Whiskey Lullaby~~~Sample~~~Book 1 in the Whiskey Billionaire Series

Chapter 2

Ashton

It's been a long day and I'm finally making it to the cemetery. My wife, Karen, has been gone for five years and I still bring flowers on her birthday and this year is no different. "Hey honey. Happy birthday." I say before laying the flowers on her grave. I don't speak much. Nothing much to say. We were young when we married and cancer took her before we had any kids. I miss her so much but can't let myself dwell on my grief. I sit on the bench next to her grave and run my fingers over her name when I hear someone sobbing.

I look around and see a young woman kneeling next to a grave and hear her sobbing and saying she's sorry. I don't bother her but I do watch her. She seems so sad. After a little bit, she gets up and slowly walks to her car and I can see her shoulders still shaking from crying. After she gets in her car and leaves, I look back at Karen's headstone but I'm still thinking about the woman that just left. I've never seen anyone so sad.

After sitting for a bit longer, I wish Karen a happy birthday again and tell her I love her, like I always do before kissing her headstone. I can't help myself. I walk over to the grave the woman was visiting and see the name:

Jason Michael Walker

Born Jan 12, 2022

Died July 29, 2022

Mommy's Little Angel

Shit. This baby was only six months old. I wonder what happened. Whatever it is, his mom is still suffering. I would be too if I had to visit my baby's grave. Fuck. Might have to get my guys looking into her. Check up on her. What am I thinking? I take a picture of the headstone and send it in a text to my head of security, Rico.

A: Look into this name. I need all the info you can find on him.

R: On it boss.

I love how he does as he's asked and doesn't ask questions. I don't know that I would have the answer anyway. I walk to my car and my driver, Nick, opens the door. "Where to boss?" he asks. "Take me to Brewsters." I tell him. Brewsters is the bar that I bought several years back. It was failing and I got it for next to nothing but I made sure that the previous owners, an older couple, were set up for a nice retirement. The bar is only one of my businesses.

Pulling up at the bar, Nick let's me out of the car and I tell him "I'll call when I'm ready to leave." He nods and I head into the bar and take a seat at the end of the bar. Josie, my bartender, walks over with my normal drink of Jameson. "How's it going boss?" she asks. "Good as it can. How's it been tonight?" I ask. "Good. Just busy enough to keep me on my toes." she tells me. I look at the people around the bar and see a couple of guys over at the pool tables talking as well as some couples hanging around. I look at the people sitting at the bar and see her sitting there. The woman from the cemetery. She looks like she's still crying. "Josie." I say and she walks back over to me. "That woman sitting alone. Has she said anything?" I ask. "Other than ordering her drink? No. Something's wrong though." she tells me and I nod. "Her drinks are on me tonight." I tell her and she nods. "Got it boss." she says before heading over to take another person's order.

After a few minutes of watching her, I notice she has a simple kind of beauty. I know I still visit my late wife's grave but that doesn't mean I'm not ready to move on. I've been with a few women over the last couple of years but never felt a curiosity about them that I do about her. All of a sudden a man walks over and leans down next to her ear. I don't know what she's saying but she's gone stiff and I see her wiping more tears away. I hear her say "Leave me alone." and that's all it takes.

I stand from my bar stool and quickly walk over to her and stand between her and the man. "You should leave." I say simply. "This don't concern you." he tells me. "This is my bar so, yes, it does concern me. You should leave while that's still an option." I tell him again. "Or what?" the guy asks. I motion for two of my bouncers that come and grab him before hauling him outside. When his buddy starts to argue, they take him too.

Turning towards her, I ask "Are you okay?" She nods her head and whispers "Thank you." She reaches into her pocket and takes out money but Josie tells her "Tabs covered doll." She nods and reaches for her keys but starts to sway as she stands. "You don't need to be driving." I tell her. "I'm fine." she slurs and starts to stumble but I catch her. Picking her up, bridal style, I carry her to my office and tell Josie to make some coffee.