Page 6 of Fighting for Family

“See? There’s my problem. I didn’t give it my best, and I feel like shit. I’m bollixed,” he said vehemently. “It’s not you who needs changing. It’s me. How can you expect more from me when I’ve slacked off all this time? I’ve got Stormy doing office work when she’s supposed to handle the supplies. If I don’t bring in Rocker, I’ll risk losing him to another security firm.”

“Then, what do you want to do about it?” she asked gently, rubbing his shoulder.

“For starters, stop tiptoeing around me. I must learn how to adapt. Second, I’m making an appointment with Claire. I can’t live in a haze anymore. It won’t be an overnight fix, but it’ll help,” he said thoughtfully. “Leo hired me to manage the facility, and I’ve let him down. In doing so, I’ve jeopardized Catherine and her children’s future. It’s time I stepped up to the plate,” he said firmly.

Samantha smiled and took his hand. “From now on, I’ll hold you accountable. I have never lost my faith in you, Whiskey. You retreated, and I didn’t know how to handle it. Maybe I need to join a support group for people with spouses with PTSD. It might help us both grow.”

Whiskey cupped her cheek, already feeling the weight lifted from his shoulders. “Do you mind if I take a ride to visit Stormy? I owe her an apology.”

“It sounds like a good place to start. If she’s handled the place this long, Stormy may be a good resource for you.”

“I’ve let a lot of things go by the wayside. It’s time I made things right,” he said, rising.

“Dinner will be waiting for you when you get home. Maybe you should stop by the facility and start separating some of those papers. Figure out what needs to be addressed first,” Samantha suggested.

“Thank you,” he said, brushing his lips against hers. “I’ve seen Leo miss spending time with his family. At the time, I thought he got behind. I suspect he covered for me. Leo hired me to do the job, and I’m not letting my brother down.”

“Then, I’ll see you when you get back,” she said proudly.

Whiskey signaled Hope, and they returned to his truck. He drove toward Cole and Stormy’s cabin. As if Leo’s ghost agreed with his decision, the wind circled around his truck and lay neatly on the ground as he parked.

Knocking on the door, he waited until Stormy answered. Her eyes grew round as she saw him.

“Hello, Stormy,” he greeted. “May I come in?”

Stormy hesitated a moment before she moved aside and gestured for him to continue. Whiskey signaled Hope to follow and made his way into the living room. Sitting on the couch, he watched as she swiped her cheek and held her chin high.

“What can I do for you?” she asked stiffly.

“You can forgive me,” Whiskey said quietly. “I’ve acted like a complete bonehead and took it out on you. I know you’re covering for my job, and you left today because I overwhelmed you. I’ve come to offer you my apology and to ask for your help.”

Stormy’s mouth dropped open and shut.

“I appreciate it, Lass. I’m sure Leo told you to watch over me. I’m not saying we’ll have an easy go of things right off the bat, but it’s important I do this. First thing tomorrow, we’re moving the stack of paperwork into my office. Then, I need to contact Rocker and offer him the position. I might even send him to relieve Knight,” Whiskey added. “I’ll be honest, I suck at doing the balance sheet and paying the monthly bills. I’m assuming you’ve done them. The more I think about it, the less I believe I even paid the team. If you can teach me how to run the payroll, I’ll get it handled.”

“May I make a suggestion, sir?” she asked. “My dad taught me how to do this stuff. He’s retired and driving my mother crazy since they moved here. Maybe you can offer him a job, even on a temporary basis, to handle the accounting aspects. It’ll free up your time to focus on new hires. Several veterans have submitted their applications, and we have jobs available for them. The construction contractor has called us twice, begging us to take his security job in Seattle and Portland. It’ll bring in money for the business.”

“Can you ask your dad to come to my office around 0930?” he asked.

Stormy’s eyes sparkled at his request. “Yes, sir.”

“Good. I’m making an appointment with Claire tomorrow if she can make time for me. We need to make lots of changes. I’m sorry I’ve made you feel all alone these past couple of months.”

Stormy smiled. “I accept your apology and will call my dad when we’re done.”

“Then go ahead and do it, lass,” he said. “Tomorrow, we’ll get started on the right foot.”

Rising from the couch, he motioned Hope to follow him. He shook Stormy’s hand before walking with Hope to his truck. The sinking feeling vanished as he put the truck in drive. Whiskey smiled to himself as he headed home.

“Don’t worry, brother,” he said to the wind. “I’ll make you proud.”

CHAPTER 4

Patch swiped the sweat from his brow as Knight led Sparky through the small village, where he stopped and she asked them questions. Saint positioned himself in front of her while Taco watched her back. The others covertly surrounded the village.

“What did he say?” Patch demanded.

“He’s getting his wife. They haven’t seen anyone matching Leo’s description. They have information to trade for food. Do we have any more meat left?” Sparky replied, reaching for her canteen.