Page 33 of Eight Years (The Trident Trilogy 1)

“Yes, he told me that Yusef Hadzic is alive. He knows where his father lives. He knows Yusef visits his father. Fucking Yusef Hadzic. We can watch the father’s place, and potentially locate Yusef. No one has gotten this close in years.”

“Is that who he was talking to on the burner phones? How do we know he’s telling the truth?” I ask.

“We don’t, but it gives us something else to go on. If I can locate the father, we can at least watch his place and hope that Yusef visits.”

“Okay, well, where is he, the father?

“Petrovic said he’s in Afghanistan, in the mountains near where the network operates. He gave me a general area. I just need to try to find his house on the satellite.”

“Millie, look, I’m sorry I doubted you. I just feel responsible for you while we’re working together,” I say, trying to bring the charged mood back down a little bit.

“You’re not responsible for me, but I appreciate you having my back.” Her body language and tone have softened a little bit.

“Hey. The guys are having a beer up on the roof. Do you want to join us?”

“I should really start working on this,” she says starting to walk away.

I grab her shoulder. “Millie, it’s past midnight. We’re going to be on a ten-hour flight later today. You’ll have all that time to work. Just come up and join us for one drink. I feel like I owe you a peace offering.”

“Actually, I could use a drink right now.”

I stand back and motion her to go before me up the stairs to the roof. I try not to focus on her ass, but not very successfully.

We reach the roof. The guys see her walking over, and Butch looks relieved that she’s still breathing.

“Miss Millie, I’m glad you could join us tonight,” he drawls. “Can I serve you a beer?”

She takes one from him, and sits between him and Hawk.

“So, Millie, tell us a little about yourself,” Butch says. “Are you married? Dating anyone?”

“Why? Are you asking me out?”

“Hell no,” Butch says. “You’re young enough to be my daughter or maybe a little sister.”

“Yeah, she’s being an annoying-ass little sister right now,” I say, laughing.

She gives me a fake glare, smiling a bit. “God, if I would have had y’all as my brothers, I never would have had one date.”

“Oh yeah, you would have,” Hawk says. “You just would have had one or two of us on the date with you. In fact, I think that might be a good idea right now. When’s your next date? Butch here has some free time. He could be your escort. Ain’t that right, Butch?”

“Well, I would just be delighted to escort you on your next date, Miss Millie,” Butch says. “And, as a gesture of goodwill towards the young gentleman, I’ll leave my rifle at home, and only carry my sidearm.”

“Let us know where you take them for their date, Butch. We’re happy to do overwatch,” Bryce adds. “And, I’m definitely bringing a rifle. Maybe two or three, depending on my mood.”

“You know, y’all, I think I’m going to pass. And, I might just stop dating all-together,” she says, smiling again.

“See what can be accomplished with teamwork? She’s going to stop dating, Butch,” Hawk says.

“Man, Hawk, it is my pleasure to be of service,” Butch says.

She rolls her eyes at both of them while she accepts another beer from Butch. I watch her laugh at Hawk as he tells her a story about how he has his gun room right off the entrance to his house, so all his daughter’s dates can get a good look at it before they leave with her. Like looking at Hawk isn’t intimidating enough. I see her eyes change quickly as he talks about his daughter. I know she’s thinking about her dad again, but she’s still smiling and laughing. Maybe, it’s finally getting a little bit easier for her.

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