Page 184 of The Archer Brothers

CHAPTER7

EVAN

When we decided to move back to California, I thought we’d pick a place away from the Navy, where we could buy some land and raise EJ away from the city; a place without neighbors peeping through their windows and traffic. That’s my hang-up, the number of cars coming and going in residential areas. I have every license plate of every resident in my neighborhood memorized. I’m not taking any chances with my family because I firmly believe evil lurks in the darkness.

One of Ryley’s favorite features of this house is our bedroom balcony. Out here, we can hear the ocean when there isn’t a plane flying overhead. She says the sound of the jets is calming and gives her peace. Each time a Black Hawk or C-130 rises above the houses, I wonder if it’s for practice or something is going on. I miss the SEALs. I miss being part of the action. I miss being needed in a way that’s hard to describe to a layperson. Everyone outside of the military thinks that we like killing people. It’s not that at all—we do what we have to, to keep people safe. That’s the thrill, knowing my successful missions help others sleep at night.

I stand on the balcony and stare over the rooftops of my neighbors, grateful for housing codes that prevent people from building three-story homes. I love the view we have, even if living here puts me on edge.

Tomorrow is my wedding day, a day that should’ve come six or seven years ago, but someone took that away from me and from Ryley. When I returned from the fateful mission that nearly destroyed my life, I never thought this day would come. Thankfully, her love for me prevailed, and when the sun sets again, she’ll be my wife.

I pull my cell phone out and press the button. As soon as my brother picks up, I ask, “Can you come over?”

“I’m on my way.”

Nothing about my upcoming nuptials has been traditional, except for a few things. I haven’t seen Ryley’s dress, and her parents insisted that she spend the night away from me. I can’t remember the last time we haven’t slept in the same house since I returned. Even when we rescued Penny and Claire, Ryley was with me. Even though I know she’s safe at her parents, my heart can’t take it.

A black car with dark tinted windows pulls up in front of my house. I wait a beat for the driver to get out, but they idle at the curb. My hand instantly goes to my waistband, where my gun isn’t. I rarely have it on me when I’m home, but I never leave the house without it. From where I’m standing, I’m close enough to my gun safe should I perceive the threat as real. I reach inside of my room and flip the light switch off. The overhead street lamps offer me enough light to watch whoever lurks in the darkness.

My phone vibrates, and I answer without looking at the caller ID. “Who’s at your house?”

“I don’t know. Are you armed?”

“Of course. Where are you?”

“I’m on the balcony.”

Nate hangs up, and within seconds his car pulls into the driveway, and as soon as he steps out, the other car leaves.

“Did you get his plates?” I ask from where I stand.

“Yeah, Cara’s running them now.”

I head inside and down the stairs to the front door and unlock it for him. While our brotherly relationship is fractured, I trust him when it comes to protecting my family. Nate steps in after I open the front door. “Thanks for coming over.”

“I get it,” he says. “Cara’s on her way. Is that okay?”

“Of course. The guest bedroom is all set up.”

“I don’t think I’m going to sleep much,” Nate says, much to my relief. “It’s probably nothing, but then again, who knows who is still out there?”

“Maybe it’s time we pay our friend another visit.”

Nate nods and stares out of the large picture window in our living room. “Only if we can make sure the cameras are off.” I chuckle and appreciate the way Nate thinks. “Anything hidden?”

I nod. “The usual spots.” I suppose it’s a sad thing to have weapons hidden all over your house, but I’m prepared. If I, or even Nate, needs to defend and protect ourselves, we can. And we will.

“All right,” he says. “Go. I have everything covered here.”

I think about staying, but I know I need to be elsewhere. “EJ’s sleeping. Deefur is in his room.”

Nate nods and keeps his gaze focused. “See you in the morning.”

* * *

It’s been a long time since I’ve snuck into Ryley Clarke’s bedroom. I suppose I could’ve called her and told her I’m coming over, but where’s the fun in that? Her parents’ house is much like ours, a fortress of cameras and motion sensors. The only difference is I have the app to shut them off. As soon as I press the button on the app, I sneak around the back of the house to where the guest bedroom is and wiggle the window. Sure enough, it’s unlocked. I slide it up, climb inside and pull the windowpane back down.

“Took you long enough, Archer,” her voice rings out, and I can’t help but smile.

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