Chapter 27
Uncle called, tossed him a few words of praise. Mentioned that Heroes didn’t need the help of others. They were islands to themselves, commanded all they saw.
“Others serve us, boy. Never forget that. Especially women. They’re useful. But just barely. Good to keep the lines clear. Drawn.”
He’d been watching. He wasn’t surprised.
The woods had eyes.
There was no doubt about it. He was moving. And taking his dog with him.
He pushed the image of her soft, questioning eyes away, out of his mind, along with the one of her back as she left.
Picked up his cell. Called the man that had also served in Delta North, though at a different time than him. Still. They were brothers, on many levels.
“Dare. Hope I’m not bothering you. Too late?”
“Nathan! Good to hear from you, man. Just finishing up the game. Abby’s gone to bed. If I don’t know who won, the crew’ll rib me tomorrow and I’ll have to slap them around. Tires a guy out, you know?” Humor laced through his tone, though he sounded tired. “What’s on your mind?”
“Just checking about the work thing. You told me to check in with you, right?”
“Yeah, I did.” He heard the restraint in Dare’s voice. “I might have something for you.”
A light blazed on in his brain. Holy hell. Work? And a paycheck?
“Yeah. Folks want some masonry done on a retaining wall. They’re scared they’re going to tumble into the Bay if it’s not done soon.”
“I can start tomorrow. Meet up with you, or go myself, just give me the address. What start time do you want?”
“Whoa!” Laughter sparked through Dare’s voice. “Hold on. They’re fudging on the start date. Doing some trips abroad first. England, maybe Vegas after. They’re thinking Spring for sure. That’s what they said last. But if it’s any consolation, man, they have to have it done for sure. When they see what winter’s done to their hill, they’re going to be at me to get it done yesterday. I know the type.”
Nathan slumped, drew in a slow breath. But the man was still thinking of his interests. “Thanks, Buddy. I appreciate you keeping me in mind. And if anything hits, let me know. Asap. I’ll…” He toyed with whether or not to reveal how desperate his situation was. “I’ll take anything, Dare. To be honest, I’m thinking of doing a bit of hunting to pad the cupboards, the freezer. But there are some hard bills need paying, so…I’ll take anything.” He took a deep breath.
A pause on the other end, then a scramble. “Here’s a number. Call this. My sister’s guy, out in B.C., near Golden. I know you talked about moving. Well, we’d hate to lose you when you just got back, but a man’s got to do what a man’s got to do, right?”
BC. British Columbia. Out on the west coast of Canada. Four thousand kilometers away. Tension jagged through him.
He’d be so far from…
But that’s what he wanted.
“I’ll do it. And Dare? Anything, anywhere, keep me in mind. I’m serious, and I’m your man. Okay?”
“I’ll ask around.”
“By the way, what’s the guy’s name?”
“Buddy, that’s the best part. I didn’t want to say in case you decided not to call, but honestly…you know him. Very well.” He paused. “Ex full time military. Reserve forces, now.”
“Oh?” Dare’s voice held a hint of mystery, and of restraint. As if he wanted to pull back the curtain and yell surprise!
“Okay. Now, you have to tell me.”
“Bro. It’s Dawson. Cole Dawson.”
Oh man, did he know him. Like their sweat had practically mingled on more than one mission…knew him.
Dark Storm.
A bit of strength flowed back into his soul, quickly followed by worry. He’d just been one of a bunch of guys. Would Dark Storm even remember him?
And if he did…was this a man he wanted to bare his damn soul to?