Page 37 of No More Lies

“You looked lost in thought there, Donnie. Just checking you’re still with us.” Dex grinned and Donnie threw it back.

“I’m good. Going to make some coffee. Seems like it might be a long night.”

Donnie made the coffee and took two cups over to Kelly and Mackie, who gratefully accepted. Mackie stretched his arms for a minute, looking up.

“Hey, you heard anything from Steve?” he asked quietly.

Donnie shook his head. “Nothing. You?”

“Not since he asked me to run a plate.”

“He did? What the fuck is he up to? What plate?”

Mackie shrugged. “Black Ford. No time to ask questions. It was registered to some numbered company owned by some guy named Vladimir Volkov. All I know.” he said in a hushed tone.

“Maybe I’ll go get some fresh air and call him.”

“Sounds good. Hope he’s sorted his shit out.” Mackie focused his attention back on his laptop.

Donnie strolled outside. It was another warm, balmy evening. The setting sun still beat down, making him sweat in seconds. He called Steve, listening as it rang and rang before going to voicemail. He didn’t leave a message, typing out a text instead.

Just checking in to see how things are going. We’re still at the Farm, going to be a long night. Hope you guys are working it out.

He waited, enjoying his coffee and the fresh air. Marriage and kids might not be on his horizon right now, but he admired what Steve and Diane had. The closeness, the knowing looks, the thought of someone there waiting for you when you got home. And Megan? That girl was adorable. He smiled, recalling what she said at Jerry’s. Cheeky little monkey. But he was fine with being a fun uncle. Couldn’t imagine ever having kids himself. That was some responsibility.

He was an only child; his parents lived in Upstate New York where he was raised. His mom said ever since he could walk and talk, he had a fascination with hitting targets. Throwing bean bags, shooting hoops, nerf guns, archery. If there was a target, he had to hit it. He wouldn’t give up until he did. As the team’s primary sniper, he knew that hadn't changed. On impulse, he dialed his mom.

“James? How’s my baby?”

Donnie grinned. His mom was the only person who called him by his actual name. He was also twenty-nine years old, but to his mom he would always be baby.

“Hey, Mom. I’m good. Just thought I’d call to say hi.”

“About time. I never know when to call with you gallivanting around the world.”

Donnie sighed. He really should call more. His parents knew he was a SEAL, but not about Onyx. It was safer for them. Thankfully, since his father was a former police officer, he didn’t ask questions, understanding Donnie couldn’t divulge details.

“I wouldn’t call it gallivanting.”

“Navy boys. I’m sure you all have a good time. When you coming home for a visit?”

He should go and see his folks, it had been a while. Upstate New York wasn’t that far.

“I’ll do my best to get there soon.”

“It’s about time you brought a nice young lady home. I want to see grandkids before I die, James.”

Donnie rolled his eyes, thankful his mom couldn’t see him. Wife and kids were not in his future anytime soon.

“If I give you grandkids, you’d spoil them instead of me,” he teased.

His mom snorted, making him laugh.

“How’s Dad?”

‘Oh, he’s fine. Driving me crazy since he retired. Needs to find a hobby.”

Donnie chuckled. He had missed his dad’s retirement party. The team had been on an op. Despite what his mom said, she loved having his dad home. They never seemed to tire of each other. They’d been married thirty-five years, which was impressive in a world where one in two marriages failed. His childhood had been filled with love and laughter; he was one of the lucky ones.

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