Page 22 of A Touch of Frost
He frowned but nodded.
I stared at him for a moment, silently wondering if I should leave him in the car. But I knew men like Jesse—men like him wouldn’t just sit back and wait.
I didn’t have time or the mind frame to argue that point with him.
“We should get this over with.”
“Sure.” He drank from the bottle, burped, apologised then corked it again. Once he set it on the floor in front of him, Jesse seemed ready.
I rubbed the back of my neck while pushing myself from the car and closing the door. Jesse followed me silently, his collar up to his ears and his hands jammed deeply into his pockets.
“Inside, say nothing.” I instructed him. “I know the layout so stay by my side. Don’t turn your back to the door and don’t wander off.”
“Ay-Aye, Captain.” He replied.
“Ass.” I frowned but proceeded to jog across the street to bang my fist twice into the door.
It took mere moments for a slid about eye-level to open then slammed shut again. There was the sound of a large lock being thrown and the door creaked opened. We stepped through and it was slammed shut behind us again.
“Frost.” A raspy voice cheered. “Long time you see.”
“Hey Lizard.” I hugged him. “How’s it hanging?”
“Lean and to the left.”
I chuckled despite the reasoning for my presence there. Lizard had always been a straight shooter with me. He told it as he saw it and I respected him for that. He’d been the first person to tell me getting involved with the SEALs had a bad call, long before I was burnt. The moment I’d told him what my plans were, what they wanted me to do, Lizard had frowned and shook his head.
“I don’t like it.” He’d mumbled before tossing back a whiskey shot. “I don’t like it. This whole thing stinks. Why don’t I call in some favours and come with you?”
“I’ll be fine.” I’d told him. “These are SEALs.”’
But he’d had only given me an uncertain look while pouring himself another drink. “You watch your ass, got me?”
Back then, I figured that was his way of saying he loved me without saying he loved me.
“I thought you said you wouldn’t come back here,” Lizard leaned to the side to give Jesse the once-over.
“I did.” I replied. “But desperate times and all that jazz.”
“Desperate times?”
“It’s a long story that ends with me being here to see Ray.”
“Look.” Lizard chuckled. “He’s not going to be happy to see you.”
“Why not?” Jesse asked.
“The last time she was here she broke his nose and one of his arms in two places.” Lizard smirked. “I mean, the prat deserved it, but damn, girl.”
I shrugged. “No means no.”
“Wait, he touched you?” Jesse asked. “And you’re here to talk to that fool?”
“It was a long time ago.” I covered a smile at the agitation in Jesse’s voice with a hand as I rubbed my nose. “And he’s the best person to talk to right now about anything having to do with the team your brother went with.”
“I think it’s fair to say, he’s still holding a grudge.” Lizard pointed out.
“Let him.” Jesse growled.
