Page 2 of Gone (Gray Wolf Security #23)

“Brother, I used to drag my feet when we spoke about vacations or getaways,” said Ghost. “I gotta say, I’m not dragging my feet this time.

It feels like ages since we had a vacation, and I know that’s not true.

It was just a while back we were all in Italy together.

But here I am. Pissing and moaning. I need this break. ”

“I feel the same,” said Whiskey. “It doesn’t help that Kat and the legal team seem to be busier than all of us. I’m not sure what’s happening with everyone, but it’s getting harder and harder to get motivated every day.”

“Maybe that’s something we talk about,” said Gaspar looking at his fellow teammates. He’d felt it coming for a long time but was avoiding it, hoping it would just go away, that it was just a phase. “Maybe it’s truly, really time for us to step down.”

“Maybe. I think for now, one thing I know for sure,” said Nine, “is that I’m okay being in a place where we can unplug, so to speak. I mean, I know that Sly and Code will still have satellite access to everything, but I’m not turning anything on unless it’s urgent.”

“I’m glad to hear all of you say that,” said Wilson. They turned to stare at their big friend. “Cruz, me, and the rest of the medical team are starting to become concerned at the amount of pressure and stress on all of us.”

“Did something show in our physicals?” asked Ian.

“No,” said Cruz, “nothing like that. We know that thanks to the pond, and whatever else Mama Irene cooks up, we’re all in excellent health. But that can’t continue forever.”

“Why not?” frowned Miller.

“Why not?” repeated Wilson, looking at his old friend. “Do you really want to live to two hundred, or even three hundred? At some point, this has to end. Your own grandfather knew that and retired to Florida so that he could escape the pond and whatever else is happening here.”

“I thought it was so people wouldn’t try to guess his age,” said Antoine.

“That was only part of it,” said Wilson chuckling at his friend. “Look, think about everything we’ve seen in our lifetime. Do we really want to see that again? Do we really want to live through that again?”

“Isn’t that what we’re trying to fight for? Don’t we want to fight for the world to be better?” frowned Gaspar.

“For how long, Gaspar? How long do we fight for something that, at times, feels as though we are the only ones fighting for it? Why does it look as though we’re the only ones fighting this hard?

Us and our kids, and grandkids.” Wilson paused, the silence in the room deafening.

“Listen. I love that our children and grandchildren have chosen this path as well, but I think it’s really time we step away. ”

“Are you suggesting we retire to Florida?” asked Tailor.

“Fuck no! I don’t want to retire in Florida, and neither do y’all. But maybe we retire to our island. Really retire.”

“So we close the doors on Gray Wolf?” asked Ian.

“I think we turn it over to the seniors on the VG team,” said Wilson. “They’re all about the age we were when we were supposed to retire. We’ll be here for them for as long as we’re allowed to be here. I just think we need to think about this.”

Nine looked at Gaspar, then Ghost and Ian. It wasn’t just their decision. It was everyone’s decision. But what Wilson and Cruz were proposing was not something they’d thought about. At least not recently.

“I do think this trip will give us time to think about that,” said Gabriel.

The group paused, just staring, waiting for Gabe to continue.

He looked at Wilson and Cruz first. “All the reasons you gave are valid. People will start to ask questions, sooner rather than later. But the number one reason we should all be considering this is our families. Our wives. They’ve given everything for us to pursue this crazy dream of ours.

Everything. Maybe it’s time we followed their dreams before it’s too late. ”

“They gifted us Gray Wolf,” said Alec. “Do you really think they want us to stop?”

“Stop? Maybe not,” said Gabe. “But definitely slow down, which we don’t seem capable of doing.”

“Gabe? When will you tell us about you? About you and Pops,” said Rafe.

Gabe was silent, looking down at his hands, then searching the faces of the men he loved and admired. He landed on a face that always brought him peace. A face that, ironically, rarely had peace in his youth.

“He cannot tell us. Not now,” said Trak. “I will not push him to do so when he is bound by an oath none of us will understand. Not now, not ever. Like your father, you are a remarkable man, Gabriel Robicheaux. I am fortunate to count you as my brother.”

Trak rarely spoke so many words consecutively. When he did, they listened. Intently.

“Thank you, Trak,” he smiled. “What I know is that the time for Mama, Pops, Ruby, and even Teddy is coming soon.”

“Wh-what?” swallowed Baptiste.

“Baptiste, they’re all over one hundred. Mama, Pops, and Teddy are over one hundred and ten. Their time has to come sooner, rather than later. They won’t leave us permanently. They will leave to join us as spirits.”

“Maybe. Maybe we shouldn’t go on this trip,” said Gaspar. They all knew what he was thinking. What if something happened to them while they were all gone? The guilt would be more than they could handle.

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” smiled Matthew, walking toward them. More than a dozen men were seated or standing. He paused in front of each one, kissing their forehead, giving them a smile and a hug. It was as if they had been blessed by God himself.

“Pops, we couldn’t live with ourselves if we were gone and you and Mama slipped away,” said Miller.

“You don’t need to worry about that,” said Matthew.

“You don’t need to worry because we’re going with you.

Your mama, Ruby, Sven, and me. We’re going with you.

Irene and Ruby will come and see the girls every day.

They have some things they want to teach them.

Sven and I will be doing some fishing that we’ve wanted to do for a few years now. We’ll be there. If you need us.”

“Pops,” started Rafe. He held up his hand, smiling at his son.

“It’s not that day yet, son. Do you all understand how fortunate you’ve been having us for this long? Do you understand how fortunate you are to have the good health, robust bodies, sound minds for this long? It is a rare gift. Nearly unheard of.”

“Gabe said that you would remain as spirits, like Martha and the others,” said Ian. Matthew nodded.

“Of course,” he chuckled. “We can’t leave this magical place. We will always be here to help you, to guide you, even when you don’t think you need the guidance.”

“H-how long?” swallowed Alec.

“I’m not sure,” said Matthew. “All I can tell you is that time is getting close. For all of us. Gabe will be ready. So will your sister, Claudette. In fact, all of the women will be ready. You’ll all have a part in helping the others to find their way and cope with the changes sure to come.”

“What should we do?” asked Kane. “How can we help you and Irene?”

“By doing what you do best. You’ve always taken on roles here, and you will continue to do so. Gabriel will continue in ways you may not understand. Trak, Pierre, Angel, and others will lead the charge of protecting all of you, at any cost.”

“They’ve all protected us,” said Angel.

“I know, son. But you three have always led the group in that respect. You might have hidden it from them, but not me.” The others stared at Matthew, then at the three seated together.

“What is he talking about?” asked Gaspar. Miller looked at his brother and swallowed, staring back at his father.

“There might have been a few times…”

“Lots of times,” said Trak matter-of-factly.

“Okay. Lots of times, when we were to hang back or not get involved, and we did.”

“You risked your lives without anyone knowing?” frowned Ghost.

“Someone always knew,” said Angel. “We’re not stupid. But with each of our unique skills, we seemed needed in places and were called to them.”

“Called?” Gaspar looked at his father. “Pops, did you have something to do with these callings?” Matthew laughed, shaking his head in amusement.

“Gaspar, when will you understand that your mother and I have something to do with everything that happens here. Everything. There is nothing that we do not know, nothing that we have not heard, and nothing that we would not do for all of you. Gifts, my sons. Gifts.”

The men said nothing, simply taking in the information slowly but also realizing all the times that Miller, Trak, and Angel had most likely saved them.

It was always a strange moment when something went their way.

A moment when one of them suddenly was present when they weren’t supposed to be.

Their abilities with explosives, tracking, silence, speed, and math suddenly making sense to each of the men.

“Get your gear ready,” said Matthew with a smirk.

It was a statement usually said by Nine, Ian, Ghost, or Gaspar.

“Bring something comfortable for the women to sleep on. Tents are lovely for soldiers, but not so much for your wives. We have plenty of blow-up mattresses, lawn chairs, everything that will make this enjoyable.”

“Where will you and Mama stay?” asked Jean.

“We’ll be nearby,” smiled Matthew. “Don’t you worry about us. Oh, and boys, bring your toys.”