covering up something huge to go to all this trouble.” Ryker shrugged. “But we’re talking about fucking Ethiopia, one of the poorest countries in the word. What’s so important there?”
Ajax didn’t have answers. “Something, or someone, was important enough to send in a SEAL platoon. Our squad was obviously lead and the other was on backup. Were we rescuing an HVT?” he asked, referring to a high value target. “Or were we killing someone?”
He stared at Ryker for several long moments, unable to remember. He needed to change the subject. “I still can’t believe we’re standing in the same room. I’m wondering if I’m dreaming.”
Ryker smirked again. “I know.” He tipped his head back and looked at the ceiling a moment before lowering it again, an odd expression on his face. “What do you suppose is up with Pencil Skirt?”
Ajax chuckled. “I don’t know but the woman has damn fine legs that go on forever, especially in those heels.”
Ryker cocked his head to one side. “You thought she was hot?”
“Like you didn’t?”
Ryker shrugged. “Maybe I did. Maybe I didn’t. She’s not really my type.”
Ajax laughed. “Because she’s got black hair?”
“Yep. Still prefer blondes.”
“Yeah, but did you not see that woman’s ass? All tight and firm in that fucking skirt? She had a damn fine figure.”
“For a flight attendant,” Ryker added. “Or even a lawyer. Imagine stepping into the courtroom and having to face her.”
“Nah. Not a lawyer. She’s too soft.”
“You thought she was soft? She looked pretty firm to me. Her calves were shapely. Her biceps looked pretty hard.”
“Aha, so you did notice. What’d you do? Ignore her head so you wouldn’t have to notice her silky black hair and porcelain skin?”
Ryker laughed. “I saw her. Just because my dick wasn’t hard doesn’t mean I didn’t appreciate her. What I can say is that I don’t need her strapped to my side in fucking Ethiopia.”
“Ain’t that the truth. And for the record, it wasn’t her body I thought was soft. It was something inside her. She was working hard to appear to be tough. I bet she’s not so tough at the core.”
“I agree. She has a story,” Ryker stated.
“What the fuck is Charley’s agenda?”
“I don’t have a clue, but I do know there’s a lot she didn’t tell us.”
“Agreed.” Ajax rubbed his temples again. “Let’s order a damn pizza and some beer. I’m starving for the first time in three months. Might even be able to taste the damn thing now that I’ve seen your ugly face is alive.”
Ryker smirked. “Dad is going to shit himself. And Mom is going to ugly cry for an entire day.”
Chapter 3
When the Uber driver pulled up to the farmhouse where he’d spent the six most formative years of his life, Ajax climbed out, grabbed his bag, and stared at the front porch for a moment.
He was glad no one was outside. He needed a second. Everything looked exactly as it had the last time he’d been home. Granted, it hadn’t been that long. Less than a year, but that year had been a lifetime.
Ryker clapped Ajax on the back. “Come on.” He nodded toward the house and then took the six steps up to the porch two at a time.
It was noon. Dad would probably be in the kitchen with Mom having lunch like they did every day.
The screen door squeaked like it always did, and then it slammed shut behind Ajax as he stepped in behind Ryker.
When Ryker dropped his bag in the entryway, Ajax did the same. He followed his brother into the kitchen where he found his parents exactly where he’d expected.
Dad was reaching into the fridge, so he wasn’t the first to see Ajax. Mom had a glass bowl in her hand, and thank goodness it was empty because she dropped it on the floor as she screamed.
Ryker rushed forward to grab her by the arm.
Ajax remained in the doorway, knowing no more sudden moves would be in everyone’s best interest for the next few moments.
Dad spun around fast and then stopped breathing. His eyes went wide. His hand came to his chest. “My God. Ajax?”
Ajax smiled. “I haven’t changed that much, have I?”
Mom started crying, sobbing really. She took a giant step over the broken glass and rushed across the room to grab Ajax by the biceps and look into his eyes. “Is it really you? You’re here? Alive?”
“Yes, ma’am.” He wrapped his arms around the woman he’d thought of as Mom for twenty-three years and held