

CW: Slow burn, future smut, swearing, violence, assult, smoking, drinking, Roy being roy. Don't know if i've missed anything?

A/N: I'm new, be nice!

Summary: A new criminal family has moved to Stark County, opening possibilities up for Roy Tillman, but only if his son can focus, which is difficult when he is intoxicated by the daughter of said family.

Part 1 - Diners and Dinner

This is a true story. The events depicted took place in Minnesota in 2018. At the request of the survivors, the names have been changed. Out of respect for the dead, the rest has been told exactly as it occurred.

“I just don’t see why I need to be there s’all,” Gator mumbled as he kicked a stone haphazardly under a nearby aging car in the lot with a heavy boot. He looked up at his surrounds, the sun hitting his eyes in a way that made him squint. The town was as quiet, as usual, nothing ever happened here. Gator resented that fact. He longed for the action he’d seen in movies growing up, for any opportunity to prove to his father he was worth something more than a glorified neighbourhood watch member.

“Because I said so son.” Roy Tillmans voice reverberated through the phone with a firm tone.

Testing his luck one final time, Gator took another hit of his nauseatingly fruity vape, which crackled before he let out a smoky breath. “Well I made plans for tonight, it’s kinda last minute to cancel don’t you think?”

“You’ll cancel whatever plans you have with your newest piece of skirt and you’ll be here ready for dinner at seven o’clock, you hear? And loose the fucking vape.”

Gator bit his cheek in annoyance, “yeah I hear ya.” He grumbled before hanging up, his finger ramming harshly against the red end call button with all of his built-up frustrations. His boot met with the tire of the car in a firm blow before he ran his hand through his hair in an attempt to regain some composure.

He looked back through the windows of the diner, the frames of which were flaking with old paint and in desperate need of a re-fresh, to see the men he’d been keeping company with, tormenting a new waitress as she tried to serve them. Poor thing didn’t know what she’d let herself in for, choosing stark county to settle in, he mused for a moment before focusing once more on his phone.

Gon be late tonight, wait up for me. Send.

With a final hit on his vape he trudged back to the diner, spitting to his side to clear his throat. Wishing his coffee to still be warm so he can shake the cold from the biting breeze he’d been standing in, he once again pushed through the brittle frame of the door. The bell above chimed as he entered and caught the attention of the men in the booth he’d left 5 minutes earlier.

His phone vibrated in his hand and he looked down to see the message flash on the screen.

RUBY: Boooo. You suck Tillman.

He sighed under his breath before placing his phone back in his pocket.

“All good Gator?” One of his associates asked, bringing his attention back to the booth.

“Yeah just family business s’all,” he slumped back down on the padded seat before testing the remnants of his coffee. “S’fucking cold,” he hissed.

Dan, who sat across from Gator, whistled sharply in the direction of the counter, “More coffee over here darlin’, none of that decaf shit!” He called over loudly bringing several rolling sets of eyes over to their direction. A devilish grin spread on his features. He was an overbearing man, large in every sense of the world with an attitude that dripped in entitlement. “Any excuse to get that little piece over here again.” With a few cheap smirks earned from his peers he turned to watch as the fresh pot was bought over. Gator was too lost in his own thoughts to acknowledge is friends’ attempt for approval from him. What could be so important his dad needed him back for a dinner? His phone vibrated once more and he retrieved it from his pocket to see another message.

RUBY: Don’t keep me waiting too long…

As he read the message another followed; an attachment of the attractive young woman in a red lingerie set, lounging across a barely made bed. He licked his bottom lip, frustration building in him. He hated when she teased him like this and she knew it. He’d make sure she wouldn’t get away with it later, that was for sure.

 He was bought back into the room by the rich smell of fresh coffee being poured into the cup in front of him, quickly locking his phone once more. As his eyes looked back up they were met first with a name badge, Rose. And then with the soft, slightly exasperated features of the young woman. For a moment her eyes met his with a slight quirk of an eyebrow. Had she seen is phone? He never had been subtle. He didn’t think he needed to be, he was after all, the prince of stark county. She was new, he reminded himself, she’d learn who he was soon enough.

“Anything else I can get you boys?” The mousy girl asked, refusing eye contact with any of the rest of them, already starting to turn in an attempt to get away sooner.

“How bout a number?” Dan practically growled through a wide smirk, this time he knew Gator was watching.

“My daddy always told be never to give my number to strangers,” She said in a surprisingly confident manor, patronising smile growing across her face. She really did have a lot to learn, Gator thought.

Quicker than a whip Dan clasped onto her small wrist with a vice like grip. “And did your daddy teach you not to be a little bitch?” He spat through clenched teeth, his eyes flashing a black that Gator was all to familiar with. He wasn’t in the mood for this.

“Dan-“ Gator started warningly, “I think your break is about over no?”

Dan’s eyes flitted over to Gator and the tense silence of the room enveloped them. Suddenly he became very aware that every pair of eyes in the room were on them in that small booth.

“Goes for all ya,” Gator added lazily to the other occupants of the booth, choosing not to give the patrons of the diner the time of day. If he couldn’t have a good time today, neither could his friends. He wanted nothing more than for the day to hurry up and finish so he could get to Ruby, remind her who was in charge in their dynamic. He shifted awkwardly where he sat before standing with a lazy stretch, tossing a couple of dollars onto the table.

“Boss.” Dan nodded curtly and the group collected their belongings to leave. Dan reached into his jeans pocket to pull out a wallet and flung down the money owed for the lunch, next to the mess of his half-eaten sandwich, before making a move for the door. As he moved past the young woman he tugged a business card from his wallet, Stark County Sheriffs Department, and shoved it roughly into the pocket of her apron. “You’ll call me wont ya darlin’?” he smirked before his hand met with her bum in a sharp smack, eliciting a small yelp. Gator rolled his eyes as his colleagues laughed whilst they left with a jungle of the sad old bell on top of the door, bundling back into their police cruisers. He followed behind them, boots heavy, sucking once more on his vape, leaving the fruity scent of it from the booth to the door.

“No tip. Typical.” Hayley, the older waitress on shift sighed as she looked over Rose’s shoulder towards the mess of half eaten sandwiches and spilt coffee, her voice heavy with the exhaustion she clearly frequently felt towards the young men that had just left. “You okay darlin’?” She asked with a hint of genuine concern.

“I’m fine. Met worse if you’d believe it.” Her response was met with a scoff from Haley before she helped to clear the booth.

“Hon, if that’s true, I hope to God I don’t cross paths with them.”

-

“you gon tell me what this is about then or?” Gator asked, scratching at his neck, his wool blend cheque shirt causing him a reaction along his collar bone. He moved further into the kitchen, his usual heavy military boots now swapped for worn brown leather ones. The warm smell coming from the stove beckoned him closer as he nosed his way towards the pots that were bubbling away. He reached for the wooden spoon sitting in the sauce but felt a sharp sting as Karen slapped his wrist, scowling at him. He returned the look with equal venom muttering barely a whisper, “fuckin’ bitch.”  

“Less of your damn attitude Gator.” Roy demanded from his seat at the centre counter. He’d been nursing a tumbler of sweet whiskey and taking regular puffs from a large cigar. He leaned back in the chair, not gracing Gator with a look in his direction as he pulled up a chair a little across from him. Roy took his time balancing the cigar in the nearby ashtray and swirling the remaining amber liquid in his glass before consuming it with ease and placing the tumbler back on the counter.

“Sorry I just-” Gator mumbled in frustration, unable to wait for his father to speak again. The silence filled the room in an uncomfortable way, leaving him fidgeting and on edge.

“It’s business son.” Roy drawled, finally looking towards his son. He didn’t want to waste energy on someone he deemed to be such a waste, but he knew Gator would never let up. He reminded him of his mother in that way. Roy bit the inside of his mouth in annoyance at the thought.

“In the family home? That’s-“ Gator started with an impertinent frown of confusion on his face. God Roy though he was an idiot, a fool.

“Personal?” He finished Gator’s sentence for him, not trusting him to find the words. “Well it is personal.” He finished before seeing the confusion and irritation spread over his son’s features. He sighed knowing he’d have to explain eventually so he may as well now. “There’s some people moved to town recently, people who I think we could build a mutually beneficial relationship with.” Gator slowly nodded starting to understand, though still not fully.

“Alright,” he leant in further, eager to know more now that his father was letting him in on some of his other business, not just policing. Maybe this would be his chance to prove himself to his father. “What kind of business we talking? Guns? Drugs? – Women?” He listed curiously.

Roy paused, catching Karen watching the conversation intently out of the corner of his eye. He turned slowly to give her his full attention before wordlessly motioning his head to the door. Without hesitation Karen quickly set the stove to simmer and left the room hurriedly, closing the door behind her. She let out a shaky breath once she heard the door click shut, before regaining some of her composure and moving to the dining room to make sure it was still perfectly set from hours before.

Roy waited for the sound of the door clicking shut before taking another drag from his cigar, twirling it between his rough fingers absent minded. “Drugs and weapons mostly.” He continued. “One of the biggest smugglers in the north. Says he wants to use Stark County as a through route and will pay handsomely for the trouble.” He smirked, rubbing his fingers together to emphasise the point.

“Sounds like a good deal t’me.” Gator smiled eagerly. He felt the phone is his pocket vibrate against his thigh, but refused to acknowledge it. This was far more important.

“Yeah it does.” Roy pondered, watching the excitement grow in his son’s eyes, wondering just how far he would go to earn his approval. “Son you ever wonder if something is too good to be true?” He asked after a moment.

“Suppose so.” Gator raised his eyebrows. “Why? You worried that’s what this is?”

“I’m never worried,” He took another puff as Gator hung on his every word. ‘I’m just thinking about what this could bring for us, in the future.”

“Beside money?” Gator grinned.

“Trouble son. Trouble. There’s no reward without risk. That not what I’ve taught you?” Roy retorted irritably.

“Right, risk and reward,” Gator nodded, cursing himself for not thinking of that.

Roy got to his feet and walked slowly towards the drinks cabinet, pulling out the near empty bottle of whiskey and another glass which he placed in front of Gator before wordlessly filling both their glasses. He sat back down heavily and took another swig.

“He’s bringing his family, only seems right mine should be here too.” Roy said, thoughtfully rubbing at the stubble on his chin under Gator’s watchful, admiration filled eyes.

“Okay.” Gator nodded in agreement before downing the glass in front of him and smacking his lips at the after taste. His dad frowned as he did so, his son had no subtly, no charm. But he was eager.

“He has a daughter Gator, bout your age I’d hazard a guess.” Roy continued, puffing once more and blowing the smoke upwards, choosing to ignore the confused look on his son’s face. Always so fucking confused, never had the brains to think things through. “I want you to get to know her. Might be needing some-“ Roy searched for the word, “leverage, soon.” Another puff at his shrinking cigar.

“Right…” Gator said, the frown of confusion seemed pertinently knitted on his brow. “Maybe even cement the partnership should this work out. Bring our families together properly. Under the Lord.” Roy continued.

Gator was visibly taken aback, leaning away from his father in shock at what he was implying. “You pimping me out?” He blurted out in a disgusted but hushed tone.

“You a whore now son?” Roy asked dead pan before rolling his eyes. Maybe this was the one thing Gator was good for.

“You can’t be fuckin’ serious,” Gator laughed bitterly, shaking his head at his father. He stood up agitatedly and started to pace, the complete opposite of his father’s calm demeanour.

“I’m damn serious Gator and I wont warn you again about your mouth.” Roy stubbed out the remains of his cigar purposefully as a warning Gator just didn’t seem to catch, too caught up in his own thoughts rushing desperately through his mind. His phone vibrated again against his thigh causing him to tense his fists.

“What if I don’t like her? Huh? She could be a dog for all we know,” He started to ramble aimlessly.

“Then you’ll learn to live with it.” Roy stood facing his son warningly eyes darker than usually, threatening. “Besides,” he continued after a moment, fixing his belt to centre, “Money can fix a lot these days son. Now get a fresh bottle, they’ll be here soon. Go on, fetch.” He laughed heartlessly waving his son away, who stalked off biting his tongue.

Gator placed the new bottle of whiskey down in front of his father’s place at the table. He’d made sure to get the good stuff from the cupboard, the kind that was always top shelf at the bar. He didn’t want to fuck that up to. The floorboards creaked under his shifting weight as he stood in thought for a moment, hands on his hip. He just had to get through tonight without any problems. He was on the right track, he told himself. His dad was finally trusting him with business other than the law and that meant he must not think he was a total disappointment. His phone vibrated again. He ignored it again.

A heavy knock reverberated from the front door of the ranch, cutting through the gentle din of the house that had settled. Roy passed by the dining room nodding curtly towards his son through the frame, as a silent message to follow him.

‘Karen, make sure the twins are sleepin’ then get yourself straight back down you hear?” Roy jibed to his wife who was straightening a small vase of flowers on a table by the door. “And fix your dress, got sauce on it for god’s sake.” Karen nodded in agreement before grabbing a wet cloth from the sink as she passed the kitchen. She patted at the small spots on her dress and sighed as she climbed the stairs to her daughters, contemplating locking the door tonight just in case.

Roy paused with his hand on the door handle tensing slightly, cracking his neck from side to side, as he prepared one last time for the possible outcomes of the evening. Gator nodded at him signalling he was ready as his father looked to the side towards him. Finally, the door opened to reveal the night outside and a small group stood together on the doorstep.

“Lovely piece of land you got here Sherriff.” Gator peered to the side of the large frame of his father, curious as to who they intended to do business with tonight.

A gruff, lean man stood before them on the front step. His wrinkles aged him in handsome way, as did the peppered stubble of his beard and soft, slightly unkempt hair. A worn corduroy jacket gripped his frame snuggly over a smart shirt. Crisp denim jeans sat over freshly polished boots. A surprisingly charming, crooked smile greeted them as he held out a callused hand for Roy to shake. Gator wasn’t sure what he had expected but it wasn’t this, the patriarch looked so… normal.

“Well thank you,” Roy smiled smugly, shaking the hand firmly before stepping aside to let the gentleman inside. “I’m quite the lucky man. Please, come in John.”

John stepped over the threshold allowing for a small draft to enter with him that pricked at Gator’s cheeks, pinking them slightly.

“These must be your boys, I can see the family resemblance from here.” Roy chuckled in his charming sheriff way, something many found quite sinister, but the group before him was new and yet to learn.

“That, they are.” John said proudly puffing his chest slightly. “This here is my eldest Charlie and that’s Sam, there in the hat,” John said. Both boys stepped forward to shake the hand of their host. Gator guessed they must have been slightly older than him. Bigger too. Both had several inches on him in height and muscles that where obvious even through their jackets. Gator tensed momentarily, subtly trying to stand taller, chin raised in an attempt at superiority. Charlie, introduced first, looked like a younger version of his father, longer brown hair tucked behind his ears and lips pressed together in a tight smile. Sam’s hair was more tightly cropped, and he wore a Stetson which he removed as he stepped through the threshold. His expression was much sterner, and his eyes scanned both gator and his father up and down before reaching out his scared hand to shake. Gator scowled slightly, as he mused his similarities to the younger of the brothers. Was he his father’s muscle too?

“My son Gator,” Roy said patting heavily on his shoulders almost making him buckle under the weight, but he smiled through it anyway.

“Hello again Deputy,” a much softer voice echoed from the front steps. Gator’s eyes snapped towards the door and widened in surprise. There she was, the mousy girl from the diner, but she looked different now. She wore a cream dress that fell above her knees and pulled in at her waist and her hair had been curled and was half tied up with a floppy pink bow. A denim jacket, slightly too big for her frame was draped neatly over her shoulders. She’d put make up on now and the subtle floral scent of her perfume drifted towards him with the next gentle breeze. Gator was slightly taken aback, he hadn’t noticed earlier, but she was – pretty.

“You’ve already met?” John frowned, looking between the two of them. For a moment his average joe demeanour slipped and Gator saw something much darker flash over his eyes.

“I- well, I mean,” Gator fumbled, annoyed that he could feel himself redden in embarrassment. Why was he embarrassed? His eye’s flicked to his father who watched with a quirked eyebrow.

“Deputy Tillman eats at the diner for lunch sometimes,” Rose smiled softly as she stepped towards her father, looping her arm through his.

“This the boy who marked your wrist?” John asked looking at the bruises that had started to form on the wrist that was looped through his arm. Gator’s eyes darted towards Rose’s wrist, mentally cursing Dan’s needlessly firm grip.

“N-no!” Gator Stuttered hands raised defensively, much to his fathers exhausted chagrin. “I didn’t – that wasn’t-“ All three men had now turned to face Gator, heads cocked to the side slightly. The pressure of just their eyes on him made him gulp, his throat now unusually dry.

“No Daddy,” Rose smiled reassuringly to her father, easing the tension immediately. Both Gator and Roy were slightly taken aback at the power she seemed to have held in that split second, her brothers noticeably easing back. “That was his friend.”

“Friend?” John scowled in disgust, still not happy with the answer from his daughter. “You make a habit of hanging around men who hurt women, Deputy?”

“I er-“ Gator blabbered once more.

“Gentlemen,” Roy’s deep voice finally controlled the conversation. “I was not aware of the – Situation.” He eyed Rose’s wrist and then glared at his son, biting back what he really wanted to say in front of present company, instead choosing diplomacy. “But I can assure you I will personally see that whoever did this-“

“Dan,” Rose interrupted casually, pulling out the business card from her purse and reading from it. “Dan Clarke.”  Roy’s blood started to boil at the nerve of the younger woman in front of him and it took everything in him to remain calm. Gator could see the pain Roy felt at having to remain civil.

“I will personally see to it that deputy Clarke is reprimanded for his actions.” Roy finished with a forced smile and a steady breathe.

John took a moment to consider as Roy glared at Gator unable to hide his resentment. Gator fidgeted under his intense hatred and looked at his boots intently, desperate for the silence to be broken.

“I’d prefer to deal with it myself Sheriff.” John said finally with an unsettling calm before placing a patronising hand on his arm, “You understand. Sometimes a message needs to be sent.”

Roy nodded before letting out a heavy sigh after an awkward moment of silence in which the house could be heard creaking slightly against the wind outside. “Please, come through to the dining room, my wife has made dinner, let’s not let this-“ He waved disappointedly in the direction of Gator, “get in the way of this new partnership ey? Gator take their coats and help Karen.” He ordered his son before patting John on his arm with a fake warmth. “Are you a whiskey man John?” He continued walking him towards the dining room.

“Of course. What kind of man would I be if I wasn’t huh?”

Charlie and Sam slid there jackets off and roughly handed them to Gator, still clearly unhappy. Gator muttered bitterly under his breath as he hung the collection of jackets on the coat stand by the door, taking childish pleasure in his roughness. Rose had stayed behind momentarily, taking her own jacket and hanging it carefully next to Gator’s sheriff’s vest. He noticed her hand brush delicately past his badge. Her nails were painted a soft pink, had she painted them since their last encounter? She pouted slightly as their eyes met briefly when they both turned to head in the direction of the others. Gator smiled tightly at her. He couldn’t work her out and he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to.

Rose eyed the seating arrangements as she entered the dining room, Gator continuing through to the kitchen to help Karen plate and bring the food through. The delicious smell of something wafted through as the door opened and closed behind him. Rose caught herself watching him, eyes lingering on the toned physique in his jeans. She caught herself before anyone else noticed and blinked several times to bring herself back to the room. Her brothers had sat together and next to them was her Father, then Roy at the head of the table, already pouring substantial measures of whiskey in each glass. She presumed the seat on his other side would be for his wife, which left a further two seats for herself and Gator. She noticed the wine glass set in front of one of the left-over spaces and assumed that was meant for her. She struggled to stop her eyes from rolling at the overt sexism before setting her bag down on the floor and sitting daintily at her assigned seat, something that Roy had noticed out of the corner of his eye. At least he knew she was capable of being demure if needed.

“Okay?” Sam asked as his eyes surveyed the rest of the room.

“Always,” Rose smiled back at him. “Now take a night off would you. It’s just dinner.” Sam prickled slightly at her words but nodded and took a sip from his whiskey. The doors opened as he did so, and Karen and Gator bought out large dishes of beautifully presented food. They placed them at the centre of the table creating something which resembled a small potluck.

“How about that then boys? A proper home cooked meal for you, warm your bones,” Roy smiled, his pride growing along with his smug smile.

“Excellent,” John echoed, raising his glass in a semi toast.

“Gator, pour some wine for the women would ya?” Roy asked, digging at Gator with a task he normally left for Karen. This was punishment for already fucking up, Gator scowled to himself.

“Sure.” He mumbled, grabbing the bottle for the centre of the table and pouring a glass for Karen, who was now seated, leaving him the only one standing. He then bought the bottle to Rose’s glass. “Say when,” He muttered under his breath, focus remaining on the glass not noticing she was watching his face, now much closer to hers than it had ever been.

“When,” she said absent minded, not sparing a glance at the glass.

Finally, Gator sat, avoiding the looks from anyone sat at the table that he had assumed had been watching him, it was all part of his father’s humiliation.

“May I suggest a toast?” John asked.

“By all means,” Roy said sitting back in his seat, his belt buckle glinting in the low light of the lamps.

“To new opportunities,” John raised his glass.

“And partnerships,” Roy added, his voice gravelly through his smarmy smile. Six glasses lifted to the centre and clinked with their neighbours, repeating, “New opportunities and partnerships.”

Rose notice Gator had instead chosen to sulk into his glass and drink without toasting. Curious, she thought to herself.

Roy’s voice cut though the fading toast, “As a man of God, I think it only right we say grace now, for this wonderful feast made by my beautiful wife.” He squeezed Karen’s thigh a little too tightly as he spoke, an overbearing reminder of his control. With a nod of agreement from John, each person at the table took the hands of those sitting next to them and bowed their heads, closing their eyes.

"Bless us, O Lord, and these-“ Roy began.

Gator tried his best to re gain some kind of composure now that his eyes were closed, but found them opening quickly once more. A gentle stroke of fingers danced across his palm had bought his attention firmly back to the room. He looked to his side to Rose who was studying his features, a small smile playing at her lips. His eyebrows raised at her lazily flirtatious motions, before quickly checking to see all other eyes had remained closed. He allowed himself to smile crookedly back as his eyes flitted from her own to her glossy lips and back again. She bit at her lip in response, sending a jolt of electricity through his body. He sent a wink in her direction, playing into this game of hers she had decided to play before her lips parted in a sweet “Amen,” and her eyes finally left his, aching for more. It was then he realised where he was once more, loudly clearing his throat, which bought a few looks of concern his way.

“Please, tuck in,” Roy demanded after the odd awkward moment bought on by his son. He had already had enough of him that evening.

All around the table filled their plates happily, warmed by the comforting food which seemed an odd contrast to the atmosphere around the table. Everyone seemed aware that any wrong word or rude gesture might off set the trajectory of the evening so they remained civil, making polite conversation. John spoke sparingly of their lives before moving to Stark County but mentioned his wife had passed several years previously when his children were still young. He didn’t elaborate on the manor of death however, something he had always kept shamefully to himself, not even telling his children. Roy spoke lazily of the ranch and horses, one of his favourite past times and a humble brag. He was trying his best to feel out John and where he slotted into the grand scheme of things. Was he a horse man? A betting man perhaps? Did he have land? Hunt? What did they have in common other then that their dealings may be mutually beneficial. At one point Charlie received a call and excused himself for a few minutes. He returned, addressing only his father, “Shipment is due Wednesday evening, I’ll arrange a group to receive it.” John nodded, wiping his mouth with his napkin. “Good, take Sam with you but make sure you leave Connor at the house. Sorry Roy you were saying?” Roy continued where he left off but was sure to make a mental note of the small details forming from conversations, though he knew John wouldn’t be stupid enough to let anything pertinent slip. Gator however had been nowhere near as attentive. When he wasn’t hungrily devouring the food on his plate, he was shooting furtive glances to Rose, hoping to catch her eye again, chasing that electricity he had felt. Rose however made a point not to look in his direction for the rest of the meal, and she knew exactly what she was doing. Her senses prickled every so often, which coincided with Gator’s desperate looks, making her smirk slightly into her wine. As the final set of cutlery fell to it’s plate Roy adjusted himself in his seat and gave Karen a look who started to clear the table immediately without needing to be told.

“Shall we move to my office?” Roy asked, “There’s more whiskey and some excellent cigars in there, we can discuss our arrangement in there.”

“Lead the way,” John nodded as he stood, bring his empty glass with him. Charlie and Sam mimicked their fathers’ actions rising from the table. Roy eyed them cautiously, noticed by John.

“My boys come with me to all of my meetings, you understand.” He smiled.

“Of course,” Roy relented. “Please,” He gestured through the door and stood himself. Gator scrapped his chair across the floor as he made to stand himself, before being stopped by his father.

“Son, why don’t you show Miss Rose here around the ranch?” Roy half smiled.

“Oh, I just thought you’d want me there with you is all?” Gator questioned with a small laugh.

“I think I’ll manage,” Roy patted him on the shoulder heavily as he walked past him to the door. “This way gentleman-“ His voice could be herd walking down the hallway.

“I’ll stay dad,” Charlie said flatly before Rose cut him off.

“Oh I’ll be fine! I’m not made of glass,” she smirked. “I’m sure the deputy is more than capable of keeping an eye on me.” Finally, she looked up towards him again, her large hazel doe eyes staring almost into his soul. Gator wasn’t quite sure what to do with himself so just stood awkwardly above her for a moment.

“You think?” Charlie quipped with a raised eyebrow.

“Just go!’ Rose laughed as she finally stood from the table and collected her bag from the floor. She turned to face Gator, closer than she had originally thought she was, making her smirk slightly. “Will I need my jacket Deputy?” She asked, turning up the sweetness of her tone.

“We can go outside if you want, s’up to you,” Gator offered, not really sure what to do with himself now that they were alone and in very close proximity.

“Lead the way then,” Rose smiled softly. It took a moment for Gator to remember which direction the coats where in and he fumbled the door handle awkwardly. Rose couldn’t help but find him slightly endearing. He was a fool for sure but a fool that could elicit a very genuine smile from her. He held out her jacket for her as she slipped her arms through the sleeves. The jacket swamped her a little and Gator wondered if she had borrowed it from one of her brothers.

Outside the breeze from earlier had stilled and the stars where shining brightly against the pitch black of the night sky next to the crisp crescent moon. Rose watched her step as he stepped across the frosted layer on ice on the decking alongside the ranch. She almost slipped as she aimed for the swing seat, saved only by Gator’s quick reflexes as he caught her elbow. “Woah steady there!” He smirked as his breath tickled against her ear, sending a shiver down her spine which was unrelated to the cold of the night.

“Saving the day are we Deputy?” She quipped back as he sat down heavy next to her, his weight making the chains of the seat creak.

“You know you can just call me Gator right?” He rolled his eyes, still not able to get a read of the woman next to him. He pulled the lime green vape from his pocket and took a long pull from it, eyes burning into hers, before turning and blowing the vapor away from her.

“What kind of a name is Gator anyway?” She asked him sincerely, but he looked away at the question. His name had always been something of a sore spot for him. Something he could usually hide but for some reason he couldn’t around her. There was a pause as Rose started to root around in her purse, pulling out a packet of cigarettes and lighting one she had placed between the pout of her lips.

“I like it.” She stated simply through the smoke she exhaled. “It’s different.”

“Just saying that.” Gator smirked. “Reckon your trying to get on my good side.”

“I don’t need to lie to do that Gator.” She said softly, Looking out to the vast acres of the ranch. “What are all these buildings anyway then?” She asked nodding towards the various outhouses, lights glimmering from the windows and door frames of some of them.

“Well,” Gator shifted in his seat, “That there is the garage, and storage shed. The big one, that’s the barn-”

“No shit,” Rose laughed as she rolled her eyes.

“You wanna know or not?” Gator smiled, she wasn’t like any of the other girls he knew, there was a feistiness about her, unrelated to sensualness, that he found hooked him with each word.

“I do, I do! Carry on,” she chuckled through another exhale of smoke.

“Those are the stables and the tack room to the side there,” he pointed out.

“Oh a proper working ranch ey?” She asked with genuine interest.

“Of course!” Gator insisted. “’Fuck did you think it was?”

“A front for criminal activity.” She smiled at him.

“It’s both.” Gator said with a raised eyebrow and a chuckle, after a pause, finding her honestly refreshing.

“I mean you Tillmans don’t scream subtlety,” Rose said.

“We don’t need to be, we’re the law,” Gator said smugly. Causing Rose to scoff.

“No wonder daddy chose this place,” She mused aloud. Gator watched her as she finished her cigarette, stubbing it out on the ice on top of the arm of the swing chair.

“You should probably text your girlfriend back,” Rose said as she turned to face him, leaning her arm against the back of the chair.”

“What?”

“Your girlfriend. She’s been texting you all night. I can hear your phone vibrating.”

As if on cue, his phone vibrated in his pocket again.

“Anyone who texts that often is either an angry girlfriend or, you’re a dealer and have a lot of desperate customers. Which I suppose is possible. You’re the law… But I did also see that message she sent you earlier. She’s very pretty. Great taste in underwear as well. I can’t pull red off, washes me out.”

“She’s not my girlfriend.” Gator shook his head, smile remaining on his lips. He was sure red probably looked beautiful on her.

“Does she know that?” Rose laughed easily, she almost felt comfortable.

“How come you’re working in that diner anyway?” He asked curiously, trying to disguise it with a scoff.

“Why not?” She mused, now searching in her purse for a lip gloss which she applied lazily before flashing him a sweet pout.

“You don’t exactly need to do you?” He persisted. “Thought Daddy would take care of ya? You’re lucky you don’t have to work.” He took another drag from his vape and stared out towards the land in front of them, trying his best to look mysterious. He wasn’t sure if it was the whiskey but something inside of him yearned to impress her. The only way he knew to do that, was be an arsehole. Women loved arseholes, right?

Rose quirked an eyebrow “’Course he does,” She paused. “Something to do I suppose. Being the little lady can be so boring sometimes. Slaving over the stove, hanging out the washing, making butter from scratch…” She teased.

“Didn’t mean it like that.” He did.

“Yes you did deputy.” She smirked back at him.

“Rose?” She heard a distant call from inside the house, her father looking for her, the meeting clearly having ended and presumably been a success seeing as she hadn’t heard any gun shots. She looked toward the source of his voice and made to stand before she felt a hand close around her wrist for the second time that day. This time however it was much more gentle, tentative even, making her whip her head back to the young man next to her in surprise.

“Hey um,” Gator asked, oddly vulnerable, giving Rose pause. “Would you uh, tell your dad to go easy on Dan? He’s a fucking shit bird but I could just have a talk y’know?”

Rose searched his face, “Why would I do that?” She smirked, walking away, her hand brushing through his grasp softly.