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I looked out my bedroom window and watched the dogs chasing each other around like fools. They were a riot to watch. I shook my head as one of them rolled the other completely over then held him there with his paw. I could see the victor’s tongue lolling out of his mouth as his tail wagged furiously.
Ivy came into view and slowed from her jog and stopped at the driveway. She leaned over to catch her breath, looked around, than dried her cheeks with the sleeve of her shirt.
What was going on with her?
I pulled my gaze away to give her some privacy and looked around at the view from the window. The afternoon sun hugged the mountaintops and made me miss the views of Afghanistan. Last night, I had barely slept on the huge mattress. It felt so strange, as I was used to a small cot. Doc Roberts was right; it was definitely a step up, but one that was still hard to get used to. I contemplated a move to the floor but knew I had to adapt. Every time I heard a sound, I found myself on high alert, and I kept reaching for a weapon that wasn’t there.
Instead, I used the hours I lay awake to relive every moment of that day in the village. I revisited every decision I’d made, but I knew in my gut I’d done everything right. I had the situation under control, and Brown’s weapon was no longer pointed at the family when I started to talk him down. My words were having an effect, and I knew if Hill had just backed off and shut up, I’d have gotten Brown through it and brought him home. His needless death burned like acid.
I sank into my chair and must have finally fallen asleep for a few moments, because when my phone rang, I sat up abruptly and fumbled for it. I struggled to tune in to Moore’s voice as he talked.
“What do you mean, he didn’t take the job?” I shook my head to grasp what he was saying.
“He was bragging about how he got it, then suddenly he was gone.” Moore sighed. “Dustin said it was family related.”
“Bullshit. Hill doesn’t give a shit about family,” I growled. I knew Dustin was gullible and would believe whatever anyone told him.
“I agree, but shit, even Rivera disappeared for a few days, but he’s back now.”
“Do me a favor.”
“Yeah,” he replied, and I heard him grunt as he sat down. I could picture him in his tiny computer chair. “I’ll do some more digging.”
“Thanks.”
“Ty?”
“Yeah?”
“Are you good?” I could hear he wasn’t, so I wasn’t about to lie. “I mean, shit, we’ve seen so much go down. It was always the three of us at the end of it, though, you know. But now…”
“Yeah, I know.” I rubbed my face and felt my eyes prickle with emotion. “Now it’s like part of us is missing. We’re left feelin’ like shit, our hearts ripped out. It doesn’t make sense.”
“Exactly.” He cleared his throat and went silent for a minute. I knew we were finished with that topic for now. “I’ll do some digging.”
I hung up and pressed my hand on the sides of the window. I wanted to punch something.
I changed out of my boots, tugged on my sneakers, and raced downstairs. I needed to burn off some tension. I discovered that Cole liked us to wear black t-shirts and fatigues for the most part during the day and whatever in the evening. I liked that he kept things simple but consistent.
“You look really pale, Ivy. Are you feeling okay?” I heard concern in Sloane’s voice.
Ivy? I pivoted and headed toward the kitchen.
“What’s going on?” I tried to read the situation.
“Really, I’m fine. I just didn’t get much sleep.” Ivy forced a smile. “I think a run will do me some good.”
A run? I eyed her fib. She had already gone running, but I kept my mouth shut.
Sloane looked at me, worried. “Do you need something?”
“Just going to grab a water. Going for a run myself.”
“Okay, ah,” Sloane stumbled and looked at Ivy, “some of us are going to Zack’s for dinner and drinks tonight. I was wondering if you’d like to join us. It’s our favorite place in town.”
“Yes, going out actually sounds good.” Ivy checked her watch. “I’m running late for a session, but let me know when and I’ll be ready.”
“Great.” Sloane watched her leave then tilted her head on one side with an expression as though she contemplated Ivy’s answers. She looked like she might comment but stopped herself.
