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“Pops,” started Rafe. He held up his hand, smiling at his son.
“It’s not that day yet, son. Do you all understand how fortunate you’ve been having us for this long? Do you understand how fortunate you are to have the good health, robust bodies, sound minds for this long? It is a rare gift. Nearly unheard of.”
“Gabe said that you would remain as spirits, like Martha and the others,” said Ian. Matthew nodded.
“Of course,” he chuckled. “We can’t leave this magical place. We will always be here to help you, to guide you, even when you don’t think you need the guidance.”
“H-how long?” swallowed Alec.
“I’m not sure,” said Matthew. “All I can tell you is that time is getting close. For all of us. Gabe will be ready. So will your sister, Claudette. In fact, all of the women will be ready. You’ll all have a part in helping the others to find their way and cope with the changes sure to come.”
“What should we do?” asked Kane. “How can we help you and Irene?”
“By doing what you do best. You’ve always taken on roles here, and you will continue to do so. Gabriel will continue in ways you may not understand. Trak, Pierre, Angel, and others will lead the charge of protecting all of you, at any cost.”
“They’ve all protected us,” said Angel.
“I know, son. But you three have always led the group in that respect. You might have hidden it from them, but not me.” The others stared at Matthew, then at the three seated together.
“What is he talking about?” asked Gaspar. Miller looked at his brother and swallowed, staring back at his father.
“There might have been a few times…”
“Lots of times,” said Trak matter-of-factly.
“Okay. Lots of times, when we were to hang back or not get involved, and we did.”
“You risked your lives without anyone knowing?” frowned Ghost.
“Someone always knew,” said Angel. “We’re not stupid. But with each of our unique skills, we seemed needed in places and were called to them.”
“Called?” Gaspar looked at his father. “Pops, did you have something to do with these callings?” Matthew laughed, shaking his head in amusement.
“Gaspar, when will you understand that your mother and I have something to do with everything that happens here. Everything. There is nothing that we do not know, nothing that we have not heard, and nothing that we would not do for all of you. Gifts, my sons. Gifts.”
The men said nothing, simply taking in the information slowly but also realizing all the times that Miller, Trak, and Angel had most likely saved them. It was always a strange moment when something went their way. A moment when one of them suddenly was present when they weren’t supposed to be. Their abilities with explosives, tracking, silence, speed, and math suddenly making sense to each of the men.
“Get your gear ready,” said Matthew with a smirk. It was a statement usually said by Nine, Ian, Ghost, or Gaspar. “Bring something comfortable for the women to sleep on. Tents are lovely for soldiers, but not so much for your wives. We have plenty of blow-up mattresses, lawn chairs, everything that will make this enjoyable.”
“Where will you and Mama stay?” asked Jean.
“We’ll be nearby,” smiled Matthew. “Don’t you worry about us. Oh, and boys, bring your toys.”
CHAPTER THREE
“We’ll have satellite connections if it’s absolutely necessary,” said Gaspar to his son.
“Dad, we know what we’re doing. You have to trust us and let go,” smirked Luke. “Just go and enjoy yourselves. You guys deserve to take more breaks. The amount of work you’ve been doing lately is insane, and it doesn’t exactly scream ‘retired.’”
“Funny, we were all just talking about that. You guys are the same,” said Nine, looking from Luke to Cam, then to Eric and Hex. “You’re not getting any younger either. It may be time for all of you as well.”
“We’ve talked about that as well,” said Eric. “There are days we feel as though we’re banging our heads against the wall. Fighting the same people and things over and over again. We’ve all missed so much with our kids and grandkids.”
“You know what that feels like,” said Luke, looking at Gaspar. His father frowned at him.
“I-I did miss a lot with you, didn’t I?” he whispered.
“No. No, Dad, that’s not what I was saying. I was saying that you know how sometimes the work takes over and you miss things. It can’t be helped. I mean, shit, I’ve missed so much for Garrett, and I’ll never get that back. Now, he’s doing the same with Celeste. Leaving her at home while he goes out to fight the bad guys. It’s what we do, Dad.”
