Page 73 of Cast in Shadow
“Seven. But the guys at Sanctuary are like family now too, and then there are the cousins over in Birch Falls.”
Between the Callaghans and Sanctuary, Zeke would certainly have no shortage of former military guys to grab a beer with. Aggie said as much to Nix.
“Yeah, bro time is as important as girl time. Speaking of, was Zeke excited about today?”
Zeke had confessed to her one night that he’d always wanted a classic Harley. That had planted the seed, and was one of the reasons she’d suggested they visit Pine Ridge after their last project. She told him she wanted to take a few days off and touch base with Nix, which was true, but she also wanted to surprise Zeke by getting him the motorcycle of his dreams. While Aggie and Nix had girl time, Sean had taken Zeke over into Birch Falls to meet with Kyle McCullough. Kyle was a cousin-in-law of the Callaghans and was legendary for his one-of-a-kind custom bikes.
“I didn’t tell him. I wanted it to be a surprise. He thinks Sean’s just keeping him out of our hair for a few hours.”
Nix laughed. “Girl, that boy is going to rock your world tonight.”
Aggie grinned widely. “Trust me, he does that every night. Why do you think I’m getting him the Harley?”
“Atta girl. I did something like that for Sean once. A former Army guy in Sumneyville opened up a garage there and specializes in restoring classic American muscle. I had him pick up a 1970 Dodge Super Bee, fix it up, and gave it to Sean for his birthday. He was so happy, I couldn’t walk for a week.”
“Here’s hoping,” Aggie said, raising her glass.
“Amen to that. And with luck, you’ll get some good riding time in before your good riding time.”
Aggie smiled, then grew serious.
“I’m going to tell him, Nix.”
“You’re sure?”
“Yes.”
“Well, not that you need it, but you’ve got my blessing—and my promise that if he ever hurts you or abuses your trust, he’ll never know what hit him.”
Epilogue – Part II
Zeke
Zeke appreciated the heavy, rumbling purr of the eight cylinders as Sean drove over the river from Pine Ridge to Birch Falls. The bridge was old, made of steel and cast iron during a different time.
Aggie was spending the afternoon with Nix, and he, apparently, was spending the afternoon with Sean. Zeke wasn’t sure how he felt about that. He liked Sean, but it wasn’t like they were buds or anything.
Sean shifted, the ink on his arm flexing with the movement. It was quality work, a Celtic symbol with a Da Vinci-like mechanical device done in incredible detail.
“Did you get that done around here?”
“Yeah, Tiny’s over in Birch Falls. He does all the family ink.”
“Does he take walk-ins?”
Sean glanced his way. “Why? You want to get something?”
Zeke nodded. He already had the design sketched out.
Sean grinned knowingly. “Robin, right? You’re going to get her name tattooed over your heart or some shit like that.”
“Maybe my ass.”
Sean laughed. “You’re all right, Zeke. We’ve got time. We can swing by and see if he can fit you in.”
“You still haven’t told me where we’re going.”
“All in good time.”
