“It’s Brett.” Shark interrupts, the room immediately falling silent. He rubs the back of his head where it slammed against the wall.
“Our Brett?” Ford’s postures relaxes as he releases his hold on Zander, then they both give Shark a quizzical look.
Shark shrugs like it’s no big deal, “who better? Right?”
Who is Brett? He must be someone they trust given their easy demeanor.
Can I trust these men? Do I have a choice in the matter?
“Sarge is workin’ for you now? I thought he was still active.” Ford asked as he grabbed his coffee and took a scalding gulp.
Well that answered one of my questions. Brett is another brother. Great. Another Marine.
“I thought so too, until he stumbled in my office a few months back, asking if I had any openings.” Shark sends Zander a look, “I wouldn’t trust just anyone with this case. No one else knows, you have my word.”
When all eyes turn on me, my heart begins slamming against my chest. I despise being the center of attention, the looks their giving me are a mixture of pity, rage, and worry.
How revolting.
An ocean is between Isaac and I so I’m unconcerned of physical harm, but rumors can spread like wildfire, expanding across the globe before I have a chance to voice my side of the story.
What if my father finds out about all this before I have a chance to tell him myself? What then?
I never wanted to tell him.He is going to be devastated.
I knew then I had no choice but to tell these men my biggest secret, my side of the story that has been locked away for more than a decade.
I just hope they do not look at me differently.
Taking in a deep breath, I grabbed the file from under my bottom and threw it on the table in front of me.
“Seeing that others know. There it is. Take your fill lads because I obviously have no feckin’ say in this.” I throw my hands dramatically.
Stand tall. Do not shut down, not now.
I will not give Isaac the satisfaction of consuming me any longer.
Ye are strong my Lili, show no weakness.Gran’s words of empowerment ring true. Thanks Gran.
No one went for the folder.
“You do have a say in this. We only want you to be safe.” Shark begins, “I am sorry it came out this way without consulting you first, but the situation isn’t something we’ve seen very often, yours is unique to say the least. I wanted to go over things with both of you.”
All three looked at me waiting for my breakdown.
Not happening.
“I need to ring Tamara.” My mobile lay face down on the table next to the file. They all nod.
I bit my lip, naïve at the prospect these men will understand my condition, “I need to know I can trust the three of ye.”
“Darlin’, you’re damn well important to our Corporal here, anyone that’s tryin’ to get to you is going to have to come through me first.” Ford states in a manner of absolution, “I’ll give them a real good lickin’.”
“Same can be said for myself and Sergeant Stark, you’ll meet him soon. His tactics are one of the best when it comes to catching our targets. This asshole doesn’t stand a chance against four United States Marines.”
Fear floods Alexander’s eyes, his mask cracking as he nods his silent agreement.
I’m worried for him; his inner battle is raging behind the covering. This is too much for him, for me. How can we make it if neither of us know how to voice our thoughts?