Page 27

27

K night accepted the check and scrawled his name across the endless mountain of paperwork at the title company. His flight left early the following day, and he visited the bar where his former teammates typically hung out. He scanned the area and frowned when he didn’t see them. Checking his watch, he arrived a bit earlier than usual, he settled on a stool and ordered a beer.

An hour later, he noticed his old team filing in. Zepher led the group of men and they took a round booth in the corner. Mustering up the courage to make things right, he approached the group. When they noticed him, he saw the grim expressions on their faces.

“Zepher,” Knight nodded to his former teammate and then to the rest of the men. “I wanted to come by and let you know I considered my time on your team an honor. I deeply regret my actions and words on the last few missions. I want to personally apologize to each of youand wish you well.”

Zepher stood and shook Knight’s hand. Then another teammate extended his and the rest followed. A slight sense of peace filled the empty space in his chest as he turned and walked away. He made his way out to the parking lot when he heard a familiar voice.

“Hey, Knight. Wait up,” Abe called.

Knight smiled as he saw Abe, Alabama, Wolf and Caroline cross the parking lot.

“When did you get back in town?” Abe shook his hand.

“Early this morning. I sold the house and I’m flying out early tomorrow,” he replied.

“Tex spoke with Patch. He mentioned you interviewed with Serenity Securities,” Abe whistled. “I heard good things about the group from Patch and he seems happy. Tex and Melody visited not too long ago.”

“Yeah. They seem like good people. Did Tex hear about any other jobs around Seattle?” Knight asked.

Wolf and Abe glanced at one another. Abe shook his head. “He didn’t mention any to me.”

Wolf pulled Caroline closer to him and whispered in her ear, making her smile. “We’re about to go in for a drink. It appears a bit crowded tonight. Why don’t you come back to the house? Our basement beats any hotel room, and we can drop off your rental and get you to your gate before heading to PT.”

“Thanks. I don’t want to impose.” Knight adjusted the cap on his head.

“Please. Alabama and I decided to plan a girls’ weekend. You can keep the men company while we devise our plans for shopping,” Caroline offered with a smile.

“Thank you. I’ll take you up on the offer. With everything going on, I forgot to book a hotel room. I figured I’d grab some dinner and find one,” Knight addressed Caroline.

“Why don’t Alabama and I head home and they can take you to drop off your rental and pick up some grub? Then you can relax,” she suggested.

Wolf kissed his woman and Abe pulled Alabama into his arms for a kiss before the women walked across the parking lot. Both men tracked their wives until they entered the vehicle. Knight envied them, how easy they made their relationships appear.

“Let’s get this car dropped off. We know a barbecue joint close by with the best ribs. We can pick up some before we return home,” Wolf suggested.

They followed him to the rental place, and he dropped the keys into the door’s slot before sliding into the back of Wolf’s vehicle.

Abe turned slightly in his seat to strike up a conversation. “How’s things in Seattle?”

“A buddy of mine let me rent his condo until I find a place. I took some time off to get situated and met with my brother-in-law’s team,” Knight gave them a general description of his life.

“I take it the interview didn’t go as you planned. You have a legendary reputation for your sniper skills. They’d be idiots not to snap you up.” Wolf glanced toward the back seat.

He stroked his jaw, reluctant to discuss it. He knew Abe and Wolf and ran into them occasionally. Yet they didn’t hesitate to give him a place to stay while his former team accepted his apology and went about their business.

“Yeah. I screwed up and gave them a shitty first, second and third impression. Patch refers to me as ‘asshole’ if that gives you any idea on how it went,” he explained.

Abe and Wolf chuckled.

“Plus, things grew more complicated over the last few weeks. Gabrielle moved to Seattle, too,” he admitted.

“It seems like fate has other plans for you two. Maybe it’s your sign to work things out,” Abe suggested. “Alabama spoke with her not too long ago. Gabrielle seemed upset.”

Knight watched California’s nightlife pass him by, wishing he returned to the cabin, and held Gabby in his arms. “I fucked up there, too.”

Wolf pulled into his driveway and they piled out of the car. The women sat at the kitchen table before a computer, discussing their girls’ weekend options.

“Why don’t we grab a beer to go with those ribs and take over the living room?” Wolf suggested as he leaned down and shook his head at the computer screen before kissing Caroline.

Abe led the way and placed a TV tray in front of Knight for him to eat while they visited. Wolf walked in a minute later with three beers in hand. He placed one near Knight and handed another to Abe before taking a seat.

Knight dug into his food while they exchanged news with one another.

“I heard Serenity Securities has a nice setup on the mountain. Tex mentioned the hospital’s unique approach. He seemed impressed by their programs and referred a couple of our mutual friends,” Abe broke the ice.

“Gabby’s visited the hospital twice. They run a tight ship and she’s received excellent care,” Knight agreed.

“Is she all right?” Wolf leaned forward in concern.

Knight put the ribs down and wiped his mouth and fingers, no longer feeling hungry. “Gabrielle’s pregnant. I screwed up royally and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“It’s the third time you’ve told us you screwed up. We’ve all made mistakes. I’ve made my fair share, and my team hashelped me see the light. Why don’t you tell us what happened and see if we might help you figure it out,” Abe suggested.

Knight leaned back on the sofa and swiped a hand across his face. “It’s no secret I struggled with my team toward the end. I accepted the black ops mission to terminate my contract early. The last year with Gabby felt like a chore. I provided everything for her, a house, nice car and access to our bank accounts. Whenever I came home, she and I fought over stupid things. Everything snowballed between the tension on the team and coming home to a strained marriage and I didn’t understand why.”

“Did you ask Gabby?” Abe asked as he sipped his beer.

“I tried fixing things by joining the black ops mission, and in exchange, my contract terminated upon completion. I finally accomplished my task, and when I returned home, I found Gabby sitting up in bed, and a man walked out of our bathroom. I automatically assumed the worst. I gave her until the next day to remove her things.”

Wolf let out a low whistle. “I take it then you didn’t address the situation on your trips home. Did she try talking to you about how she felt? I can’t imagine she didn’t feel the strain between you two.”

“I didn’t. After seeing the other man, I refused to talk to her until we met at the attorney’s office. By then, I imagined everything at its worst. I struck out at my wife and wanted to hurt her as much as I thought she hurt me.”

Abe raked a hand through his hair and leaned back in his chair. “Damn, Knight. You didn’t give her time to explain?”

He shook his head. “I was still reeling from the mission, and the shock of the scene sent me spiraling. I didn’t know she moved to Seattle until I received a call from the hospital saying she was involved in an accident and she forgot to remove me as her emergency contact. I walked in to find her on the maternity ward and pregnant.”

Wolf glanced at Abe. “She called Alabama and Caroline. She asked if you told us she cheated.”

“Yeah,” he murmured. “Then I stuck my foot in my mouth by asking if I fathered the baby. I insisted on taking her home and she lied about where she lived. I took her to a ‘friend’s apartment’ in a shitty area and discovered she lived there. Because I tried to destroy her, she slept on an air mattress, pregnant and counting pennies, worried about having enough money for maternity leave.”

Abe scowled. “I can’t imagine you not helping with the baby. Why didn’t she tell you?”

Sighing, Knight admitted, “She did. She texted me one evening and asked to talk to me. I texted back, demanding she speak through my attorney.”

“I’m sure that went over like a lead balloon. You explained how you fucked up with Gabby. What happened with the team?” Wolf asked, sipping on his beer.

“Those guys seem tight. They operate as one. Saint invited me to meet up with them. When we arrived, the entire pool area was filled with kids and their wives including my sister. When I say they care for each other, I’m not kidding. It’s like a giant love fest cult. The men helped with the kids while the wives chatted and then packed everything up before sending them on their way. Then, we discussed business.”

They gazed at him, confused. “What’s wrong with them helping their women and children? It’s their family,” Wolf inquired, trying to figure out why Knight found the situation strange.

“I don’t know. It felt weird. Saint told me what the team went through when they lost three teammates. Nobody comes out of this unscathed, and they sat around the pool caring for each other’s wives and kids like one big happy family. It seemed like one big lie,” Knight struggled with why he felt the way he did.

Wolf’s brows furrowed as he stared at him. “Let me ask you something. If Abe went away for the weekend and Alabama needed help, who do you think she’d call?”

He rubbed his forehead as if he didn’t understand why she needed to call anyone. “I don’t know. Gabby handled everything on her own.”

Wolf frowned and shook his head. “You’ve known my wife for a long time and how she earned the moniker Ice. There’s not a doubt in my mind she couldn’t handle anything thrown her way. It doesn’t mean she should. I’m her partner in everything. When I’m not here, one of my brothers steps in for me if the need arises. She’s one of the strongest women I know. As her husband, I’m her helpmate, her lover, and her best friend.”

Knight shook his head. “I did things for Gabby. I made sure she didn’t want for anything.”

“Wait a minute.” Abe’s hand went up as if to stop him. “I don’t think you’re understanding what Wolf’s telling you. A spouse doesn’t cheat if you’re meeting all her needs at home.”

“She never complained about anything. When I returned home, I ensured her car got serviced, my check went into the account and I never once complained if she went on a shopping spree or when I came home to find out she had torn a wall down and painted the entire kitchen.”

“You handled her physical needs. What about her emotional ones?” Abe asked.

“She seemed happy,” he faltered.

Abe sighed. “Let me tell you a story. My wife cleaned businesses at night when I met her. I spun up on a mission and when I returned, I discovered an ex-girlfriend of mine accused her of stealing. Instead of supporting her, I railed at her because I hate liars. When my team set me straight, I returned to apologize, but she left. My team and I searched endlessly for her and finally lured her in to speak with me through her attorney. My team supported her. They cared for her when she refused to let me. They set me straight and called me on my bullshit.”

“How did she take you tricking her?” he asked.

“I didn’t go in right away. My friends spoke with her and protected her from me because I acted like a fool. They made it clear she had a choice.”

“What did you say to her to convince her to take you back? I fucked up royally and I overheard Gabrielle tell my sister she wanted the divorce finalized. I’m concerned for her safety and the baby’s. She worked for an accounting firm and discovered a file linked to human trafficking. Gabby didn’t have a car accident. Someone tried to hurt her. I took her to Bryanna’s and she found out I told my sister she cheated on me and left on her own. I don’t know if she’ll allow me to stay close after she tried discussing the custody situation. If something happens to her, and I can’t find her…”

Abe glanced at Wolf, who nodded and disappeared from the room.

“Knight, do you love Gabby?” he asked.

He nodded. “I love her more than anything.”

“I can’t promise you Gabby will take you back. Only she can decide if she can forgive your mistakes. It took some groveling on my part. I slept outside in my truck keeping watch while Ice and Wolf kept her safe in their home. I showed up and proved my loyalty. When she agreed to go out with me, my friends assured her they’d pick her up if I made her uncomfortable. It felt like a kick in the teeth, but her emotional needs came before my feelings. I suspect between deployments and the black op, you may have given Gabby all the material things she needed when all she wanted was you.”

As if a curtain lifted from his eyes, Knight recalled missing their anniversary because they expected him to spin up at any moment and he forgot until she went to bed without him while he talked on the phone with one of his contacts. They spun up at dawn. She told him about missing her graduation. He imagined the disappointment she must’ve felt. He’d let her down again. Did Abe make a valid point?

Wolf returned with a small package in his hand. He handed it to Abe.

“Tex gave us permission.”

Abe handed the item to Knight. “Our friend Tex gave us these for our women. It’s not meant to track every move they make. It’s a precautionary measure. Tex permitted us to give you one for Gabby. Don’t be sneaky about this. Be upfront with her. It’s a pair of earrings with a transmitter in them. Tex monitors it and can track her if necessary.”

Knight held them in his palm, surprised the men did this.

“We’ve got our reasons for doing it. It’s not meant for you to stalk her. It’s for her safety,” Abe stressed. “Don’t give these to her until you talk to her and explain why you want her to wear them.”

Wolf nodded. “Tex will call Matthew from Serenity Securities and give him a heads up. This stays confidential and I imagine you’ll receive a call from Tex himself. He’ll want to speak with Gabby. Our women know his number by heart. If we can’t reach them, he’ll keep tabs until we can.”

“Thanks. I’ll feel better knowing she can’t disappear. I’m unsure if she’ll accept them from me after our last conversation. Hopefully, I can convince her.” Knight sighed.

“If she has any questions, she can call Ice or Alabama. They’ll happily tell her their stories,” Abe assured him.

“I appreciate you helping me. I’ve acted like an idiot and I don’t know how things will turn out,” he confessed.

“I won’t lie, it was the hardest thing Alabama and I ever faced. We learned a lot about each other from the experience. I suggest you discover what needs you didn’t meet. You’re focusing on thethings you gave her. Somehow, you missed something crucial.”

“Yeah.” Knight swiped his hand over his face. “Thanks for the advice. My flight’s early and I’m anxious to return home.”

“Ice put fresh sheets on the bed. What time do you need us to drive you to the airport?” Wolf asked.

“0300.” He informed the men.

Abe nodded. “I’ll pick you up at 0230. Good luck, man. Don’t hesitate to call if we can help in any way.”

Knight stood and shook hands with the men before heading to the kitchen. The two women stopped chattering as he entered.

“Thank you for letting me stay. I appreciate it. I understand Gabrielle called you. I want you to know I made a mistake when I shared some information with your husbands. I jumped to the wrong conclusion and I’m the one to blame,” Knight admitted to the women.

Alabama rose from her chair and hugged him. “It takes a strong person to admit their mistakes. It takes someone with courage to fix them. Good luck, Knight.”

“Thank you…goodnight, ladies.” He turned and walked down to the basement bedroom. He grabbed boxers from the bag and took a shower, brushed his teeth and climbed into bed. He closed his eyes, and Gabby’s tear-streaked face haunted him. Did Abe hit on the missing piece of the puzzle?

When his father left, he watched his mother work herself to the bone to provide for him and Bryanna. She went without to put food in their bellies. They lived in run-down apartments for most of their lives. He never wanted Gabby to lack for anything. He recalled the day his sister, Bryanna, entered this world.

Carl Hutchins paced the living room as he spoke low into the phone. A friend took Mama to the hospital, and Marcus sat on the floor with his homework at the coffee table. He watched his father go into the bedroom. From where he sat, he witnessed his father put the suitcase on the bed and dump his clothes inside. As if undecided, he paused in the middle of the room, gazing at Marcus. Opening drawers, he squished the items into is bag and clasped the locks. His father entered the living room and set his luggage by the front door before sitting beside him.

“Marcus, I’m leaving today. It’ll be a long time before I see you again.”

He glanced up at his father, confused. “Aren’t we visiting the hospital to see my new brother or sister?”

“Yeah. We’ll go and then I’m leaving you with the neighbors. You’ll mind your manners and help your mama when she returns home. I know you don’t understand this now. One day, you’ll grow into a man. You’ll find someone you can’t live without. Soon, you’ll have kids and realize you were meant for more than working nonstop to put food on the table and a roof over your head. It’s not a way to live, son. It’s time I follow my dreams.”

His father loaded the suitcase in the carand drove them to the hospital. Marcus watched his mom introduce Bryanna to his father. He shook his head, refusing to hold the baby.

His mama smiled through her tears as she patted the side of the bed. Marcus sat down, gently holding his arms out as his mama instructed him how to hold his sister’s head. He smiled and glanced at his parents, elated he finally had a sibling to play with.

“What’s her name, Mama?” he asked.

“Bryanna Ann Hutchins,’ his mama announced.

“We talked about this,” his father seethed.

Mama’s eyes filled with tears. “You can run away, but it won’t change the fact you have a family. I refuse to change her name, so you can give it tosomeone else.”

“I’ve explained this to you before. I can’t support two families,” he gritted out.

Mama’s chin rose like Gabby’s when she felt determined to prove him wrong. He guessed Mama wanted to show Daddy how wrong he treated them.

He kissed Mama and Bryanna on the cheek and left with his father.

Carl Hutchins left the car running as he pulled into the driveway next door to their house. He handed Marcus a ten-dollar bill. “Keep this for emergencies. Your mama will need you to lean on.”

Two weeks later, he handed Mama the money to buy a jar of peanut butter, jam and a loaf of bread. She smiled at him with sad eyes and cupped his cheek. They picked up their suitcases and waited for the bus. With Daddy gone, they lost their house and Mama found a job in another town. Over the years he watched his mama sit at the kitchen table and cry as she added up the bills. She smiled as she dished out two full bowls of mac and cheese. When Marcus asked her to sit and eat she shook her head, denying her hunger. Years went by and Marcus vowed his wife would never go without.

His fight with Gabby replayed in his head. Did he focus on meeting all her physical needs but never met her emotional ones? His hands curled into fists. Determination filled him as he faced his mistakes. His love for Gabby was forever but he crushed her to her very core. If he wanted to make this right, he needed to figure out how to show his wife how much she meant to him. He made a list of things he needed to change immediately. Time wasn’t on his side. He went around the world, saving people from harm. Now, he needed to save his marriage. Knight vowed to become Gabby’s knight in shining armor for a lifetime.