Page 102 of Deliverance

Chapter Thirty-Three

Ric

The day after we arrived in L.A., we viewed three different furnished apartments that weren't far from the Cole Security Forces Headquarters. The three of us decided on a two-bedroom in Marina Del Rey with a view of the Pacific Ocean, and we were able to move in right away. That night, I called Cole and told him I was ready to work. He wanted me to come in the following day, and I did.

"Montoya," he greeted with his hand out.

I took it, and we embraced in a bro hug. "Long time, Cole."

"Yeah, it has been." He waved me into his office. "Have a seat. How are you liking L.A.?"

"Honestly," I snorted as I sat in a chair in front of his desk, "the traffic is horrendous."

Cole chuckled and sat. "Yeah, but you'll get used to it."

"I hope so. I thought New York City was bad."

"Isn't it?"

"Well"—I nodded—"it is, but at least the cars move there. I was in bumper to bumper traffic just to get here, and it's the middle of the fucking day."

"I'm convincedthisis the town that never sleeps. There's traffic at any hour."

I shook my head in disbelief. "Well, shit."

Cole leaned back in his desk chair. "Yeah, but like I said, you'll get used to it." I bobbed my head, and he continued. "So, I'm glad you called me a few weeks ago. I've been looking for more guys to hire."

"Yeah, it seems like the timing is working out."

"What were you doing in New York?"

"Private security actually," I answered without hesitation. It was the truth.

"And what happened? Did they fire you?" He smiled, and I assumed he was joking—or maybe he wasn't.

"No." I shook my head. "I quit."

His brow furrowed. "Why?"

I shrugged. "Wanted to move out here. Sick of New York winters."

"Totally understandable." He smiled. "So, yeah, welcome to the family." He stood, and we shook again.

"Thanks, bro."

We took the next hour catching up, Cole telling me about his wife and two daughters, while I told him about my move out to the West Coast with Momma and Erin.

"Moving across the country with your girl?" Cole asked. "Are you going to pop the question?"

Erin and I had only been dating—or whatever—for a week, but yeah, I would marry her tomorrow if she wanted to.

I grinned. "Eventually."

Chapter Thirty-Four

Erin

One Year Later…