Page 137 of Dark Endures

They’re talking in code about something scary. Do I really want to know what it’s about?

“But if it’ll make you happy, I’ll ask her to stop.”

“Thank you.” Everett shoves the rest of the roll in his mouth.

“You’re welcome.” Maddox smiles at the kid, then at me with a shake of his head.

But what he doesn’t realize is that I've enjoyed every second of this conversation, minus the fear Everett must be experiencing.

I could watch Maddox taking care of kids for the rest of my life and be perfectly happy.

“Do you think you can find that mentor for me a little faster? I might do something stupid again if I get bored.”

“Your mentor is chosen. He’s just out of the country at the moment. When he gets back, I’ll make the arrangements. Do you think you can keep yourself out of trouble that long?”

The kid shrugs. “I don’t know.”

“What if I were able to get one of my brothers to teach you something?”

“Like how to shoot a gun?” Everett jumps up in his chair.

I almost spit out my roll as I try not to laugh.

“Mrs. Wright offered to teach me how to throw a knife. But she scared me a little.”

That woman scares everyone.

“She’s the best person to teach you how to do it. When she’s done, you’ll be able to do this.” A knife appears in Maddox’s hand, then disappears as fast.

Thunk!

We turn towards the sound.

That knife sunk into the center of a board across the room.

“WOW. I wanna learn how to do that. She won’t kill me, will she?”

Maddox shrugs and winks at me. “Maybe. It’s a chance you have to take. Until then, head to the gym tomorrow morning and ask for Oche. He’ll start training you.”

“Awesome.” Everett jumps up. Then sits down again. “Can Jordan train with me?”

“Jordan has been training since he got here, so probably not until you catch up with him.”

“I don’t think Levi should train when he gets back from rehab.”

Maddox sounds tired as he asks, “Why not?”

“Because his head is going to be messed up for a while, and training needs focus.”

“You’re a really good brother.” I smile at Everett.

“Levi isn’t my brother. He’s Jordan’s brother.”

Oh.

“Do you think I could have dinner with you two? I don’t want to go outside until I know the teacher has gone home.”

Maddox reaches for a garlic roll. “Sure.”

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