“I hope so. See you later.” As I ended the call, I noticed a slow-moving truck and my mind just about got the best of me. Why had I become an object of fixation?
* * *
Viper
The entire crew was standing inside the base, waiting for an address from the fire marshal and Captain Daughtry. We’d all heard the rumors, alongside confirmation of the arson on the mountain. And we were pissed.
The fire marshal was late in arriving and that was making things worse. While she had a damn good excuse, the fact a city monument had been scorched, hundreds of acres destroyed, and lives almost lost had pushed everyone’s anger to the breaking point.
Besides, there was a celebration to get to.
As a kid, celebrations had meant little. Usually not even a day off. Our little family hadn’t been able to afford much. My thoughts drifted to the first year I’d had a job, including lyingabout my age. I’d gotten away with it since I was a big boy. I’d been so excited to take the burden off my mother for purchasing the one thing Aimee had wanted from Santa Claus. My mother had driven me nuts, reminding me not to forget or else.
Come Christmas morning, Aimee had gone from elation to despair in less than three seconds.
Until Santa had made an appearance. She hadn’t been fooled, but she’d squealed with delight anyway, the present making her holiday. We’d laughed and for once, we’d had a great time together as a family.
After that, everything had gone to shit.
Fuck.
Why the hell was I continuing to go down memory lane?
The answer was fairly clear. I was already thinking about Grace as my family. That was both amazing and terrifying. Not that I’d admit it to anyone.
Axe headed toward me, popping me on the arm.
“You’re in good spirits,” I told him, shaking my head.
“Yeah, I am. We checked for a microchip and asked around, including talking to animal control and all the other rescues. If no one claims Frosty, we’re keeping him. Kenzie is so excited. Bringing the little monster home made her forget I almost died. Almost.”
“Frosty. You named him Frosty?”
“Hey,” he huffed, throwing up his arms. “Her idea, not mine.”
“Well, I’m glad you’re keeping him.” And I truly was.
“I had no idea how a dog could bring such joy. Thank you for helping keep him safe. That little tyke had already been through a lot.”
“Yeah? Maybe he was injured in trying to get away.”
“I don’t know. I think he had recent surgery. It’s crazy that someone would just dump him.”
“Yeah,” I said, my thoughts drifting away. Something was off about that.
Axe looked away. “I also wanted to say thank you, man, for saving my life, for not walking away. You’re a stand-up guy.”
When he threw out his arm for a shake, we both heard applause and whistles.
To which we both threw up our middle finger.
“If there’s anything you need, you let me know,” Axe continued.
“Hold him to that,” his brother yelled.
Half the crew laughed.
“The pup needs his shots though and he’s limping. Do you happen to know any good veterinarians in town?”
