Page 3 of Cupid's Alpha
I can’t help but giggle. “The thought had crossed my mind.”
He nods his head like that’s exactly the answer he expected to hear. “My name’s Drew,” he says. “Drew Fitzgibbons. My family has been living in this here town for as far back as anyone can remember. I’m forty-seven years old. I’m a vet. Ex-special forces. I used to own a security firm up in the city, but I gave all that up a few years ago to come home and live my nan. She’s old and ornery and I didn’t like the idea of her sitting out here all by herself day in and day out. I can probably fix that car of yours, and I can probably keep you safe from any assholes who come by trying to cause you trouble. You and your sister are welcome to sleep in the spare rooms at my old family home. I’ll feed you and put a roof over your head and I’ll keep you safe until you figure out your next step. And if it will make you feel any better, you can have my gun.”
He pulls a Glock out the back of his pants. My eyes pop wide open as he hands it to me.
“Alright, Drew,” I say. “I guess that fixes things.”
“I hope so, honey,” he laughs. “And if it don't, you just go ahead and shoot me.”
The gun feels heavy in my hand. He asks if I know how to use it. I tell him it’s been a while, but I figure I can probably remember.
“These people who are after us,” I say, “they’re bad men. It doesn’t seem right bringing trouble to your door.”
Drew smiles at me again, but this time there’s a hint of danger in his eyes. “Honey, I eat trouble for breakfast.”
“Well, as long as you’re sure.”
“I’m sure,” he says, “now come on, I got food in the truck. If I don’t get it home soon, my nan’s gonna eat me alive.”
“I thought you said you eat trouble for breakfast?”
“I do,” he says. “I’ve been outnumbered in the middle of the desert with nothing but a bowie knife and two grenades, but messing with my Nana Betty… I ain’t that crazy.”
