Page 77 of The Promise Of Rain

My brothers were good men, but their values and goals aligned with those my parents instilled in us.Faith.Family.Farm.I was with them for the first two, but from there, our paths diverged.

Since I’d left the working of the farm in my brothers’ very capable hands, I’d been at loose ends.

And it was never a good idea for me to be at loose ends.

I had thoughts of what I might do going forward, but so much hinged on Jenny I couldn’t make a move.I had time and money on my side, but eventually I would have to choose a path.

I missed the camaraderie of my brothers-in-arms, but the military was an escape for me, not a calling.

And it came with a price.The nightmares plagued me, especially since I found out what really happened that night.

I’d let them both down.

God, Charlie.

I did know that the centre of everything was Jenny.

Things had been good in the week since Frostival in that we saw each other nearly every day, but she didn’t invite me into her space, and she hadn’t asked to go back to mine.

I spun my empty mug on the Formica table.How did I convince her she was safe with me when I was the one who left her alone and unprotected when she needed me most?

Logically, I let myself off the hook for believing the worst, but logic wouldn’t mend her heart.

And what were these secrets that left her trembling with fear?

What could possibly drive me away from her?

“I’ve been meaning to catch up with you.”

My head snapped up.I took in the infamous moustache and stood with a smile.“Sergeant Elliott.It’s a pleasure to see you.”

I reached to shake his hand, and he grasped it firmly.“Lieutenant.Mind if I join you?”

“Just Deacon is fine.”I sat down and waved to the empty seat across from me.

He didn’t waste any time.“What are your plans?”

My eyebrows rose.“My plans?”

Sitting back in his seat, he crossed his arms over his barrel chest.“With Jenny.”

I sat forward and dipped my chin.“Seriously?”

“Don’t think I’ve ever been more serious,” he mused, that killer moustache twitching.He cleared his throat and looked up, his gaze steady on mine.“I was there.”

The blood drained from my face.“How bad was it?”

His mouth twisted as he shook his head.“Fucking awful.She’s a strong woman.”He paused.“But she shouldn’t have to be.”

“I’ve got her.”

He narrowed his gaze.“You sure about that?Above all else?”

“You know something.”

He nodded slowly.“In my line of work, I get to know a lot of things.”

I nodded slowly, my adrenaline pumping.“Is she in any danger?”