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“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison. Ruby and Irene chuckled, then looked back at the group.
“Y’all are about the prettiest, most handsome group of people I’ve ever seen. But more than that, you’ve got good hearts. Good souls. I’m proud of each of you. Always have been,” said Irene.
“Goes double for me,” smiled Ruby. “I’ll see y’all in the mornin’.”
Tailor gave an arm to Ruby, who gladly took it for steadiness, as Irene took Alec’s arm, following Trak’s lead. It only took them thirty minutes to get them to their car and return to the site.
“All good?” asked Ghost.
“All good. They’re only a short distance down the road, and the trail is pretty even to where they could park the car. Wouldn’t be ideal for anything big that we would use, but it’s fine for one or two vehicles,” said Alec.
“Bull? How about a few fireside songs?” smiled Faith.
“Well, it just so happens that I brought my guitar,” he grinned. “You know I don’t do much singing any longer, except with Amanda on her recordings. It’s nice to just sing a few tunes with friends.”
“You were blessed with a wonderful gift, brother,” said Gaspar. “I wish I had a voice like yours.”
“Not sure why I was given it,” smirked Bull as he began to strum the strings of his guitar. “Seems I was also given the gift of being a soldier as well.”
“A damn fine one,” said Jean, raising his drink to the man.
“Agree,” said Wilson. “You’ve definitely saved our ass more than once. But the singing, brother, that’s something I’ll have in my head forever.” Bull just nodded, smiling at his friends.
He sang a few country tunes, then broke into a few new songs that he and Amanda were recording for her new album. As the group relaxed, he asked them for requests.
“How about ‘You Got a Friend in Me,’” smiled Ghost.
They all laughed, nodding, and Bull sang the familiar Randy Newman tune. A few minutes later, someone requested ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ by Dionne Warwick.
It didn’t take long, and everyone was jumping in to sing along. For Bull, that was the best part of music. Seeing others enjoying it so much that they drop their guard and are okay with being slightly off-tune.
“That was so much fun, Bull,” smiled Lauren. “I’m exhausted. Headed to bed.” She kissed Trak, and a few of the others stood with her, walking toward their tents.
When the women had all retired, the guys stared at each other, and Trak signed to them.
“Someone has been circling the camp. Several someones.”
“Which way did they head afterwards?”asked Alec.
“Different each time. Looks like they all go in a different direction, but there’s something here they want. They keep coming back.”
“I think we have to make sure someone is following Mama Irene and Ruby with the girls tomorrow,”said Ghost, looking at Trak. He nodded.
“Akin? Can you block sound around them without Ashley knowing?”asked Ian.
“Yes, sir. It shouldn’t be a problem. No one will hear them coming.”
“Ivan, Flip, and Regan, you three walk to get Irene and Ruby in the morning,”said Kane.
They nodded at him, understanding the assignment. Gaspar looked at the group of men and stood, signing one last message before bed.
“If anyone is following us, we’ll know for sure tomorrow. Then, God help them.”
CHAPTER NINE
Nine stretched in the tent, reaching for Erin’s body beside him. The sun was just coming up, so it wasn’t time for them to leave yet. The mattress was cold, the blankets tossed aside. She must have woken early and got up to shower off or start breakfast. Then again, she’d washed off last night.
He stood, dressing, and pulling his boots on, and left the comfort of his shelter. As he stepped outside, there were others doing the same.
