“Fuck off.”
Gunnar grinned—that was the spark of attitude he’d been looking for.
There was a Walmart less than fifteen minutes’ drive away so Gunnar headed there. He hoped it wouldn’t be too crowded but if Bryn pushed the cart, he’d have a bit of protection. When they got there, the lot was more than half full. Bryn’s face was still bone white, accentuated by his dark clothing and hair, and Gunnar was a bit concerned about how he’d cope being around so many people.Not going to insult him by asking if he’s sure about this. The kid knows his own mind even if his decisions aren’t always in his best interests.
“We’re here.”
Bryn perked up. “You know how long it’s been since I had free rein in one of these places? Never. The group home was always on a budget and once I went into training, I didn’t get any choice about what I ate.”
“This may be the first time but it won’t be the last, so go easy. I don’t need you bouncing off the walls because you’ve eaten a shit-ton of candy.”
“I need chips and strawberries and chicken tenders and stuff to make sliders and…”
“Shall we get in there?” Gunnar chuckled. “I get the feeling this is going to be an expensive trip.”
“It’s Warden’s dollar.” Bryn shrugged. “He can afford it.”
In the end it was Gunnar who pushed the cart because Bryn kept getting distracted and running off to different shelves. He drew a few curious looks but Walmart’s clientele was the full spectrum of humanity. There were shoppers who looked a lot stranger than Bryn.
Bryn had apparently found his Nirvana. Even though he did pick out a lot of sweet, unhealthy things, he also stocked the cart with the makings of lots of different dishes.
“We can have mac and cheese tonight, can’t we? With garlic bread? I even got salad for you.”
“I love homemade mac and cheese,” Gunnar admitted, licking his lips.
“I hope you know how to cook it, because I don’t have a clue,” Bryn said.
“As it happens, I do.” Gunnar eyed the heaped cart. “I think it’s time I got you out of here or there won’t be any groceries left for anyone else.”
“Okay, deal. Can we make a stop at a Walgreens? I think I’m going to need a fresh supply of painkillers.”
“Don’t worry about that. Warden has it covered. You’ll be able to get what you need back at base. Prescription strength rather than over-the-counter meds.”
“Good to know Warden has a candy store just for me,” Bryn muttered.
There was a line at the checkouts and while Gunnar waited, Bryn wandered off to browse the chips aisle for a second time. When he came back, Gunnar was paying and Bryn had to negotiate his way through the line. “Sorry, sorry… Coming through. I’m with the big guy.”
It was impossible for him not to brush past people and Gunnar suddenly realized that Bryn hadn’t put his gloves back on. Their eyes met and Gunnar knew that Bryn had connected with someone and whatever he’d seen hadn’t been good. He looked shell-shocked. There were so many people there was no way of telling who it had been. Bryn stumbled toward the exit and Gunnarfollowed him shoving the cart like a battering ram. Shoppers scattered and they made it outside.
“Hold the side of the cart. You look like you’re about to fall over.”
Bryn grabbed it but still weaved as he walked. Gunnar had parked in an empty portion of the lot. He shoved bags of groceries into the trunk as fast as he could then got Bryn into the car before abandoning the cart and getting in himself.
“Tell me.”
“I’m so dumb. I should have known better.”
“It’s not your fault… What did you see?”
“Not sure if it was memory or the future. Death. So much death.” Bryn slumped and Gunnar realized he’d lost consciousness. He checked his pulse and that he was breathing easily then reclined his seat before buckling him in. He called Warden to let him know what was going on and that they were on their way back. Warden assured him that he’d be waiting with medical personnel. Gunnar drove as fast as he could, glancing at his partner every few seconds.
Warden was as good as his word and as soon as Gunnar pulled up outside the GCR HQ, Bryn was efficiently extracted from the car and carried into the property. Warden instructed one of his staff to unload Gunnar’s groceries while they went inside for a debrief. They settled into the conference room and within minutes, coffee and a plate of pastries had arrived. Gunnar couldn’t help but admire Warden’s ruthless efficiency.
“Take me through the day from the beginning, Detective. Don’t leave anything out.”
Gunnar took his time, taking Warden through first the case he and Bryn had been assigned, then the favorthey’d done for the prison superintendent. Warden didn’t say a word, though his expression spoke volumes. Gunnar finished by describing the trip to the store, Bryn’s excitement and then what had apparently happened at the checkout line.
“And after I got him into the car, I called you and the rest you know.”
