Page 153 of Reeves

I haven't told my brothers about Charli. About Benjy. I don't know how I'm handling any of this yet, and I sure as hell don't need Ridge's opinions or Wells analyzing everything to death.

"I found out last week I have a kid. A five-year-old son."

"Shut the fuck up. You have a five-year-old?"

"Yep. The girl I was dating before I joined the Navy. She tried to tell me, but I didn't read the letter. Nevermind. The how doesn't matter. What matters is, I just found out and I'm still trying to figure out how to deal with it."

"Damn. Yeah, I'd disappear, too. Shit."

"Yeah. Anyway, listen. I might need some of your hacking skills. Are you still able to do stuff like that?"

"Possibly. Depends on what you're needing."

"Can you find out what kind of flag is out there regarding Medicaid and billing on a specific practice?"

"Probably not. But I might be able to scratch the surface. What details can you give me?"

I hear paper rustling, so I tell him about the email and how it basically just said more to follow. I gave him all the details I have about her practice, location, and her name.

Gabe won't tell my brothers or give me a lecture about this. That's why I called him instead of Wells.

"I'm not sure I can do anything, but I can do some digging and see if I can find anything."

"I know that. I appreciate it."

The relief surprises me. I'm not sure I can do anything at all, but the promise of maybe giving her some relief or answers feels like I'm contributing.

I merge onto the interstate, letting the truck find its rhythm. "You still working with Wells on research stuff?"

"How long for the background check?"

"That won't take long at all. The Medicaid thing might take longer. Those networks move slow."

"Okay."

"You doing all right with all this? Finding out about your son, I mean."

The question catches me off guard. Not because he asked. But because I don't have an answer ready.

"Ask me next week."

Gabe lets out a low chuckle. "Fair enough. Listen, you got time for a beer before you head back out? Could meet you at The Orchid later if you're up for it."

Before you head back out.

Three days ago, heading back out was all I could think about. Pack up. Report for duty. Let the machine of military routine carry me forward and put all of the noise out of my head.

Now the thought of deployment has me all fucked up.

"Yeah. I can do that."

The words come out easily. But even as I'm saying them, my mind stays locked on Charli and Benjy. I only have a few days and I want to spend every minute of it with them I can.

They come first.

"How's that shoulder been treating you?"

I roll my shoulder once, testing the joint. The pain flares immediately. The pills keep it at bay, but the ache never fully goes away anymore.