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I shut my eyes, and in my head, I pictured the way we had moved to this location. We’d traveled in a perfect Z shape, which would mean the two turns were most likely being blocked by them as well.
“Logan,” I pointed upward, “rooftops might be a good choice.”
“Go,” he ordered.
I pressed my hands outward against the wall on either side and hopped up, using the toes of my boots to hold my legs taut, and started to shimmy up the wall. The others followed, and soon we made our way up to the top and sprung onto the roof. Laying low, we carefully zipped across the buildings, hoping to hell the scouts wouldn’t spot us on the rooftop. Once we made it as far as we could, we scanned the perimeter, slid down a pipe to the ground, and dropped into the tall grass.
We eventually made our way safely back to our chopper. As we lifted into the air, we could see several trucks in various areas along our route. Thankfully, we’d outsmarted them. As I looked at the faces of my fellow teammates, it was clear this mission was not how things normally went.
The moment we crossed the United States border, I could feel the tension lift. Mark popped gum in his mouth, Keith kicked his feet out, John fell asleep, and Mike nudged Cole, who no doubt was replaying every moment of the mission in his head. It was what you did as a leader. I’d always analyze every moment of what happened. No matter if the mission went perfectly or went wrong, there was always something to learn.
“Logan, did I hear Quinn is back in town?” John asked as we flew over the Montana mountains. We were almost home, and I was impressed with the magnitude of changes in vehicles and the deviations we’d had to make to get there. Cole didn’t mess around when it came to the location of the safehouse.
“Yes, he’s back,” Mark chimed in, “but we might miss him.” He looked at his watch. “Ivy’s got a date, and since we were gone—” He made a face.
“Copy that.” John nodded.
A date? I noticed Mark moved his attention to me and wiggled his eyebrows. “Mr. Bendy Yoga,” he mouthed, and I looked away but caught his smirk.
Really? She agreed to go on a date with that yoga instructor?
Once we got back home, the wives came out to greet the guys, and the kids cheered and hugged their fathers. Daniel and Sue stayed back with smiles, and Abby and Doc Roberts watched it all from the window. I wondered if it was always like this, but my gut told me it was. It was quite the sight and made me pause for a moment as I wondered if that was something I’d want someday.
“Beckett?” Daniel stopped me at the door. “Your parents called the contact line. They’d like you to call them as soon as possible.”
Oh?
“Copy that. Thank you, sir.” He nodded as I went inside and headed to my room.
I tossed my bag on the bed and removed my phone from the charger. Normally, I’d wait until after my shower to call, but the fact they called the house line made me wonder what the urgency was.
“Hello, my sweet boy.” I smiled at her greeting, I could be fifty, and I’d still be her sweet boy. “Your father and I have news.”
“Good, I hope.” I eased into the chair by the window and watched Mark’s twins as they played with Butters.
“Demi told us she’s having dinner with you tonight. She invited your father, sister, and me to join you.”
My stomach dropped, and I held my forehead with sigh.
“That’s great, Mom. I can’t wait.” I’d wanted tonight to explain to Demi that the agreement we had needed to end. But now, it would be a whole lot trickier. Not to mention my sister would be there. She had eyes like a hawk and could read me like an open book.
“Demi told us you’re training in Montana this week, so we booked this adorable little Airbnb right in town so we could have a drink or two and not worry about driving. Oh, dear, I just can’t believe we get to do this. Your father and I have waited so long to see you.”
“I’m looking forward to it, too, Mom. See you tonight.” I hung up and leaned my head back against the chair and mentally prepared for a night with my family and Demi.
When I arrived, Zack’s was busy, and I was happy that Mark told me he’d called ahead to let them know we were coming. Though there were a few other restaurants in town, he assured me we’d be taken care of here. I was starting to see the perks of this job, and this was one I was truly thankful for. My family was casual, so I was pleased that I only needed to wear jeans and a t-shirt to meet them. I wore a ball hat so I could shade my eyes while I watched the room. Crowds were not something I was used to, and I was instantly on alert.
“Good evening, Mr. Beckett.” The host smiled up at me after I gave him my name. “Zack told me you were coming, and I have a table in the corner for you and your party. But I do have a table by the window about to open up. Mark mentioned you might prefer that one.
“No, the corner’s great. Thanks.” I nodded for him to lead the way, and I settled in my seat to watch. A short time later, my family and Demi walked through the door.
Here we go.
My mother practically elbowed a customer aside as she raced to hug me. I knew I’d hurt them when I went from Afghanistan, to Washington, to Shadows without stopping for a visit, but this was the part of life I was bad at. Family.
“Look at you!” She wrapped me in her arms and nearly sobbed. “You’re so big!”
“Work out much? Shit, brother, look at you.” My sister squeezed my arm then peeled Mom off me and came in for a hug. “God, it’s good to see you.”
