Page 9 of Ethan's Command

Rusty’s jaw tightened. “I don’t blame her one bit. I don’t know what the hell is wrong with kids today. Who does that kind of shit and calls it fun?”

When had they started sounding like old geezers? “I hear you. It’s crazy as hell,” Ethan agreed. “I’m just grabbing the equipment Bellamy pulled together for me.”

Rusty nodded toward the table. “It’s all there.”

“Awesome,” Ethan said, walking over to check the setup. Rusty joined him, looking over the items.

“Think that’s enough?” Rusty asked.

“Yeah, this should do it,” Ethan replied.

“Well, like we said, yell if you need help,” Rusty said.

“Will do,” Ethan replied as he gathered the gear and carried it to his truck. He loaded the equipment into the back, climbed in, and started the drive toward Brooklyn’s house.

On the way, Ethan considered grabbing some food to take to her and Liam but thought better of it. Brooklyn hadn’t seemed particularly thrilled to ask for his help in the first place, and he didn’t want to overstep. Slow and steady—that was the approach he needed to take with her.

As he rolled into Brooklyn’s driveway, he took a moment to appreciate her house. It was a small, well-kept bungalow, painted in a muted teal with white trim. A sloping metal roof added a touch of rustic island charm, and he knew it would help with the wild rainstorms that they had. The front yard was modest but well-tended, with a lush hedge of hibiscus flowers framing the walkway. A few coconut palms swayed in the front yard casting shadows over the front porch.

The porch was wide and inviting, with a couple of rocking chairs and a small table with a pot of brightly colored plants. He wasn’t sure what kind. Wind chimes made of bamboo and shells hung from the eaves which added a nice homey feel.

It seemed like the kind of place Brooklyn would create—a reflection of her warmth and practicality. Not that he’d felt that warm personality directed toward him, but he’d seen it with others. Ethan took a deep breath and got out of his truck.Slow and steadyhe reminded himself.Slow and steady.

CHAPTER 4

As Ethan walked uponto the porch, the front door opened.

“Hey, Ethan, Mojo,” Brooklyn said, her voice soft but tired. She’d changed her top. Now she was wearing a white tank with a wide-neck navy sweater that fell off one shoulder. Even stressed and scared, she was gorgeous. He had to fight the urge to wrap his arms around her. Her eyes dropped to the gear in his hands. “I see you brought all the stuff.”

“Yep,” Ethan replied with a small smile. “Good to go.”

Brooklyn stepped back, letting Ethan and Mojo enter. Mojo went over to Brooklyn for more ear rubs while Ethan glanced around the space. It wasn’t what he’d expected. The bungalow had a cozy, lived-in feel—practical and warm. Sunlight poured through the large windows, highlighting polished bamboo floors that gleamed under his boots. The muted seafoam-green walls reminded him of calm ocean waters after a storm.

The living room was simple but inviting. A wicker sofa with cream-colored cushions sat against one wall, anchored by a low driftwood coffee table in front of it. Vibrant throw pillows, covered in patterns of ferns and hibiscus, added splashes of tropical color. A couple of rattan armchairs flanked the sofa, their frames worn smooth by use. The whole setup was neatand functional. Yet it didn’t feel sterile—more like someone had carefully pieced it together to create comfort, not impress anyone.

“So,” Brooklyn commented while she studied him, “is there anything you need from me?”

She was bringing his attention back to the reason he was there. No small talk for her. Ethan reset his expectations and congratulated himself on making the right decision about the food. Brooklyn would not have liked that one bit.

“I need a ladder to do the outside cameras. I will install two that will cover your whole front yard. I notice you already have a video doorbell. That’s good. I will tie that into the camera system and the whole thing will be monitored at the Brotherhood Protector comms center.”

“I—I don’t know if I can afford the monitoring.” Brooklyn bit her lip. “I will pay you for the cameras though.”

“You don’t have to pay for anything. It’s on the house and so is the monitoring. We’re not going to leave you out here with no backup.”

She looked like she was about to argue but she finally just nodded curtly. If he had to guess, he would say that she gave in only because it was her nephew. If it had been just for her, she would have argued with him.

Footsteps approaching from the hallway made him look left. A young boy of about twelve appeared around the corner. He was tall and lanky with shaggy brown hair and bright blue eyes. Ethan could see a family resemblance around the eyes between the kid and Brooklyn.

He put down the box and immediately offered his hand. “You must be Liam,” he said.

Liam stepped forward and shook Ethan’s hand. “Yes sir. It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Foster. Thank you for doing this.”

Ethan smiled. “Please call me Ethan, and it’s not a problem at all.” He pointed to his dog. “This is Mojo.”

Liam started to reach out and then quickly asked, “May I pet him?”

“Yes, he’d like that.”

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