Page 40 of Tango

“Beckett will check in at—” Cole slapped a friendly smile on when he spotted us and switched gears. “Savi, Easton texted he wants to come home. I think a call from Mom will help him get through the last day there.” I was pleased to hear the kids would be returning. It felt like they’d been gone forever. I was very pleased that Cole heard my advice and waited to tell the kids about Lexi here rather than at Dusk. They were younger, and it was time to share the news about Lexi and let them start the healing process.

“I will, but,” she grinned and pointed her head at me, “she’s just as stubborn as I am, babe. Now, finish that sentence you were saying about when Beckett’s to check in.”

I loved Savannah.

“Very well.” He gave her a wary look. “Beckett checks in at eighteen hundred tonight.”

“That’s ten hours before he must be at his rendezvous spot,” I piped in without thought, then pressed my lips tight together.

“Five, actually.” He nodded like he remembered he had given Ty permission to share this mission with me. He studied my face a moment then went on. “Alpha-Bravo had to abort their mission. They were ambushed.”

“What!” I blurted.

“Not to worry,” he held up a hand, “it’s fine. There were no casualties, and it was well away from where they left Beckett. We’ll let him know about the change of plans when he checks in.” His fingers tapped on the marble countertop. “What else do you know?”

“Doctor-patient confidentiality.”

“You’re not his doctor.”

“When he handed me a twenty, I was.” I winked. We knew how to get around the rules.

“She is like you.” He glared at his wife, who just grinned wide.

“You’ve bent the rules for me, Cole.” She waved him off. “It’s what you do when your loved one is scared. Besides, I thought he was in Mexico,” she mocked playfully along with me.

“See, now, I heard Lebanon.” I tossed my hands in the air.

“You see what I have to live with?” Cole chuckled at Moore. “Anyway, now you know. Moore. Good luck at Camp Green. Training’s canceled, so we have the rest of the day off.” He turned and walked away.

“Speaking of time off,” Savannah chased after him, “we’re planning a night out at Zack’s.”

“So,” Moore moved toward the counter, “I was thinking, since Ty’s away, his friends should play.” He gave me a mischievous smile. “How about that friend’s day out?”

“No Ty to cut in on our storytelling? Mm.” I raised an eyebrow. “When do you leave for Camp Green?”

“Thirty.”

“I’ll grab my things.”

Moore had to file a bunch of paperwork for the Dark Water team at the head office when we arrived. I was glad he did because it gave me some time to meet the new teammates again in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Lee and Perez were lighthearted and comical. They seemed close and were more than ready to leave the camp and get into training. They didn’t stand out to me when I conducted the interviews of candidates as much as…

“Dr. Knight.” Gear pulled me aside while he made sure to catch the door for Liza as she hurried by with a quick hello. “I just wanted to say thanks again for what you said during our interview. You made me realize how important this is to me. I gave up my dream last time, let myself get talked out of it because of my family’s needs. I had a long talk with my mom and sister, and we all agree that I need this for me. Despite what my sister’s got going on, this is my life, and they don’t want to hold me back. Since then, I’ve found them some help, and they both seem happier.” He took a deep gulp of air.

“And you?” I couldn’t help but feel warmed by his words.

“I feel free. Free from guilt and free to follow my dream, and now look.” He held out his arms. “I made it.”

“That’s amazing, Gear, truly. I’m glad we’re going to be housemates. You’re going to love it at Shadows.”

“I’m sure I will.” He nodded politely then joined the others. I watched him for a few minutes and could tell he was much more relaxed and at ease with the other guys. He joked and laughed. I was happy the weight he carried was gone from his shoulders.

Ty slowly crept into my head, and I suddenly felt the panic of not knowing if he was okay as it took over.

“All finished.” Moore joined me, and I focused on him, which stopped the vicious invisible monster known as anxiety. “The new team’ll be with us in no time.” He glanced over at the guys as they laughed together, and he nodded and smiled. “How about we chat with them a bit then go for some lunch?”

“Sounds good, but any chance we could do town versus here?”

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