Pouring myself a cup of coffee, I wondered when I should broach the subject of our real job. She had already been told so much, and I wanted to give her time to process, but time had run out. Alex and I had to leave for Wilde Mountain on that coming Wednesday. It was already Monday. I had less than two days to catch Alex up on what was happening, confide in Sam that we were military and that we would be gone for a few days, and find someone to look after her while we were gone.
The robust flavor of the black coffee gave my over stressed brain the bolt of energy I desired. I took another sip, letting the hot liquid slide down my throat, willing my anxiety to do the same. Important decisions had to be made, and I would make them.
First up was talking to Alex, I thought as I heard him walking towards the kitchen. He strode in with a wide smile and helped himself to the coffee. As he poured the steaming liquid into a mug, he turned to look at me, his smile still bright.
“She’s amazing. I am so relieved that’s over with.”
“Yes, she is.”
“This is great! She’s accepted us, and now we can have a future.” I wanted to smile at Alex’s enthusiasm.
“Yeah, but there’s still a lot we need to tell her.”
“She needs to know about the Alpha Division.” Alex’s excitement dulled slightly, as he nodded.
“Where is she?”
“Sleeping, I think we wore her out.” I grinned along with Alex, thinking I was damn worn out myself.
Sobering, I quickly got to business. “Mission Wild Hunt is a go.”
I thought my abrupt change of topic would confuse him. I sorely underestimated Alex. He didn’t even blink.
“And I assume I still haven’t been called in?” He asked. My chin dipped once in acknowledgment. His eyes narrowed into slits. “Does it have something to do with Wilde Mountain?” Again, I only nodded. “Tell me.”
“Mark gave a tip that has been confirmed. The community is being used in a drug trafficking ring."
Alex rocked back on his heels. “Drug trafficking? Are they sure?”
I knew what he was thinking. Our community might have been screwed up, but drugs had never been a problem, only assholes. Alex looked me in the eye, and waited. He knew there was something I wasn't telling him. So far, nothing I said would have kept him off the mission.
“I confirmed it myself.”
“That’s where you were for the past few nights?”
"When was the last time you spoke to your parents?" I asked, swiftly changing the subject again. I wasn’t ready to talk about what happened.
"I haven't, why?"
"Neither have I."
Alex’s body was becoming tense. Only years of training kept me in control. It was slipping, though. He was my friend, and I hated being the bearer of bad news, and there was a lot of it for Alex.
"I know. Now tell me how this all comes together."
I placed a hand on his shoulder. Alex’s eyes widened at my unusual sympathetic gesture.
"Mark told Teij that Luanne passed away three years ago."
"What?" He exclaimed.
I watched him search my face carefully, looking for a lie. The moment he accepted the truth, he looked away.
“I shouldn't be surprised. Mom was a drunk.”
And even with all the grief she gave him growing up, I could see the pain etched onto my friend's face. She was his mom, and no matter what, he loved her.
I wrapped an arm around his shoulders and pulled him close. Alex didn’t resist and hugged me back. He had always been there for me through so much shit, and I was thankful that I could be there for him. I patted his back and pulled away.
"I'm sorry, man," I said softly.
"Thanks." He cleared his throat. "I guess they figured since I wasn't keeping in touch they didn't have to tell me.” He pushed his hands roughly through his hair. “God, that irritates the hell out of me, but I can’t really blame them either.”
Taking a deep breath, I prepared myself to land the next blow. Alex noticed and his posture stiffened, his eyes narrowed.
“What else?”
"Mission is, go in, take out the leader of the committee. He's number one on the radar for the drugs. We take out any who stand with him."
His shoulders pulled back. "Name, picture?"
I shook my head. "No, you weren’t called in, remember?"
"Damn it, Jordan!” Alex slammed his mug on the counter, spilling coffee over his hand. He didn’t seem to notice. “That makes no sense."
"We have done separate jobs before."
"Yeah, but this one's different, and you know it," he said pointing at my chest.
His gaze stayed harshly on mine, as I pretended to debate what to do. I knew I would go against orders, but I let him try to convince me. I needed to know how badly he wanted it. He didn't drop his eyes, waiting to see what his fate would hold.
It was enough for me. "The committee chairman is Alexander James Wright Sr., your father."
Alex didn’t speak, only turned to look at the wall with blank eyes. The only sound was the ticking of the kitchen clock and Alex’s harsh breathing. I wanted to tell him more, but he wouldn’t have heard. He was in his own head now.
I waited silently, sipping my coffee. I was not surprised when Alex pulled his cell phone from his pocket. After pressing one button, he set it to his ear.
“Teij, I’m in.”
I nodded my approval and headed for the office. Hours later, I had Alex brought up to speed. He and I would be leaving for Wilde Mountain on Wednesday. That left only one day to work things out with Sam.
19
Alex