“Of losing the people around you. At least, in your case it is. You still feel responsible for the lives lost in your platoon, and that wasn’t even your fault. But maybe if you keep your distance from the ones you care about, and don’t stay around them for too long, you can avoid gettinghurt, and most importantly keep them safe.”
“Interesting points you have there, doctor,” he said softly.
“On the other hand, your wanderlust might not all be trauma based. Some beasts simply like to roam.”
“The mysterious and rare, roaming, long-horned, North American Snarl,” he said with a growl, before attacking my neck with bites and kisses.
“What’s your real name?” I squeaked out in between attacks.
“You really want to know?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“I dunno. Maybe you’re only attracted to me because I’m mysterious.”
“If I’m going to research your species, I need to know your proper name for the record.”
Snarl sighed, dragging a hand down his face. “Alright, my birth name is Granger Cane.”
“That’s a great name. What’s wrong with that?”
“I never said there was anything wrong with it, it’s just not the name I go by anymore.”
“Corporal Cane,” I said in my best tough guy voice. “That sounds like an action star.”
“Are you done yet?”
“Granger Cane, gun for hire. Tonight at eight-thirty. When you’re in danger, call on Granger.”
“I really think we’re done,” he said, trying to hide his smile.
“Oooh! The Lone Granger! It’s the perfect part for a nomad.”
“That’s it,” Snarl said before ‘attacking’ me again until I thought mysides would split open from laughter.
Once I finally caught my breath I asked, “If you’re a nomad, how come you still have to pay dues? I mean it’s not like you’re around to drink beer in the clubhouse.”
“Nomads pay a half share, twice a year.”
“So, you only go to Monument twice a year?”
He shook his head. “I haven’t been home in over three years. I usually mail a check to Sundance, our president, but this time he requested that I make the payment in person.”
“How come?”
“That’s club business, so I’m afraid I can’t get into the particulars, but it looks like I’ll be staying here for a little while.”
“Hearing that makes me happyand sad at the same time,” I said.
“Why’s that?”
“Happy because, I’d like to see you again if that’s okay with you.”
“That isveryokay with me,” he replied
“Sad, because I leave for Africa in less than three weeks, and I’ll be gone for three months.”
“If I had to guess, I’d say I’ll likely be gone by the time you get back.”
