"You new around here?"Mary asked, her curiosity evident but not intrusive.
"Just passing through."
She nodded as if that explained everything."Well, if you need anything or have any questions about Holly Ridge, feel free to ask."
"Thanks," I said.
I couldn't understand how everyone in Holly Ridge could be so damn nice.It was like I had stumbled into a parallel universe where kindness was the default setting.After everything I had seen and done, this felt unreal.My experiences had painted a much darker picture of the world.
My phone buzzed in my pocket, pulling me from my thoughts.I fished it out and glanced at the screen.
Where are you?
I quickly typed back.At a park.Be right there.
I stood up, brushing the snow off my coat.Cavil was waiting for me at the library, and I didn’t want to keep him waiting.Cavil and I went way back, to our days in the SAS.He had been one of the few constants in my life, a steady presence amid chaos.
As I walked towards the library, I marveled at how this town seemed untouched by the harsh realities outside its borders.The sound of children’s laughter echoed in the crisp air, and shopkeepers greeted each other like old friends.It was disorienting, to say the least.
I arrived at the library, an old brick building with ivy creeping up its sides.The door creaked as I pushed it open, and a blast of warm air greeted me.Inside, it was quiet except for the occasional rustle of pages being turned.
Cavil was already there, seated at a table near the back.His hair was shorter now, but his intense blue eyes hadn’t changed a bit.He looked up as I approached.
"Took you long enough," he said with a smirk.
"Had to take in the sights," I replied, pulling out a chair and sitting down.
"Right," he chuckled."Holly Ridge must be quite a spectacle compared to our usual haunts."
I shrugged."It’s different."
We fell into an easy silence.With Cavil, words were often unnecessary.We had seen each other at our best and worst; there was no need for pretense or small talk.
The library door creaked open again, and I glanced over.Three men walked in, their movements deliberate and eyes scanning the room.My gut tightened.
Cavil noticed my reaction and leaned back in his chair."Just wanted to introduce you to some of the guys," he said.
The first man stepped forward, extending a hand."Luke Taylor," he said, his voice steady.He had the build of a tank, broad shoulders and a square jaw.His eyes were sharp, taking everything in."U.S.Marine Corps veteran, combat medic."
I shook his hand, feeling the callouses on his palm."Christian."
The second man followed suit."Noah Andersen," he said with a nod.He was leaner, with a wiry strength that reminded me of a coiled spring.His eyes were a piercing blue, contrasting with his sandy hair."Sniper.Army."
I nodded at him, my mind racing."Christian."
A third man approached from behind them."Javier Rivera," he introduced himself with a slight accent, a grin playing on his lips.He had an easy confidence about him, dark hair cropped short and an athletic build that spoke of years in the field."Most folks call me Javi."
"Christian," I repeated, shaking his hand as well.
They all took a seat in a semi-circle, and I noticed Javi's prosthetic leg.He didn't seem to care.
I glanced around at the group gathered around the table."What is this, some kind of support group?"
Cavil gave me a long look before answering."Something like that."He paused, gauging my reaction before continuing."We meet twice a week here."
I leaned back in my chair, trying to process this new information.The library seemed like an odd place for such gatherings, but maybe that was the point—neutral ground away from prying eyes.
"So what do you guys do?Share war stories and swap survival tips?"I asked, trying to keep my tone casual.
