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“We did,” Griff nodded. “Good to reconnect.”
“I believe you saved my ass in Afghanistan.”
Griff chuckled. “Someone had to. You were knee-deep on Taliban.”
“And out of ammo.” Sawyer shook his head. “Never was happier to see a friendly face.” He turned to the woman leaning against him. “This is the love of my life, Kinsley Brothers, a physician assistant at the VA hospital.”
“Can you wrap this up?” Gunny said. “Food’s ready.
Jake grinned and named the other men, pointing at them one by one. “Enzo Ramos, Bryce Coleman, Tayo Perez. You can get to know each other after we eat. Gunny waits chow for no one.”
Everyone moved into the lodge’s dining room and gathered around the long table nearest the kitchen. The food was laid out on a buffet for the lodge guests and the Brotherhood team.
After filling their plates, everyone claimed a seat. The food was great and the conversations lively, with men and women contributing to the humor and discussion.
Griff caught up with Jake and Sawyer and spoke with the former Army Special Operations teammates for the first time since the crash.
Kinsley Brothers leaned past Sawyer to smile at Rachel. “I saw your SUV when the tow truck was pulling it out of the ditch.” She shook her head. “You’re lucky to be alive.”
Rachel nodded. “I was lucky Griff found me and helped me get out.”
“When we’re done with supper,” Jake said. “We can adjourn to the Brotherhood offices in the basement and go over what we’ve learned today.”
Griff was glad to wait until their meal was over. Ever since they’d found the third necklace among Lindsay’s things, a heavy weight had settled in his chest. He wondered if he could keep Rachel safe from the Wedding Veil Killer. The man had proven to be clever and thorough in his ability to erase his presence.
As the meal drew to a close, the men and women collected plates and glasses.
Jake walked with Griff to the kitchen. “One of the rules of engagement we made with Gunny for allowing us to use his lodge as a base for our regional operations was that when our guys aren’t on assignment, they’re tasked to help out around the lodge. That way, things get done here, and the guys are gainfully employed.”
Griff nodded. “And you probably want to know if I agree to the terms?”
Jake smiled. “Yes.”
He nodded. “I do.”
“Any experience with livestock, horseback riding or operating an ATV in challenging terrain?” Jake asked.
Griff gave the man a half-smile as he used his shoulder to push open the swinging door into the kitchen. “I didn’t grow up on a ranch, but I spent many summers at my uncle’s farm east of San Diego. I have some great memories of those summers, riding horses, swimming in the creek and taking care of fences and livestock. I can help around the lodge and love it.”
Jake nodded. “Good deal. Oh, by the way, helping out at the lodge includes helping with Gunny’s Watering Hole. The bar and grill.”
“I’ve flipped a burger or two in my teens,” Griff said. “I’ve never been a bartender, but I can learn.”
“If you can make sandwiches, clean tables and deliver drinks, you qualify.” Jake chuckled. “The job description for a Brotherhood Protector is varied and fluid. We do whatever we have to in order to provide the service and protection our clients need.”
“You’ve really bought into this Brotherhood Protector gig,” Griff said.
Jake nodded. “Never thought I would. Hell, I was ready to check out of life when Kujo showed up and pulled me out of the bottle I’d sunk so deeply into. My work through this organization has shown me that I can still be a vital part of a community. Many people need me as much as I need them. The only regret I have is that I didn’t come to work for the Brotherhood any earlier than I did.”
“I’m glad to hear you’re making it work and are happy,” Griff said.
“A lot of guys who leave active duty never find that happy place and end up shooting themselves before the end of the first year. I was almost one of them.” He tapped his prosthetic device. “Now, I’m okay with who I am and what I can and can’t do.”
“I’m happy for you,” Griff said. “RJ seems perfect for you.”
“She’s amazingly smart and driven. The scary part is that she doesn’t need me.” Jake’s lips quirked upward. “It’s refreshing being with a woman who can hold her own. And shewantsto be with me. I’m a lucky man.”
Everyone pitched in to clean the dishes, dry them and put them away. The kitchen was spotless by the time they cleared out.
