Page 29 of Fighting for Family

“He never failed in taking LJ to ball games and to the movies. The entire team moved me here and promised me a new life after Whiskey supposedly died. Now, I have the best friends I could ever ask for,” Samantha reminded them.

“Leo saved me,” Stormy confessed. “He gave me a job and ensured I knew my value. Cole and Brody helped, but Leo’s insistence on giving me a job helped me more than I ever knew.”

“He helped get through to Patch. I might have died if not for Leo and the team helping him find me,” Claire admitted from the living room.

“Leo never gave up on Knight, even when he acted like an ass,” Gabby called from the other room. “Trust me, I almost gave up on him.”

“Leo never gave up on someone he cared about. When Ragu struggled during detox, Leo sat with him. He made him eat and drink. At first, I considered him bossy, and then I realized he did it because he cared about Ragu,” Annabelle told them.

Catherine smiled in the dark as she recalled her husband’s loyalty and how he showed his love. Her eyes closed as she conjured his image in her mind. No one could ever take Leo Armstrong’s place. He represented more than a great man. He was a legend.

CHAPTER 11

Sparky walked beside Shadow wearing the traditional garb of Afghan women. “This chadari gets freaking hotter by the minute,” she whispered furiously. “Have you seen anything? I swear I wish I got my eyesight back so I can beat the tar out of the person who considered wearing this a great idea.”

“Easy, Sparky,” Shadow replied. “You don’t want Cole overhearing you. He put the robes on without complaining.”

“Excuse me? He drew the shortest straw. I didn’t even get a choice,” she muttered softly.

“If it makes you feel better, you’re much prettier,” Shadow chuckled. “We got most of his beard off, but he still resembles a hairy woman.”

Sparky giggled. “It does. Concentrate, do you see people all going in the same direction?”

“No,” he said, sighing. “They’re feeding goats, a couple of chickens, and sheep. I’m walking you over to the market area. Maybe you can overhear what they’re saying.”

Following the actions of the other men, Shadow stacked wood. Sparky listened to the conversations around her, confident in the fact her team kept her safe.

A foul-smelling man drew closer and started yelling at her to move. Stepping back, she lowered her head and felt Shadow’s grip on her arm.

The man continued his assault, claiming she disrespected him. Shadow growled at the man, making him step back.

“Reprimand me,” she whispered.

“What?” he asked, shocked.

“Do it,” she gritted out.

Shadow yelled at her in the man’s language, and she cowered. He grabbed her arm and dragged her away. The man yelled and followed them a short distance before finally stopping.

“What the hell got his panties in a twist?” Shadow hissed. “Did I hurt you when I grabbed your arm?”

“Stop acting like a ninny. I’m fine. He said I disrespected him. I never moved from my spot,” she informed him.

“Did you hear anything?”

“No. They’re upset with the village to the east of them. They think they’re stealing their livestock at night,” she said. “Can I take the robe off now?”

“In a minute. We don’t know who’s watching,” he said, approaching the hidden vehicle. He opened the door and helped her inside before getting into the driver’s seat.

“Oh, how I miss driving,” Sparky lamented. “Rolling down the windows, letting my hair down, and listening to the radio as I drove for miles.”

Shadow drove away from the village a good distance and pulled over.

“What’s the matter?” she asked, sitting up, alert.

“If this has taught me one thing, life is too short for regrets. I may be crazy, but I’m letting you drive. The radio’s busted. You’ll either have to listen to me sing or yell when to turn.”

“You’re letting me drive?” she asked, astonished.