Page 380 of Rangers Unexpected Return

Doc watches me for a moment.

“You haven’t spoken to her since the funeral?”

“No.”

“Cole.”

“Don’t.”

He leans back.

I know what he’s thinking.

I don’t need him to say it.

Claire Donovan lost her husband.

Her daughter lost her father.

And I disappeared.

I told myself I was giving them space.

That Claire had family.

That she didn’t need one more Army buddy showing up at her door reminding her of everything she’d lost.

Those were excuses.

The truth is harder.

I couldn't look Claire in the eyes knowing Nathan called me less than an hour before he died.

And I didn't answer.

“What brought you here?” Doc asks.

I glance toward him.

“You.”

“That’s bullshit.”

I almost smile.

“Still subtle, Shaw.”

“Never saw much use for it.”

Neither did Nathan.

I pick up my coffee.

“Three weeks ago, somebody accessed Nathan’s old military personnel file.”

Doc’s mug stops halfway to his mouth.

“Who?”