Finn tilted his head, his hands at his sides. “Only when I want someone to know I’m coming.”
The Russian lifted his head to the trees. He closed his eyes in resignation as the sniper’s bullet found its mark. Zmeya was dead before he hit the ground.
Herc appeared a moment later, his Remington in a soft-sided case over his back.
“Thanks, man,” Finn said.
Herc gave a curt nod just as Tox and Cam emerged from the trees.
“What the hell?” Finn asked.
Herc grinned. “They were with me when you called.”
“And we’re a motherfucking team,” Tox added.
Cam pulled out his phone. “I’ll see if Nathan can get someone to take out the trash. Nice job, Herc. I never crossed paths with The Snake when I was under, but everybody knew he was one nasty piece of work.”
Steady emerged from the woods with Chat and Ren on his heels.
Finn shook his head. “Jesus, it’s a party.”
Steady took in the scene. “And it looks like we’re fashionably late. You got everything handled here, Face?”
All motion stopped.
Finn stared at his boots, a distantly familiar feeling of peace of mind washing over him. He enjoyed the sensation of friendship and trust for a moment, then lifted his head and turned it to the right.
“I’ll have to charm the locals in profile, boys.”
Tox stepped over the body at his feet, marched the three stride to his best friend, and enveloped him a bear hug so enthusiastic Finn lost his breath. Steady let out a whoop and dove on Tox’s back, knocking the men to the ground. Cam joined the scrum. Ren and Chat pounced as well, creating a pile of arms and legs and laughter and grunts.
“Herc, get over here,” Ren yelled.
Herc stood to the side. “Nah, it’s your deal.”
“It’s the team’s deal. You’re part of the team,” Ren said.
With no additional encouragement needed, Herc set his weapon down and flew spread-eagle onto the pile.
Finn groaned his protest. “Get the fuck off. I think you assholes cracked a rib.”
Ren pushed to his feet. “Well, not the same charming guy, but definitely an improvement.”
Finn rose to his knees. “Yeah, I’m a motherfucking work in progress.”
Chat held out a hand and pulled Finn to his feet. “Welcome back, brother.”
Tox clapped his best friend on the back, and they turned as a group to leave. Finn looked at his friends, and May’s final words echoed in his ears.
The people who matter will always be there.