Page 70 of No Fear

Donnie snapped, “The intel was shit. They knew we were coming. Had the vests ready and a plan in place.”

“We don’t know that they knew we were coming. We’re not the only ones that want them dead. Daram’s own Prime Minister for one,” Dex said.

“We were told the intel was good. No one mentioned vests and tunnels.”

“If they had, are you suggesting we wouldn't have gone? This is what we do.”

“No. This is different. We all know it. Reborn will do anything to kill us and they nearly succeeded. When do we say enough?” Donnie was sweating he was so fucking angry. The rest of the team were quiet.

“So we stop going after them because it’s personal? Ignore them?” Donnie heard the screech of a chair being pushed back and sensed Dex standing next to him. “You’re right they want us dead. Have you forgotten all those people who got hurt or died because of how many times they’ve come after us? They blew up a building with our people in it. They planned a goddamn sarin attack in our town. They murdered my father. You think if we back off, they are going to stop? No fucking way. They will keep coming until we stop them.”

Footsteps. The door opened and shut.

“Donnie—” Ryan said, but Donnie raised his hand.

“Don’t. Get out. All of you. I need some time alone.”

“Donnie, you're pissed. I get it—”

“No, you don’t fucking get it. Get out. Give me some fucking space.”

Silence surrounded him, then he heard them leave. He sighed. He shouldn’t have vented, but he was the one facing a future he had no idea how he would handle.

Sensing he wasn't alone, he turned his head.

“You calmed down?” Steve said.

“I asked you to leave.”

“Yeah, well. I ain’t leaving you alone to sulk by yourself.”

“Fine, but I’m not in the mood to talk.”

“Fine by me. I think you’ve said enough.”

Donnie heard the chair screech again as Steve sat. He moved to sit up, feeling thirsty. He reached toward where the cabinet should be.

“Here.” Steve placed the coffee in his hand.

Donnie mumbled his thanks and took a sip.

“You were out of line, Donnie. None of us could have seen this coming. We worked with the intel we had. Like we always do.”

So much for not talking. Donnie stayed quiet.

“Onyx was created for exactly this reason. To do the jobs no one else wants because they’re dangerous. The risks are high. We agreed as a team to do this. Including you.”

Donnie took another sip of coffee before answering.

“I’m angry. OK? And I’m scared. Scared fucking shitless.” He looked away as tears filled his eyes. Steve’s hand landed on his arm.

“Of course, you’re scared. Any of us would be. The team are here for you, man. Always. But you cannot give up, you hear me? Until a doctor says that this is permanent, there is every chance your sight will return. It’s only been four days.”

Blinking back the tears, Donnie turned his head back. “I keep thinking about what I’m going to do if...”

“Don’t. We are not there yet.”

Donnie sighed. “I need to get out of here. I need to be home.”