Page 60 of The Archer Brothers

Take it from me... if you think your life is perfect, you’re lying to yourself.

THE SMELL OF BARBECUED food wafts through the air. As I look around River’s neighborhood I remember that most of the homes belong to sailors and their families. Before we left, there was a block party. We all came together, ate, drank and had a blast. Music played, people got to know each other and everyone had a good time. Everyone laughed. I remember thinking that I couldn’t wait to have one on my block, but that never happened. And sitting here now, watching the kids ride their bikes up and down the street, I’m not sure it’ll ever happen.

“I want this,” I say, spreading my arms out wide. “I want to see EJ riding his bike with his friends. I want bikes parked in my front yard and noise coming from my house. I want people to know that they can stop by anytime, just to say hi. That’s how my house was when Nate and I were growing up. My mom would bake cookies at night for the next day and my friends would be over all the time. It all stopped when we were sophomores and discovered that making out was better than Mom’s cookies.”

“You’ll have it,” River says, but his voice lacks the conviction I need to believe him. It’s hard for me to grasp that I can have what I want. I had it, but the Navy took it away.

“I don’t even know if I have a place to live,” I reply as I shake my head in frustration. “She asked me to leave, but never said to go back in an hour or two. She just asked, and I did it without hesitation because I’d do anything for her.” My pity party of one is growing by leaps and bounds. I shouldn’t be here dumping this on him; he has his own issues to work out. But I have nowhere else to go, at least no place that I trust.

“Ryley’s going through a lot, but I doubt she’ll kick you out.”

I scoff. “I’m not living with my brother. So either he leaves or I do and something tells me that it’s going to be me. He can claim squatter’s rights or whatever they’re called and there isn’t jack shit I can do about it. Nate’s lived there for the past however many years. He’s taken care of the house, EJ and as much as I hate admitting it, Ryley. I’m Charlie Bucket fromWilly Wonka, looking through the window at the candy counter.”

Tipping the bottle back, I empty what’s left of its contents. Dwelling on what I can’t fix isn’t going to make things better for me and it’s definitely not going to improve my situation with Ryley. However, leaving her with my brother doesn’t sit well with me. I’ll have to fight to keep her and EJ, and he’s my enemy. I need to be front and present. I can’t be forgotten again.

“You know you can stay here,” River assures me. I know I can, but imposing is not in my nature, especially to a couple who could be going through the same things Ryley and I are. Six years is a long time to go without seeing each other, and to find each other again takes time. Time is not my friend right now.

“You and Frannie need time. I don’t want to impose.”

River looks over his shoulder quickly and shakes his head. “I’m home, but things are different. She doesn’t ask questions and acts like nothing is amiss. My clothes were still hanging in my closet, my boots by the door. My favorite beer was in the refrigerator and when I went to throw it out she said she had just bought it. I’m not sure what to think. Either she really held out hope, or she’s not right in the head.”

I try not laugh, but can’t keep it in. “That’s your wife you’re talking about.”

He shakes his head. “I know, and I’m trying to tell myself that she was just keeping everything because she hoped I would return, but it’s just odd especially when she buried me. Either way, you’re welcome here until… well, as long as you need. I could use the company.”

“Thanks, man.”

A couple of River’s neighbors walk by, stopping to chat, and a few venture into territory that neither of us are willing to talk about. Everyone wants to know what happened. Where we’ve been and how we’re doing. Each neighbor is caring, offering us their shoulder as if we’d divulge our lives to them. That’s what I have Doc Howard for. I’ve told her classified information, facts that could possibly get me dishonorably discharged, but I trust her. Telling a stranger walking down the street, however, is never gonna happen.

“They’re nosey, yet caring.”

River chuckles. “You have no idea. The first night I was home, the doorbell rang every thirty seconds and every visitor brought food. Frannie doesn’t know this, but I took most of it down to the shelter.”

“Very noble of you.”

“Nah,” he says as he pops open another beer. “Do you ever wonder why the press isn’t hounding us? We were dead, Archer, and then showed up out of the blue as if nothing happened. Where are the talk shows and book deals?”

What he’s saying makes me wonder about the same thing and it perplexes me. We should be all over national TV and signing deals right and left to tell our story.

“Everything about that mission is a mystery. We extracted the package, only to be sent out continuously. We should’ve been home within ten days. Someone wanted us gone and we have to find out why and who.” Thinking about what I want to say next and making it sound plausible and not some lame ass attempt on my part to get Nate out of the way, is tricky. Sighing, I run my hand through my hair and stand.

“I know this woman. She works for Navy Intelligence – at least she did before we left. I’m going to call her up and see if she can help. Hopefully with her and Carole we can learn something. We’ve been home a month and I have a feeling shit isn’t even stirring enough to hit the fan.”

“Who is she?”

Smirking, I think this name will get a rise out of River. “Cara Hughes,” I pause to see if he has any recollection of who she is. When he doesn’t, I continue. “She was Nate’s girlfriend when we left.”

River’s eyes meet mine and disappointment is written all over his face. His head moves back and forth slowly. I know he’s not going to approve, but Cara is a viable option for help. She’ll be able to gain access to confidential and hidden files, which is what I’m assuming is needed.

“You’re playing a dangerous game, Archer.”

“I know, but with her connections –”

“To Nate?”

“No, not necessarily,” I say with a shake of my head. “Cara can access files that Carole can’t. She’s trained to find answers.”

“She’s Nate’s ex. Don’t tell me you’re bringing her around to see if she can get him away from Ryley?”

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