“You think he got caught in the explosion?” Jay asked. He hated not knowing what happened to Walton. “I don’t understand how the guy could be so cold-blooded. He’d intended on killing men who’d served, just like him.”
Ryden slowly shook his head. “Walton crossed the line a long time ago. He lost his ability to see people as human beings. We were obstacles in his way. Nothin’ more.”
“It just seems a little easy, you know?”
Ryden arched an eyebrow at him, making him chuckle.
“You know what I mean. After everything he’s done, to get killed by his own trap? Walton’s too smart for that.” Jay shook his head.
“Even if he survived, the guy’s done,” Ryden pointed out. “His brothers are gone, and I’m bettin’ whoever was expectin’ those weapons is gonna want answers. If Walton’s smart, he’ll disappear to a country with no extradition laws.” He squeezed Jay’s hand again. “It’s over, sweetheart.”
A sense of relief washed through Jay, and he ran his hand over Ryden’s head, smiling when Ryden closed his eyes and let out a contented sigh. When they reached the hospital, the paramedic who had sat up front so Jay could ride in the back opened the rear doors and hurried to help his partner get Ryden and the ambulance stretcher out. Jay followed them inside, his heart in his throat when he had to let Ryden go.
Jay had no idea how long he had stood in the hospital lobby, his arms wrapped around himself, when a hand on his shoulder startled him. Turning, he found his brother standing there, concern in his amber eyes despite his small smile. Jay couldn’t stop his lip from quivering, and he didn’t care. He threw his arms around his brother and hugged him close.
“It’s going to be okay, Jaybird,” Finch promised, running a hand over Jay’s hair. “Your man is one tough Marine. He’ll be just fine, and you’ll get to play nurse for him while he recovers.”
Jay nodded and sniffed. He realized that he wasn’t bothered by Finch’s words. Yesterday, he would have gotten defensive, taking Finch’s words as something else. When he pulled back, he wiped at his eyes.
“I’m sorry I throat punched you.”
Finch chuckled. “Gotta admit, surprised the hell out of me. I deserved it, though.”
Before Jay could respond, King arrived. The others waited outside, most likely so it didn’t look like an army was invading. King walked up to Jay and opened his arms. Jay didn’t hesitate. He hugged King.
“I’m so relieved you’re safe,” King said. “I’m sorry I didn’t?—”
“Nope.” Jay stepped back and shook his head. “I don’t want any of you blaming yourselves for what happened. We couldn’t have known what they had planned. You all knowingly walked into a trap to save me.”
King frowned. “Of course we did. You’re family.”
“I love you guys, too. That’s why I don’t want you feeling guilty. Understood?”
King sighed. “Understood.” He moved his gaze to Finch. “Could you give us a moment?”
“Sure.” Finch headed outside to join the others, and Jay couldn’t help but notice how well he fit in. The guys talked to him like they’d known him for years.
“It’s like he’s always been there, huh?”
Jay turned at King’s words. “It’s weird.”
“Listen, I know the timing isn’t great, and maybe it’s not myplace, but… How are things between you two?”
“We haven’t had much time to talk. It does feel different than before.” Jay shrugged. “He’s different.”
“How would you feel about him being around more?”
Jay eyed King. “As in…?”
“As in making him a part of Four Kings Security.”
“Did he ask you for a job?” Jay asked, managing to remain calm. He’d hoped he’d been wrong, that it wasn’t the reason Finch had shown up.
“No.” King shook his head. “We were talking back at the office before all this, and I was the one doing the asking. He might not want a job, and I won’t offer if you don’t want me to, but…I got the feeling he might need us.”
King’s words surprised Jay. His brother? When did his brother need anyone or anything? Then again, no one read people like King, so if he believed Finch needed them, then so did Jay. His brother had always been good at putting up a tough front, as if he were impervious to frivolous emotions that might make him look weak.
Considering their history, did Jay want his brother around? There was so much baggage. He studied Finch out there with the guys, and he looked…happy. It was only then that Jay realized the difference.
