Page 10 of Colt

“It’s no problem,” I assured him, even though my inner voice screamed at me to shut the fuck up. “I can see to Ed in the daytime, then hole up in a hotel room with my laptop at night. I can work just as easily from Colorado. I’ll get on with lookin’ for that license plate in my downtime.”

“Sounds like you’ve got it all figured out.” Prez leaned forward, elbows to the table. “While you’re there, do me a favor and make sure Freya’s winding things down before she leaves. She hasn’t called or visited since Kennedy jumped in front of that car. Make sure she’s not gettin’ caught up at med school, or with volunteering at the hospital.”

I made a face.

“What’s the fuckin’ problem?” Prez demanded. “Thought you and Frey were buds. You’re always goin’ down to visit. Jesus, anyone would think I’d asked ya to jump off the side of the Grand fuckin’ Canyon.”

I sighed, knowing I had no choice. “Course I can look in on her. Just have to think about how to fit everythin’ in, is all.”

“If it’s that much of a problem, leave the license plate bullshit until you get back,” he ordered. “Family first, every time, Colt. You know that.”

“I do, Prez,” I agreed. “But I’m so close.”

“It’ll keep.” His tone softened. “You need a break anyway. We’ve worked you to the bone since that night we followed Stafford. You’re playin’ the stock market, chasing down that goddamned SUV, and organizin’ the buildin’ schedule for the new homes.”

“I can take over the buildin’ schedule,” Abe offered. “I should’a been doin’ it in the first place.”

“You dealt with recruitment, as well as buying, and organizing delivery slots for the materials,” Breaker reminded him.

“Yeah. But I’m up-to-date now. I can take over the schedule.” Abe turned to me. “Thanks for takin’ that shit on. Have a fuckin’ break. See to Ed, then take a week to see your folks or somethin’.”

I almost shuddered at his words.

A week with my dad was seven days too long. He’d say I was wasting my life, and imply I was an embarrassment to my mother. He always told me that if I wanted to run for the Senate, I needed to get a real job or take a government position.

The thought of following in his footsteps left me cold.

I could’ve joined an agency. The CIA and FBI had been actively trying to recruit me since the day I’d left Army Intelligence. But I popped smoke for a reason. There were too many restrictions and too much red tape. Working for a government agency meant going back to square one. The FBI, especially, tortured the shit out of me to join their ranks, but I kept turning them down.

I was a lone wolf. I didn’t play well with others.

“You still drivin’ over to Laramie this weekend?” Abe asked Dagger.

Prez jerked a nod. “Yeah. The Cowboys are playin’ the Longhorns. It’ll be a good game. You should come, bring Iris. She loves her football.”

“She won’t cheer on your team.” Abe laughed. “I know it’s college football, but she’s from Missouri. A Chiefs girl through and through.”

“You planning any trips for her?” Atlas asked.

“Yeah,” Abe replied. “They’re playin’ the Broncos at the end of October. Then we’re doin’ the December game when they play the Patriots. It’s her Christmas gift.”

“I reckon my Kady girl will turn into a Chiefs fan soon,” Prez muttered. “There’s me thinkin’ I could get the kids into the Cowboys like their Grandpop.”

Breaker’s face scrunched up. “I imagine she’d be into the Raiders, seein’ as she was born in Vegas.”

Prez cocked an eyebrow. “Nah. Kady will be all over the Chiefs now. Did you see Taylor at the goddamned stadium cheerin’ Travis on? Nearly fell off my chair.”

“Who the fuck’s Taylor?” Cash demanded. “Never heard you mention him before.”

Prez rolled his eyes. “Are you fuckin’ simple? Swift! Taylor Swift!”

Silence fell over the room.

“I’m shippin’ those two,” Prez continued, a faraway look falling over his face. “Imagine their beautiful, tall as fuck, singing, tight end babies.”

“What the fuck are you goin’ on about? And what’s ships gotta do with it?” Bowie demanded, his tone confused.

Prez puffed his chest out. “Kelce went on his podcast, shot his shot with Taylor, and asked her to his game. She rocked up to Arrowhead on Sunday and went out with him after they beat the Bears. If they get together, little Kady will stan ‘em. She loves Tay Tay, and I’m takin’ more of an interest in what the kids are into. I got one of those alert things set up on my cell about her.”

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