Chapter 23
What’s Normal?
Archer
It felt good to have Falcon and the others by my side today. It was just like old times, only better, because I know I can count on these guys to have my back. When Falcon and the others retired from the army, I thought they were crazy, but that’s because this is the only life I’ve ever known.
Right when I turned eighteen, I enlisted.
It was the only way I thought I could get an education.
I accomplished what I wanted to, and now I’m a kickass mechanic.
I can fix just about anything with a motor.
I also learned how to deactivate a bomb, set explosives, and do a ton of other shit I never thought possible.
The army was my family, until Falcon showed up and showed me what real brotherhood was supposed to be. It gutted me when Falcon and the others decided they were done. From the get-go, they wanted me to join them, but to be honest, I was scared out of my mind. I can’t even remember being a civilian.
The time finally came when I had to get out. I finished my last tour and couldn’t board the plane fast enough. When I called Kailyn and she told me about the mission the team was doing, I caught a connecting flight and went to help my brothers. It felt good, and it felt right.
Falcon shows me to my room. “Here you go, man. Stay as long as you need. My home is your home,” he says.
“I can’t remember the last time I slept in a soft bed.” I laugh, and Falcon grins back.
“There’s something to be said for living a normal life,” he says. “Tomorrow, you’ll get to meet Maya, Sadie, and Remmi. They’re good people. You’ll like them.”
“I can’t believe those guys got hooked.”
“Yeah, well. Phoenix and Kailyn started it all, and the rest fell hook, line, and sinker.”
“I couldn’t believe it when you told me about Phoenix and Kailyn. That must have stirred up some dust.”
“It did. It’s all good now. Phoenix was keeping his distance from Kailyn, but after a while, they couldn’t stay away from each other. They love each other, and it works for them. In the end, Cory would have wanted Kailyn to be happy, and Phoenix does that,” he replies.
“What about you? You got a girl hidden somewhere in here?” I tease.
“I don’t have the time for that kind of commitment,” he says, turning serious. “Storm is my main concern and making sure we’re successful.”
“You know what they say, all work and no play…” I wiggle my brows and chuckle.
“I play. I just don’t play for keeps,” he says with a laugh. “Get some rest. Sleep in tomorrow, and then we’ll get you started on a normal civilian life.”
He walks out, shutting the door behind him.
“What the fuck is normal?” I mumble to myself. I lie back with my head on the pillow and shut my eyes. I push away thoughts of tomorrow and concentrate on enjoying a quiet night in a soft bed, and best of all, no bombs or firearms going off in the distance.