Page 121 of Kage

The men crowded around, eager for a fight to blow off steam if nothing else.

I was all for it.

Maddox hissed, giving me the middle finger.

The moment I lunged forward again, Commander Jenkins was in my face. He didn’t need to use restraint. The harsh look in his eyes was enough of a reminder he was our commanding officer.

He walked me back by several feet, cocking his head. “That’s it, Lieutenant Rollins. All of you. I’m fucking sick of this shit. Whether or not you like it, we’re a goddamn team. We lost several good men. We’re all hurting, but you will not take it out on each other. Do you understand?”

Almost all the men gave a resounding ‘yes, sir.’ Neither Maddox nor I said a word, still glaring at each other.

Still seething.

“Is that understood?” Commander Jenkins snapped his head from Maddox toward me.

“Yes, sir,” Maddox said first.

I simply nodded.

“Not good enough, soldier.” Our commander didn’t take any shit. He waited for my answer.

“Yes, sir.”

“Good. I don’t want to see this shit happen again.”

Guilt was a bitter pill, but one I deserved to swallow. That’s what Juliette couldn’t understand. Or maybe she understood me better than I realized. She’d disappeared into her room just before I’d grabbed my keys. I’d stood at the bottom of the stairs, trying to figure out what to say to her.

I wasn’t known for my effortless ability to carry on a conversation.

So I’d left.

As usual.

My hand was so tightly wrapped around the steering wheel my fingers ached. I twisted it, constantly glancing into the rearview mirror. My guilty conscience continued to play out, now in a fear that I couldn’t keep her protected. As I shifted in my seat, I became more aware of the weapon I had concealed in myjacket. While I had a permit, the last thing I wanted was to cause concern with anyone in town.

I rubbed my jaw as I pulled into the parking lot near Jasper’s. Now I was replaying what had happened to another SEAL in the daylight hours. Juliette’s question had lingered in my mind, so much so my lack of concentration was disturbing.

It was shit I needed to shake.

Climbing out, I scanned the street. With the near perfect weather conditions, there were dozens of people on the streets. I wasn’t certain if I would recognize the man if I saw him up close. I’d purchased the phone and other supplies, finding nothing in the way of even a security camera.

It was early, but I knew Jasper’s would be open. When I walked inside, I noticed a couple of old timers sitting in the corner, another playing pool, but the place was mostly empty.

Jarvis immediately noticed me, grinning as I walked closer to the bar. “You’re out and about early. Want a beer?”

“Not today. Just looking for information.” I was aware he studied me as I swept the oversized room a second time.

“How’s that lady of yours?” His question was leading. That much I knew about the man.

“She’s a handful.”

“Most women are. But you know, I have a good feeling about the two of you.”

Snorting, I shook my head. “Why do you say that?”

“The looks you gave her when she wasn’t looking. They were the same ones she gave you when you pretended not to notice her.”

“That didn’t happen.”

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