Hennessey's Handler (Protect and Serve #4) - Pandora Pine Page 0,24

What the hell is wrong with your voice?” Quentin’s voice was the deepest out of all of us, but he sounded like he’d swallowed a frog.

“I think it’s laryngitis or something,” Quentin croaked. “Reminds me of when Mom and Dad took us to see Hanson. We all sounded like this for a week.”

I snorted. What the hell had we been thinking? Twenty years later and I could still remember all the words to “MMMBop.” “It was the quietest week in history at our house.”

“Can I get an ice water?” Quentin settled himself at the bar. It seems he’d meant what he said about this taking as long as it was going to take. He obviously had something to talk about.

I filled a cup with ice and then poured a bottle of Poland Spring into it. I added two limes before handing it to my brother. “What’s on your mind?”

Q raised an eyebrow. He took a leisurely sip before returning his attention to me. “I decided to start flying again.”

That was a momentous step for Quentin. He’d been a helicopter pilot in the Army. A crash after being shot down cost him his left leg. After his time at Walter Reed Army Hospital in D.C., he’d been off to the wilds of Colorado, flying for MedFlight. Last year, Quentin inexplicably came home. He hadn’t offered any explanation as to why he’d had enough of The Centennial State. Having him back in Gloucester was enough for all of us, myself included. I didn’t need an explanation unless Q was willing to offer one. “Flying how?”

Snorting, Quentin flapped his arms like a giant bird.

I burst out laughing. I couldn’t help myself. “I meant what kind of flying? Commercial? Private? Skydiving plane? Helicopter tours of the Grand fucking Canyon?”

Quentin grinned along with me. “None of the above. I decided to fly for Angel Flight.”

“What’s that?” The name rang a bell, but I wasn’t sure why.

“They transport patients to medical appointments. I’ll be servicing patients throughout New England and New York.” Pride filled my brother’s dark eyes. It had been quite a while since I’d seen that look on his face.

“I don’t understand. Why do these people need to be taken to doctor’s appointments in a helicopter?”

“Not everyone can afford to live in Boston while being treated for cancer. They want the treatment options offered in the city but have homes, families, and careers further afield. I’d be transporting cancer patients for chemo and radiation appointments. The same goes for people with heart conditions, organ transplants, and other serious medical situations.”

I was stunned. Even after all he’d been through, Quentin believed in a life of service to the core of his soul. Not even two tours in Afghanistan and the amputation of his leg could dull his need to serve his fellow man. “I think that’s great.” I meant it. Every last word.

“It took some time after I came back from Denver to realize how much flying meant to me. I saw a story about Angel Flight New England and the good work it does. I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve spent the last few months getting in my hours so I’d be qualified to fly for them. I also took a few medic classes.”

“What happened in Denver?” The words were out of my mouth before I could think to stop them. Quentin never talked about his time there. I was an idiot. We’d all treaded lightly about his time out west, until now.

Q stared at me. I could see his mind working, trying to figure out what to say or if he should say anything at all. “I dated a Bronco.”

A horse? Quentin dated a horse? No, that couldn’t be right. “You mean one of those cowboys who ride bucking broncos at rodeo events?” I’d seen that shit on television. Those guys were hardcore.

“No.” Quentin shook his head. “I dated a member of the Denver Broncos. You know, the football team?” He cocked his left arm back like he was about to throw a perfect spiral pass.

Oh. It all made sense now. I couldn’t remember any news about a member of that team coming out in the recent past. “He was in the closet.” It wasn’t a question because I knew the answer. Damn. Poor Quentin.

“He’d been on the verge of retiring. Said he was ready to announce his retirement and that he was gay. We talked about getting married and starting a life together. Paul wasn’t a fan