CHAPTER 10
Wraith
The tensionin our home is unusual. We’re all gathered in the rec room doing our best to act normal, but Shadow is on his way home with Stealth. Colson is sitting with Specter, Ghost, and Phantom playing a card game, while Whisper has his nose buried in a book next to them. Nimble is draped over an armchair with his legs swinging, texting his man, Joss. Carnage has his earbuds in and seems to be watching videos. I’ve got my phone out, watching interviews with Bouche. Weird and a little obsessive? Maybe, but I need my mind on anything else until Stealth walks through that door.
“They’re here,” Whisper announces, closing his book.
“How do you know that?” Ghost asks.
Whisper raises an eyebrow, giving him a look.
“Right,” Ghost says. “Probably have tracking devices on all of us.”
Whisper shrugs, straightening in his chair. “Remember what we’re supposed to do.”
Everyone nods solemnly. I personally can’t wait to see him, just to know he’s actually okay.
The front door opens minutes later, and Shadow’s heavy footfalls sound as he walks towards us. Stealth, as usual, canhardly be heard. When they appear, I release the breath I was holding. Stealth looks good. Damn good.
A rare smile stretches across his lips. “Hi, brothers.”
Carnage is out of his seat first, walking over and offering a hug that our touch-resistant brother fully accepts. The floodgates open then as we each stand and take our turn, hugging him and welcoming him back. Nimble and Colson are introduced, and Stealth politely nods at each in acknowledgment.
He’s not the shell of a man he was when he left. He’s gained weight and the color is back in his cheeks. His sandy hair is longer than it was, swept back in a bun, and he has a thick beard now. His eyes are the most noticeable change though. No longer hollow and unfeeling. There’s a spark in them.
We take our seats again, waiting for Stealth to take the lead on what happens next. He glances at Shadow briefly, who looks as tense as he usually does. I would’ve thought he’d be relieved to have Stealth back, but who knows what he’s feeling.
“Do you want me to leave?” Colson asks. “For privacy.”
“Yeah, I can go too,” Nimble offers.
Stealth shakes his head. “No. Please stay. This is for all of you.”
Shadow looks slightly surprised as he crosses his arms over his chest.
“I missed you guys,” Stealth starts, softly. “A lot. The time away was good though. I…” He pauses, scratching his beard. “I lost my way for a bit, and I’m sorry I fucked up.”
“You didn’t,” Shadow says, his voice strained.
“I did, Shadow. I didn’t tell any of you what was going on.” His eyes settle on our boss again. “Especially you.”
“Do you want to tell us anything now?” Specter asks.
Stealth nods, then he looks at his feet for a moment before exhaling and facing us again. “Long story really short, some old demons rose up on me and I was drowning them out with drugs. Something—” His voice cracks, and Shadow flinches as Stealth clears his throat.
“Take your time,” Whisper says softly.
Stealth nods, stretching his neck. “Something got fucked in my head and I let the demons take over. I convinced myself that, um, you’d all be better off if I wasn’t here anymore, but I couldn’t walk away, so I tried to…” His voice trembles.
“Stealth,” Shadow whispers, his expression pained.
“It’s okay.” Stealth straightens his shoulders. “I practiced this in therapy. I tried to end it, but the truth is I didn’t want to. I don’t want to now either. I’ve worked through those demons and I know how to handle them now.”
“What can we do to support you?” I ask.
“Nothing different. Just be yourselves. I’m solid now and I have lots of new coping skills.”
“I have a question.” Ghost glances around nervously. “Do they know what you do for a living?”
