Page 104 of Lethal Weakness

Despite the complicated nature of this visit, my pride inflates hearing her praise. Bringing these two to someone who, at her core, is good-natured and loving is something I’m immensely grateful for.

Linden and Avery deserve to be surrounded by people who are good.

“Aunt Kay, I have a big favor to ask you, and I need you to have an open mind.”

She sits in her chair. The one that, even without a plaque, has always been hers. “What’s wrong?”

“I’m not in the Navy anymore, and–”

She gasps. “You need a job? I can ask Ricky down at the stockyards for an opening. He owes me one for taking his grandmother to BINGO all last month.”

“No, nothing like that,” I interject. Linden shifts beside me, and I look at her, noting her attempt to hide a smile. “I work in the private sector now. Linden isn’t my wife; she was my neighbor, and this is her daughter, Avery.”

“Oh, Avery. What a beautiful name for a beautiful girl! I know I have some toys around here somewhere.” She gets up to search for some before I can stop her, but I know it’s pointless. This is how she has always been.

She helps people. She does for others even when they don’t do for her. She welcomes everyone. And I’ve been away for way too long.

“She’s sweet,” Linden whispers.

“She’s exactly how I remember.”

“How long has it been since you’ve seen her?”

Shame fills me. “Twenty years.”

A soft gasp of surprise fills the air between us.

“Here you go, sweetie.” Kay puts a box of coloring books and wooden trains on the coffee table, and it does its job, dragging Avery in.

“What’s this?” Avery asks, holding up a small plush toy on a string.

“Oh, that’s a cat toy. My Alberto likes to hide his toys everywhere.”

“A cat? Can I pet it?” She squeals, and Linden’s eyes get big. I know she’s thinking about the little white cat that started the shit storm last night.

“Of course! He’s the friendliest little guy. He’ll figure out you’re here eventually. He’s probably asleep in the window somewhere.”

Linden visibly relaxes as Avery accepts that answer and doesn’t bring up her terror story from yesterday.

Kay’s worried gaze finds me again once Avery is happily playing with the toys. “I missed you, Jack.” She reaches out to squeeze my hand again and a ball forms in my throat.

“I missed you, too.” I clear the gravel from my throat, ignoring Linden’s worried glances towards me. “I, uh, I should have visited.”

“Yes, you should have!” She smacks my hand playfully and smiles. “You were out living your life. I never blamed you for it. I did worry though.” She looks at Linden. “Every story on the NEWS made me fret. I just knew wherever there was trouble, Jack was sure to find it. He was just like his mother in that way. He had to be in the fight.”

Linden smiles regretfully. “Well, he found the trouble again.”

Aunt Kay quirks her head, clearly concerned.

“Linden and Avery might be in trouble,” I explain, amending Linden’s statement. She isn’t the trouble at all. “There are people who want to harm them, and I needed to bring them somewhere safe.”

Aunt Kay’s hand flies to her mouth. “You want to stay here?”

“I know that’s a big ask but–”

“Oh, yes, yes! This big house has been so empty; I would love to have you.” She drops my hand and reaches for Linden this time. “You are safe here, my dear. I’m so glad Jack brought you here.”

The surprise is clear on Linden’s face, like she is not used to feeling so welcome anywhere. “Thank you.”