Page 119 of No Going Back

“All clear.”

Tyler followed the rest of them inside, looking around. It was an old house, small, clean, nondescript, exactly what a safe house should be. It stood alone, no nearby buildings. Possibly a farmhouse.

“Whose house is this?” he asked no one in particular.

“CIA. Sam pulled in a favor.” Dex locked the door, setting the alarm. “Speaking of Sam.” Dex activated coms.

“Sam, we’re all back home.”

“Bodies?”

“Just the ones at the house. Nothing will lead to us. How’s our ride?”

“Working on it. Be about an hour, sit tight. How is he?”

“Bit of a close call, but he’s good.”

“Good to hear. I’ll keep you posted.”

“Alright, boys, we got some time. Don’t know about you but I could use a beer and some food.”

“Hell, yeah.” Steve opened the fridge, handing out beers. “Wow, Sam sure knows how to call in a favor. I do love a stocked fridge. Beer and food.” Steve pulled out bread, cheese and cold cuts. “I think we can rustle up some sandwiches.”

“Here, pass some over. I’ll give you a hand,” Donnie offered.

Steve and Donnie set about preparing food, while the rest of the team made themselves comfortable around the kitchen table.

“Ty, want to go have a chat?” Dex offered.

Tyler knew the chat must happen. His team leader deserved an explanation, but so did everyone else in the room. He shook his head.

“I think the chat should be here with the team.”

These men had risked their lives to save his. If he couldn’t tell them the truth and own up to his failings, then he didn't deserve to still be alive.

“Some things are personal, Ty,” Dex said. “The team gets it.” Sounds of agreement came from the others. “And I’m not pushing you. If you don’t want to talk right now, it can wait until we’re home.”

Tyler ran a hand over his face. Fuck, these guys were the best. If this had been SEALs, he’d be in a whole heap of shit right now.

“I know. But you guys came for me, even when I deserted you. Dex, fuck, the things I said to you...you all still came.” Tyler was still in shock that they were here. That they’d saved his life with just seconds to spare.

“Did you seriously think we wouldn’t come.” Mackie said quietly. “Leave no man behind.”

“Except I left all of you behind when I walked away.”

“It was a rough day. I’m sure you had your reasons.”

Tyler took a large swig of beer. It was time to tell his brothers the truth.

***

“I’VE NEVER SPOKEN MUCH about my past with you guys, my life before joining the Navy. Fuck I’ve never spoke to anyone about it. Shut it away, so I wouldn't have to deal with it. Well, I guess it finally caught up with me.”

Tyler focused his eyes on his beer, for fear of seeing pity or sympathy. He couldn’t handle either.

“My mom had me when she was fifteen. She was a junkie, and I was an inconvenience.” He exhaled. “We moved around constantly, different towns, different houses, different men. Never settled anywhere. I spent most of my time hiding or locked in a closet, hungry, scared, alone.”

Tyler continued staring at his beer bottle. The team didn’t speak, letting him tell his story in his own time.

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