Page 36 of Coming In Hot
That’s all it did was shine! Until we were dehydrated from it. But Mrs. Kendrix is referring to something else. She noticed the change in her son, even from the other side of the world.
“Pharo's always been strong,” I say, trying to offer some reassurance. “He doesn't show it much, but he's been through a lot, and he's come out on top every time.”
Mrs. Kendrix looks at me, her gaze piercing, and for a moment, I’m not sure if she’s seeing my face or something deeper. “Strength doesn’t always shine through on the outside, Jax,” she says softly, almost to herself. “Sometimes, the sun burns too hot, and it takes the light away.”
Isn’t that the fucking truth.
The silence between us stretches as I absorb her wisdom. There’s something about the way she speaks that hits close to home. Pharo has always been guarded, always pushed through the pain without showing it. But the cracks are there, and I think Mrs. Kendrix knows that better than anyone.
“I think... I think that's why he trusts you,” she continues, her voice steady. “You don’t just see the surface. You seehim. Even if he doesn’t let you in fully. You’re the only one who’s managed to get past that wall.”
I swallow heavily. I’m not sure why she thinks that, but I know there’s some truth to it. “What makes you say that?”
“Well, you’re the only friend of his I’ve ever met.” She closes her eyes, like she’s concentrating hard. “Unless I’m forgetting someone.”
I’ve always known Pharo was tough, but I’ve never really thought about what it costs him to be that way. And now, being here, it feels like I’m seeing him in a new light.
“I’ll do my best,” I say, my voice quieter than I intended. “I promised him I’d keep an eye on you while he’s gone. Make sure you’re alright.”
Her lips curve, the sparkle returning to her eyes. “I know you will. But take care of my pharaoh, too, Jax. He might not admit it, but he needs someone to care.”
I’ve always said I don’t care.
Sworn it with my life.
Acted cold and indifferent toward him.
But the truth is… I do care. More than I want to.
“I’ll look out for him,” I say, more certain this time. “I’ve got his back.”
Mrs. Kendrix studies me for a moment, as if searching for something. Then, with a slight nod, she leans back in her chair.
“Good,” she says simply. “He deserves that. You deserve that too.”
I don’t know what to say to that. But the way she gazes at me now, with that mix of pride and understanding, makes me feel like I’ve just been handed a responsibility I’m not sure I can fully bear.
“Now, take me down the hall for some ice cream and I’ll tell you all about the time he got in trouble for slipping a lizard into his teacher’s desk drawer.”
I chuckle at the sudden shift in mood. “Ice cream, huh? I can do that.”
Her eyes light up like I just promised her the world, and I can’t help but feel a little lighter in her presence. I’ve never really been the type to sit and listen to stories, but something about her, about the way she talks about her son, makes me want to hear every single one.
“Come on, then,” she says, giving me a playful nudge with her elbow. “I’ll tell you the good stuff if you hurry up.”
I laugh, more relaxed than I’ve been all day. “Yes, ma’am.”
Pharo’s always been the villain of my story, but through his mother’s eyes and words, she paints a different picture. A picture of a man I feel as if I’m seeing for the very first time.
CHAPTER14
PHARO
Arlo'sstrong grip tightens around my hand. “Are they back?”
“Every single head accounted for. But just barely. That was a real shit show. I'm sure Hogan will give you a full debrief.”
He seems better today. Stronger. The bandage that covers his right shoulder is dry for the first time in days. Hopefully, the wound won't open up again and seep.
