Chapter 24

Present – Erast – Three days later at Bob's Country Bunker

After I finish my nightly gig with the band, I sit at Bob's table sipping a cold one, relaxing and watching Anastasia dance and serve drinks. We have both worked our asses off the last three days but I suppose I need to explain why. Bob realized that we had been responsible for saving Bob's Country Bunker and offered me a job as head of security and leader of the band. I asked about Anastasia and he said she could be a bar tender/dancer - I verified that it was without 'benefits'. We shook on it and we both had jobs.

Handling the band was no big deal because I was the best player of the group. I just needed to make sure they showed up for practice and didn't get so drunk they couldn't play when they were on or off the stage.

The head of security was a different story. The first thing I did was divide the men into two separate and equal teams and explained to them one team had to stay sober while on duty and the off team couldn't drink four hours before their shift. That went over like a lead balloon until I kicked some asshole butt and even fired two of them. Then the rest settled down and toed the line.

I ran into more issues when I instituted PT. But again, might makes right and after opening up a can of whoop ass on them they obeyed but they sure didn't like it. In fact they hated my guts but I didn't fucking care - we were lucky as hell the Air Force stepped in otherwise those the banditos didn't kill would be singing Himno Nacional de Mexico (Mexican National Anthem).

Consequently I never got a chance to rest: I was playing or practicing with the band or training one team while the other was resting. And when I took time off like right now, I had to watch my back to make sure one of the fuckers wasn't going to shoot or knife me.

Anastasia had her own set of issues which she'd handled very well. At first the patrons thought she was 'fresh meat' and got frisky with her. That was until she kicked some serious ass and left several cowboys with sore as hell balls. The word spread that she was 'looky but don't touchy'. Yeah, I was damn proud of her: She kicked ass, took names and even inspired some of the other women to not 'put out'.

I watched her dancing with the other women on top of the bar and smiled, yeah there were some new cowboys that would be sore as hell later tonight...

Present – Anastasia – Bob's Country Bunker

Damn, I don't know what's harder - dancing, serving drinks or keeping the cowboys from getting fresh with me. Because this cowgirl ain't going to put out for anyone but Erast and he's been so busy I hardly see him. We are like two ships that never pass in the night. I secretly think he's planned it this way because he's afraid I might try to get him drunk again. Shit! He doesn't have to worry about that, because other than when he's playing in the band or tonight I haven't seen him drinking - in fact I've barely seen him at all.

One of the new cowboys at the bar grabs my ankle and yells, "Hey you little filly, you're coming with me upstairs." Damn, won't they ever learn? I kick him in the face with my free foot, he falls to the floor like a ton of bricks and the bouncers run up to take care of his friends, yeah they will get a good education tonight about touching me. I did notice Erast had jumped up from his table. Yeah, even though I don't see him much, he still takes care of me...

I see Bob walk over to talk to Erast. Erast gets a concerned look and motions to me - so I know it's important. I jump off the bar, the normal cowboys know better than to give me shit so they give me a path toward Erast's table.

I get to the table and ask, "Erast, what's going on?"

Bob answers, "Anastasia, there's a news team at the front gate asking about the big battle."

Erast stutters, "W-w-we need to hide."

Bob states, "Don't worry missy, I've already told everyone to tell them you two left already."

We head to our hiding place, get there, Bob leaves and I can't believe what Erast tells me next...

Present – Samantha – Bob's Country Bunker

We are still hot on the trail of Ben and Stacy when we hear about the battle at Bob's Country Bunker. Frank and Emanuel are convinced that Ben had something to do with it. So we drive to the front gate but instead of being let right in like before, we are forced to wait. My reporter's instinct is going crazy - something is going on...

Finally the guard says, "Sorry for the wait, but we have new security procedures since the last attack."

I question, "Who instituted these new security procedures."

He answers, "Bob did."

That sure didn't sound like the Bob I knew from before since he was really laid back. We drive inside the compound, park the new news van, Emanuel orders two of his team to stand guard (yeah the new van is never left unguarded) while the rest of us head for the door. Bob meets us at the door, smiles and greets us, "It's always a pleasure to welcome the Truth Network into my 'stablishment."

Frank and Emanuel point out the new guards to me so I question, "Your security is different than before."

He laughs, "Yeah, them damn mescians put the fear of God into us when they attacked. But come on in, have a beer or two on the house and then I will answer all your questions."

We head inside and the place seems a little different but I can't quite put my finger on it. However, my reporter's instinct is going crazy since something doesn't seem quite right.

We join Bob at his table, beer shows up and I ask my first question, "Bob, do you mind if we interview you about the battle?"

He grins and replies, "Sure thing little missy, ask away."

I nod to Frank, he pulls up the camera, I wait for the red light and begin:

"Hello America and the world this is Samantha Cohen reporting for the Truth Network. Tonight we are in a real Texas honkytonk known as Bob's Country Bunker which three days ago was instrumental in helping to defeat the bandito army which invaded America. We have the pleasure of interviewing the owner of the establishment, Bob. Bob, in your own words please describe the battle for us."