Page 5 of Ghost
“Thank you,” Ghost said ashe took a seat.
Julia returned from the kitchen withanother beer and set it before the latest arrival beforesitting.
“So, we’ve been bringingRay up to speed on the Noah Group and their past exploits,” Bricksaid.
“I imagine that was veryeye-opening,” Ghost said. “Not every day you find out real-lifemutants walk among you, not on a movie screen.”
Ray could tell Ghost’s words weremeasured as he sized Ray up. Caution was warranted, though itbothered Ray more than he’d admit. He wanted this man’s trust forsome inexplicable reason that made no sense. But now wasn’t thetime or the place to recite his resume, military service, or pastdeeds to reassure the man.
“Yes, the informationverges on the unbelievable, but I’ve no reason to doubt its truth.”Ray rolled his shoulders and stretched. “Now, it’s a matter ofstopping this Noah Group from harming anyone else and helping thesurvivors find a safe place to live their lives in peace. Who knowswhat the ramifications are for future generations.”
“Really?” Ghost turned toface Ray wearing a skeptical expression when another voice calledfrom the doorway.
“He’s telling the truth.”Ray turned to find two men, one gruff and menacing, the other onewho’d spoken, and smiled, appearing much friendlier.
“Ray,” Elias said. “I’dlike you to meet Gunner and Conor.”
He’d not met them before butrecognized the names from what Elias had told him about the team.He stood to greet them, holding out his hand.
“Good to meet you. I’m RaySommers.”
“I’m Gunner, you’re Elias’sfriend. Part of the team who helped find Kyle,” the big manstated.
The other man smiled. “I guess thatmakes me Conor,” he said as he slapped the big guy’s chest. “Do mea favor, babe, can you grab us a couple of beers?”
Conor walked over to sit beside Ghostwhile Gunner strode to the fridge.
“So, how long are youstaying, Ray?” Conor asked.
“Only a couple of days. Gota conference in Vegas I need to head to.”
The relief on Ghost’s face was hard tomiss before the guy tipped back his beer. At least they agreed onone point: Ray had to escape Marshall as quickly aspossible.
Conor gave Ray a long look beforeturning his attention to Elias. “I trust you’ve brought Ray up tospeed on the crazy-ass events and the cast of characters he’swalked into?” He grinned as he took his beer from Gunner’s hugehand. Ray took the other one and uncapped it.
“Pretty much,” Elias saidas he hung his arm across the back of Fletcher’s chair. “I’m surethere’s some shit I’ve forgotten, but he can roll with it now thatthe preliminary details are clear.”
“And the fact that he sawGhost appear out of thin air certainly should’ve convinced him it’sall real,” Fletcher said with a grin.
“Ghost?” Gunnerasked.
“Yeah, that’s what Juliathinks my team nickname should be,” Darren explained.
“I like it,” Gunneragreed.
“You would,” Ghost said. “Iguess it’s not too bad.”
“Wait. You’re saying Raywalked in on Ghost when he was training?” Conor asked.
“Yep,” Julia said. “And, ofcourse, I wasn’t thinking and called him out when I caught hismovement.”
“Oh shit.” Conor chuckled.“That had to be one hell of a shocker.”
Ray didn’t want to rehash theirless-than-stellar first meeting. “Yeah, yeah. All’s fine now. Iknow to expect the unexpected from this point forward.”
“Dude, you have no idea,”Gunner grumbled as he set a beer in front of Conor and took a seat.“Imagine never being able to keep a secret from your lover ’causehe knows when you’re full of shit.”
“Works great for me,” Conorjoked, causing the entire table to laugh. Gunner grinned and staredat Conor with affection.
