Before the car stopped, Emmett opened the door and jumped out with a Remington M870 shotgun in his hands.
—Damn, did a war break out?
Brock, rising from the passenger seat with an M4 in hand, looked at the scene in disbelief. Several corpses and bullet casings were scattered on the ground. He lowered the gun and scratched his head, still in shock.
—Guys, you're already here —Ethan commented with a smile, watching the expressions of surprise on the faces of his classmates as he put out a cigarette.
—We received your call, and we came as soon as possible. Chief Hood is also on his way —Emmett replied, curiously approaching the burning body in front of them. He covered his nose and backed away quickly. I didn't expect you to take care of everyone that fast.
Emmett looked at Ethan with admiration. With an M4A1 hanging from his back and a Pietro Beretta revolver in his hand, the tension on his face was evident.
—Those idiots came here looking for trouble and ran into my gun. Look how they left my damn truck.
Ethan walked toward his Ford F150. The body was full of bullet holes, the windshield smashed, and the rearview mirror hanging loose. The vehicle was ready for the junkyard.
—Ethan, I will compensate you for the loss —Siobhan said timidly, observing the state of the car.
—Okay, Ethan. You can apply for a subsidy at the office. It shouldn't be a problem, considering the noise these guys made today. Since you resolved this matter, it should be easy to ask for funds —Brock suggested with a hand gesture before adding—: Siobhan, you'd better change your clothes. At least put on shoes.
While speaking, Hood also arrived on the scene.
Once the scene was cleared and Ethan had called a crane for the F150, he stopped Hood.
—Boss, you can go first. I will take it —said Siobhan, approaching with a fine coat in her hands.
Hood winked at Ethan with a smile before starting the vehicle and leaving.
—Would you like to have a drink with me? I don't think I can sleep right now —Siobhan suggested.
After hesitating for a moment, Ethan nodded.
Back in the living room, The Amazing Race was still playing on television.
Siobhan took the remote control, but Ethan stopped her.
—Leave it. I also like to see it.
—Do you want something to drink? I have whiskey, brandy, beer, and red wine —Siobhan offered.
—Whiskey, please. With a little ice, thanks —Ethan replied, settling on the couch.
Ethan poured more than half the bottle into his glass, then raised it toward Siobhan's.
—Tell me when to stop.
When her glass was almost full, she told him to stop. She took a sip and immediately coughed at the strength of the alcohol. Then she pulled two bags from under the table and tossed one to Ethan.
—I was lucky you were here tonight. I didn't expect those people to really come to get revenge on me —Siobhan said, the TV light reflecting on her face.
—Don't worry. They would have done the same if it were Emmett. As I told you, we are friends, and friends take care of each other.
Siobhan lowered her head slightly, then looked at him with red eyes.
—You know? Today is my birthday. I didn't expect to have it like that.
—Wow, that is a surprise. Happy birthday —Ethan straightened up on the couch. Too bad those idiots screwed it up, but at least I lit you a big candle, right?
Siobhan laughed and threw a handful of fries at him.
Later, seeing she was clearly drunk, Ethan took the glass from her trembling hands.
—You shouldn't drink more. Just sleep peacefully. You will feel better tomorrow.
At his house, Ethan spotted Rebecca sitting on the porch steps.
—Where have you been? I have been waiting for a long time.
Later, wrapped in a blanket on the porch, Rebecca muttered softly:
—You have to do me a favor and get my knife back.
—Hood has it, right? No problem —Ethan nodded. I heard that in today's celebration, you stabbed a gang member. I must say you did a great job. It was self-defense. I don't understand why your father and your people took you to the police station.
Rebecca sighed.
—My people do not believe in violence. The Lord said to be patient, to ignore evil people, and not to resort to violence. My behavior today is intolerable in their eyes. I will have to publicly repent later, and I will be ostracized.
Ethan smiled slightly.
—Now I feel like I'm a double-sided person. On the surface, I am a conservative and well-behaved Amish girl, but I secretly live the life of an outsider. You're right… I just like violence.
---
The next morning, on television, the presenter joked during a report about minor geological activity in California:
—Come on, all of California is in an earthquake zone. Things like these happen every year. Some slight vibrations are normal. They are just small cracks that appear from time to time on the surface. Find a plastic surgeon. I will do it for you.
The presenter laughed and added:
—If you want to share some fun facts about the earthquake, call Lisa and Randy at 555—.
At the station later:
—Don't look at me, I have many documents to complete —Siobhan said without raising her head.
—You are so amazing. How did you know I wanted to ask you for help?
—Alma is on vacation, and your chair is still squeaking. What did you think, I wouldn't notice?
—I think you're smart enough to be an FBI agent.
—I am not interested in that. Bring me a cup too —Siobhan raised her arm instantly.
When Ethan handed Hood his permit application:
—Thank you, Sheriff —Ethan said happily, waving the approved form before leaving the office.