Page 18

18

Laney

We all sat around the table, eating tacos. I had been craving them ever since Raven mentioned he was having tacos for dinner. I loved how a meal could bring everyone together around the table.

My dad smiled at me. “How old were you when you started fishing?”

“When I was ten. I’d walk to the lake but didn’t have a pole. I’d watch this boy fish—his name was Fred. He was a foster kid, too, but only when his mom overdosed. Then the state would take him to the foster care center.”

“I bet he hated that,” Mike said.

“He told me he wished he could stay in foster care because his home was a nightmare. For my birthday, he stole me a fishing pole from Walmart. That pole was the best thing I ever got.”

“How old were you when your mom died?” Ronald asked.

“I was eight. I loved my mom so much—she was a good mom. Then she got a boyfriend, and two months later, she died. He said she took a pill for anxiety, but it had fentanyl in it. I know my mom didn’t mean to leave me. She would never want to leave me alone. I just want you all to know that my mom loved me.”

“I’m so sorry you had to go through that alone,” Dad said, his voice heavy with emotion.

“The foster system is rotten to the core,” I continued. “They don’t even check out the people they place kids with. I was lucky to meet Fred. I fished constantly—even if Fred wasn’t there. I didn’t like being at those foster homes. The people only wanted the money, so they didn’t care if I stayed gone all day.”

“What happened to Fred?” someone asked.

I wiped a tear from my cheek. “Fred was murdered,” I said quietly. Then I told them about the old man, Jack, who watched out for me when I was little and was alone at the lake. “When I turned eighteen and aged out of the system, I moved to the lake with just a sleeping bag.”

I told them how Jack had given me his truck, a camper, and an old boat. I shared everything about my life, and no one interrupted me.

“That was smart of you to turn in the people who tried anything with you,” Georgia said.

“My mom always told me never to let anyone touch my privates, and I remembered what she said.”

Mike chuckled. “Damn. I thought I had a rough life. No wonder you love fishing.”

“I never thought my life was bad,” I said honestly. “Except when Fred was murdered and when my mom died, and then when Jack died. I didn’t have friends because I was different from the other kids. Fred told me not to hang out with people who smoked, drank, or did drugs. Even though he was a kid, he always gave me advice, and I listened.”

“But after I had Haley,” I continued, “I used to worry so much about what would happen to her if I died. I was terrified she’d end up like I did. When Raven told me he was my brother, I was so relieved. I finally knew that someone would care for Haley if anything happened to me.”

“And now you have a big family to care for her,” Ron said. “Not that anything’s going to happen to you.”

I glanced at him, hearing the emotion in his voice. I reached for his hand. “Ron, my life wasn’t bad. You don’t have to feel bad for me.”

“I know you think your life was okay,” Ron said, his voice thick, “but you had no one to love you. Sure, you had Fred and Jack, and I’m sure they loved you in their way. Do you think they did?”

I smiled softly. “I never thought about it like that, but yeah, I think they did. I remember Jack walking me to where I was staying once and cussing out the foster parents. They forbade me to go around Jack again.” I chuckled. “The next day, I told Jack what they said, and we both laughed.”

“Where did you grow up?” Georgia asked.

“Farmington, Oklahoma.”

Everyone exchanged surprised looks.

“You grew up where I grew up,” Ron said. “I don’t remember ever seeing you.”

“Did you go fishing?”

“Not enough, I guess. Well, I’m glad you’re with us now.”

We all laughed, but the conversation stopped when we heard a noise. I turned to see Raven standing in the doorway. Mike jumped up and hugged him.

“Raven, take a seat and eat dinner with us,” Dad said after Raven greeted everyone.

“Where’s Gideon?” I asked.

“He’s at home,” Raven replied. “He was injured on our last mission.”

“What?” I interrupted, my voice rising. “How was he injured?”

“He took a few bullets and can’t walk yet. The doctor said there’s swelling around his spine that needs to go down. But you know Gideon—he won’t rest like he’s supposed to.”

“What do you mean he’s not listening to the doctors?” I snapped. “I’m going to take care of him. I’ll leave in the morning. Does he have anyone helping him right now?”

“No, he wouldn’t let anyone take care of him.”

“He is so stubborn,” I muttered. “I swear, that man drives me crazy—but I love him. There, I said it. I love him, and I’m going to take care of him.”

“I don’t blame you for loving him,” Georgia said with a laugh. “He’s so hot. And you’re right—he’s stubborn. I was on the beach drinking a beer, and he came over and took it away!”

I chuckled. “Yeah, he mentioned my sister might have a drinking problem.”

Georgia laughed. “I would go with you, but school starts next week, and it’s my last year. I’m going to have some fun before it starts.”