Page 21 of Eight Years Gone

“I’m retired now.”

Todd nodded. “It’s great to have you standing here.”

It felt good to be standing there. Jagger looked at Todd’s foot. “What happened?”

Todd huffed out a laugh. “I snapped my Achilles doing a spinning hook kick. I’m about six weeks post-surgery.”

“That sucks, man.”

“Getting old sucks. This whole thing has made teaching pretty tricky, especially now that my assistant’s back at college part-time.”

“I bet.”

Todd crossed his arms. “So, what’s up? What brings you back to Preston Valley?”

Jagger looked to the ceiling as he shook his head. “Right about now, I couldn’t tell you.”

Todd sent him a knowing smile. “From the sounds of that, I probably don’t need to tell you she’s down at the shop with Maggie.”

He nodded as he sighed. “Yeah, I figured that out.”

Todd smiled again. “Have you got yourself hooked up with a job?”

“I’m currently exploring my options.” And there wasn’t much that seemed appealing, which scared the shit out of him as he thought of Jason Gray’s prediction that he would be calling him back. He didn’t want to fall into the private contracting trap that so many former soldiers found themselves in.

“If you’re looking for something to do, I could use a hand around here.”

Jagger perked up. Being in Preston Valley was the first thing that had felt right in a long damn time. The idea of teaching there with Todd was even better.

“I wouldn’t be able to pay you much. The numbers are holding steady, but they could be better.”

“I don’t need you to pay me.”

“I wouldn’t feel right about that. I’m not asking you to volunteer. I need someone who can be here for the Tuesday/Thursday black belt classes and the kids’ Monday/Wednesday morning classes. I was thinking about starting a women’s self-defense class, but that’s been on hold. Mark helps when he can, but having you here would be a huge relief.”

He didn’t need Todd’s money. And he wasn’t sure who would be doing the other a bigger favor. He needed this—the place where he’d once loved to be. People who treated him like family. “Does Ruby still make that pot roast?” His mouth watered just thinking of Todd’s wife’s excellent cooking.

“You bet she does. She’s running a blog now with all of her recipes.”

“No kidding?”

Todd nodded. “It’s popular.”

“I don’t doubt it. Maybe Ruby can hook me up with a meal every now and then, and we’ll call it square.”

Todd started back toward the office. “We’ve still got the room over the garage if you’re looking for a place to stay—the efficiency apartment.”

Jagger followed. “You’ve got yourself a deal.”

Todd headed for the filing cabinet, pulling out several forms. “Fill this stuff out, and I’ll happily get you on board ASAP.”

“Sure—” Jagger paused as he looked at the picture frames on his desk. Todd’s family had expanded from two to four. “You’re a dad?”

Todd smiled. “Andy’s two and Spencer’s three months.”

Jagger grinned. “Congratulations.”

“Thanks. It’s a wild ride over at our house these days. I wanted your name on the dotted line before you figured that out.”

---