Page 70 of Collision of Winters
“Lesson one in becoming a Hillcroft logistics officer or coordinator—understanding that no plan survives first contact with the enemy.” What was he talking about? “This is my heads-up to let you know that Quin has figured shit out, and he’s on his way.”
Oh my God. “Should we call things off? How did he find out?” I slowed down for a red light.
“You know how I reminded Wade that profiling is what I do for a living? Well, Quin can say the same thing, but he’s been on this earth far longer than I have. In short, it’s close to impossible to keep secrets.”
I made a noise and checked the rearview. “Except, I did it most of my life. It took a kidnapping for shit to come out into the open.”
“Kayden, we always knew something was wrong,” he pointed out. “Just because we waited for a long time to intervene with unconventional methods…? Think about it. How often did Quinlan ask you what was wrong—or remind you that you could always talk to him?”
Okay. Fine. Valid point. Wade had said something similar.
“All right, what about every damn Christmas?” I pressed. The light turned green again, and I was done with my two laps around the block. “I always surprised him with the best gifts.”
He found that funny. “If he wanted to spoil the surprise, he would’ve succeeded.” Something happened in the background; I heard Wade being irritated and claiming what we were discussing was “utterly irrelevant.” Chris cleared his throat. “But you know what—that’s irrelevant. Quin’s on his way. Nothing changes for you. I just wanted to let you know.”
“Okay,” I said. “I have an important question, though. When this is over, can we eat pancakes at the diner?”
“Are you seriously asking me that, Kayden?” he grated out. “Of-fucking-course we will.”
I laughed.
“You two are fucking hopeless,” Wade said in the background.
I couldn’t stop laughing!
“You shoulda seen it comin’,” Chris drawled. “It’s the risk of dating one of your brothers. Chances are they act similar.”
“Oh my God, stop,” I guffawed. My stomach couldn’t handle the workout. I had to focus here!
You’re home. This is the rest of your life. Laughing. Working. Being part of the Winters family properly. Hillcroft. DC.
My last chuckle left me in an exhale, and I couldn’t describe the feeling of fulfillment. This was what I wanted. And me finally being with the love of my life didn’t mean we couldn’t still have this family dynamic where he was the older, wiser brother who shook his head in amusement at Chris and me.
I grinned to myself, and we wrapped up the convo.
Dad being on his way, and soon finding out about Wade and me, wasn’t going to kill my vibe. I’d force him to accept us. He had to be happy so we could have a family lunch at Silver Diner.
Right between the blue F-150 and the silver Camry.
I killed the engine and let out a breath.
Go-time.
Not wanting to overthink anything, I climbed out of the car and just focused on doing my job. I could ask questions about the hows and whens later. All I had to do was fiddle with my phone and pretend I was waiting for my brother.
I used my phone as a prop right away, because it was the only way I could feel natural about walking aimlessly in the middle of a parking lot. The area wasn’t very big, but cars could drive through to exit the premises.
When I heard the faint beeping sound again, I was more prepared.
“Status update,” Chris stated. “We have eyes on all three targets. They’ll likely strike fast because they want to avoid having me on the scene. Try to put away your phone, in case that’s what’s stopping them.”
Roger.
I rolled my shoulders and hoped I pulled off the look of aloof and unassuming, and I pocketed my phone and peered up at the sky briefly. No rain yet, thankfully. But it was in the air. It was cold too.
In the corner of my eye, I spotted a red van with the logo of some plumbing business out of Fairfax. Someone opened the back doors, and I immediately wondered if that was one of the kidnappers.
Don’t get scared. You’re surrounded by operators.
