Page 43 of Grayson

“I think that means don’t piss them off,” grinned Sonny.

There was no sound and no movement from the body bag as they tossed him into the hole. With all of the men working, it was filled within thirty minutes.

They patted the ground evenly, then noticed the potted plants nearby. The sisters intended this to be truly unmarked. The plants would grow with the rest of the hillside, and no one would ever suspect.

They all smiled at one another, carefully planting the pots on the top of the grave. In a year, no one would know that it was anything except wildflowers growing here.

“What now?” asked Brunson. “I mean, for us.”

“I’m out. This was my last mission,” said Grayson. “Most of you have a few more years in you, if you want it.”

“And if we don’t?” asked Iggy.

“If you don’t,” said Moose stepping forward, “there’s a place for you back home. Just say the word.”

“Word!” yelled the seven men. Gunner laughed, nodding at them.

“I fucking love Marines. Volunteering for shit before they even know what they’re getting into.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

The team ate a hearty lunch with the sisters, laughing and talking as if nothing had happened in that courtyard. When they prepared to leave, the mother superior pulled Jennifer to the side, giving her a blessing and prayer. She then approached the men.

“Please kneel,” she smiled. They did as she asked, even U-Jin who was not a very religious man. “I do not condone violence, nor do I condone murder. However, that man caused more pain and death among women and children than even I can comprehend. Sometimes, God needs a little help in arranging a meeting between the villain and the devil.”

She touched the heads of each of the men, then started to walk away. They rose, knees cracking a loud protest. Then she turned back toward them with a smile.

“Oh. Tell Irene I said hello.”

It wasn’t until they were on the Osprey that Striker finally turned to the other men.

“What the fuck was that?”

It was unexplainable, like most wonderous things in life. They wouldn’t be able to understand Mama Irene’s impact on them, or their world. And honestly, they didn’t want to.

A week later, Grayson and Jennifer stood in the middle of the island sanctuary, Alvin, Semu, and Stella standing to the side. Daisy, Monster, Chaos, Duke, and Zeus were behind them. Caraway and Poppy lounged on a tree limb, their shiny black fur glistening in the sunlight.

They had intended it to be only their parents and grandparents. But in the end, they couldn’t do that to their families. Hundreds of people were crowded around them, even Grayson’s teammates.

“What the fuck are those?” whispered Iggy to no one in particular.

“Oh, those are Komoda Dragons,” said a throaty sexy voice. “That’s Oscar, Mabel, Penelope, and Hank. They’re very friendly.”

He stared at the dragons, then turned to say something to the woman next to him. His breath caught in his throat as she smiled up at him.

“I’m Olive. I work at the bike shop with Gunner and Hunter. Jennifer and I grew up together.” She gave him another brilliant smile and he swallowed. He held out a hand. All he could think about was that her name matched everything about her. A subtle sun kissed tan warmed her face, her bright white smile, genuine and loving. Her dark brown eyes sparkled and the beautiful sage green of her dress only enhanced all of her features.

When her hand slid into his own, he gently shook it.

“I’m Iggy,” he said calmly.

“Iggy? Is that short for something.”

“Ignatius.”

“Saint Ignatius,” she smiled again. “Well, Iggy, I hope you save me a dance.”

“You can be sure that I will,” he said finally regaining his voice.