Chapter 12 Havoc
Havoc
We get Harold back to the house just before midnight.
The old man is already half asleep I carry him until we get to the house.
Buddy walks beside him like a bodyguard.
Dylan refuses to leave the dog’s side.
She stays beside Grandpa until his breathing evens out.
Until she’s sure he’s really sleeping.
Only then does she move.
I watch her head straight to Dylan’s room.
Aspen paused in the doorway.
He’s asleep.
Curled on his side.
Buddy pressed against him like a shield.
I could tell she is emotional.
She steps inside quietly, brushing her fingers through his hair.
“I’ve got you,” she whispers.
Even if he can’t hear her.
Even if the world keeps trying to take everything from them.
I’m still here.
Aspen stands in the kitchen once everyone leaves.
The house is quiet again.
Too quiet.
I’m about to head out when she says softly—
“How long did you know him?”
I stop.
“Joseph.”
The room feels suddenly smaller.
She studies my face.
“Did you serve together?”
I nod.
“He was one of the best operators I ever worked with.”
Her eyes fill instantly.
“He talked about the teams all the time,” she whispers.
I look at the photo on the wall.
Tank in his dress uniform.
Same grin.
Same stubborn look.
“He saved my life once,” I say quietly.
Aspen’s breath catches.
“He did?”
“Yeah.”
I swallow.
“He would’ve been proud of you, you know.”
She shakes her head quickly.
“I’m barely holding things together.”
“You moved here to take care of his grandfather,” I remind her.
“You’re raising Dylan alone.”
“You’re still standing.”
I meet her eyes.
“Tank respected strength like that.”
For a moment neither of us speak.
Then Dylan’s voice comes from the hallway.
“Mom?”
Aspen wipes her eyes quickly.
“I’m coming.”
She turns back to me.
“Thank you,” she says.
“For bringing him home.”
I shrug.
“That’s what Rangers do.”
Buddy wanders over and sits on my foot again.
Aspen laughs softly.
“I think Buddy’s decided you belong to him.”
I look down at the dog.
“Yeah,” I say.
“Seems that way.”