Page 17 of Anything But Convenient

Tank began our chat with more details about Archie. He explained why the young man was in our building and what he’d done earlier in the night for the hostages they’d found.

I felt a sense of awe for how quickly he’d jumped in. Without question, he decided to help others without even negotiating pay or anything for himself.

That spoke highly of his character.

“After everything was done, I pulled Archie aside. We talked for a bit, and I came up with an idea to help you both,” Tank said.

With a raised brow, I motioned my hand for him to continue. Knowing my boss, there was no telling what he’d come up with.

He smirked at me, then looked at Archie. “Archie needs some help with his citizenship. He’s between jobs, and we think it might take him a bit to find something new.”

I watched as Archie frowned down at the table. It looked like he wanted to speak up, but he sat surprisingly still despite Tank spilling so much about him.

“That’s when it hit me. Archie could get married and get to stay here. With his skill, he’d be great to have around. Plus, with the two of you living together, he could teach you ASL. I want him to teach us too, though that can wait a bit longer if need be. You’re most important.”

My mouth opened at his suggestion. Before I could think of it, I went to speak.

I froze as the reality of what I was doing hit me. It had been weeks since I tried to say a word. Yet here I was ready to raise my voice at my boss for his completely ridiculous idea.

Not only was Archie and I getting married a terrible idea, but I’d also explained to him I wasn’t ready to learn ASL. I wasn’t ready to do anything. It’s why I was still holed up in this place seeing Fabian a few times a week despite being cleared to go back to my own home.

Before my injury, the quiet was my friend. I could sit around and let my mind work for hours. I’d do puzzles or plan various ideas for the team while I went about my day.

Post shooting, it’s become my nightmare. I no longer wish to sit in the silence. Being at home means having to accept the quiet. I have no doubt I’d drive myself mad in a matter of days.

Sure, I could put on music or a movie.

I doubt either would distract me enough. My issue was internal. There was a hollowness where my energy used to lie. I couldn’t seem to get past it.

Tilting my head, I waited to see what Archie would say. I kept my gaze on him, the board in my hand gripped tight to reply when it came my turn.

He cleared his throat, then said, “I’m not really sure about this. Mostly because I don’t want to get in trouble for fraud. I also told Tank I couldn’t just marry some guy I didn’t know.”

Deep down, I felt a sense of pride for him at that statement. He might have been desperate enough to consider the idea, but he wasn’t too deep in it to accept blindly. That was good.

“Also, I didn’t know how you’d feel about any of this. I don’t even know what happened to lead you here,” he admitted. His eyes went wide. “And I don’t have to know. I’m just saying — I can’t agree to marry you without getting some kind of information. Last name. Favorite food. Do you snore? Stuff like that.”

I almost laughed at his random series of questions. It shocked me enough I let out a silent laugh.

Archie’s smile widened at the movement of my shoulders. He was attuned to me enough to notice my amusement.

‘Last name: Wan. Fave food: Korean BBQ. Snoring: Not currently.’

I wrote the answers out, then turned the board his way. He nodded, then turned to Tank.

“Marriage still isn’t a yes for me, though I’m willing to spend more time to get to know him. I’d like for he and I to discuss it more if that’s ok with you.”

Tank beamed at him. “Of course! I think this is great. Either way, I’ll help you as best as I can, just like I mentioned before.”

There was something else there. A promise Tank had made Archie. I would have to wait to find out what it was. Maybe Archie would tell me after my boss left.

A chime echoed through the room. Tank pulled his phone out, then smiled down at the device.

“Are you good with him sticking around for a bit? I need to make a call,” Tank said. Before I could answer he added, “Oh, and his background check is clear. Memphis just emailed the green light. No TGO ties.”

I appreciated him adding the last part in. With the recent issues regarding Sinclair’s past, we’d started vetting everyone we came in contact with for extended periods of time.

Since Tank was hoping I’d marry Archie, it was no surprise the background check was expedited. Archie wasn’t as easygoing about it.

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