She stops, trying to recall the name.
“Grenades,” Josh finishes.
We all share a look. Exactly what we need.
“How many?” Dante stands, getting ready.
We should wait for nightfall, but we promised Ryker we’d be home tomorrow. And if we’re not, he might come looking. No way to warn him from here.
“Five or six,” Josh says. “I can help. Seriously.”
Knox rises and claps him on the shoulder. “We can handle it. You stay and protect your family.”
I pull my bag around, readying my gun.
“You don’t know where they are,” Josh says.
We pause.
“You can tell us,” Dante says, still heading for the door.
“I can’t explain it. It’s just… trees. I know how to get there, but I can’t describe it.”
He turns to Kaily. “I have to help. So they help us.”
Knox stops, turns.
“This isn’t a trade. The farm is yours, no matter what. She deserves better. We can give her that.”
Kaily walks over suddenly and throws her arms around Knox.
He freezes.
She’s tall, maybe five-ten, but still small next to him. Her husband is taller, but Knox is built like a wall.
He exhales and slowly hugs her back.
“Thank you,” she whispers, tears shining.
“I’ll go,” Josh says. “You don’t leave this place.”
Kaily nods, grabs a bat, and stays close to her daughter.
We can’t leave them without protection.
Knox looks to Dante. “You’re still healing. Stay here. Max and I will handle it.”
Dante doesn’t argue.
Unless they’re military-trained, we’ve got this.
“And you take us close,” I tell Josh, “but stay back.”
He nods. “Yes, sir.”
That makes me chuckle. Knox grins.
We head out. Dante closes the door and keeps a weapon.
