Page 34 of Cruel Savior

I didn’t want to just sit around and study spreadsheets and maps. As much as I knew having all of this data at our fingertips better prepared us for a confrontation, it was driving me up the wall.

Although I had to admit she had impressed me every step of the way. Her methodical and thorough approach to the information she was presented meant she didn’t miss anything.

Something akin to pride washed over me as I watched her work.

“I can’t believe all the information you’ve discovered.” She sat back in the chair, slapping the papers down on the desk, obviously impressed.“There’s no way our agency could have pulled this information together so quickly.”

“That’s the difference between operating under the radar and operating within the letter of the law,” Tel offered. “I didn’t exactly have to get a warrant or worry about whether any of it would be admissible in court.”

“That’s true. I definitely see the appeal. It’s a refreshing change to get things done without all the red tape. Although, some government agencies also operate a little in the gray area too. Especially when it comes to certain types of terrorism.”

“Yeah, spooks have all the fun,” I joked.

Tel laughed, but Mandy didn’t. Instead, she looked uncomfortable. Luckily, I was saved by Bone from any further awkwardness.

“I’ve got food. I figure you all have to be starving by now.” He turned to Mandy and asked, “Tuna melt or chicken?” He held up both plates for her to pick one.

“Definitely tuna melt,” she answered, taking that plate out of his hand while he handed me the other.

“Thank Christ. If she picked chicken, I would have been forced to choke down that shit.”

“I know right?” Bone laughed too.

Her mouth dropped open and I laughed.

“If you don’t like tuna, and he knew you didn’t like tuna, why in the world would he give me a choice?”

“Because I’m a gentleman, and the right thing to do was ask what you wanted.”

Both Tel and I snickered at him calling himself a gentleman. Bone was our newest full patched member, and he was anything but a gentleman. He was a fucking monster who just happened to know how to cook, which we took great advantage of when he was a prospect. And now that he was a brother, he just kept cooking because it had become routine.

“What about me?” Tel asked. “I’m the one doing most of the work tonight. You don’t think I need to eat?”

“Don’t be a pussy about it, dude. Your chicken is in the kitchen waiting on you. I’m not a fucking waitress, and I’m not about to carry more than two plates at a time.”

Tel grumbled but jumped to his feet and followed Bone back to the kitchen. Everyone knew due to his weird social skills that he preferred to take his meals alone. He’d probably take it to his room and return later when he’d finished. The man was the most extroverted introvert I’d ever met.

He also wasn’t much of a talker, and yet, he and Mandy had put their heads together and chatted nonstop about all the data he had coming in.

“You guys have the strangest dynamic. Half the time I can’t tell if you hate each other or love each other.”

“Love’s a strong word for the brothers.Andthat’s a chick word. Although we do share a bond, it’s steeped in brotherhood, trust and loyalty. We’re our own family of sorts and that makes us solid.”

“Don’t most people love their family?” she asked.

“That’s not a good question for me. Love was a four-letter word in my house growing up. No one ever spoke it. Not out loud anyways. Annoyed and angry were the only consistent words I remember hearing.”

“I know I’m sorry. I didn’t mean— “

“Don’t apologize,” I cut her off. “It’s not necessary. I’m sure a lot of families share love, I just don’t have that experience.”

“We’re quite the pair, aren’t we?” she asked, her sandwich frozen in midair halfway to her mouth. “Although I have to admit that I thought for years that my dad did love me. When I was young, we were really close. I don’t understand what happened to change him so much.”

“I’d venture to say your mom’s sudden death played into that.” I almost choked on those words as they came out. Shit. I should not have brought that up. “Not that I’m defending the bastard or anything. I very much hate him and I’m busy plotting his death.”

“I know,” she said quietly. “He deserves your hatred. I get it. But I’m not on board with death. I’m more of an eye for an eye gal myself.” Some of the light in her left when she took a deep breath and exhaled it nice and slow before she continued. “I don’t know how much he actually loved, her but you’re right, my mom’s death changed him. It messed him up and left him with a way too young me to deal with. It’s not an excuse though, just speculation. I’m not sure there’s any excuse for all the bullshit he’s done.”

Since I had a mouthful of chicken, I hummed my agreement. But honestly, I was more focused on the way Mandy said fuck.

---