Fast Lane - Kristen Ashley Page 0,111

it’s okay with Preacher, I’m fine with it,” she finishes.

Even in all she and Jesse have shared with me, and my burgeoning position among these people, I feel like an interloper.

Therefore, I do not make a thorough investigation to report for this effort.

I note instantly, however, there are no gold and platinum records on the walls, no awards tucked into shelves, of which, McCade has earned many.

This family reads books.

And if a wall that is nothing but rows of stacked vinyl and compact discs, as well as an impressive shelf stereo system with turntable, is any indication, unsurprisingly, the McCade family enjoys music.

There are a number of framed pictures set in shelves and on tables.

I peruse these.

A tired Lyla and a proud McCade shoved into a hospital bed, Lyla holding a bundle that has to be Jesse, McCade holding them both.

The same when Lynie is born, except Jesse is tucked in the curve of McCade’s arm and hanging onto his father’s neck.

Further, there are a variety of snapshots of past Christmases and barbeques and vacations and much time spent in and around this cabin set around as reminders of family times, and many of them have one or more of the Roadmasters and their own families included.

And of note, resting at an honored place on a table behind the couch, is a framed photo of McCade, Mancosa and Audie Campbell sitting around a modest but sturdy and well-worn kitchen table, all with glasses of bourbon in front of them, cigarettes between their fingers, a used ashtray is also on the table between the three.

Sonia, Lyla’s sister, is standing, leaning into her grandfather. They have their arms around each other, and like all the men, she’s smiling at what is presumably Lyla behind the camera.

Lynie Campbell, however, is bent over Preacher McCade, her hand wrapped around his jaw, and she’s bestowing a motherly kiss on the top of his head.

My biggest surprise is that, pride of place, and rather large, there is a framed copy of The Clinch, a photograph the taking of which infuriated McCade.

But it has to be one of the most seen in the room, as it sits on a shelf just above the TV.

When Lyla notices me studying it, she says, “It pissed off Preacher, but I always thought it was the bomb.”

Seeing it again, it is my opinion she is not wrong.

I’m about to ask where the awards and accolades are, but Lyla tips her head to the side, smiles and says, “My daughter is home.”

I’m told McCade’s honors are displayed in his studio “up the hill.”

And then Lynie has arrived in a flurry of rustling bags and an excited tiger cat.

When we’re introduced, Lynie is much more friendly to me than her brother but has more interest in describing her purchases to her mother.

They decide to go through them later, and after a gentle “put them away, honey,” from Lyla, Lynie disappears into the back of the house, reappears and then exits out the front door.

She is greeted perfunctorily by her brother in a big-brother way.

However, she is encased in a bear hug by her father who also kisses the top of her dark-haired head.

McCade then tucks her into his side and, for some time, does not let his daughter go.

Lynie returns this gesture.

Holding each other close, they are standing in front of the woodshed.

I then note that the building of the fire is a signal.

For it is not only Lynie who has joined her father and brother, Jesse Simms is out there with his wife and both his daughters.

I would then learn something that, until this reporting, has been kept a secret, and my fiancé has left for a surprise.

The patch of land that Preacher McCade bought in the Arizona mountains included thirty acres.

In the time between their reunion and now, all the Roadmasters, including Tom Mancosa, have built homes tucked somewhere within walking distance on that land.

Only the McCades live there full-time, but as Lyla fusses about in the kitchen, she explains at least one of the Roadmasters with his family is there at any given time.

She shares their house is what “the boys” call “the headquarters.”

And this explains the long dining table and large pot of chili.

I’m recruited for service and thus carry out a number of thick, plaid, wool throws with fringed ends after Lyla shouts to McCade, “Tub duty!”

McCade then breaks off from a huddle that now includes Dave Clinton, Janey Rogers, with Simms and McCade’s son, all standing by