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“As good as I can, I suppose,” I reply, then take a long sip.

The cold liquid is a huge relief as it rolls down my sore throat, but it will take a while for the smoke smell to leave my nostrils.

“I called Tim,” Tyler announces. “He’s on vacation with his wife and their little girl, but they’re flying back early.”

“It was supposed to be their last trip before Danica has their second baby,” I say. “Damn, I guess I ruined their holiday.”

“You didn’t ruin anything,” Mitch assures me. “Things happen, completely unplanned.” He pauses and gives me a small smile,his brown eyes filled with curious amusement. “I just realized this is the first time we’ve actually spoken.”

I look at him shyly, then take another sip of water. The three of them are so different yet so much alike. Lucas is the tallest, broad-shouldered and muscular, with dark hair and smoky blue eyes. Tyler has the build of a linebacker, not as lean but still agile enough to move quickly, his hair the color of sand, eyes a beautiful hazel green. Mitch is stocky and massive, with brown hair and reassuring brown eyes, notes of silver in his closely-trimmed beard.

“I keep to myself, mostly.”

“How long have you been living in Frost Valley?” Lucas asks.

“Almost a year now,” I reply.

“And you’ve been working in our evidence room, right?” Tyler asks.

“Yes. Like I said, I keep to myself.”

“I get that, but you haven’t stopped by once for so much as a cup of sugar,” Mitch teases. “That’s not very neighborly.”

“I don’t like sugar.”

Dumb reply, Tassia. That’s why you’ve always been a curvy girl. What you don’t like is getting too close to cops after everything you’ve been through.

“But you’re right,” I add with an apologetic smile. “I could’ve been more sociable.”

“We all have our thing,” Lucas shrugs, casually sitting down on the sofa. He’s still shirtless, and it’s becoming hard to focus.“For what it’s worth, your work in the evidence room has been nothing short of stellar.”

“Thank you. And I haven’t gotten the chance to say this before, but I appreciate you giving me a chance.”

“No need to thank me. We trust Timothy. He’s one of the best guys in Frost Valley, and we’re aware of the incredible work he’s done in Social Services over the years. So when he vouches for someone in the New Beginnings program, I don’t doubt him.”

The New Beginnings program. My shot at redemption for a new life after crimes I didn’t commit. Lucas knows what’s in my file; now is not the time for me to share my side of the story.

“So, the three of you live together,” I say.

“We do,” Mitch replies.

“And you served together?”

“We did. Army Rangers.”

“‘Rangers lead the way.’ That’s your motto, right?”

Tyler nods. “It is.”

“And now you work together.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Tyler chuckles softly.

“We’re brothers bound by sacrifice,” Lucas says. “We’ve known each other since we were kids. Few people understand the depth of our bond, but it’s what kept us alive in the service, and it’s what keeps us alive in law enforcement now.”

“Well, I think it’s incredible that you trust each other so much,” I reply with a bitter smile. “My experience has taught me you can’ttrust anyone, not even the person you marry, but then again, maybe I drew the short straw.”

“You’re clearly competing for the top spot on God’s strongest warrior list,” Mitch quips.