Page 3 of Gone (Gray Wolf Security #23)

“We’ll have satellite connections if it’s absolutely necessary,” said Gaspar to his son.

“Dad, we know what we’re doing. You have to trust us and let go,” smirked Luke. “Just go and enjoy yourselves. You guys deserve to take more breaks. The amount of work you’ve been doing lately is insane, and it doesn’t exactly scream ‘retired.’”

“Funny, we were all just talking about that. You guys are the same,” said Nine, looking from Luke to Cam, then to Eric and Hex. “You’re not getting any younger either. It may be time for all of you as well.”

“We’ve talked about that as well,” said Eric. “There are days we feel as though we’re banging our heads against the wall. Fighting the same people and things over and over again. We’ve all missed so much with our kids and grandkids.”

“You know what that feels like,” said Luke, looking at Gaspar. His father frowned at him.

“I-I did miss a lot with you, didn’t I?” he whispered.

“No. No, Dad, that’s not what I was saying.

I was saying that you know how sometimes the work takes over and you miss things.

It can’t be helped. I mean, shit, I’ve missed so much for Garrett, and I’ll never get that back.

Now, he’s doing the same with Celeste. Leaving her at home while he goes out to fight the bad guys. It’s what we do, Dad.”

“Still. Maybe we need to rethink all of that. I mean, look at the guys at the bike shop. They backed away from a lot of what we do to focus on what they really love,” said Gaspar.

“That’s just it, Uncle Gaspar,” smirked Cam. “This is what we love. All of us. No one is forced to join the family business. We do it because it’s who we are, what we are.

“As for the guys at the bike shop, yes, they’re spending more time doing that, but they’re literally spending all their time there. They still work ten, twelve, sometimes fifteen hours a day to get the bikes done. There’s an unbelievable demand for them. Now more than ever.”

“That’s helpful to know,” frowned Ghost. “I think you boys should just take some time to think about backing away a bit. We’re going to be doing the same on this trip, and hopefully, we’ll reach a decision that’s right for the entire family.”

“Whatever the decision,” said Hex, “you know that we’ll support you and the others. It’s not like you won’t still be right across the bayou.”

“That’s very true,” laughed Ian. “We don’t plan on leaving the bayou any time soon. We’ve found our home, our Garden of Eden, if you will. I think we’re all happy with that decision.”

“I’ve got the weather predictions for the next two weeks,” said Stormy, smiling at the group.

“It’s going to be perfect for camping and hiking.

Temps should be in the seventies during the day, fifties at night.

Ideal for cuddling. You might have a little rain, but the weather charts aren’t showing anything terrible.

Then again, I’m a weather girl. I’m usually wrong. ” She winked at the men.

The men chuckled at her, shaking their heads.

“Maybe we should do a lot more cuddling,” laughed Ian.

“You definitely should,” said Stormy. “You have some of the most beautiful and talented wives in the world, and yes, I know I’m biased. But they deserve to know how special they are. I don’t predict any snow, but if things change, I’ll let you all know.”

“We’ve found the perfect drop zone for the gear,” said Autumn. She opened the tablet, showing them the map of the area where they would be. “You’ll be very close to Yellowstone and Red Rock Lakes. You’ll be just to the west of Sawtell Peak. Great hiking, great climbing, and just peaceful.”

“It looks perfect,” smiled Ghost.

“There’s a flat area to the southwest of the ridge where we’ll drop the gear.

We’ve notified park rangers, as well as local authorities, that we’ll make camp there for two weeks.

Don’t be surprised if they pop in and just check on you.

You can set up the permanent camp there, but hike wherever you want to and use the smaller tents if you want to spend a night somewhere else. ”

“We’ve got it,” smiled Nine. Autumn stared at him, nodding.

“I know you do,” she said quietly. “I just worry about all of you out there alone.”

“We’re not alone, honey,” said Gaspar. “We’re all together. Forty couples. We’ll be just fine. George, Mary, Teddy, Doug, Miguel, Razor, Bella, Skull, Avery, Tango, Taylor, David, and Hawke are all staying back.”

“Yes, sir,” nodded Autumn.

“Autumn, honey, you never have to call us sir, you know that. I just wanted you to know that we’d be okay.”

“I know,” she smiled. “I’ll miss you all while you’re gone, that’s all.”

“We’ll miss you too,” said Nine. She nodded at the group, waving to them as she left to help Evie prep the choppers. They would be taking the Ospreys simply because they would allow them to land in the area, whereas planes would be more difficult.

“Kane? Is your team feeling okay about all of this?” asked Ian. “I mean, I know you’ve had your fill of camping.”

“This is different,” he chuckled. “They’re looking forward to doing this as well. We’re all far more comfortable in an open-air, quiet environment. It’s good for us as well.”

“Then I guess we pack our shit and head to the Ospreys. Time for campfires, s’mores, and fresh air,” grinned Ghost, standing to leave. Gaspar gripped his arm, grinning.

“And no bad guys. Don’t forget that. No bad guys allowed.”