Page 181 of Back in the Saddle

This was such a tragic mess.

“We don’t need the cops on our ass, Mason,” Javi stated.

“You both said nothing while you were questioned, but I’ll tell Alvarez this wasn’t on your order,” Mace assured. “That said, the cops are still gonna be on your asses. Just not about this.”

Javi nodded and muttered, “Gratitude.”

“I hate to ask it, but it’s gotta be asked, did Joaquim share anything that we all need to know about this case?” Mace inquired.

Javi blew out a big breath before he shook his head. “They didn’t get that far.” His body visibly tightened before he added, “They sacrificed everything, for fuckin’ nothin’.”

On that desolate note, the room fell silent, and I wasn’t sure what was going to happen next.

Since nothing happened for what seemed like a long time, I squeezed Raye’s hand before I let it go, got up and went to my brother.

I wrapped my fingers around his and waited for him to look down at me.

“I’m not momming you,” I said to start. “I’m just offering, because you lost people who meant a lot to you. Do you want to stay with me for a while?” I finished in a hurry. “I won’t be mad if you say no. I’ll get it.”

Jeff looked to Javi, so I did too, to see him watching us.

Particularly our fingers wrapped around each other’s. And it was the first time that night where he appeared pleased about something. Still broken and sad, but there was a little goodness there.

“You can come over too,” I invited Javi. “I’m learning to cook. I can make you both breakfast.”

Or I could try to.

How hard was it to whip up some scrambled eggs? I’d watched Ina do it at least half a dozen times.

“I gotta talk to Joaquim and Jamal’s people,” Javi said to Jeff. “But if you wanna hang with your sister, do it, brother.”

My brother brought my hand up to his chest and pressed it in, so I looked at him.

“I gotta do that with Javi,” he said softly.

I hurt for him, and I was proud of him at the same time.

To share this, I pulled my hand from his hold and hugged him.

He hugged me back.

So they could get on with their sad task, I let him go.

But I moved right to Javi.

And then I hugged him.

It took him a second, but his arms curled around me, and he squeezed so tight, I had to hold my breath so I wouldn’t wheeze.

When he seemed to realize what he was doing, his arms loosened, but he didn’t let me go.

I tipped my head back and said gently, “I’m so sorry you lost your brothers tonight, Javi.”

“I am too,hermanita,” he replied.

“If you need anything…” I let that trail, but I turned to my brother, so he knew what I hoped he already knew. The offer was for both of them.

Jeff’s lips lifted up in acknowledgement and a smile he didn’t feel.

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