Page 3 of Truth is the Ultimate Weapon

“No, I think I’ll keep them here. I feel close to her out here, and it feels good to be in her space. It even still smells like her.” She inhaled a deep breath. “I’ll read them out here, so long as I’m allowed to be out here without a guard.”

“I can arrange protection out here for you –– especially considering it’s only a handful of feet off the main house.”

“You’re welcome,” Devyn said.

“For what?”

“Getting you out of the house. It’s a damn zoo in there with everyone around all the time. It’s quiet out here. Peaceful. Private.”

Rip did that thing again. His shoulders sharpened, his body stiffened, and his stare went icy cold. Something about being alone with her struck him as ominous. Despite the warmth of their embrace days before, Rip's demeanor shifted abruptly, casting a shadow over the intimacy they had shared.

Devyn felt a chill creep down her spine as she watched the transformation unfold before her eyes. It was as if a barrier had been erected between them, blocking any chance of genuine connection. Was it fear? Resentment? Or perhaps something far more sinister lurking beneath the surface?

She couldn't help but wonder what secrets Rip harbored, what demons he battled in the depths of his soul — surely they were much like what her brother and sister had learned to live with, given the work they all did. And as the silence stretched between them, heavy with unspoken words and unresolved tensions, she welcomed the storm that threatened to engulf them both. She was going to find out what it was about Rip that had him so afraid… of her.

Diesel’s rumbling growl broke the silence between them, grabbing their attention. When he quickly moved, positioning himself between Devyn and the front door, Rip also went into action, taking to Diesel’s side.

“What’s going on?” Devyn asked. “Is it… an animal or… something?”

“He knows better than to growl or alert to anything but a real threat.”

“Great. So, it isn’t one of the kids or, say, Nash and Charlotte again?”

“No,” he said in a low even tone.

Diesel ran to the door and stared at it, barking once, then twice before returning to a steady growl.

“Come on, stay behind me, you understand?” Rip warned.

“Yeah. Sure.”

Rip pulled his weapon from its harness and readied it for use, “I mean it. You stay right on my heels and do exactly what I say.”

“Oh shit. This is serious. Okay. I’m right on your heels. Do I need a gun?”

“Not a chance in hell –– not with my back to you.”

“Nice. You have jokes.” She sassed.

“Who’s joking?”

“Ah, then I’m offended and scared.”

“Good. You ready? He’s going to move fast, and so are we.”

Devyn swallowed hard and shook her head, “Ready.”

“Remember. Be smart, not reactive.”

“Got it.” She put her hand on his back and gently pushed him, letting him know she was ready. “Let’s go.”

Rip opened the door, and Diesel bolted. Rip carefully followed at a slight distance, reaching behind him a time or two to make sure Devyn was still close. As if instinct kicked in, she knew he wouldn’t lose his focus ahead and take a risk by looking back at her, so she tapped his hand each time he reached back to let him know she was indeed still there.

Diesel continued to track, taking them right past the main house where Dillon and Ransom were seated on the front porch.

“Oh shit,” Dillon said as Rip and Devyn passed. She took to her feet and, pulled her weapon from her harness, and yelled inside, “Coy!”

Devyn watched as Dillon made her way down the steps, Ransom at her side and armed. They each maintained their post at the bottom of the steps, guarding the home while they waited for Diesel and Rip to do whatever it was they were doing, but Devyn stayed with Rip. Coy exited the house along with Kenzie and read the situation just as quickly. Devyn saw him reach for his weapon with Kenzie following suit as they fell in behind Rip and Devyn, fanning out, covering Rip while he handled Diesel and followed his lead.

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