I couldn’t go back to that. Iwouldn’t.
Because with seven years in the joint, I’d come too damn close to losing my hope too. Only my brother, Aiden, kept me pushing forward. I was the only family he had left. Mom had remarried and discarded us like trash she’d rather forget after an abusive marriage that had damaged us all.
My dad had disappeared when I was a toddler. And Aiden’s dad, well…he was gone, and he would never hurt my brother again.
But that meant I had to get my life together and be the brother Aiden needed.
“They all say they won’t mess up,” Winslow was saying. “Very few prove it true. I want you to be one of those few.”
“I’m trying,” I said. “This job is no joke, though. It’s not enough to show up. I have to prove to them that I can handle it.”
The shop had just taken on a county vehicle contract, and there was a lot of pressure to work faster and smarter to handle the increased workflow.
Bailey could have done it with ease, but I was still bumbling around like a toddler getting used to his walking legs.
“Too much for you to handle?” Winslow asked. “There’s always prison.”
Sometimes Winslow’s pep talks were a little sadistic. But he got his message across.
“I’m not complaining. I’ll work as hard as I need to work.”
“You’re a good one, Flynn. I believe in you. I look forward to seeing that grouchy mug of yours at your monthly in-person visit in a couple of weeks.”
“Thanks,” I said dryly. “I miss you too.”
He laughed good-naturedly, and I hit End Call.
Gray ventured over. “All good?”
I grimaced. “My parole officer. Weekly check-ins. He calls when I’m at work intentionally. Wants to make sure I am where I say I’ll be.”
Gray nodded. “You must be an easy case for him, though. We keep you busy enough you can’t possibly have much of a life.”
I shrugged. “Still better than prison.”
“I’d hope so,” he said with a grin. “Otherwise, you gotta tell Holden to settle the fuck down. He’s bossy, but even he doesn’t want to be compared to a prison warden.”
“Nah, he’s fine.” I scrubbed at a greasy spot on my palm. “I’m so grateful for this job. You’re putting a lot of trust in me now that Bailey is gone.”
“A lot of pressure on you too,” Gray said. “You can speak up if it’s too much. Both Axel and I can pitch in.”
I swallowed. “Would Bailey need you to pitch in?”
“Maybe.” Gray slapped my shoulder. “Besides, you’re not Bailey, and no one expects you to be. He grew up in a garage. He might be nineteen years old, but he’s still got ten years’ experience.”
“Jesus,” I muttered.
Who could compete with that?
The office door opened, and Holden stepped out.
“I was just getting back to work,” I said quickly, turning toward the Explorer.
Holden’s mouth quirked. “See, Gray? You could learn something from him.”
“Like being afraid you’ll fire me for looking at you the wrong way? No, thanks.”
Holden frowned. “You don’t think that, do you, Flynn? You do good work. I see that. It’s cool to take a breather when you need it. We all do. Hell, that’s what I’m doing right now.”
