“She didn’t want your kind of fun.”Tanner pulled the kids’ wallet from his back pocket, snapped a photo of his license and smiled.
“Don’t worry about telling, daddy.We’ll be reaching out to him ourselves.”
With that, the young man ran to his BMW and squealed out of the parking lot.The four men stared at one another.
“That was rude.He didn’t even say goodbye.I mean, I think we were incredibly kind.I didn’t break more than one or two bones, three max.Kids just don’t appreciate how hard it is to hold back anymore,” said AJ.Tanner chuckled, shaking his head.
“I think I needed that release.Now, I can sleep knowing that I got my exercise in for the day and my release of anger.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
It took all of twenty minutes before they went to bed, to figure out who the father was of the loud mouth with the broken arm.Before they went to lay their heads down, they sent the videos and photos and even divulged where they were staying.
All four of the men were shocked to see the kid with the broken arm and a man in a suit standing in the lobby the next morning.The young man’s head was down and when he saw them step from the elevator, he gave his father a nod.
“You sent me the video of what went down last night?” he said quietly.
“That’s right and you are Eric Griner of Abbott, Griner, and Young,” said AJ.
“That’s me.I’m not here to make any trouble or press any charges.My son will be entering a rehab program,” he started.
“Dad, I don’t need…”
“You say one more fucking word and I’ll break your other arm,” he growled.“It doesn’t excuse his behavior but he’s been abusing pain killers that he was given after the accident that killed his mother a year ago.We were divorced, so I didn’t see it initially.Liam was living at school.”
“I’m sorry to hear that,” said AJ.“But he was trying to attack that young woman.”
“I know,” he nodded.“I saw every sickening detail.I just wanted to thank you and he wanted to apologize.”He nudged his son.
“I-I’m sorry,” said the young man.
“Are you?” asked Wyatt.“You were all set to sue us last night, beat and rape that girl, sic your friends on us.You were lucky.I think we demonstrated that we could have killed you and left you in the dumpster.The next guys won’t be so kind.”
To his credit, the young man paled, his eyes filling with tears and his face paling.
“I hope he gets the help he needs,” said Hiro.
“Well, if he doesn’t, it won’t be for my lack of trying,” said the father clearly having reached his limit and exhausted for his efforts.He stretched out his hand.“Thank you.”
“Well, maybe this will be a good day after all,” smirked Tanner.AJ chuckled.
“From your lips to Mama Irene’s ears.”
After showing their ID’s at the security gate, and answering a dozen questions, the men found a parking spot at the Pentagon close to the visitor’s door.When they entered, they weren’t surprised to see an aide for General Billings waiting for them.
“My name is Sgt. Michael MacGregor.Sirs, right this way,” said the young man.
“Nobody here is a sir,” smirked Wyatt.
“I beg to differ, sir.You are all retired, senior enlisted men or officers.You served your country faithfully for years, providing some of the most elite skills known to man.It’s estimated that just the four of you here,” he said talking as they walked down the long sterile hallway, “saved more than ninety-seven lives.My estimate is much higher than that.”
“Excuse me,” said AJ reaching for the aides arm and pulling him back.“How the fuck do you know all of that?And why do you know all of that?”
“I’m a fan,” he smiled.“I’ve heard stories of what you guys do for years and I’ve followed some of the top-secret briefings.You’re legends.Even the General talks about your escapades, or your parents’, to some of the other leaders.
“Things get cloudy around here.The weather changes all the time depending on who is in season.I like to know who I might be able to call on if I need someone.”
They stared at the young man and gave no expression one way or another.When they continued, they took the elevator down four flights, and then a long walk to another door.Reaching out his hand, AJ shook it, only to discover a piece of paper in his palm.
