CHAPTER 1
Cole Martin loadedhis last box into the back of his pickup truck and stared at the house he lived in for most of his childhood. Fond memories of his parents and siblings came to mind as he slid into the driver’s seat. His mom and dad moved to Phoenix, and his sister, Annie, recently gave birth to her first baby. She named the little girl Amelia, after their mom. Since Jared and Cole joined the military, the first-time grandparents didn’t hesitate when Annie asked them to move there.
He glanced over at his partner and narrowed his eyes. “Listen up. We’re headed to Serenity for my last interview with Leo Armstrong. I need you to stay on your best behavior. No shenanigans.”
Feeling a bit freer, he turned on the highway. His chest grew heavy when he thought about his last few months training the military dogs. He lost three of the best and one retired. Not to mention, he lost four of his buddies to a random attack. When it came time to re-up, his desire to make a career with the military dimmed. Cole felt like something was calling him home, and he spent the last six months trying to figure it out. When his friend, Cookie, told him about the job with Serenity Securities. It seemed too good to be true. Two weeks later, Cole filled out theapplication and Leo and one of his men, Whiskey, interviewed him online. After several conversations, a background check, and references, he finally received a call, inviting him to the mountain for a more formal interview.
“I’m serious, Brody. We can’t afford to screw this up. I want this real bad. They seem pretty cool. If everything they told me is true, we’re settling down. I’ve seen enough of this world, the good and especially the bad. This place sounds like heaven,” Cole said, glancing over at his friend.
Brody leaned against the door with his eyes closed, making Cole shake his head.
“It figures you’ll sleep the entire way,” Cole murmured, wondering why he even bothered.
Four hours into the trip, he pulled over to use the bathroom and then grabbed a couple of burgers, passing one to Brody. His buddy wolfed it down in a heartbeat and was back to sleep in ten minutes, leaving Cole to his thoughts.
His mom cried when the movers packed up the last of the furniture, making their decision final.
“What will you do?” she asked him, concerned.
“Mom, I’ll be fine,” he reassured her and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m taking a break. If this thing pans out, you’ll have another place to visit.” Pulling out his phone, he showed her the quaint little town and the majestic mountain, which held a military hospital and a security team. “Plus, I’ll continue doing what I love. Didn’t you always tell me to follow my dreams?”
She cupped his face in her hands. “Yes. You’ve always kept me guessing. You surprised us when you decided to return home. Did something happen over there?” she asked, scanning his face with a motherly eye.
“Lots of things happened. It’s why Brody and I came home. You don’t mind him bunking with me, do ya?” he asked.
“Goodness no. He’s entertained us through all this packing. Take care of each other,” she admonished.
“We will,” he promised.
Three hours later, he turned left onto the road leading to the mountain. He checked in at the guard station and continued on his way. Brody, sensing they finally made their destination, rose and glanced out the window.
“Oh, you finally decided to wake up and join the land of the living. You’ve slept nearly the whole way,” Cole complained as he put the truck in park and stared at the impressive building.
“We have to get this job, Brody. Please don’t screw this up for us. Something’s telling me we’re supposed to be here. I mean it, no shenanigans,” he reiterated.
Brody rolled his eyes, and his tongue lolled to the side as he glanced at Cole. His mouth opened, showing his white canine teeth as he appeared to laugh at his master’s instructions.
Cole groaned, made the sign of the cross, and prayed he wouldn’t regret fighting for the veteran dog, Brody’s, retirement.
CHAPTER 2
“It’syour turn to cook the food,” Knight argued as Patch brought in the groceries.
“I cooked last week, and all of you bellyached about what I made. Come on, take one for Team Hawk,” Patch coaxed. “I’ll do clean up. The new guy’s coming today. Do you really want to give him a bad impression?”
“Bro, you can try all you want. I’m getting payback for you waking Marcus at 0400 this morning. It’s your assignment and you’re not squelching on it. It’s burgers for Pete’s sake, you can’t screw those up,” Knight mumbled.
“Listen, it’s not my fault you overslept. If I didn’t bang on your door, both of us might’ve been late,” Patch disagreed.
“Don’t go there with me,” Knight said, shaking his head. “Most people use the front door, not my bedroom door. You know, Marcus wakes up around two for cuddles with us.”
“Ask me how I know? You bring him outside and sing,” Patch accused. “We’re neighbors. Do you think I want to hear that shit at freaking 0200? You sound like a bullfrog.”
“He has croup. The night air helps him breathe better,” Knight explained. “He’s miserable.”
“Because he has to listen to you sing. Run the shower and sit in the bathroom with him,” Patch suggested.
“Wait until you have kids,” Knight threatened. “It’s easy for you to sit there and point fingers until you have one of your own. I hope you have one and it turns out like you.”
