Just as we made our way to the corridor, Axe came barreling out, making the mistake of pushing me.
Bad move.
I responded in kind without thinking, driving him against the wall. I’d never seen so much fury in someone who didn’t knowwho the hell I was. That didn’t stop him. He lunged toward me and we were about to get into a fight when a shrill whistle sounded behind us.
“Enough!” the captain yelled. “I’m not going to have this shit in my house. Do you understand me, gentlemen? Do you? I don’t know what crawled into your ass today, Axe, but I’m finished with sandbox tantrums for the fucking year.”
I already had one hand wrapped around his shirt, ready to throw a punch with the other just like he was doing. What I noticed in the man’s eyes was as much pain as I’d experienced. While the blip in time lasted for a split second, whatever demon was crawling inside had nearly consumed him.
While I wasn’t usually the one to give in—ever—I did this time, pulling away and throwing my hands into the air.
“Go release some fucking adrenaline and testosterone, Beckett,” the captain told Axe. “You both get one warning. One.”
I took a deep breath, obviously not endearing myself to anyone. While the others dispersed, Axe continued to glare at me until one of the jumpers pulled him away.
Raptor was suddenly behind me. “Don’t let him get to you.”
“I don’t need this shit.”
“Yeah, I get it. He’s been this way on and off for a few weeks. Come on. Let’s get you that locker.”
I could tell I wasn’t about to make any friends at all. Like I’d told myself before. Fine by me. While I trailed behind Raptor, I sensed at least a few others were watching me.
“You can take this one,” Raptor said. “The shower is through there.”
As I tossed my bag inside, I didn’t bother putting a lock on. If any of them wanted to steal my shit, they could have at it.
“What’s his issue?” I asked when he led me into the weight room.
Raptor sighed, acting as he wanted to ensure no one was paying any attention. “Look, man. It’s not my place to say anything, but since he acted like a fucking shithead, I guess I can tell you. He thinks you’re replacing his brother on the team.”
“I don’t know his brother. And I sure as shit don’t want to know him. Did his brother quit?”
Raptor shoved his hands into his pockets. “No, he died on the job. A helicopter crash and Axe continues to blame himself.”
Exhaling, some of the angry wind had been ripped from my sails. “Well, he doesn’t need to worry. I can’t fly a damn helicopter.”
Chuckling, Raptor shook his head. “Then I think you’ll be just fine. However, just a warning.”
“Yeah, what’s that?”
“The dude has a mean right hook.”
“Well, guess what? So do I.”
CHAPTER 11
Grace
“I’m sorry I’m late,” I said as I shoved my body into a booth, huffing as soon as I did.
“I thought you didn’t have a heavy workload today.” Darlene was sipping a glass of wine, which looked delicious. I don’t know why after the interesting few days I suddenly felt the need for liquid courage, but I planned on having a tall glass of chardonnay.
“I don’t. I was working on grants then forgot all about the items coming into the post office. Then I needed a few things including some paint supplies. This morning, I had a walk-in, a poor dog who’d been shot. Who shoots a dog, for God’s sake. Anyway, the surgery took a little time. I’m happy to report that the pup is just fine. You know how it goes.”
Almost immediately, my favorite chicken salad sandwich was placed in front of me and my stomach rumbled. With a glass of chardonnay, I was set for the afternoon. Yes, I was thirty minutes late, but the day had gotten away from me.
Of course that was after I’d pushed our lunch back from two to three. Yes, I’d had errands that had taken longer than expected, but in truth, I’d lost some track of time. Why? Because I’d needed to collect my thoughts and reshape my lost mind about my houseguest.
