Page 127 of Maddox

“Maybe we should get started. I know you don’t want us in your hair very long.”

I glanced at Kage, finally able to grin. “You’re right. Thanks for dropping everything and heading out here.”

“Not a big deal. Juliette has every employee at the sanctuary wrapped around her little finger. Chuck was in the area, so I figured what the hell.”

Juliette. The woman who’d managed to steal his heart. I’d thought that impossible.

“Kage,” Charmaine said as she looked into his eyes. “What about my parents?”

He nodded. “Don’t worry. They are very safe. I’ve developed a close relationship with several folks in town. They are enjoying a quiet respite in a protected area with people watching them.”

“Are they aware of what’s going on?”

“If you’re asking if they are worried about you, absolutely. But they know what you’re doing is important.”

Kage turned his attention my way as if trying to reassure me he’d taken great precautions. I offered a nod of respect in appreciation.

“It’ll be good working with you. First things first,” I told him.

“I could use another beer,” Kage said, eyeing me warily.

Maybe he knew me too well. When I hauled off and issued a brutal punch, he wasn’t shocked, even as his body was pitched backward, crashing into the coffee table.

“What are you doing?” Charmaine threw out.

“What I promised I’d do.” I grinned as I peered down at him. The memories were bittersweet, yet they were also comforting. Maybe very little had changed between us after all.

Chuck stood stoically with an amused look on his face, still chomping on the sandwich.

Charmaine moved closer, crouching down beside Kage. “Don’t mind him,” she said, indicating she was talking about me. “He’s been a little grumpy lately.”

“I have not been grumpy.”

“Oh, yes, you have.” She tried to help him up and Kage glared at me while he rubbed his jaw.

“Don’t worry, Charmaine. I deserved that. But only once.” As he stood, we stared each other in the eyes.

At least we had an understanding.

In truth? It was good to have my buddy by my side, if only for an extended mission that I still didn’t want.

“This might take a little while,” Chuck said as he shifted his gaze from one screen to the other.

I glanced around the well-equipped van, marveling at the amount of money it displayed. He had more security and communications equipment than I’d seen in a long time. Since my time spent in the Navy. “What do you do again?”

He threw me a look. “You don’t want to know. Let’s just say I come highly recommended.”

“But you’re ex-military.”

His smile indicated I was right.

“I worry about you, Kage. You seem to have fascinating friends.” At least we had a sense of camaraderie and common beliefs.

Kage snorted. Between Damon and Chuck, I’d say Kage was into some heavy shit. But I knew better. He was on the up and up and always had been. Which was why he’d taken what he perceived as my betrayal so hard.

“Don’t worry. Juliette would kick my butt if she thought I was doing anything illegal. Just like I think Charmaine would do with you.”

“Don’t start. We’re not together.”

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