Page 38 of Carver
Fury’s question had Carver reaching for the birth certificate. He read the line, then looked up to the men around him.
“Gideon Gratz.”
Gideon.
What a befitting name for the boy. He was indeed a “great warrior” like the name’s meaning suggested. A former Angel had the same name and used to regale everyone of how he was the best enforcer out there. He’d been gone before most of the current Angels came along, which meant only Carver would connect the memory of the past to the events of the present.
“What do you want to do now, Boss?” Slash’s question drew Carver from his wandering mind.
“Do?”
“Yes, with Gideon. We can’t send him to Straube. And Stephanie is in the wind. Even if she wasn't, I doubt she’d be able to take care of him. She’ll likely need therapy of her own if she’s alive. How old was she when she disappeared?”
“She was twenty-five,” Trix answered. “Which puts her in her forties now.”
If she’s alive.
The thought was sobering. Carver both wanted the woman alive for the sake of reuniting Gideon with his mother, yet he also hoped she hadn’t had to survive years of abuse. It was a catch-22.
“There's nothing to do right now. Not until Trix finds out about Stephanie. We continue on with Gideon as we had planned. I see no need to make adjustments until we have to.”
Each man nodded, though Fury and Doc eyed him as if to question his motives.
“Hex and Slash, do another run to get more clothes and supplies. Now that we know he’s staying, we need to get him more than the few items that were purchased. I’d also like to set up appointments with other doctors. Dental, vision, the whole nine.”
The pair nodded, then left. Trix perked up as he reached to gather the pages and go track down Stephanie. Carver put a hand over his.
“Leave these with me. I want you to look for Stephanie, but I also want you to focus on Straube. See what the fucker is up to now. He’s officially at the top of my shit list.”
Trix grinned. “It’ll be big work to take down a senator that’s running for president.”
“Then maybe it’s time to outsource. I know a few guys who would love to take him out given his strict policies. We set it all up, and they take the hit.”
It was actually one man whom he could call, however, he didn’t even know if the number still worked. The last time he’d crossed paths with Pip had been by chance. Though they’d exchanged contact info, Carver knew the other man was usuallyin the wind working contract after contract to keep his demons at bay.
“Fair enough. I bet we can find a hole in his security. I’ll let you know as soon as I make progress.”
With a quick salute, Trix pivoted and left through the open doorway. Carver walked over, closing it behind the man before turning to Doc and Fury.
“Gideon,” he said softly as he tasted the word on his tongue.
Fury nodded. “It’s a lovely name. Very befitting of his classical features.”
“I agree.” Doc waved his hand towards Carver. “Now that we know his origins, the wounds and treatment make sense. I still advise we keep a close eye on him. What he’s been through is horrendous. I have no clue if he’ll ever be able to function like the rest of us. If so, it will be a miracle.”
“Good thing he landed with us Angels. We’re in the business of making miracles,” Carver said with a grin.
He’d do everything in his power to help Gideon Gatz.
In the meantime, he and his men would rain down hellfire on all those who hurt him. There would be no stone unturned to get retribution for the sweet boy in his care.
Eighteen
Trackingdown Stephanie Gatz was more work than any of them thought. While Trix was talented with computers, there was only so much that could be done with a trail this cold.
While Carver wanted answers, he also wasn’t all that bothered at the silence. Having Gideon’s history meant he knew more about the boy and how he’d been treated. It helped him navigate their roles together.
The day he’d returned upstairs after finding out the truth, he’d found Gideon dressed and sitting on the bed. Carver’s pillow was still in his grasp. His face wasn’t buried in it, though it was pretty damn close given his position.