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“Yes. Why wouldn’t you?”

“Because… Because… Well, you know I have issues with… shooting people.”

He lifts one shoulder, dismissing my worries. “You’ll pull the trigger when you have no other choice, but it doesn’t matter for this job. I need someone who can move silently and stay out of sight. You’re better at staying off the radar than anyone else I’ve got.”

He’s speaking as if he’s laying out facts rather than giving me a compliment, but pride and pleasure bloom inside me anyway. To hide it, I quip, “So basically you’re saying I’m Bilbo. Pretty much useless at anything that matters but somewhat decent at sneaking around.”

I surprise him. He blinks and looks at me blankly for a couple of seconds. Then he huffs out a breath. Then another one. Then turns his head to the side and chuckles in short, choppy rasps.

I’ve never seen Logan laugh before.

Not even once.

I can’t believe a stray comment from me is what’s done it.

His laughter only lasts a minute, but he’s still half smiling when he turns back to me. “Yes, that sounds about right. So do you want to do this or not?”

“I do. I’m happy to. So I should go alone, right?”

“Yeah. I can’t spare anyone else, and you’ll do better staying out of sight on your own. It will take you an hour there and an hour back, so don’t spend more than an hour checking things out. You need to be back here well before dark. Take the ATV you were riding earlier.”

“Got it. I’ll be back in three hours.”

Logan is clearly done with the conversation. He starts walking toward one of the storage buildings. I head toward where I parked the ATV, glancing around for Deck.

Because I want to tell him where I’m going and share my good news with him.

He’s busy helping two other guys lift a huge section of wall up from a far unit, so it’s not a good time for a chat. When he can’t find me, he’ll ask Logan where I am, and Logan will let him know.

I’d rather tell him myself, but there’s no reason to stall. I can’t risk getting delayed and having the sun set before I return.

I’ve grabbed my pack, borrowed binoculars from Billy, and straddled the ATV when Deck comes running over. For a big man, he can really move fast.

He’s scowling as he approaches, making some rushed gestures.Where you go?

“Logan gave me a job to do. It won’t take long, and it mostly consists of hiding and staying out of sight.” I add that last bit in right away so he doesn’t get worried about my putting myself at risk.

He’s worried anyway. His frown deepens.What job?

“I’m just driving back out to that community we saw and getting a closer look and taking some notes for Logan. I think it’s mostly for information purposes but also to make sure they’re no threat. I’m not going to get close enough to be in any danger.”

Yes. Danger alone.

“Maybe a little, but it’s daylight, I’m on the ATV, and I have a gun. I’ll be fine.”

No. No!

I gasp and stiffen at his stubborn expression and emphatic sign. “Yes. Logan asked me to do it, so I’m doing it.”

I’ll come.

“No! Logan wants me to go on my own. You’re needed here.”

No.

“Yes.” I’m keeping my voice low because some of the others are looking over at us with interest. Including a smirking Trisha. My cheeks flush. This is probably what I deserve after secretly gloating this morning. “It’s not your choice to make. I’m a grown-up and a member of this group just like you. And you’re embarrassing me right now by acting like I’m helpless. Logan trusts me to do this. Why can’t you?”

He’s breathing heavily, his brows lowered and his jawtight. He doesn’t sign anything else, but it’s more than evident he’s not happy with me right now.

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