Page 45 of Trapped Truth

“It was a long shot,” I offer dejectedly.

“One we needed to pay off.” Warner takes a deep sip. “As much as I hate to think about there being a leak in Sabre, it can’t have been a coincidence that we were attacked.”

“Do you think they knew we were coming from Briar Valley?” Ember retakes her seat.

“I’ve contacted Willow to warn them, but I think it’s unlikely they’d be targeted at this stage. We were far from town when the truck caught up to us and left no trail back into the mountains.”

From the thunderous look on Hyland’s face as he silently stirs, I’m not sure he agrees. Out of the whole team, he has the closest relationship with Willow. I bet Ethan’s in for an earful about maintaining her safety. Luckily, he’s well-qualified to do so.

“Enough work talk.” Hyland lifts the pot off the stove. “It’s chow time.”

“Thank God,” I moan dramatically. “I’m starved.”

“You’ve done nothing but lay on your backside all day.”

“Under your instructions, big guy. Don’t be jealous. It’s an unattractive quality.”

“Jackass,” he chunters.

“Right back atcha.”

While he dishes up platefuls for everyone, Blaine makes a stealthy reappearance. The pair exchange a nod when Hyland nudges a serving towards him. Apparently, not even Blaine is immune to the big grump’s need to be a caretaker to us all.

We gather on the sofa to eat off our laps, giving Warner some company. Honestly, as a group, we look a sorry state. I can’t help but laugh around a forkful of salad.

“What?” Hyland snaps at me.

“If our enemies could see us now. We’re a fucking disaster.”

“Speak for yourself.” Blaine points the tip of his knife at me.

“Planning to take your father out with silverware?”

“If I get my hands on him, I won’t need a weapon at all.”

“Up close and personal, huh? Nice. I like your style.”

“I’ve had a long time to think about it.”

“Do we have to discuss execution techniques over dinner?” Warner groans.

“These two are incapable of discussing little else,” Ember replies, biting a chunk of cucumber.

“I’d use my bare hands.” Hyland pauses to chew thoughtfully. “Watch the light go out in the bastard’s eyes while I strangle the life out of him.”

Lips pursed, Blaine nods in approval. “That works too.”

“Bit too fast,” I comment.

“But intimate. Personal.”

“True.” Blaine dabs his mouth with a napkin. “After all these years, I’m aiming for a little more satisfaction than quick and easy. I think I’ve earned that much. We all have.”

Pushing his plate away, Warner tips his head back on the sofa to stare up at the ceiling. “I give up. We are incapable of having a normal conversation over dinner.”

“Don’t act like you wouldn’t jump at the chance to strangle that motherfucker.” I nudge him with my foot. “Or any of the evil bastards we’ve faced over the years, for that matter.”

“I believe in justice, Ax,” Warner lectures, wearing his best stern leadership mask. “The rule of law. What you’re talking about doing is the opposite of that.”