Page 76 of Matrix

“When I get home to Montana, I’m going to call you. I’ll want an update.” I raise my brow.

“Hardass,” she teases.

“You know it.” I beam.

“I’m going to grab some jambalaya. Want me to bring you a bowl?”

“Actually, yes. I’m finally starting to get hungry.”

“If you need a break, we could eat in the kitchen.”

“No. I’d rather stay with Angie right now if that’s okay.”

“Absolutely. You’re a good sister, and you’ll make a great wife. Stay with Matrix. Make the man happy. He deserves it, and so do you.”

“I’ll keep that in mind.”

After she leaves, I turn my attention to my sister. Her chest rises and falls rhythmically. Watching her breathe makes me realize how precious life really is. It could be snatched away in seconds. Today, Matrix could have died. I could have been killed too.

Maybe Babet’s right. Would walking away from my job actually be the end of the world? Not really. As she pointed out, there are other employment options. If things don’t work out between Matrix and me, I could go into the private sector and possibly become a freelance investigator. It’s an option.

Still, I’m not quite ready to make that choice; besides, none of this matters. I don’t have to decide today. Angelawill need a few days of rest before we can transport her back to Montana. We'll be at the NOLA clubhouse for a little longer, so I'll enjoy my time with Matrix while I have it.

Babet returns a few minutes later with two steaming bowls of jambalaya. I dig in, enjoying bits of crawfish, shrimp, smoked sausage, and a variety of vegetables in a savory sauce. It’s magical, and I can’t get enough.

After scarfing down the entire bowl, I’m so stuffed I feel like a sausage. I pat my belly and look over at Babet.“I’m going to need you to send me a vat of jambalaya at least once a month.”

“I have a better idea. How about I come up and cook for you? Vapor says we’re due for a visit.”

“Do you know Acid at the Denver chapter? He’s their president.”

“I met him once a couple of years ago.”

“He also wants to bring his club up to Montana. We should do a huge club meetup.”

“Hum, we’d have to consider security for something like that. We don’t want criminals connecting all of us together.”

“Oh, right. I didn’t think of that.”

“But I’m sure the boys will figure something out. Either way, I want to visit you this summer. I’ve always wanted to see Old Faithful in Yellowstone.”

“Ugh. Then you definitely want to wait until fall. After Labor Day is the best time. No crowds.”

“Sounds like a plan.” She yawns, then stretches her arms overhead.“I need some sleep. I used to think fifty-year-olds were full of shit when they said they got tired much faster than when they were younger. Turns out, they were telling the God’s honest truth.”

“Noted.” I smile.

“Angela won’t wake up for at least a few more hours. I’ll get a prospect to stand guard so you can sleep. You’ll want to be alert when she wakes up.”

“You’re right. I should go see how Matrix is doing.”

“He’s probably waiting in bed for you. Try to keep it down so the rest of us aren’t up all night.” A wicked grin spreads across her lips.

“So embarrassing,” I mutter while she laughs.

She turns to open the door when a huge banging sound comes from below.

“What the heck was—”