Page 8 of Gone (Gray Wolf Security #23)

The walk back to base camp seemed much faster than the walk out.

They weren’t as focused on taking in their surroundings and taking photos as they were earlier in the day.

The team was ready for a hot meal and a good wash down in the stream.

None of them were surprised to find Irene and Ruby waiting for them.

“Mama, why are y’all here?” asked Gaspar. “Is everything okay?”

“We told y’all we’d come,” smiled Irene. “The girls, me, and Ruby will be gathering some plants and talking about things that the girls need to know.”

“We didn’t know that,” frowned Nine, not exactly being truthful. Matthew had given all the men a heads-up that Ruby and Irene would be coming to the campsite.

“Y’all don’t have to know everything,” smirked Ruby. “It’s important things the girls need to know for the future. You boys can go do your huntin’ or fishin’ or whatever you want to do. We’ll spend the day together tomorrow, and then Irene and I will head home.”

“Where are you staying?” asked Wilson.

“We got us a nice little cabin up the road a bit. Big soft beds, four walls to keep the critters out, and a nice hot shower.”

“I think I’m jealous,” smiled Erin. Nine looked at her, and she laughed. “I’m just kidding. This is wonderful, and those blow-up mattresses are pretty darn good. We’re having a good time.”

“Really? We can go get a hotel or cabins if y’all prefer,” said Nine.

“No, no,” she laughed. “Really. We’re enjoying ourselves, and we’re all looking forward to going out with Irene and Ruby tomorrow.

Let’s just enjoy the evening. I know we’re all exhausted.

You guys watch for anyone coming while we go wash up in the creek.

” She kissed his cheek and watched as the girls grabbed their towels, soap, and other supplies, laughing as they walked toward the creek, hidden behind trees.

“Okay, Mama, why are you really here?” asked Gaspar.

“Gaspar! We are really here to show the girls some of the plants, flowers, and trees that can help them later in life. We want them to know what they need, what to use, should the time come,” said Irene.

“Is this more about you and Pops not being here forever?“

“Gaspar, as much as you might want it, we can’t live forever. Nor do we want to. The girls were right the other day when they said we shouldn’t place all the burden on Claudette and Gabriel. We’re gonna fix at least a piece of that.”

“Okay, Mama. Just. Just don’t go too soon,” he said, hugging her.

“Oh, my sweet boy. I won’t go until it’s time,” she smiled, hugging him back. He reached for Ruby, pulling her in for a hug as well.

“That goes for you, too, Miss Ruby. Don’t leave us just yet. I think we’re just now realizing how much we truly need all of you.”

“That’s the way it happens. You get older and start realizin’ how much the old folks know and contribute. But don’t you worry. I’m not goin’ anywhere today,” she laughed. “I’d miss seein’ your handsome faces. I love y’all just like Irene. You’re my children, my boys.”

“Thanks, Miss Ruby. We love you too,” he said, squeezing her once more.

“Alright, alright, y’all get the fires goin’. Ruby and me will be cookin’ tonight while the girls get cleaned up.”

“Gumbo, Mama?” asked Alec hopefully. She chuckled, shaking her head.

“Now, you know I’d be makin’ my boys something hearty out here. We got a pot of gumbo and a pot of red beans and rice. There will be enough to put in the coolers for later on this week. Now, y’all get the fires ready and go wash up.”

When the women returned from the creek looking freshly washed and a bit more energized, the men went to do the same. The smell of the hot food filtering in the air made everyone hungry, including the dogs.

Mama Irene and Ruby were sitting in the folding chairs, the dogs lying at their feet. When they tried to stand to stir the pots, the dogs weren’t allowing it.

“It’s alright, Mama,” said Marie. “We’ll get everything else ready. Those dogs sure don’t like to leave y’all’s sides.”

“They’re just babies, and they know who feeds ‘em,” smirked Irene. “Besides, it’s good to have them so loyal to you.”

Within an hour, the gumbo and red beans and rice were ready to serve. Hot cornbread had been made in several cast iron skillets and the quiet of the group said they were happy with their meal.

“Trak? You, Alec, and Tailor walk us back to our car so we can get to the cabin,” said Irene, standing.

“Yes, ma’am,” he said obediently.

“Ladies, we’ll meet y’all here in the morning at nine. Have yourselves a hearty breakfast, and we’ll set out.”

“Yes, ma’am,” they said in unison. Ruby and Irene chuckled, then looked back at the group.

“Y’all are about the prettiest, most handsome group of people I’ve ever seen. But more than that, you’ve got good hearts. Good souls. I’m proud of each of you. Always have been,” said Irene.

“Goes double for me,” smiled Ruby. “I’ll see y’all in the mornin’.”

Tailor gave an arm to Ruby, who gladly took it for steadiness, as Irene took Alec’s arm, following Trak’s lead. It only took them thirty minutes to get them to their car and return to the site.

“All good?” asked Ghost.

“All good. They’re only a short distance down the road, and the trail is pretty even to where they could park the car. Wouldn’t be ideal for anything big that we would use, but it’s fine for one or two vehicles,” said Alec.

“Bull? How about a few fireside songs?” smiled Faith.

“Well, it just so happens that I brought my guitar,” he grinned. “You know I don’t do much singing any longer, except with Amanda on her recordings. It’s nice to just sing a few tunes with friends.”

“You were blessed with a wonderful gift, brother,” said Gaspar. “I wish I had a voice like yours.”

“Not sure why I was given it,” smirked Bull as he began to strum the strings of his guitar. “Seems I was also given the gift of being a soldier as well.”

“A damn fine one,” said Jean, raising his drink to the man.

“Agree,” said Wilson. “You’ve definitely saved our ass more than once. But the singing, brother, that’s something I’ll have in my head forever.” Bull just nodded, smiling at his friends.

He sang a few country tunes, then broke into a few new songs that he and Amanda were recording for her new album. As the group relaxed, he asked them for requests.

“How about ‘You Got a Friend in Me,’” smiled Ghost.

They all laughed, nodding, and Bull sang the familiar Randy Newman tune. A few minutes later, someone requested ‘That’s What Friends Are For’ by Dionne Warwick.

It didn’t take long, and everyone was jumping in to sing along. For Bull, that was the best part of music. Seeing others enjoying it so much that they drop their guard and are okay with being slightly off-tune.

“That was so much fun, Bull,” smiled Lauren. “I’m exhausted. Headed to bed.” She kissed Trak, and a few of the others stood with her, walking toward their tents.

When the women had all retired, the guys stared at each other, and Trak signed to them.

“Someone has been circling the camp. Several someones.”

“Which way did they head afterwards?” asked Alec.

“Different each time. Looks like they all go in a different direction, but there’s something here they want. They keep coming back.”

“ I think we have to make sure someone is following Mama Irene and Ruby with the girls tomorrow,” said Ghost, looking at Trak. He nodded.

“Akin? Can you block sound around them without Ashley knowing?” asked Ian.

“Yes, sir. It shouldn’t be a problem. No one will hear them coming.”

“ Ivan, Flip, and Regan, you three walk to get Irene and Ruby in the morning,” said Kane.

They nodded at him, understanding the assignment. Gaspar looked at the group of men and stood, signing one last message before bed.

“ If anyone is following us, we’ll know for sure tomorrow. Then, God help them.”