Page 15 of Lyon

“Yes, that’s how I feel. Thanks for the shot. I’m ready for that plane ride,” Max said before falling asleep.

We placed Max in the jeep without waking him. River held onto him as we sped to the plane. Once aboard, I prepared himfor surgery. Six hours into the flight, with Raven’s assistance, I completed the procedure. I sensed Niki in the background, observing everything.

“How is he?” she asked when it was over.

“We have to wait and pray. But if you want my opinion, I think he’ll be fine in a few weeks. He’ll sleep for a while. Why don’t you get some rest?”

“Okay,” she murmured before her eyes closed.

“She must have been through hell, alone with her brother, refusing to let him die. Her yelling at him probably kept him alive,” I said to Raven and Gage.

“You should get some rest, too. I’ll relieve River,” Gage said.

I didn’t argue. I sat down, reclined my seat, and fell asleep. When I woke, Niki was talking to her brother.

“I swear, Max, if you ever tell me to say goodbye to Mom and Dad again, I’ll kill you myself. I told you I wouldn’t let you die,” she said, hugging him. “Damn, brother, you need a bath.”

“Hey, if the shoe fits. Have you called our family?” Max asked.

“I called Uncle Michael; he told Mom and Dad. They’ll meet us at the airport in Germany, where you’ll go to the hospital. I can’t stay long; I have to report in. I’ve been gone too long.”

“I wish you could take a month off work. Niki, how can I ever thank you for treating me so mean and not letting me die? That hair is so ugly. Why are you wearing it?”

“I was in disguise. I think I’ll stay in disguise longer, so don’t say anything about it.”

“I’m sure you have a reason, so I won’t say anything. I can’t wait to get home. I’m going to retire from the Navy SEALs and see if any of my buddies want to start something like the Golden Team.”

“Mom and Dad will be so happy. Maybe I’ll help you out when I have free time.”

“It’s for Navy SEALs, not FBI agents. But you can hang out with us anytime. Will you be coming home to the winery?”

“I wish I could, but I have to check in with Joseph. I told him I’d be gone two weeks; it’s been a month. I’m not sure I even have a job.”

“Then come work at the winery for a month. I want to spend time with you.”

“Then come to Santa Barbara and visit me. I have a home there. I can’t be at the winery all the time. Jeez, I’m twenty-seven.”

“I know how old you are because I’m twenty-seven, too. Remember, I was born before you, so I’m your older brother. I have to take care of you,” Max said.

We both laughed. Max had told me that so many times. His eyes were closing when I returned to my seat.

Max and I met when we were seven; he’s my half-brother. We’ve been apart since Max joined the Navy SEALs, and that first month was the hardest. That happens with siblings. We all have our own lives. Over time, it got easier, and we talked often unless he was on a mission. This isn’t the first time Max has been shot, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

“Are you hungry?” Lyon asked, holding two sandwiches. He handed me one and sat down to eat the other.

“I’m starving. Thank you.”

“How are you doing?”

“I’m good. Thank you for saving Max; he’s the best brother there is.”

“You’re welcome. I’m glad we got there when we did. He’ll be fine. It must have been horrible staying in that tunnel, waiting for someone to come and get you. I would have taken you home if I knew you were there.”

“I know. How are you doing? You guys have been busy. I bet your wife will be happy to see you.”

“I’m not married.”

“Then your girlfriend.”

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