Page 58 of Duty Bound

“That’s the one.” How come he’d never noticed her pretty smile?

Stitch peered behind Blade into the darkness. “Where is she now? Back there?”

It wasn’t a guess. He knew how Blade operated. He’d have her hide in the hills while he came down to scout out the landscape.

“Yeah, we need a place to lie low during the day and then safe passage out of here. Do you have a phone we can use?”

“Nah, buddy. No cell reception out here and not a sat phone in sight. I do have a car we can use, though. Why don’t you get Spade’s old lady and come inside? We can talk there.”

Spade’s old lady.

He tensed at the phrase but gave a grateful nod.

“Thanks, man. Appreciate it.”

Twenty minutes later, Blade and Lily sat on an intricately woven Afghan rug adorning the floor of Stitch’s living area. The house was traditionally decorated, which meant no western furniture, but it didn’t matter. The edges of the room were piled with big comfy cushions that were so inviting, he had to resist the urge to lie down on them and go to sleep.

Despite the chill outside, it was warm and cozy here. Elaborate tapestries hung over the windows to ward off the cold, and two gas lamps burned in the interior since there was no electricity. Heat lingered from the fireplace, though the flames had burned down during the night.

Simple living, but for a guy like Stitch who was used to roughing it outdoors, it was more than adequate.

“So, you’re married?” Blade smiled as Stitch walked in carrying a plate of sandwiches and tea. The question was merely to break the silence. No westerner would be allowed to live here with a local woman if he wasn’t.

“Yeah, Soraya’s asleep.”

Again, Blade suspected Soraya knew they had guests but wouldn’t make an appearance until she was dressed and ready to receive them properly.

Stitch handed Lily a cup of hot tea. “So, you’re Spade’s girlfriend? I think we met once or twice over the years.”

“I remember you.” She smiled and accepted the tea.

Blade noticed how her gaze flickered over Stitch. He was a handsome man, even with the beard, and was a hell of a lot more charming and sociable than he was. He was a good guy, too. Had fixed him up more damn times than he could count.

“Sorry for your loss. Spade was a good man and a great friend.”

“Thank you.”

A flash of sadness crossed her face, but her eyes were still glittering. A stupid, territorial part of him caused him to tense. He needed a change of subject.

“How’s married life treating you?”

Stitch chuckled. “It’s good. We live simply, but I’m happy here. The people are warm and accepting, and they like having someone with my skills around.”

Lily frowned. “A soldier?”

“A doctor. I joined the army straight out of med school.”

“Oh, yeah. I forgot.” Genuine interest laced her tone. “What made you do that?”

“My father was in the military, and after he was shot and killed while overseas, I decided I wanted to use my skills to help people like him.”

“I’m sorry.” She flushed. “It’s a noble goal, though.”

Stitch shrugged. “Don’t be. It’s our past experiences that make us who we are.”

Good old Stitch, still philosophizing about life. No surprise he’d settled here so comfortably. “I’m glad it’s worked out for you,” Blade said, and he meant it. “I was worried when you took off.”

“Adapt and overcome, isn’t that what they taught us?” But there was an edge to his voice.

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