“I know what you’re going to say,” Jeffco says. “So just say it. You want out. That was your last fight.”
Rowan nods. “I can’t afford to keep doing this the rest of my life. I’m—”
“He’s in love,” Jeffco interrupts.
I look up at them, and they don’t even think to laugh.
Jeffco clears his throat. “Well, I guess that suits you. You always were more of the emotional type. Deep down, at least. You were a great leader too.”
Iago sighs and offers him his hand. Rowan grabs it and brings him in for a hug. “I’m sorry I let so many people die,” Rowan says. “I didn’t want that to happen. I thought we could end this easier.”
“It ain’t your fault,” he says. “Kaine wanted us all dead. If it wasn’t for you, we’d all be strewn across this earth in a week’s time. You came up with a plan quickly. I owe you one.”
“Come to my wedding. Both of you. Be my best men,” Rowan says.
“Isn’t there only supposed to be one?” Jeffco asks, glancing at Iago competitively.
“At our wedding, there can be two,” I say.
“There’ll be booze there, right?” Jeffco asks.
“There will be a table full of booze,” Rowan laughs.
“Better get two tables,” he says. “Two tables, and I’ll be your best man. That’s my offer.”
“Deal,” Rowan says.
They embrace like brothers and sigh, knowing that there’s a lot more to do now that the war is over.
“Where’s the Hell Squadron?” I ask.
We all look at the mountains and notice their absence.
Rowan shrugs and chuckles. “I guess they decided things were back to normal. I’m just wondering where Kaine’s body is,” he says.
“What the hell?” Jeffco mutters. “He’s gone?”
We walk outside. In place of his body is a post with a small letter, blowing against the wind. It reads: The War is over. Let it be known across the four corners. The Hunters will never rise again.”
“Shit,” I whisper. “Well, alright then.”
We said goodbye to Iago, and there were many tears to shed.
Despite it all, we went through something huge together. We finished what we set out to do. I won’t look back and feel fond of all of this, but I know that, in the weirdest way ever, it brought Rowan and I together forever.
We arrive back in town.
Jeffco hugs us goodbye and we even stop in for a quick drink at the Silent Barn.
“I, uh, am sorry that I kept you down in the cellar,” he says. “It was wrong of me. You’re good in my book.”
“Thanks,” I tell him. “You’re a crazy son of a bitch. But I like you, despite it all.”
When we ride back to our homes, it hits me. So much has happened since we first met. I remember Rowan, standing with that dumb look on his face, arrogant as all hell. Always staring at my ass on my morning run.
I remember our first drink together, when we shared that cigarette. I keep thinking about the snake that almost bit me, before Rowan saved my life and got bit himself.
I remember how the desert used to feel to me. It’s a much different entity now. I remember it all so fondly, but I know it’s time to say goodbye to this very real and insane chapter of my life.