Chapters: One | Two | Three | Four | Five
Recap of Chapter One
In the shadowy confines of the Green Frog Gentleman’s Club, chaos ensues as Joe Walker, a man infamous for his malevolence, seeks to create a showdown when he shoots several of the patrons.
We’re introduced to Sheriff Frank Johnson, a beleaguered lawman wrestling with personal demons, notably the traumatic loss of his wife to the very gunman he now pursues. The depths of their shared history unravel, revealing they are twin brothers, each raised in starkly different environments.
As Frank confronts Joe, a gunshot ends the standoff, leaving Joe dead. Despite the appearance of self-defense, Frank’s decisive actions raise issues of justice and retribution.
The chapter concludes with a poignant moment: Frank, bloodstained and emotionally drained, comforts his infant son in the car, reminding him of the life he once had and the lengths he’ll go to protect his loved ones.
Chapter Two – Isabelle
Dawn breaks, and the city awakens to the aftermath of the happenings at the Green Frog. Shortly after the fateful shot rang out, the blare of sirens approached, signaling the end of one nightmare and the beginning of another for Frank Johnson.
News vans, their satellite dishes aimed skyward, crowd the entrance of the club. The grisly scene inside has already made headlines, pushing the limits of morning show producers and shaking even seasoned reporters. Amidst hushed whispers and the fervent chatter of journalists, a new narrative begins to take shape: “Hero or Vigilante? The Sheriff’s Controversial Stand Against Crime.”
After being taken into custody following the events at the Green Frog, Frank awakens inside a city jail cell, drenched with sweat. Councilman Willie Arnold, a stout figure and owner of the city’s body shop, is the first person he sees. A trusted friend, he carries a faint scent of gasoline and always has an unlit cigar between his lips.
Willie’s eyes dart to the floor for a moment before meeting Frank’s, a weight behind them. “The city’s in an uproar,” he says hesitantly. “There’s a lot of talk out there. Some folks want to throw you a parade; others, well, they’re not so kind. The mayor? He’s caught in the middle, hearing whispers about suspending you without pay.”
“It needed to end, Willie,” Frank says, rubbing his weary, bloodshot eyes. “Get me out. I have to see my son. Ann’s got him, but he needs me.”
Awaiting his release, Frank lies on the narrow bed, seeking a moment’s respite from the chaos. But his thoughts inevitably drift to Isabelle, his beloved wife. As he drifts off to sleep, he sees her once again, radiant and full of life, just moments before the tragedy that changed everything.
Frank’s thoughts bring him back to a recent memory.
Inside The Sweet Shop, Frank and Isabelle sit beside a window overlooking the river. The dim light of the cozy diner makes the droplets of rain on the window shimmer like diamonds. They’re celebrating their anniversary, lost in the world they’ve built together over the years.”
The diner’s owner, Edwin Sweet, brings over a complimentary dessert with a lit candle in the middle, a selection from his menu of sugary delicacies. His limp is slight but noticeable, the result of a misstep while serving in a conflict overseas during his youth. The deep, jagged scars on his face are forever reminders of the soldiers he pulled to safety from a downed helicopter, one of whom was Frank Johnson.
“Happy Anniversary,” Edwin says proudly. “This is a new recipe I’ve been working on, and I can’t think of a better time to introduce it.”
“You are so sweet, Edwin,” Isabelle says without realizing the pun. They all laugh, and Edwin returns to the kitchen.
Frank and Edwin share a bond forged in the heat of battle. The two have seen the worst of humanity and the heroics such circumstances bring out in people. Now, back in civilian life, they share moments like these, far removed from the wars they’ve left behind.
Frank excuses himself just long enough to get the special anniversary gift he’d given Edwin for safekeeping. Left alone, Isabelle admires her wedding ring, reminiscing about the love-filled years and the promise of many more to come.
A sudden tapping pulls her from her thoughts. Through the rain-soaked window, she sees a face that resembles the one that greets her each morning. Before she can register the danger, Joe Walker raises a handgun and fires several shots through the plate glass.
The window explodes, sending shards of glass flying like deadly confetti. The violent harmony of splintering glass and echoing gunfire melds into a deafening cacophony. Each bullet rips through the ambient air with lethal intent, finding its mark and tearing through fabric, then flesh, with cruel precision.
As Walker escapes into the darkness, the serene ambiance of the diner is shattered. Only Isabelle’s muffled scream could match the loud bang. Isabelle’s chair topples over with the force of the shots, and the room plunges into chaos. Edwin, realizing the gravity of the situation, frantically dials for help, his fingers trembling.
Hearing the gunshot, Frank sprints back to the dining area. His heart sinks as he sees Isabelle lying in an expanding pool of crimson. He runs to her side, cradling her in his arms. “Don’t you leave me, Isabelle,” Frank whispers, fighting the stream of emotions pushing to get out.
As her life slowly slips away, Isabelle struggles to say something: “Joe Walker…”
“Help is on the way!” Edwin shouts over the whimpering cries of the paralyzed patrons, trying to console Frank.
Frank knew it was too late to save Isabelle. The memory of the feeling of jubilation he felt hearing the heartbeat of his unborn child during their last visit to the doctor flashes in his mind.
Casting a desperate prayer into the rainy shadows, Frank musters every ounce of strength and courage, preparing to confront the most harrowing challenge of his life: getting Isabelle to the nearby hospital in time to save his baby.
Author’s Notes:
Elements of this story were inspired by actual people, places, and events.
Cover Image: © Jamison Brown