Page 17 of Free
Rob and he ate in silence for a while, and Dyson wondered about the two men. Just what exactly was their line of work? He knew better than to ask, but he was curious. "So, have you known Bryon long?"
"About fifteen years. My daughter and Bryon's sister knew each other." Rob's jaw clenched.
Dyson nodded. He knew Bryon's sister had been the reason he'd started STK, but he didn't know the story behind what had happened. It was something Bryon refused to talk about. It was also something he wouldn't ask about. "I'm sorry." He hoped that would be enough.
"Thanks." Rob rubbed his chin. "So, you holding up okay? Can't be easy knowing you have to leave your old life behind."
"I'm not happy about it, but there aren't any other options. I knew what I was signing up for when I joined the team. It's just one of those things you never really believe will happen. I mean I keep thinking about my last night before the arrest. It was like any other night. I had dinner, watched a bit of TV, then headed in to work around midnight. I had plans to pick up some guy after the job and spend the rest of the night working off the tension. Not once did I consider that it could be my last night, my last job. I took everything for granted. Now, I have no clue what's going to happen to my house, my shit, but even more, my friends. The team is like family, leaving them behind is going to be the hardest part." The thought of not having Xander just a few minutes away nearly killed him. They'd been together for so long, side by side through the worst parts of their lives. He wasn't sure how to live without his best friend around.
"It's not like you'll lose contact. They'll still call, even visit you. The change won't be easy, but maybe it will be a good thing in the end. This could be what you needed to force you to explore other areas in your life."
"I can't imagine doing anything else. I wouldn't even know how to report to a normal job anymore. What the hell am I trained for?"
"What did you want to do before you joined the team?"
"I had no idea back then either. I'd just gotten out of the Army and was working random construction jobs. I was never great in school or had any special talents until I became part of the team. I guess I could always become a locksmith. I'm great at picking locks." Dyson laughed. "Seriously, how do I go from castrating people to working in some office or warehouse? Is that even possible?"
Rob smiled. "Wait and see what Bryon has planned for you. He's not going to set you up in a new place without a way to make a living."
Dyson rolled his eyes. "He's probably got me working somewhere like Victoria's Secrets."
"Now, that I'd pay to see." Rob laughed. "Seriously, don't get ahead of yourself. Wait and see where you go and what the options are. Bryon knows people all over the world, the opportunities are endless."
"If those he knows are willing to hire a wanted felon," Dyson pointed out. "No matter who I work for, I put them at risk if they know who I am. I'm better to accept being William and getting a job at a local convenience store." He made a disgusted face. "Fuck, I hate that name."
"Probably why they gave you Dallas as a middle name. I'd use that."
"Oh, no one had told me what the D stood for. I guess that isn't horrible, but still, I think I'll stick to D. It feels less like I'm giving up that part of me."
"D works. Just make sure you use it. Don't slip up. Dyson isn't a common name, it will be a huge target on your back. Trust me, the sooner you start adapting, the easier it will be."
"I know." Dyson sighed. "So what are you doing all day now that you've got me here?"
"Not much. I'm going to tinker on my bike in the garage, maybe run to the store. If you need anything, let me know. What about you? You going to catch up on sleep or what?"
"Fuck yeah. I'm exhausted, and the thought of a real bed for a change is too much to pass up, but if you need help with anything, I can stay awake."
"Nah, go rest. Seriously, this is like a vacation for both of us. Bryon's got the best security. If a dog pees on the corner of the grass, I'll know about it. Bryon should be here tomorrow afternoon, unless things get too tense. I got a text while you were in the shower, they finally realized you'd been released by mistake. So far, they think it was a jail computer error, but they are looking for you now."
"So much for hoping it would be days before they noticed. If I didn't want to see the team one last time, I wouldn't even consider going back." Dyson didn't like the idea of being in the area again. The farther away he was, the better it would be.
"I know, and Bryon actually mentioned that last time we talked. He was going to see if he could get the team down here, but he hadn't talked to everyone yet. Could go either way. He told me to hold off telling you about it, but since you brought it up, and I see no harm in telling you." Rob shrugged.
"Thanks, it helps to know what is going on. I've been locked up so long it's like I don't know anything anymore. I appreciate you being honest and open about things." Dyson scraped the last of the food onto his fork and took a bite. Once done, he took his plate over to the sink and rinsed it. "You sure you're okay if I head to bed for a bit?"
"Yep, sleep all day if you need to. I'll be around, but help yourself to whatever is here. There's stuff for sandwiches if you wake up for lunch, and I'll have dinner ready later. Seriously, just relax and take it easy." Rob took a sip of his coffee as he watched Dyson.
"Okay, but wake me if anything changes." He wiped his hands on the dishrag. "Thanks for breakfast. It was great." He gave a half wave as he headed down to his room.
Not even bothering to strip out of his clothes, he kicked off his shoes and climbed into bed. He pulled the covers up over him, enjoying the feel of a real bed for a change. It took only minutes before his thoughts faded and he started to drift off to sleep.
