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“Exactly. We have to desensitize them to murderous thoughts. Every time they want to start a fight, we shock ‘em.”
“And it gives us the added bonus of seeing them flop on the ground,” Hunter said.
“Right?” I grinned. But when I turned to see Cap’s expression, my laughter faded. “Not that we would really do that. It was a joke.”
“Right.”
“Hey, I’m dealing with a demon baby. I’m losing my fucking mind.”
“Yeah, I’ve seen that look. That kid is definitely summoning the spirits to attack you,” Hunter nodded. “It’s been nice knowing you.”
“Thanks,” I muttered.
“You guys have to stop this. Both of you!” Cap shouted. “You’re turning into crazy men who talk about aliens and tin foil hats! I can’t take this shit.”
As if I was finally hearing him, I sank down in my chair, rubbing my hand along my jaw. “Crap, he’s right. I’m going crazy.”
“Thank you!” Cap sighed. “Fuck, I thought I was gonna have to call Kate in to do electric shock or something.”
“Wait, you were serious about that?” Hunter asked me.
“Yeah.”
His gaze jerked to Cap and he scowled. “Why the fuck didn’t you say so? I thought we were shooting the breeze!”
“About our kids becoming murderers?” Cap snapped.
“Well, yeah,” Hunter huffed. “What else would we be doing?”
“Preventing a teammate from having a mental breakdown,” Cap retorted. “Which was why I told you to bring something for delusions.”
“Well, how the hell was I supposed to know that? When has anyone around here ever had delusions?”
“Uh, Craig?” Cap said immediately. “Remember when he chased Reese down and kidnapped her to make her want a relationship with him?”
“Oh yeah,” Hunter frowned. “But that was one time. I mean, statistically, it was bound to happen.”
“He’s right,” I agreed. “One of us was bound to snap. It turns out, it just happened later with me. But I’m feeling better now. I’ve seen the error of my ways and I think you’re right. All I need is a vacation to get my head on straight.”
Cap stared at me cautiously. “Why do I not believe you?”
“Trust me, Cap. It’s all good. I heard you. I’m letting the stress of the job and my family get to me. I need a break, is all.”
He watched me for several more seconds, but I kept up my calm demeanor. It was clear to me that Cap just didn’t understand the depths of my terror, so there was no point in trying to make him understand.
“Just…take the rest of the day off.”
“Absolutely. Get the old noggin on right.” I winked at him, trying to be like my old self. Then I turned for the door and walked out with Hunter.
“So, everything’s okay? No more delusions about your kid killing you?”
I snorted. “Are you fucking kidding me? Have you seen my kid? He’s definitely gonna kill me in my sleep.”
3
KNIGHT
I watched from a distance as she walked into her clinic, making sure to look over her shoulder as I taught her. I hated that she had to look out for herself this way, but I couldn’t be around at all times to watch her. I would give up everything to follow her around, especially after she was taken from me, but that would mean letting down my team.