Havoc
Something tightens in my chest.
“I will.”
A vehicle pulls into the driveway.
I glance up.
Trigger.
And Rylie.
Good.
Trigger steps out, scanning the property in seconds.
Always working.
Always aware.
Rylie climbs out next, giving Aspen a warm, reassuring smile.
“We’ve got you,” she says gently.
Aspen exhales.
Just a little.
But I see it.
The relief.
I step closer to Aspen.
Close enough that my voice doesn’t carry.
“Trigger will stay on perimeter,” I tell her.
“Rylie’s with you and Dylan.”
She nods.
“Okay.”
Her eyes search mine.
Like she wants to say something.
Like she’s holding it back.
Smart.
We both are.
“Keep the doors locked,” I add.
“Stay inside after dark.”
She almost smiles.
“Yes, sir.”
There’s a softness in her tone.
Something new.
Something dangerous. The look in her eyes almost has me reaching for her.
I take a step back.
Buddy nudges my leg.
Again.
I crouch down.
Look him in the eye.
“Take care of them,” I say quietly.
The dog licks my face.
Gross.
Effective.
I stand.
Force myself to step back.
Distance.
Needed.
Necessary.
“Let’s roll,” Ace calls.
Engines rev.
The team moves out.
I don’t look back.
Can’t.
Because if I do…
I might not leave.