Page 54 of Lethal Threat

“You should see the new wood splitter I bought.”

“Before I go, I’ll check it out. I need to buy one. Mine’s on its last leg.”

I give him a quick nod and lean close. “Thanks, I’ve never been in the business of lying or holding back information from someone like this, but right now, there are too many pieces at play.”

“Totally understand. Amnesia is tricky, and I know the nature of her accident’s got you on edge.”

“Losing my shit,” I mutter as I rub at the kink that’s threatening to snap my neck.

He shifts gears and says, “I forgot to ask this before. Have you ever worked close detail security?”

“No, but I’ve been on some missions with dignitaries. Always as part of a team. My last few years have been spent in the field doing combat medical care in active war zones.”

“That’s good news. Besides the close detail contracts we’re starting to take, we’ve got some other things cooking that will be perfect for your skills.”

He grins like someone that knows what it’s like to be fresh out of the field. The adjustment to normalcy is weird.

With a tip of his chin, he says, “You’ll do great at what we’ve got planned. I’m getting our company name out there for some high stakes rescue missions. Kidnappings. Things of that sort… in dangerous places.”

The familiar stir of adrenaline starts to simmer in my veins. “I could get down with that.”

“Our first training evolution is for urbanmissions.”

In the kitchen, there’s a loud clang and I lurch to my feet.

“Just dropped the lid to the kettle,” Sierra yells.

“You sure you’re okay?”

“No toes were injured!” she shouts back.

My heart’s still thrumming when I sit back down on the couch. “Edgy as fuck.”

“I see that. You been sleeping?”

The mere mention of sleep makes me tired. The grit in my eyes is a reminder of how long I laid awake last night. “Not nearly enough,” I share.

“It will help.”

I chuckle darkly. “So I’ve been told.”

We sit in silence for a beat, then I say, “Was glad to see that you’re doing some urban training. I’ve spent too much time in the desert.”

He nods and we exchange a knowing glance. Not that long ago that Marshall got out of the same shit show in the Middle East.

Both of our moods shift, and I know he’s gone back to that place in his head, just like I have. Dark days.

After unclenching his hands, Marshall says, “Right, well the team is eager to get to know you.”

I glance toward the kitchen. “Same here. I’m feeling this out to see how things go day to day. Then I can make a plan for how much supervision she needs.”

“None!” chirps Sierra as she strolls over to us, carrying a mug. Steam rises from the mug as she gently lowers it to the coffee table in front of Marshall. “Here you go.”

My gaze lands on the bandage on her arm. The wound isn’t terrible, but it is an ugly reminder of how close she came to dying out there in the cold water. In the dark. Alone.

The unsteady mood I was in turns violent.

Sierra looks between Marshall and me, and I can tell she’s trying to suss the vibe. “I’m a little banged up, but I’m really fine without supervision, Cole. I made hot cocoa without burning down the house.”