Had he lost his damn mind?
Raphael wasALMOSTas bad as Ivan. There was now a Toadstool two-point-oh.
She put a stop to that.
Having two Ivans was too much for anyone to handle, especially her.
“My dude, I have husbands. I think I can get on and off of a crime scene without you having to write up an invasion plan. You’re worse than Ivan. Calm the fuck down. It’s too early, and I’m not nearly caffeinated enough for this bullshit.”
Oh, well, he had news for her.
“Ivan isPISSED. He’s stirred up that Jet died, and he’s really stirred up that you tangled with a Russian killer without him. If I don’t do what he asks, my ass is getting chewed up, spit out, and then chewed up all over again. If you think you don’t like dealing with Toady, imagine how all of us feel being dressed down by the man. He’s enough to make your day go to shit.”
They all agreed there.
Only, Elizabeth knew the truth.
“He’s angry he’s not here. He’s not pissed at any of you. If anything, I’m the one who is going to get her ass chewed. I can handle Toady. You guys just don’t get shot in the head!” she stated. “I don’t need to call Callen and ask to have another white dude buried on the rez!”
Despite her ability to handle him, Raphael wasn’t willing to take a chance.
Not.
Today.
Satan.
“You’re to stay between us, and we’ll make sure no one shoots you,” he stated, basically ignoring her.
But that posed one question.
“Who will keep you guys from being hurt?” she asked. “Because to me, that’s just as bad as myself being shot. I can’t handle much more, guys. I’m halfway over the bridge to Crazy-town. One more thing, and I’m packing it in.”
They all knew how bad it had to be for her to say that. Elizabeth didn’t quit, and it was rare that you saw the cracks in the veneer.
Oh, and there were so many cracks. Normally, she was slick, and she knew how to play the game.
It was clear that Devon Slater had mind fucked her good.
That was more of a reason to make sure she was safe, protected, and out of harm’s way.
“Let us worry about that,” Raphael said. “Gideon is on com, and he’s got some tech with him. We’re locking down any transmittable cameras to make sure you’re not being watched by this killer. Gunny is locked and loaded,” he stated.
They heard the click and slide of a gun being readied in case it was needed.
“See?” he asked.
Because she could see the tension in his face, Elizabeth patted Raphael on the shoulder.
“I have one thing to say.”
They waited for her to fight them.
“I love you guys. In case I don’t get a chance to say it again, please know that you made my life better, and I’m grateful to have had the pleasure to call you my family.”
Oh, boy.
That sounded like she was giving up, and they didn’t like that.
