Page 51 of Tango

The conversation turned to training and how Ty had wasted no time in getting the guys ready. They’d been up on the mountain with Daniel several times already today, and Lee joked again about who was better at what. I knew Ray had been training with them at Camp Green as well. Sounded like Dark Water were more than prepared to head to Mexico. I was impressed that Ty had found some good men. They obviously fit well together. He made it a point to say how they were already a solid team and he was happy how they’d come together in such a short time.

We were only days away from our big strike against the Cartel. We all hoped it would be one of the biggest dents made in Cartel history so that Dark Water was ready put my mind in a better place. My attention was pulled by raised voices.

“I can beat you up there with one hand behind my back, Gain!” The guy named Perez hooted, and soon the whole Dark Water team clamored out of the room with bets called along with shouts of encouragement and rude remarks.

“And just like that, they’re off.” Mark grinned at me, clearly as impressed with Ty’s leadership skills as I was.

“Nice to see he’s taking his job seriously.” I nodded and grinned back.

“Bringing in Beckett was one of the best things Daniel and Frank have done in years,” John said. “I know he’s being standoffish with you right now, Paul. Give him time. He’ll warm up.” We all stepped up to the window to watch them rush in the direction of the hill.

“I get it. I lived as the enemy.”

“He’s just got his own shit going on,” Mark added. “His head’s a little preoccupied.”

“But if you want to really win him over, get to know Ivy.” John nodded. “She’s great, and Ty really values her opinion.”

“Good to know.” I eyed Ivy as she chatted with Savannah near the kitchen door. “How long have they been dating?”

“Started dating?” Mark shrugged. “No clue, but the moment they met, sparks flew.” He waved his hand. “You know the friggin’ power of this house. It’s like Disneyland when they pump the smell of food in the air just to get you hungry. I swear Shadows does that with hormones.” I chuckled at his interesting analogy; it was kind of true.

We stood in silence as they came into view again and watched them zigzag up the steep trail on the side of the mountain. “That was us not that many years ago.” I laughed. “We so wanted to please Cole and be the best we could be. Crazy how time flies, and don’t even get me started on the wild curve balls it throws at you.” I shook my head at their agreement.

Mark turned as one of the twins raced by. “Hey, Liam?”

“Yeah, Dad?”

“Do me a favor and grab me my blue jacket from the hall closet.”

“Do I get a cookie if I do it?” The kid’s eyebrows went up.

“So, there’s no doubt he’s your kid,” I muttered playfully.

“A boy after my own heart.” Mark shrugged. “Yeah, bud, there’s two in it for ya.”

“Deal!” He ran full tilt down the hall, and a moment later we heard him shriek. Savannah’s snort of laughter could be heard from the kitchen, and Mark shook his head.

“You got your nephew with that thing!” he called.

“Sorry, bud!” Savannah couldn’t stop laughing. “No one’s exempt from the house games!”

“That thing scared the crap out of me.” Liam tossed his father’s jacket at him.

“Blame your father.” Savannah raced by holding the friggin’ contraption.

“I know she was tryin’ to get me.” He snickered under his breath. I chuckled and once again enjoyed how light this house was even in the darkest of times. It sure had its charm.

“Speaking of which…” I knew I could screw with Mark a little. It was well overdue on my end, and I knew Savannah would approve. “Did I see Abby and Doc lip locked outside last night?”

“Nope,” he shot back.

“It was the funniest thing, and his hand was so far up her—”

“How are you settling in?” He switched topics on me so fast I squinted and pretended I wasn’t pleased by his change in topic.

“Fine.”

“Good.” He nodded at someone behind me just as Catalina hit my shoulder.

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