Page 71 of Wine, Whiskey, & Lipstick 2

Ben had no idea who that was.

Wyatt could read in Ben’s face that he was clueless. “I’ve never met him personally, but the man is the biggest Psy-Ops contractor on the planet.”

Lucas shrugged. “That doesn’t mean anything to me."

Wyatt continued to explain, “When the world goes to shit, world leaders answer to him.”

Ben responded, “You’re bullshitting. Like the President?”

Wyatt reaffirmed, “No, I’m not, and yes, even the President.”

Ben spoke quietly and out of earshot of security. “I don’t think Dillyn knows him as Supreme Leader Evans.”

Wyatt asked the obvious question, “Who is he to her?”

“Her handler.”

Lucas and Wyatt both spoke at the same time, “What?!”

Ben continued to fill in the blanks, “She knows him as Syntax.”

It all clicked for Wyatt. “That’s why I couldn’t find anything out about that man. Dillyn must be pretty high up the chain if she has a relationship with him.”

Ben had doubts, “Maybe. Not sure. I’ll ask her tomorrow.”

“If Evans said the threats are over,” Wyatt spoke, “That means we’re in the clear.”

Again, his gut told him that they were missing something. Not all of his questions to Syntax were answered satisfactorily. “Something tells me that’s not true.”

Lucas was thoughtful, “How much longer do you think we’ll need to stay here before we know we’re all good?”

Ben shrugged, “As long as it takes.” He placed a heavy hand on each of his brother’s shoulders. “In the meantime, I suggest y’all use this time wisely.”

Mike walked up to them. “It appears all is clear, and security is fully online.”

Ben had lost faith in Mike, but that was another conversation for tomorrow with his brothers. He didn’t even look at him, but his tone gave away the ballgame, “make sure it stays that way. I’m going to bed.”

Wyatt and Lucas could understand why Ben was so gruff. Dillyn was in real danger, and only by the grace of God was she wasn’t hurt.

Lucas was beyond tired too. “I’m a cowboy. I ain’t no military dude. I’ve had enough of this cloak-and-dagger shit. And now I have to go to bed when my woman is right across the hall. It’s going to be a long ass night.”

Ben rubbed the back of his neck and smiled as he walked up the porch steps. “Like I said, use this time wisely.”

*****

Ben didn’t even knock when he entered Dillyn’s bedroom. She was nestled underneath the covers as he took off his clothes.

She sighed, “I was wondering what was taking you so long.”

“Had to make sure everything was all settled.”

Dillyn flipped over onto her side. She spoke softly, “I’m sorry . . . for everything.”

The bed dipped as he got into it, “I know. But if you run around half-cocked like that again, I promise I’ll strangle you myself.” Ben reached for her, and Dillyn went willingly into his arms. It felt good to hold her. He was scared out of his mind that he wouldn’t ever get the chance again.

Dillyn rested her cheek on his chest. She whispered into the darkness, “I slayed a demon tonight.”

Ben ran his hand up and down her bare arm, “Yeah?”

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