Page 69 of Fight
Devon smiled."You may find, sir, that there's little that can be considered usual about Nickie."He wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me against him.I frowned at him for the public display, but didn't say anything.
The Anikitos and his enforcer watched the two of us carefully, likely missing nothing.
"Bill told me to tell you something," I paused a moment, trying to remember the exact words."he said 'Tell that mutt that I'm still waiting for him to come down and go hunting with me.'"
The Anikitos blinked, stunned briefly, before a smile spread across his face.The enforcer standing against he wall started to advance, unhappy with the way I'd disrespected his leader with the message.Devon stepped in front of me, shielding me from the much larger man, but before he reached us, the Anikitos stopped him.
"Stand down, Bennett.She was just delivering a message."
"But she disrespected you.She called you a mutt."
"She just repeated what she was told to say."He chuckled, "Bill huh?He must think quite a bit of you, to give you permission to use his first name."
"He's like a father to me, or a god-father.I've always known him."
Ridges nodded."That makes sense.I'm sorry to do this, but I'm running short on time.I have another appointment, one I can't be late for."
"No problem, sir.We don't expect to take up your time, we just wanted to pay our respects."Devon said.
"I appreciate it," The large man turned to me."and tell Bill I'll be in touch about that hunting trip"
I nodded, and Devon and I said our goodbyes and left, leaving the Anikitos to his appointment.
Chapter 20
Devon had made arrangements with his friend, the groom for the wedding we were using as our cover, Baker to meet for a late lunch.We arrived at the restaurant early, and got a table.We were still looking over the menus when Baker arrived.Devon spotted him as he spoke to the hostess and waived him over.The man approaching us was big, at least 6 feet tall, and bulky in a way that made it obvious he had put some time into his body.His broad smile spread across his tanned face, and his blond hair was cut military short.The short cut, combined with the pale color, made him look almost bald.Devon stood as the other man reached the table and shook his hand, pulling him into one of those one armed hugs men do sometimes.I sat and watched the two greet each other.
"Hey, man.So glad you could make it."The newcomer said.
"Me too.I didn't think I could for a while, but things changed."Devon replied.
"How's the leg?"His friend asked.
"Getting better.The recovery's been slow, but it's coming along."
"Think you'll ever re-enlist?"
"Nah."Devon shook his head."I wouldn't have left if I'd been given the choice, but I'm not willing to leave what I have now to go back."
"What could be better?"The two men were still standing beside the table chatting.
Devon turned back to the table."She is.Baker, this is Nickie."He held out his hand to me, "Nickie, this is Baker."
We exchanged greetings and Baker continued, asking again."So you've got a girl, why would that keep you from re-enlisting?"
"It's not."Devon said."My leg's keeping me from re-enlisting, but if that ever gets good enough I could re-enlist, I don't think I would, because I like what we're building."He took my hand and held it."There are other factors, things that have changed at home, but Nickie's the biggest part of it.I have a hard time being away from her for even a day, much less weeks or months for training or a deployment."
Baker shook his head, not really understanding."Okay, Man.I don't get it but I'll take your word for it."He picked up his menu."Have you ordered yet?"
"Not yet, we've only been here a few minutes, we were still trying to decide.What's good?"Devon said.
"It's all good.If you're into seafood, Seattle has some of the best."
I turned my attention back to the menu and tried to make up my mind.
We lingered at the table after we finished eating, having a few more drinks while we visited.Baker and Devon reminiscing about old times, while I listened and asked questions.It was good to see Devon spend time with a friend, someone other than my family, Someone who he had known during the ten years he'd been gone.I enjoyed seeing a glimpse of who Devon had been while he was away.
We said goodbye to Baker, promising to see him at the wedding and reception, and walked back to the hotel.We had no plans for the evening and took our time with the pleasant trip.There was a breeze coming off the bay which chilled the air, but this far inland it wasn't too cool yet.I was sure that once the sun went down, the temperature would plummet.
