Page 126 of Silent Damage

I think for a moment and realize there’s only one answer. “My dad.”

“Hmm…you said he was military?” Tobias asks.

I’m honestly shocked he remembered that detail from our first meeting. “Yes.”

“He shared some of his training?” Tobias asks.

I take a breath. I don’t want to lie, but I don’t want to spew some woe-is-me bullshit, either. “No. He was…I never knew what to expect with him. I had to be on high alert or…”

My voice trails off, but Tobias finishes, “Or you’d get hurt.”

“Yes.”

Tobias draws closer. “You learned how to read a room and everyone in it because you weren't looking for exits. You were looking for escapes.”

Something twists in my gut hearing it put so bluntly, but it’s the truth.

So, I nod.

“I understand that,” is all he says back to me. “See you tomorrow, Jason. Great work today.”

I’m good at this. I’m actually good at this.

Chapter 29

Gabe

Idid it. I saved up enough money to get a freaking air-conditioning unit that will cool the whole trailer!

I hear footsteps on the gravel, and I know instantly that it’s him. Jason doesn’t walk…he stomps.

He swings open the door and steps inside. “Gabe! You are never gonna be—”

He stops, looking around the room with wide eyes. “Why does it feel cool in here?” he asks.

I grab his hand and lead him to the bedroom where the AC unit, wedged in the window, emits its glorious air.

“WHAT? Did you get this?” he asks.

“Yup. Saved up and bought it this morning.”

Jason tackles me to the bed. “WE HAVE FUCKING AIR CONDITIONING!” He straddles me and bounces up and down. “Alright. Stick your dick in my butt—you’ve earned it.”

Never has a heartier laugh escaped me. “Wow,” I finally say as my laughter subsides. “So, you like it, huh?”

“Duuuude. This is amazing.” He lies next to me on the bed with his arms stretched to the side. We’ve pushed our mattresses together, so we have an enormous bed now. “Damn…this is nice.”

“Yeah, right? Not bad.” I’m proud of myself. Jason looks so relieved, and it brings me such joy. “Oh shit, the training! How was it?” I ask, remembering how nervous he was this morning.

Jason sits up, bouncing on his knees like an excited kid. “It was insane.”

He goes on to tell me about the obstacle course and the challenge in the old factory.

Which sounds like a scavenger hunt to me, but what do I know?

He’s giddy the whole time, replaying moments when he overcame challenges, sidestepped traps, and found objects.

He’s beaming with pride, and it makes me want to kiss him until “Tobias had one of the recruits killed” slips out of his mouth, and I almost choke.