Page 48 of The Flame of Carson
“Okay Gage.”
With one last kiss, she slipped off the bed and walked out of the room.Gage pushed himself up in bed and just rested his head against the headboard.How the hell had he had a damned panic attack?That was not like him.He didn’t get anxious or jumpy.Yet today he got the crap kicked out of him by his own damned mind.It was a humbling feeling and one he didn’t like one fucking bit.His eyes opened when there was a knock on the door a second before Ethan walked in.
“Stace said you wanted to see me.”Ethan said walking up to the bed.
“Boss I’m sorry.I fucked up...”
“Gage...”
“No, I did.I did the very thing you warned me about when I told you what was happening with Stacey.I got too deep in the case.Christ, I threatened the only clue to that damned filter this fucker is using and possibly endangered Stacey even more.”
“About that.Tony and Elias were able to smooth things over and even got some more information.Tonight, Tony and Elias are starting work on seeing if the hacker is on the up and up.If he is, the information he gave them will help.If not, then we are back at square one.”
Gage let out a relieved sigh at this.“So, what happens now?”
“You know what I have to do here buddy.I don’t want to, but after what happened we can’t risk it.”Ethan said, his voice full of regret.
“I’m off Stacey’s case.”Gage nodded.
“I’m sorry.”Ethan apologized.
“No, I’m sorry.I thought I could remain cool headed like I was when it was Krista and Alora but...”Gage paused.“she told me last night that she loves me, man.On top of that, it was our two-year anniversary being together.When she said those words, I felt like Superman.Guess I found my kryptonite.Stacey in danger.”
“I’m glad you two found each other.The team and I will protect your woman, Gage.I promise you.On Monday, I want you to work with Bravo on the upcoming political stuff.We have been hired for security on Thursday when the candidates for the governor’s race next year are announced.I called Morton and he said he was fine with you taking over.Something about maybe he would get home at a decent hour and his wife not being mad at him.”Ethan chuckled.
Gage gave a little grin, “I know you and the boys will protect Stacey.I also know that after today I doubt she will talk about it with me.Maybe it’s for the best that way.”
Ethan gripped Gage’s shoulder, “Gage, we all have our demons.I still have nightmares of that night in Iraq.We all know Lance still struggles with his own issues, despite him and Alora planning their wedding, he still struggles.Grant has his as does Tony.I bet even Danny has his own to deal with.We get through all the bull shit by being what we are.A team.You hear me?”
Gage lay his hand over Ethan’s, “Ooh-rah.”
“Ooh-rah.You just try and relax this weekend with your woman all right.Maybe you and her can go for a drive or something.Hell, go to the lake and just chill.”
“I hear you.Thanks Ethan.For today.”
Ethan gave a nod and exited the room.Gage felt much better now after talking to Ethan and knowing he hadn’t put Stacey in more danger.Right now, he just had to focus on getting his shit together again.He couldn’t afford to lose it again and Lord knew Stacey couldn’t either.Ethan had warned him this would happen and because he could not stay out of it, he had to face the music.
