Page 39 of Visions, Paws, and Claws

“More than okay. We couldn’t have dealt with all those people without you.”

“Then that settles it.” His gaze focused on Horvan. “I want to do my part.”

Horvan nodded. “I’ll let Duke know.”

Doc gave him a grateful smile. “Thank you.”

“Hey, Doc?” Brick turned the laptop toward him. “You knew Jake Carson, right?”

Doc’s smile widened. “Yes indeed. He was a dear friend, both him and his wife, Miranda.”

“Well, he’s still alive. He’s with his son Seth—mine and Aric’s mate.”

Doc’s face lit up. “That’s wonderful news. Thank you for that. You’ve just made my day.”

“Take care, Doc,” Horvan said. “I’ll be in touch when I have news about the next mission.”

“I’ll be waiting for your call.” Doc disconnected, and the screen went black.

Horvan helped himself to another cookie, and Rael coughed. Horvan grinned. “Don’t worry. I’m sure you can think of a way to help me burn off the calories.”

“Several ways,” Dellan murmured. He gave Horvan a hard stare.

Crank had never thought to see the day when Horvan appeared discomfited, but those flushed cheeks were a revelation.

Horvan’s phone pinged, and he glanced at it. “Saul? Hashtag? Duke says he’s lined up recruits for you to interview. You’ll be starting next week.”

Saul frowned. “Not here, surely.”

Crank snorted. “Of course it won’t be here. And don’t call him Shirley.”

Aric’s brow furrowed. “I don’t get that. Is it supposed to be a joke?”

Brick leaned across and kissed the top of his head. “You don’t get it because you’re too young to have evenseenthe movie Crank’s referring to, and because Crank’s an old fart.”

Crank glared. “Hey. Less of the old, if you please.” He smirked. “I can’t comment on the fart bit, though.”

“Much as I hate to interrupt this banter,” Horvan hollered, and the room fell silent. “Thanks. The interviews will take place at the new barracks. The fewer visitors we have here, the better.”

Crank frowned. “Still not sure about this, H. Why the hell would we let Gerans join forces with us?”

Roadkill gaped. “What the fuck?”

Horvan rolled his eyes. “Don’t give me that surprised act. We talked about this in the transport home from the last mission, remember?”

“I must’ve blotted it out.” Roadkill narrowed his gaze. “You know, dismissed it as a bad dream?”

“More like a nightmare,” Crank muttered. He peered at Saul. “Be careful, okay? You don’t know what’s in a person’s mind. They could be a plant. They could be trying to infiltrate us.”

Saul snorted. “Gee, that hadn’t occurred to me.”

“Hey, Crank?” Rael gazed at him with obvious amusement. “Ever heard the saying ‘Don’t teach your grandmother to suck eggs’? All that military experienceyouhave?” He pointed at Saul. “Hehas just as much. Saul knows what he’s doing.”

“Hey, what am I? Chopped liver?” Hashtag retorted.

Saul patted him on the back. “No, Peppermint Pâté, you’ll be there because I trust your judgment.”

Crank frowned. “I don’t get it.”

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