Page 43 of Part & Parcel

“You’re putting your kittens through SERE training?” Nick asked flatly.

“Yeah, want to help me?”

“Kind of,” Nick admitted with a laugh.

“Irish. Come on, man, you’re killing me here. Please tell me you’re calling to invite me to come back to Boston.”

Nick closed his eyes again, smiling despite the overwhelming feeling that he was still a pretty shitty friend. Ty’s trip to Boston in April had been the first time in years that it had felt like old times together. He was happy to learn he wasn’t the only one pining for a second round. “Yeah,” he finally said. “Yeah, I am. But I need you and maybe Garrett to do me a favor before you come.”

“A favor,” Ty repeated. His voice had gone flat, and without the benefit of his facial expressions, it was impossible to gauge Ty’s mood. “You even have to ask, man? Anything.”

Nick licked his lips, trying again to press down the bubbling of nerves making their way toward his chest.

He’d fucked up royally with Ty. Ty had forgiven him for everything he’d done, able to see past the actions and into Nick’s soul just like always. Nick had nearly given his life for Ty’s, but he still felt the weight of penance on his shoulders. Now, these letters from Eli might give him a chance to lift the rest of that weight, and he’d do anything for that chance. Literally anything.

“Nick?”

“I need you to meet me in DC in a week.”

“What? Why?”

Nick closed his eyes again and sighed shakily. “I can’t tell you.”

Ty was silent, and for a moment Nick thought he’d lost him. “Promise me you’re not in trouble,” Ty finally demanded.

Nick snorted and shook his head. “I promise.”

“Okay. Where do I go, we meet at the airport?”

“No. I need you to meet me at Eli’s grave.”

Ty was silent again, and Nick’s entire body tumbled with nerves as he waited for Ty to speak again.

“I’ll be there,” Ty finally said. “I don’t know if Zane can come, but I’ll be there.”

“Thank you,” Nick said in relief. “I’ll see you then, brother.”

“Yeah.” Ty sounded just as nervous as Nick felt. “Hey,” he added before Nick could say good-bye. “You still mean that, right? Brother?”

Nick swallowed hard, realizing he was nodding vigorously as he clutched at his phone. “With everything I am.”

“Good,” Ty whispered. “I’ll see you in a week.”

Ty ended the call without further chat, and Nick’s heart was racing when he set the phone down. He sat on the flybridge, staring at the phone.

“You okay?” Kelly asked him when he thumped up the steps.

Nick turned to meet his eyes, wincing. “Yeah. Ty’s on board.”

“Seriously? That was fast.”

“You could at least fake having a little faith in my abilities,” Nick said, flopping back onto the bench seat and throwing his arm over his eyes a little too dramatically.

It made Kelly snort, though, and he came over and sat, sliding himself under Nick so Nick’s head was in his lap, patting Nick’s belly when he settled in. “Don’t rest yet, babe. One down. Two to go.”

Nick groaned and lifted his phone again, hitting the next number in his speed dial. He looked up at Kelly, studying him from below as the phone rang. “God, you’re beautiful,” he whispered.

Kelly winked at him, smirking.

---