Wildflower, the Perfect Ending

By April R. Schreiber

Reunited lovers begin a new chapter as he reluctantly admits he is a hit man for the mob. Her love for him causes acceptance of his career and she decides to join him in his work. But the couple is given much strife from old lovers trying to separate them, friends who fall from grace, and a lawless family. Local tradition guides much in daily life and customs passed down for generations set the tone for social compliance. Experience the cultural clash of moonshine-still country people pit against streetwise city thugs. Can their unconditional love keep them together? Discover the answer within Wildflower, the Perfect Ending.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Dec 16, 2016
• ISBN: 9781524654146

April R. Schreiber

Born with a strong sense of humor, the author tends to implant that component into all situations. Combine this with the curiosity of a child and you have the creation of a unique writing vantage point. There is always a story within a story within a story. It is the layers of events that give her fiction the element of real life. Never does any person do just one thing. Our minds carry unfinished mini stories which nag at us until their conclusion, usually with the onset of more mini stories. Thus, the Wildflower series could go on and on indefinitely.

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

THE RECONCILIATION

A S APRIL LOOKED AT JIMMER’S CASKET SHE FOUGHT BACK THE WAVES OF NAUSEA THAT PUSHED UPWARD NOT ONLY FROM HER STOMACH BUT ALSO AS SHOOTING PAINS THROUGH HER HEART. She couldn’t believe he was dead. Jimmer dead . She looked around and was aware of more than a dozen women, all of whom resembled her in one way or another. Then a woman walked past her who looked to be her twin. Oddly, she was dressed in white jeans. She walked up to Jimmer’s body and began sobbing loudly, then leaned in and clutched his body. April wondered who the woman was.

They completed the funeral and drove to the supper club where April made his favorite toast to him. She said her goodbyes to all and was driving back home and somehow she had a child, her child, who was with her throughout the event; a son. She had a son? Disoriented, but still driving, April looked to the familiarity of the road to comfort her and then… she woke up.

It took her a moment to grasp it had all only been a horrible nightmare! Covered in perspiration and slowly waking up, April reasoned it was time to reach out to Jimmer. Her whole life had been a nightmare since she left him and this dream is precisely what she needed to finally give her clarity. As the morning sun lit her tear stained face, April realized she had made the mistake of her life. She reached over to the phone and dialed Milwaukee.

Determination stung the air; she could not stand another moment to be without Jimmer and his love. One ring, two rings, a third and no answer… her heart was sinking at the thought that he may have moved on with his life and was now in the arms of another woman. With the fourth ring a deep male voiced answered, Hello. She let out an audible sigh. In disbelief he asked, April? Is that you? It was Jimmer. She removed the tears from her voice and answered, Yes. It’s me. Laughing he teased, And you didn’t get a wrong number? Chuckling, she responded, No. I have called to see if you’d still have any interest in one slightly used Mooseyard redhead? Realizing she had finally forgiven him, he joined in the game, Well, that depends. How many miles does she have on her? I don’t like the stuff that’s been around the track too many times; makes for a loose ride." She laughed aloud. Only Jimmer could make her smile like this over and over. She both hated and loved him for it.

After moving out over a year ago she came to realize she should have waited to hear his side of the story instead of packing up without a word. He had to hear why she left from others because her lips were sealed to him. She was certain he had cheated on her and it took months to open her heart up to the fact that she might possibly be wrong. All that anger, all that pain, all aimed straight at his ass for no reason. Now when she has him right here she found herself speechless as the words choked in her throat.

Jimmer… she began, I think I may have made a terrible mistake. He jumped in, "May? You may have been mistaken? What the fuck, woman? I’ve been struggling to keep my shit together for a fucking year and now you think you may have made a mistake? He continued, Do you know how fucking hard it has been to just get my ass up and out of bed each day? When you walked out you took my fucking life with you. And now you tell me it may have been a mistake? Tears streamed down her face as she stammered, I…I thought you didn’t care. I thought you were out fucking another woman and I just…went crazy."

His mood softened. He never could stand her tears; when she hurt he couldn’t take it. Even though he wanted to stay pissed at her and make her feel all the pain he had endured, he couldn’t. He could break any man in half, but one little tear in April’s eye and he became someone he didn’t recognize; someone kind and gentle, someone foreign to his being. He sighed, Ah, Hon, don’t cry. Please, just don’t cry. April truly wanted to stop but it was like all that pent up anger and pain came pouring out and she simply could not stop the flow once it began. She choked, Give me… a minute… I’m trying. He waited, patiently. As she wept he felt tears forming in the wells of his own eyes. He thought in amazement, ‘she’s back!’ It felt good, tears or not. Damned good.

You okay now? he asked in a softened voice. April immediately noticed the change of tone. He was using the voice he reserved only for her and she melted at the sound on her ears. She snuffled, Yeah, I’m okay now. Sorry. I don’t know what happened. It was like it burst out of me and I couldn’t stop it! He laughed. Her innocence always came shining through. Well, you called so we’re running on your dime, he quipped. She smiled. She knew he was trying to make her spill her thoughts as he had done throughout their relationship. Always in charge, that was Jimmer. "Yes. I did call, didn’t I? I thought it would be nice to hear it from your lips that you didn’t fuck around on me. Others have pleaded your case, but I have never heard it from your mouth. Unless, of course, you really did do the deed and I call for no reason? The last thing Jimmer wanted for her to think he had gone out on her to rekindle this misconception. I think you know I didn’t and never would. I have no idea what set you off, but whatever it was, it didn’t include me fucking around on you!"

April smiled. She finally realized he never cheated. She knew or she wouldn’t have made the call. But it was still nice to hear the words. Jimmer, you called me and when I called you back later there was no answer. Then the next time I saw you I asked you where you were and you said, ‘Home all night’. But I know that’s not true because I called and called, like every 15 minutes. He had to think back of which night she was talking about, and then it hit him.

He had gotten a call there was to be a multiple hit in St. Louis and they expected it to be a rough one. April had walked outside and surprised him as he was loading the rifles into his trunk for the trip. He stammered and told her some bullshit about how he and his friends were going to do some target practice and she seemed to buy the story.

He had driven to St. Louis and called April from the hotel, pretending to be home so she was unaware of his location as he was sure this would make the news. He didn’t want her knowing anything because if anything hit the fan she could be at risk. When she later asked if he had been home all night he lied not realizing she asked for another reason.

Rough didn’t even begin to describe the job. When he arrived he learned they were understaffed and he’d have to do the three hits with only himself and another man. They had opted to do it outside a tavern where the men frequented so they lay in wait of closing time or for their targets to exit. When they did there was a girl with them. Jimmer and his partner opened fire. They drew quickly and took out his acquaintance after he had shot one. The other two were left to Jimmer to deal with. He had a pistol in each hand and got one in the chest and the other in his cheek while they fired in his direction. He had intended to leave the girl out of it, but she surprised him by pulling a gun out of purse and then fired at him. He had no choice but to shoot, so he aimed and hit almost directly between her eyes. He shook his head and sighed as her eyes went lifeless and she dropped to the ground. It was then that he realized the girl had grazed him on his leg. He made the trot to his car and began the trek back to his relatively quiet life with April in the Mooseyard. He drove cautiously as to not draw any attention as squad cars raced to the bloody scene he had just caused.

He drove straight through to April, stopping only to change pants and put something on to stop the bleeding. He still couldn’t believe it was the woman who got him and if she hadn’t he would have allowed her life. Now she was dead. Well, there was no changing it now. He saw it was merely a bloody scratch and he would tell April he scraped it at work. The pants were ruined. He knew she’d recognize it as a bullet hole in and out so those were deposited in the gas station garbage can.

When he finally arrived home after hours on the road he was totally exhausted and simply wanted to be in April’s arms. They had made love, but he dozed off after… at least he thought it was after, and he was awakened to April’s body gently sliding over from beneath his.

April continued, Then when you came home you fell asleep in the middle of making love to me. That hurt. And it also seemed to confirm that you had been getting your rocks off elsewhere. Jimmer remembered back and now saw that she was just putting two and two together. Ah, April was always quick to come to conclusions. Just this time they were wrong. But, given the information she had, he now saw her side of things and realized it was not unreasonable. He sighed aloud. He had unintentionally caused her to believe he was cheating when, in fact, he was simply working. He didn’t know any way to avoid having a very serious conversation with her about his work.

Part of him didn’t want to ever share this with her because if she knew she just became an accessory to murder. But worse yet, if anything went awry, she just became a loose end to his superiors and her life could be put in jeopardy.

He replied, Hon, I want you to know that I did NOT cheat on you. I want to sit down and explain everything to you, but I need to do that in person, not over the phone. April said, I guess it will keep. So, how have you been? Jimmer knew if she was asking how he was he was over the cheating hurdle. But now to tell her of his actual activities; how to begin that conversation? He snapped back to reality and responded, I’ve been trying to get you, you crazy chick, off my mind. It hasn’t worked. She laughed and replied, Yea, me too with you. It’s been a rough year. I was so angry at you, yet I couldn’t force myself to stop loving you. He sighed and said, "Same here. I was alive, but I wasn’t living… just going through the motions. So, I guess we get together and try to figure out where to take it from here, capish?" April smiled. Ah, it was good to hear anything Italian again. The mere mention and she was enveloped in the same safety she always felt when she was with him.

They agreed he would come home to her the upcoming weekend and they would try to work it out. Once the meeting was set the rest would simply be deciding how to move forward from there.

CHAPTER 2

THE REUNION

F RIDAY FINALLY ARRIVED. Jimmer left work early to get on the road. He wanted time to settle in and prepare his words for April. Yet, he knew there was no easy way to say what he was going to be telling her. How do you say, I kill people for money and favors? There is no easy way. He wasn’t sure how she’d take it and part of him feared he’d lose her all over again. But there was no other way to prove he didn’t cheat on her or that he had any intentions of doing so in the future.

As he drove his mind wandered back to happier times when they were living together and inseparable. All he could remember were good times. There wasn’t a memory that didn’t somehow include her. It was like with her he had first come alive and when she left it was like part of him died inside. He was determined to never let her leave his side again and if took telling her every secret he had, he was fully prepared to do so.

When he got to town he walked into the florist’s. They recognized him even though it had been a good year since he had done business with them. I guess buying flowers every Wednesday and Friday for years will do that. He wanted something special; something with meaning. They just happened to have her favorite type of rose in and he set about selecting a vase for it.

April was so distracted at work she could hardly concentrate on her duties. At four o’clock a beautiful flower arrangement arrived at her office. She always knew as soon as Jimmer hit town because he would either bring or have flowers delivered. Today’s was a single sterling rose with baby’s breath in a hand blown grey vase. It was gorgeous. April loved sterling roses; they were her favorite and she preferred a single flower to a bouquet. She was touched that he remembered both these small details of her taste. The flower reminded her of many past floral deliveries and the instant excitement they provoked. She knew the man she loved more than anything in life was now at her home awaiting her arrival. She felt butterflies in her stomach as she bit her smiling lip in anticipation of the evening to come.

It was present in her mind that after all the years they had shared he still shouldn’t do this to her, yet she couldn’t help herself. He made her feel like a teenager out on her first date with him over and over; he was the never-ending fair ride that she never knew what to expect. Jimmer was always fresh and new; yet familiar and comfortable. Yes, there was no other man who could do this to her. She sighed in resolution that he was the only man for her now and forever.

Quitting time finally came and she quickly strode to her car, stilettos clicking on the concrete, and then drove beyond the speed limit to get home. As she was driving she thought, ‘What if he doesn’t want to give me another chance? After all, I walked out for no reason. What if he has driven up simply to tell me he’ll never trust me again? Even if he hasn’t found anyone else, that doesn’t mean he wants me back.’ Just then she pulled in the driveway and saw him standing outside petting her dog, Jesibelle.

She stepped out of the car and ran to his arms. She looked deep into Jimmer’s eyes and could witness it all there, all the love he felt for her was openly apparent. No, she was back in his arms and she could tell he meant to keep her there. Jimmer reached down with his fingertips and lifted her face to his. As their eyes were fixated on each other, he whispered in a husky voice, I have felt like I died a thousand deaths without your love. Don’t take that away from me again because I couldn’t make it through a second time. While staring into his Pacific blue eyes, April cried, I love you. You will have my love this day and every day forward.

They kissed a kiss that sealed the bond of their words. It was a kiss that had been a whole year in the making and April’s knees went weak. But the intensity of the kiss was such that Jimmer held her firm in his arms and he wrapped her arms around his neck. They continued to kiss until Jesibelle barked, demanding Jimmer’s attention after his long absence from her life.

They walked arm in arm to the house, Jesibelle jumping at Jimmer’s free hand trying to get him to take the ball from her mouth. They looked at each other and laughed, knowing the dog would have her way because they always gave into her making her quite spoiled. It was like the year apart never existed. All felt right and good with the world as they first tossed the ball for Jesi and then went inside, reunited.

April was currently living with her mother who was out of state traveling with friends, so they had the house to themselves. Jimmer looked around and said, Geez, the place looks the same. April nodded, Yeah, I didn’t feel like doing anything to it. I’ve just been working and sleeping and little else. He asked, You know I still have the house? She replied, Yes. The neighbors were whining that you didn’t keep the lawn up like in town. I told them it was Mooseyard woods and that is what people do out here. Jimmer laughed. He said, I guess I didn’t even think about the lawn. His voice took on a somber tone as he continued, I didn’t care about much of anything. Their eyes met and as tears formed in her eyes, April reached out and wrapped her arms around his neck. She admitted, I truly do understand what you went through. I did the same thing except I was pissed and that anger held me over for the first few months. Then the emptiness inside me grew and grew until I knew I had made the mistake of my life. Her voice broke as the tears flowed down her face.

Jimmer embraced her tightly. Softly he said, Ah, Hon. Don’t cry. It’s all going to be okay. That’s all in the past now. I got you. Her tears ceased as she realized his words were true. Their separation was over. It would be a fresh beginning; a rekindling of their intense love. They kissed, but this time it was different. It was a reflection of long remembered passion that grew anew. He kissed her again and then picked her up and carried her to the bedroom while she lay her head on his shoulder, kissing his neck as he let out deep sighs of pleasure.

CHAPTER 3

THE CONFESSION

A FTER THEY FINISHED MAKING LOVE, JIMMER LAY ON HIS BACK AND APRIL LAY PRESSED AGAINST HIS SIDE STROKING HIS CHEST HAIR. He confessed, Hon, there’s something I gotta’ tell you. Still in afterglow, April seductively responded, Mmm, what could you possibly tell me that your body didn’t just say? Smiling in knowing he had pleased her, in her same tone he replied, My body has a mind of its own when it’s near yours. I couldn’t control it if I wanted to. April laughed. Yes, it was very apparent they had a mutual attraction. It two bodies could create actual sparks, theirs would have. Pulling away and looking up to him, she asked, "What is it you have to say?

Jimmer inhaled deeply and exhaled. Even though he had planned the words over and over on the drive up, now that the time had arrived he found himself tongue tied and at a loss as to where to begin. Well, love of my life, there is something I need to tell you, he began. Remember when you thought I was out fucking around on you? Surprised that he would bring that up at this intimate moment after they had just made love, sternly she replied, Yes. I remember. It was one of the most painful moments of my life. How could I ever forget it? Mustering up the words, Jimmer continued, Hon, I was in St. Louis. Surprised, she asked, You were? Oh, yeah, when I think back I remember you said you were going there. I saw you loading the guns for target practice. Ah, that is why you weren’t home when I called back. Why didn’t you just say so?

Hon, I couldn’t. I was there on business, he said as his voice trailed off, mind searching for the words to finish this conversation without losing her again. Because the conversation lagged April asked, What do you need to tell me? What is wrong? Tell me before I think worse things! But I guess there is nothing worse than you being in the arms of another. No matter what it is, if it doesn’t involve you loving someone else, I can accept it. Please tell me… you’re scaring me! Jimmer looked at her in amazement. He realized she could accept him; all sides of him and just possibly continue to love him. He searched for the words.

He started again, I was there on business. Sometimes I, ah, help out at work when they need something difficult done. Quizzically, April quipped, What could be difficult to do regarding picking out music? He chuckled at her innocence. He continued, No, this isn’t regarding the music. That is different. This is involving if there is a problem within another business. Still trying to grasp what he was trying to get at, she asked What other business do you do? Sighing aloud, he thought he’d better get to the point, he blurted out, Hon, I kill people for money. Still not comprehending, April repeated, "What do you mean, you kill people for money? Do you mean like you for really kill someone… for no reason? Now serious, Jimmer said, No, there is always a reason or I wouldn’t do it. People do things to put themselves in positions that cause other people to take action. Some steal, some lie, and some simply don’t know what loyalty is. That’s when I get the call to take action."

April was confused by this. Jimmer…was killing someone… for money? It was incomprehensible to her mind. As she tried to gather her thoughts she remembered back to when this happened. It was all over the news that there was a mob hit in St. Louis; at the very time Jimmer was not answering his phone. Oh My God!

Her mind raced as she tried to make sense of this information. But then she thought back to what she knew to be true. He shot like none she had ever seen before, and she grew up around people who were good with guns. He had a temper that could instantly flare and then as