Page 4 of Fear the Reaper
“We have someone,” Swede said, slowly, glancing over at Kujo. “But…”
“But?” I prodded.
“It’s really a strange situation,” Kujo said. “There’s good news and there’s bad news.”
“Um—okay?” I glanced between them. “What’s the good news?”
“We trust him with our lives,” Swede said.
“And the bad news?” I asked.
“We have no idea where the hell he is.” Kujo sighed. “After he left the service he kind of just fell off the grid.”
“So, how is he supposed to help if no one knows where this guy is?” That was the obvious question. Six must have sensed my agitation for he hopped up onto the sofa and cuddled into my side. He then rested his head on my thigh and I had to smile.
“Well, I’ll have to look for him,” Swede said. “He’s bound to use a computer at some point.”
“Really?” Kujo asked. “Swede we both know—”
“This will work.” Swede interrupted. “It has to. Either that or we’re going to have to pull Viper in.”
“We both know he’s not ready.” Kujo’s voice sounded sad.
“Okay.” Swede rose and stretched his back. “Go home to Molly, Kujo. I’ll see what I can find.”
I sighed. “I’m sorry. I really should have thought about your ladies before I dragged y’all into this mess. Hell, I don’t even know what mess this is.”
Swede shrugged. “They understand, trust me. Go home, Kujo.”
Kujo rose and hugged Swede. When he whistled for Six, the dog merely lifted his head, barked once and settled back down again. I caressed his warm head and smile.
“Well,” Kujo said. “I guess Six wants to stay with you. He knows something is wrong.”
“Really? How?” I asked.
“War dog.” Kujo came over to drop a kiss between Six’s eyes. He hunched down to the dog’s level. “They always know. You watch out for Star, okay?”
Six made a mewling sound and Kujo rose.
“I’ll come back in the morning.” Kujo chuckled. “There’s food in the fridge, clean sheets upstairs, and Molly sent over a few towels and other things a lady would need. You’re curvier than she is so the clothes may be a bit snug but it’s only for tonight.”
“Tell her thanks for me,” I said. I hadn’t met the woman yet, but she seems good for Kujo.
He nodded.
Swede walked him to the door and I sighed and caressed Six’s side. Deep down, I was happy the dog was staying. I didn’t think my nerves would survive without him. I think Six agreed.
I didn’t move much. When I did, Six trotted behind me silently. He waited outside the bathroom door, then stood by my side as I looked over Swede’s shoulder. The screen made no sense to me. It was black with blue and red letters and numbers scrolling all over the place.
Eventually, I curled up on the sofa with Six on my feet.
When I woke up, it was to the smell of coffee, birds chirping and sunlight blinding me. I knew instantly I hadn’t slept in a bed since my back ached terribly. I shifted and came face to face with Six, who instantly licked my nose and barked.
“Not so loud, Six.” I moaned.
“Look who’s awake.” Kujo walked into the room and held out a mug to me. “I asked him to let me know when you were up.”
“He can do that?” I sat up to accept the mug.
