Page 66 of Higher Notes

Being a sniper in the military was morbidly prestigious, in its own way.

Deadly. Aim.

Rarely had I missed.

“Shoot to disable, not to end.”

“Understood, Boss.” There were many points on the body that would do just that with minimal damage. I could hit every single one of them from a thousand yards away. Sikes was a damn good shot as well, but that was the single gift I possessed that surpassed his.

Add another fail on the wholesay something good about myselfchallenge.

I really was my own worst enemy.

When we pulled up to the house, Sikes used the app on his phone to open the garage. As soon as we stepped inside the twins and Dana came running at us. I scooped up Nolan while Sikes had our princess and Dana was wrapped in Jason’s arms, the two of them sobbing uncontrollably.

“Who’s this?” Dana pointed at Fizzbo.

“This is our boss and the man who sent soldiers out immediately, Fizzbo.”

“Ma’am,” he held his hand out, but Dana wasn’t having that. The surprisedumphcame when the tiny woman tightly hugged him.

“Thank you for looking out for my family. Is there any sighting? Any word? I want my baby home.” She dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.

“No thanks are required. This is about family and family comes first.” Fuck, Fizzbo’s words had me in tears and Sikes sniffled, too. “We’re following all leads. Seattle PD and the sheriff’s office are assisting. Sikes, Snipe, may I have a moment, please?” At his request we handed the twins off to Jason and Dana with a quick kiss to their cheeks and a promise to be right back. “Why don’t you show me around your lovely home?”

Something was up.

We started upstairs in our room, farthest away from prying ears.

“Any idea why the front gate was open when I personally know Easton ordered and paid for the installation to keep the community behind it safe?”

Fuck, how had we missed that?

“Shit, I hadn’t thought of that,” Sikes was the first to reply. “It was under construction when we left.”

“Makes sense. I don’t like it. I’m calling the contractor. And yes, before you ask, I have his cell number. I walked the house with Easton upon completion before you guys did to confirm the layout for the cameras and to address any security concerns I had before you moved in.”

Holy shit, that man was crazy on top of things, as Jason would say. Guess he was rubbing off on me. Some might find Fizzbodoing that as overstepping, but not us. Not when it came to our family’s safety.

“Fizzbo here. I’m in the gated community where two of my guards just moved in with their family but the main security gate Easton had you install was wide open. Is there an issue with it?” With the phone to his ear, we couldn’t hear a damn thing but his side of the conversation. “I was afraid of that. No, no guard was in the shack. How quickly can you get them here? Tomorrow is fine for the gate, but we need a guard placed immediately.”

Nothing like having contractors walk into an active police scene.

“He confirmed the gate was in working order and was concerned no guard was posted.” Sikes and I glanced at each other. Our faces mirrored the same determination. “Don’t even think about it. Your family needs you here. Besides, I’m not in the mood to bail one of my guards out of jail.”

Point made, though temporary incarceration might be worth it.

“House looks great, by the way.”

“That’s all Sikes and Dana.” Fizzbo’s brow rose. “Seriously. Those two picked the finishes and the furniture.”

First time I’d ever seen Fizzbo speechless.

“You’re the only occupied house, correct?”

“We were when we left,” Sikes replied. “Not sure if anyone’s moved in since we’ve been on the road.”

“I’ve alerted the other guards of a potential security breach regarding the gate and empty shack. They’re working their way northwest but are running into challenges with the forested areas. There are numerous ones between Tacoma and Mill Creek, not to mention bodies of water to circumvent.” Yes, it was beautiful here but with beauty came many obstacles. “He could literally be hiding anywhere.”

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