Page 7 of Lethal Threat
“I called a friend back east to check in on her. Anyway, I should go. I have a meeting at Marshall’s.” I frown and crack my knuckles like I do when I’m edgy.
I mutter, “I’m not sure why I stopped here.”
His expression grows more concerned. “Glad you did. It’s damned good to have you back. You sure you’re good?”
Gone is the shoot-the-shit tone and his voice is full of brotherly concern.
“Not really.” I sigh as I pick up a screwdriver off of the bench so I have something to do with my hands. I avoid looking at him as I reply, “Any day that starts with a cryptic, garbled voicemail from your ex-girlfriend is a doozie.”
“I can tell. You around later?”
I give him a tight nod and toss the tool down. “I’ll swing by this afternoon and give you a hand with that broken fence.”
Watchfully, Caleb leans a hip against the workbench. Of all my brothers, he’s pays the closest attention to my moods. He’s also one of the best men I know.
“Thanks, man. Appreciate the help. Got some steaks for dinner if you’ve got time. We can talk about that call.”
I head for the door. “I got time for steak, but we’re not talking about Sierra, so get that out of your head.”
He chuckles. “You’re the one that brought it up. See you later.” He gets back to work.
When I reach the door, I stop. I need to talk to all of my brothers and all at once is better. Rip the Band-Aid off. No use putting it off any longer.
I scrunch my nose.Yeah.My family might have a collective coronary about this decision.
They were thrilled I was out of the service. Out of danger. But I’ll soon be heading off on high-stakes rescues with Marshall Lake’s new company. Which will not sit well.
Before I change my mind about breaking the news tonight, I call out to Caleb. “Hey, think maybe you can get all the guys together tonight? I’d like to see everyone. If you have enough steak. If not, I can pick up some.”
“I’m a rancher, knucklehead.” He throws my jab back at me. “Got the freezer full, so it’s no problem. I’ll check with everyone.”
“Figured I should make it clear I have no trouble pitching in, mending fences or otherwise.”
His expression softens. “Know that, man. Like I said,sure is good to have you back. All the Strongs together again.”
What hits me isn’t a pang of guilt, it’s a machete.
I missed my family. But it’s done. The plan is in motion and there could be four angry brothers at his table tonight, including him. But they’ll find out about my new job soon enough when I go wheels up on a mission.
I try not to sound gruff when I head out. “Later, man.”
The walk back to my truck feels long. Emotional shit is heavy.
As I get in the cab, I make sure I didn’t miss a call. Nothing.Dammit.Come on, Sierra, call back.
I check my watch. This is my second meeting with the team. I don’t want to be late. That would be a shitty way to start a new job.
My truck engine roars to life. I throw it in reverse and back up. Right into a snowbank.
What. The. Literal. Hell?
I shift it into 4x4 and hit the gas. It digs in. The wheels spin. All four of them. But I don’t move forward.
I drop my head to the steering wheel with a curse. Fuck. I’ve lived in Utah my whole life—minus when I was in the Air Force. I know when I’m stuck good.
“Whose the knucklehead?”
Caleb’s voice comes through the glass.
