Page 13 of Stryker

“I’ll watch him,” Strykeroffered.

“Okay. I’ll send Fletcherout on that other job in your place until we resolvethis.”

“Thanks.” Strykerappreciated that Brick hadn’t made a big deal about him wanting towatch over John.

Brick nodded, and Stryker headed forhis truck. No better time than the present to start bodyguard duty.John should be at the shop by now, where Stryker was headed. Hisnew mission was clear.

Ensure the man who’d lost so muchalready didn’t suffer any further.

CHAPTER SIX

John

His phone had rung several times thatmorning while he was at work, but John still hadn’t answered it. Heknew he was being a coward and he’d have to answer the detective’scalls sooner or later. He took out a chisel and continued workingon the table leg of their latest commission.

The damn thing began ringing yetagain. John glanced over at where he’d left it on the counter, andignored it.

Maybe I should put thedamn thing on mute.

Ther back door swung open and Strykerwalked in. “You going to answer that?”

“Wasn’t planning onit.”

“It could be thedetective.”

“Exactly.”

Stryker picked up the phone andsilenced it.

“Thank you.” Johncontinued chipping away at the wooden leg.

Stryker sighed. “You’re going to haveto speak to the guy eventually.”

“I know. Just notyet.”

“Understood.”

John couldn’t help the words flowingout of his mouth.

“Whatis it you understand?” he asked edgily.How can you know what I went through—am still going through?

Without missing a beat, Strykeranswered. “I understand you’re hurting. That your family wasmurdered in front of you and you were badly injured. I understandyou’re avoiding talking to the detective because you don’t want torelive that hellish day again. The situation you’re in sucks, and Iwish I could take some of the pain from you.”

“You do?” John couldn’thide the shock from his voice.

“Yes. If I could take anyof the pain you hold away from you, I would.”

“Why do you give a fuckwhether I’m in pain or suffering?” John couldn’t help it; he wasangry at the situation, the detective, the world, and Stryker wasconveniently in his line of fire.

Stryker didn’t appear angry oroffended at his words; he looked calm, almostcontemplative.

“I care because you’re myfriend, and I don’t have many of those. That makes you important tome.”

John took a deep breath and blew itout slowly. He was being a dick; he knew it, hell, Stryker knew it,but at least he wasn’t calling him on it.

“Look, man, I’m sorry.None of this is your fault; you’re the last person I should berailing against. You’ve always been straight up with me, and Iappreciate that. This whole thing has got me messed up. I thought Iwas starting over somewhere new, and my past comes back to remindme just how screwed up my life is.”

“You don’t have to let it.You have a new life here. New friends, a new business with a newstore. You need to deal with whatever Detective Woodley has to sayand move on.”

---