“Governor Greenwood’s disbandin’ the task force,” Travis told him, watching the stairs for the next kid to come down.
Kate was currently doing the independent things, showering in their bathroom, while Kylie helped Kade and Haden, who were taking a bath together. Last would be Avery, who was gathering up the Barbies she wanted to take swimming in the tub with her.
“Really?” Gage sounded perplexed by the idea. “But I thought…”
“Who knows. He’s claimin’ it’s budget cuts and says he doesn’t have support to maintain the team.”
“He? As in the governor?”
Travis nodded.
“You talked to him?”
“I did.” Travis glanced at the television, down to Maddox, then back to Gage. “Called him this afternoon to see what’s up. He sounds bothered by the notion but swears there’s nothin’ he can do about it.”
“Seems a bit abrupt, don’t you think? The team’s only been in place since September.”
“I know.”
Travis did not need to be reminded what had been the prompting factor for the task force dedicated to locating missing persons. He’d lived that nightmare and had no desire to rehash it any more than he already did.
“And yes,” he continued, “it does seem abrupt. Which is why I called him. He’s standin’ behind the decision.” Travis smiled at Maddox when the little boy looked back at him, pointing at the television. “I know, little guy. Cool, huh?”
Maddox grinned wide then turned back to the TV.
“Brantley’s thinkin’ about takin’ the task force private,” Travis continued, glancing over to catch Gage’s reaction.
“I think that’s smart. They’re good at what they do. No sense lettin’ their talent go to waste.”
“He’s chattin’ with RT and Z, gettin’ the scoop on the private gig.”
“They’d have the answers,” Gage said.
Travis stared at his husband, realizing Gage had been supportive of every single thing Travis had said since they sat down. Too supportive, in fact.
“Spit it out, Gage,” Travis bit out, keeping his voice low, tone as even as he could. “Why does it sound like you’re placatin’ me?”
“I just wanna make sure you’re not goin’ down that rabbit hole again.”
Travis took a long, deep breath, willed his temper to cool, because this was getting old fast.
Although Travis had apologized and sought Gage’s help in keeping his violent need to find the woman who had kidnapped their daughter in check, it was clear Gage still didn’t trust him. Two weeks ago, Travis had broken down, and he’d thought they’d moved on from that.
Clearly he was the only one who had, because ever since then, he saw the way Gage watched his every move. As though he expected Travis to snap at any second.
“I’m not doin’ this with you,” Travis hissed, getting to his feet. “If you don’t trust me, just say so. Otherwise, stop treatin’ me like a child.”
Realizing his outburst had drawn Maddox’s attention, Travis forced a smile at the baby. “Sorry, little man. Keep watchin’Frozen. It’s all good. The daddies are just talkin’.”
Or they had been, because once Maddox turned back to the television, Travis left the room.
A second later, he left the house altogether.
He needed a beer.
*
Gage heard the front door slam shut, the sound making him flinch.
