Page 18 of Montana's Bravest

That makes me pause mid-chew.

He adds, “Look, we’re at a point where we can handle a heftier rent, bring more hands on deck, and set up the new space with top-notch security. We could even put together a cutting-edge command center.”

Something clicks.

In Red Mark’s two years of operation, the bulk of our income still comes from guarding important people. The money has been good, but there are more than two thousand children going missing every day in the country, and my brother had been one of the statistics. If my belief in finding Jack alive proves to be fallacy, then I’ll have to dedicate myself to stopping other kids from suffering the same fate—or my life would be wasted.

“I agree,” I say.

“Really?” My partner obviously expected a few objections from me. He knows I love Townsend, where our current office is—the mountain is our backdrop, and a stone’s throw away is the magnificent Missouri River. But for what we do, Red Mark will have to be accessible—and Helena will be perfect.

I lay it out for Mark, “We’re top-notch at guarding important people or people who simply can pay us. But how about we pivot to the ones who actually need us? Focusing our operations on missing persons, with priority given to children. Honestly, Mark, the look on Ivy’s face when she got Noah back hit me deep.”

Mark reclines, the weight of the thought settling in. “Can’t lie, that hit me hard too.”

We lock eyes, understanding the stakes.

“Let’s do it,” he says, yet there’s a cautious edge to his voice.

“But?”

“As long as you don’t mix business with your personal quest.”

I stroke my jaw, contemplating how the hell I’m going to do that.

He goes on, “We can’t have you going full-on action hero just because you’re chasing a hunch. Sure, we were up against the wall with Noah Forbes, but let’s face it—you were driven by the what-ifs and should-haves for Jack.”

I take a deep breath. I’m not going to deny what he says.

My partner softens his voice. “You are one life, who will save countless others. Just remember that. Sometimes your lifeismore important than those whom you’re trying to save.”

It will take a lot out of me to digest what he has just said. But the bottom line is, I’m a thirty-four-year-old man, and I’m capable of putting my own struggles aside. Mark and I have an opportunity to put together a lot of broken hearts. We can’t affordnotto do it.

“Deal,” I say, giving Mark a firm handshake.

Mark nods, and then looks at his watch. “I’d better get back to Townsend.” He walks toward the counter and takes out his wallet.

“My manager said it’s on the house. You’re veterans. It’s the least we can do.”

“No, we’ll pay.” Mark gives her a hundred-dollar bill. “Keep the change.”

The waitress’ face lights up in a surprise, thanking us for the generous tip.

On the way out, my mind’s back on her, on the bar manager. Not good progress on my part. I’ve got to put a stop to this before it gets too far—especially since we are moving to Helena. I need to be able to accept the fact that I will see her in another man’s arms at some point.

Mark pats my shoulder. “Good night, buddy. Think about her.”

I let my partner have the last laugh and say goodbye. It’s still early in the evening, but I feel that the night is already over. I open my truck door to Maximus. “In!”

The dog jumps in, and then gives me a look.

“Yes, you’ve been good, Maximus.” I pat the top of his head and ruffle his chest coat. Then I whisper, “Tri-pawed.”

Maximus growls, and I greet his comical face with a smile. Hell yeah, my dog is back.

“You think she likes me? She sure likes you.”

This time he barks.

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