Page 94 of Hack
CHAPTER FORTY
Carter walked into the team house, trying not to show how nervous he was. Facing the team after his breakdown wasn't easy. These were guys who lived off violence, and here he was losing his mind because of one night. Granted, he'd done a lot more than chop some guy's cock off, but still, he should have been able to deal.
Beside him, Archer held his hand, giving him support without even saying a word. He loved him and hoped that he would be okay with the things he was about to say and do. It was going to change everything, but it was the right thing. He'd never been surer of anything.
"Hey, you two." Trenton grinned from where he sat on the couch.
"Hi." Archer smiled as he took a seat beside him, then gently tugged Carter down beside him.
Carter looked at the group gathered around him. Beau and Parson sat on the floor to the side of the couch, Faith next to them. Bryon and Becca both took up one of the large recliners, her sitting more on his lap than the chair. On the loveseat, Matt and Xander watched them intently, and on the other end of the large couch, Noam and Kasey sat silently. "First, thanks for being here," Carter stated as he stood. He figured he'd dive right into things. "I want to thank all of you for your help going after Lyle. I couldn't have done it without the team, and I was a fool to think I could." He turned to Xander. "I don't know how I can say thank you to you. Nothing will ever be enough to repay you for what you did for me. You saved my ass. I would have lost it if you hadn't been with me. When I saw you get on that plane, I was ready to toss you out the door at thirty thousand feet, but it seems you guys know better than I do what I need. I fucked up, and you were there to pick up the pieces and make sure we both got home safely. I owe you, my friend."
Xander waved him off. "It's not like you haven't saved our asses a million times. We've got each other's backs. That's what family does."
Carter smiled. "I love you all. And again, thank you." He reached for Archer's hand. "For those who haven't met Archer yet, he's my boyfriend. It was clues he brought to my attention that made it so we could find Lyle and bring him to justice. I apologize that I brought him here without a formal vote, and I appreciate that you guys didn't make things too hard on him because I broke the rules. I'd like to put it to an official vote so that he's able to come around when he wants."
Matt sat forward. "He's got my vote. I've had the chance to get to know him over the last few weeks, and he's trustworthy. He won't do us any harm."
"I vote yes too. I've talked and texted with him a lot, and he loves Carter. He's not going to be a problem for anyone." Faith smiled at them.
Bryon lifted his hand. "I'm a yes."
"Me too." Becca smiled.
Xander met Archer's gaze. "You're the one who saved him. Not me. You have my vote."
Archer gave a simple nod to Xander in return.
"Well, I never got to know you. I think we've met once." Beau smiled. "But I trust the team. If they say yes, I say yes."
Parson nodded. "I'm not part of the team really, but he has my vote."
Carter turned to Kasey and Noam. "You are the two he hasn't met yet. I'll understand if you want to get to know him better before you vote."
Kasey shook his head. "He's stuck with you over the last few weeks when you were going through your shit. He's good with me."
"And I hear he's ex-law-enforcement. I have to give him my support." Noam smiled.
Carter hadn't expected anyone to argue it, but he was still relieved. "Thanks, you guys." He gave Archer's hand a squeeze.
"I appreciate the vote of confidence. I give you my vow that I will never break your trust. What you do here is important and you have my full support. If any of you ever need anything from me, just ask." Archer looked around the room.
Carter smiled, but then got back to business. "Well, now that we've decided that Archer can be here, it's time for me to tell you that he probably won't be around much because I'm going to be leaving the team."
Stunned silence filled the room.
It was Archer who stood up and gripped Carter's arm. "What are you saying?"
Carter turned to face Archer, speaking to him, but also loud enough the whole room could hear. "I spent a lot of time thinking over the last few weeks. I'm burned out. I have spent years watching videos of child abuse, fighting off nightmares, and spending my life behind that computer. I'm tired. I need a break." He glanced around the room. "I'm not saying I won't be around, and I hope that when you have a big case where you need the extra manpower, you'll call me. I want to help, but for now, I just need some time away. Matt and Trenton are just as good at what they do as I am. If there is something I've failed to show them, I'm a phone call away." He turned back to Archer. "But right now, I just want to spend time with you." He reached up and cupped Archer's cheek. "I thought we might vacation a bit. Take some time to be alone. Hit the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and whatever else we find along the way."
Archer nodded. "I'd like that, but are you sure this is what you want to do?"
Carter nodded, turning around to face the team. "I've hardly taken any time off since Bryon and I created the team. It's time for me to take a break." He looked around the room, seeing a mix of shock and sadness on the team's faces, but glad none of them were arguing with him.
"I'm happy you're taking some time off." Faith jumped up and hugged Carter. "But I can come over to your house and visit, right?"
"Any time." Carter hugged her tightly. "You guys are all still my family. We might take some time to travel a bit, but we'll be around. I might actually throw a barbecue or something for a change and get some use out of my backyard."
Bryon was by his side.
