Tracked by Trouble (Bad Boys Need Love, Too #3) (9 page)

Zed scoffed. “Let’s roll. I need to get my head together.”

They exited the café and stood on the sidewalk.

“My car’s that way,” Caitlin said pointing to the left.

“My truck’s the other way.” Zed stood, shuffling like a dumbass teenager for a minute. “Thanks for listening, sis.”

“We’ve got to figure something out. We can’t let this go.”

“
We’re
not doing anything. This is mine to sort. Promise me you won’t do anything, say anything, breathe a word to anyone. Not even Jeff. We don’t want him going all Terminator on Lawson. Your husband’s a nice guy and all, but Lawson is a trained sniper with military skills in combat.
Promise
me.”

“All right,” his sister reluctantly agreed. “I promise. You’re not going to do anything stupid, are you?”

“Like what?”

“I don’t know.
You
promise
me
you won’t do anything dumb.”

“I won’t do anything dumb,” he said with a roll of the eyes. “I’ve managed so far.”

Zed wrapped his arms around Caitlin, pulling her close, rocking her side to side. “You’re a great sister. The best sister in the world.” He leaned back to kiss her on the cheek. When he released her, he noticed a shiny red Mustang slowly rolling by.
Beck,
he thought hopefully. When he lifted his hand in acknowledgement, the Mustang sped away, leaving him wondering. He shook his head.
Whatever.
He had more serious matters to consider, like what in the hell to do about Lawson?

Zed hated when practice ended. He had too much time to think. He pulled himself out of the pool and grabbed the white gym towel Jace handed him, wiping his face after removing his black swim goggles and blue cap.

An older man, with graying hair and a paunch asked him, “This lane open?”

“It’s all yours,” Zed said.

“You did good time. You’re a good swimmer,” Jace said.

“Thanks. I’ve always enjoyed swimming.”

“You’re doing well with the other training, too. Bike, walk-runs—great work.”

“Thanks.”

“In two days we’ll increase the intensity. You’ll only get thirty to forty-five seconds of rest between fifty yard laps.”

“Okay. Fine.”

“Each week we’ll ramp it up. We’ll also add some sprints to the routine.”

“You’ve already told me this, Jace? Why the repeat?” Zed stalked toward the locker room to the sounds of splashing and echoing voices, bouncing along the walls. He dodged a kid wearing red and yellow water wings, rapidly making his way toward the kiddy pool.

“Joshua!” A woman called to the young lad. “No running!”

Jace hustled to catch up with Zed. “Because you haven’t been exactly chatty the last few days. You’ve been kind of pissy. Even Zoé said something about your behavior at work. What gives?”

“I’ve got a lot on my mind. Leave it be. And if you say some shit to me about how you’re only as sick as your secrets, I’ll plant my fist in your face.”

Jace took a step back, his forest-green eyes sparking. “Whoa. Where the hell is that coming from?”

Zed slid his eyes over to his friend and back toward the locker room doorway. “Sorry, man. That came out kind of abruptly.” He stalked to his locker, entered his code in the lock, and opened the metal door. “I shared the thing that’s been bothering me with my sister a few days ago, like you said. Only now I’m afraid I’ve put her in harm’s way. I don’t know which is worse—carrying the burden myself, or letting it loose to wreak havoc on someone else.”

Jace frowned. “What the hell did you tell her?”

“Come on, I’m not going to repeat it. It’s sick shit. It involves my family. I told you—leave it be.” He peeled off his swim trunks and strode toward the shower, clutching the white towel in his hand.

Jace followed close behind.

“What, you’re going to watch me while I shower?”

“Stop being a dick. Of course, I’m not going to watch. I was going to offer to lend an ear over a drink. Zoé and Marni have a date with her friend Tanya in the city. I’m free for a while.”

“I don’t know,” Zed said, cranking on the water in one of the long line of shower nozzles. He glanced around the space. Everything about this place screamed beige, utilitarian, functional, meant to get you in and out.

“And you don’t have to tell me anything.” Jace stood in the doorway, his massive arms crossed over his chest. “But you know the kind of trouble I’ve been in. Maybe I can lend a hand. Offer a suggestion. At least help ease the load you’re carrying.”

Zed squirted some of the melon-scented soap from the dispenser on the wall into his hand. He sluiced it all over his body. Next, he shampooed his hair with the mint-scented shampoo, wondering what Beck would think of the scent combo. Women seemed to pay attention to stuff like that.
Not that she’d called or anything. A clear sign of lack of interest, right? Dating 101.
Never one to linger in a shower, he cranked the water off and grabbed his towel from the hook, drying his body, his hair, and tucking the towel around his waist.

“Well?” Jace stepped aside for him to exit.

“I’m thinking.” Zed strode to his locker and pulled his boxers out. He stepped into the soft blue cotton and shimmied it up over his hips. “Yes, to the drink, maybe to telling you. You do have experience in dealing with nasty shit.”

“Great. I’ll wait for you in the truck.”

“What’s the rush? You’ve already seen me shower.”

“I need time to recover.” Jace smirked.

“Asshole.”

“Nah, I need to give Zoé a call and let her know what I’m doing.”

“Aren’t you all domesticated?” Zed said, sliding his pants over his legs.

Jace turned, stalked away and lifted his middle finger over his head as a parting gesture.

Zed chuckled.

Twenty minutes later, they were in the same Mexican café, sitting in the exact same booth, about to be served by the same waitress.

Inwardly, Zed groaned.

Bambi gave him a huge smile when she sauntered up to their booth. “I remember you. You were in here the other day. Looked like you and your girlfriend were having an intense conversation. I tried not to interrupt. I hope everything’s okay.”

“Thank you. Everything’s fine. Family stuff. She’s my sister.”

Bambi’s smile brightened.

Great, now she thinks I’m available.
“Say, is there a seat out on the patio? I’m in the mood for some fresh air.” He glanced around at the other patrons. Unlike the other night, the space expanded by the minute with patrons.

Bambi frowned. “I can check. It’s kind of cold and misty outside tonight. No one’s out there. And I only work this space.” She twirled her hand in a circle indicating the booths and table in this section.

“Don’t take it personally, sweetie,” Jace said smoothly. “The guy’s funny that way. He loves himself some cool fresh air. It helps with his asthma.” He stabbed a thumb at Zed. “Outdoor enthusiast, too. Wants to be a park ranger someday.”

When Bambi left to check on seating, Zed said, “Park ranger? Outdoor enthusiast? Loves cool fresh air?
Asthma
?”

“It rolled off the top of my head, what could I say? You’re the one who asked to sit outside in the cold.”

“I thought privacy was in order. Put your jacket on. They have heat lamps and a roof so quit bitching.”

Bambi returned, gestured to them and they got to their feet. “You’ll have the space to yourself, I’m afraid,” she said. “I don’t think anyone else is going to join you.”

“Perfect,” Jace said. “Zed’s shy.”

“I’m not shy,” Zed said, scowling. “He’s kidding.”

“Zed. What a nice name,” Bambi said with a smile. She walked them out to the patio, handed them menus, smiled and left.

“You know this is one of my favorite places to eat and now you’ve ruined it for me,” Zed said. “She’ll think I’m this shy weirdo who likes cold air and has asthma.”

Jace laughed. “Take her out and set her straight.”

“Nah. Not my type. I’m more into redheads at the moment.”

“Heard from Beck?”

“Nope. I told her to take care of business and then call me. She sounds like she’s still wound up about her ex. She hasn’t called. I should get the hint.”

Jace nodded. “She’ll get over it. I sure did.”

Their waiter stepped outside and took their order.

After he’d returned with pints of ale, Jace said, “Now’s your chance. Ain’t no one outside but us park rangers.”

Zed scoffed. He took a gulp of ale before pouring out the tale he’d told the other night. It came out a little easier this time.

“Holy fucking hell,” Jace said. “You’re right, that’s some sick, twisted shit. I don’t know what it’s like to be in battle. We’ve all heard tales. I’m sure the rules are different when you’re under attack and your life is on the line, but to shoot the side of someone’s neck who’s on your side so he’ll bleed out?” Jace reached up and rubbed his own neck. “That’s murder.”

“He might have PTSD,” Zed said, in his brother’s defense.

“What, now you’re defending him? I thought you despised him.” Jace took a sip of his brew.

“He’s family.”

“Come on, you know who you’re talking to, right? The guy whose only sibling is an addict? The guy who had to turn his back on his twin sister because she’s nothing but bad news?”

“I know, I know, but I’m now the brother of a murderer. And my hands aren’t clean either because I got him the money to pay the other marine off. What does that make me? An accomplice?”

“No, it makes you human, dummy. If my brother went all whacko on me and pulled a gun, you think I wouldn’t be scared? No one in their right mind would prosecute you or come after you.” Jace shook his head, causing his dark brown curls to bob.

“You’ve got Hollywood hair, you know that, right?” Zed said, trying to lighten his mood.

Jace swished his head side to side dramatically. “So long and luxurious,” he said in a high voice. “That’s what Zoé says.” He chuckled. “I should shave it all off like your brother but Zoé would be pissed.”

“There’s that domestic side again.”

Jace rolled his eyes. “I’m
happy.
First time in my life.”

“Yeah,” Zed said, envy crawling up his belly like a fly. “Anyway, I was going to let it lie, you know? Not say a thing and hope my brother got his shit together. But he’s set to retire on some new early retirement plan the Marines are offering. He’s got fifteen years under his belt. He’ll get his bennies and retirement pay. And I’m worried what he’ll do--” Zed stopped, took a long swallow of beer.  “I wonder what he’ll do to
me
if he’s around all the time, you know? I mean, will he come after me? Will he hurt my mom or my sister? I think being in the Marines and in combat has warped his mind. I seriously think he has PTSD.”

Jace’s eyes slid to the waiter stepping across the threshold. “Hold up a sec.”

“Sure you don’t want to come inside where it’s warm? A table just opened up in Bambi’s section,” the waiter said, before setting the plates down.

“Nope, we’re good,” Zed said.

“Okay. It makes no matter to me. She told me to ask you. Said she’s worried about you…your…”

“My asthma?” Zed said. “You can tell her I brought my inhaler and I’m fine.” He patted his jacket pocket.

The waiter gave them a sheepish look before placing the plates in front of them. “Another beer, guys?”

“Sure,” Jace said.

“You’re going to pay for that, Savage,” Zed said.

Jace laughed. “I told you, take her out. You can explain what a kidder I am.”

“And I told you, I’m not interested.” Zed took a bite of his taco.

Jace did the same.

They ate in silence for a few minutes, wolfing down their meal. The waiter returned with their next round of ale and disappeared.

Jace’s voice sliced through the silence. “I don’t have a clue what to tell you. No advice.”

“Great,” Zed said.

“But that doesn’t mean I won’t come up with an answer. Do you mind if I share this with Mitch? He’s done some scary shit in his time and if anyone will have an answer, he will.”

“Whatever,” Zed said, letting his shoulder rise and fall. “Cat’s out of the bag now. Maybe I should take out a listing on Craig’s List.” He wiped his hand across the space in front of him. “Need help dealing with murderer. Call 555-0202.”

“Funny guy,” Jace said. “The one thing Mitch has taught me that’s really stuck is this—we’re all carrying around a load of crap. It takes a community to lighten the load.”

Zed smirked. “You know what you sound like, right? One of those televangelists. Some TV preacher.”

Jace shuddered. “God, I hope I don’t sound like that. I’d hate to think I’m turning into my parents. All I’m saying is thank you for trusting me enough to share and,” he looked Zed squarely in the eyes, “we’ll get through this. We’ll find a way. You’re like a brother to me. You’re the brother I never had.”

A weird lump formed in Zed’s belly. “Thanks, I guess. I don’t know what to say. Are you angling for a kiss or something?”

Jace barked out a laugh. “Fuck no. Let’s finish up here and head over to Dicey’s for a game of pool, what do you say?”

“Since you’re off the leash tonight.” Zed smirked.

“Damn straight,” Jace said, tossing his paper napkin on the table. “The first round’s on me. But the rest of em…”

“Are in my camp. I know, I know.” A warm, genuine smile formed on Zed’s face. “Thanks for what you said. And for listening. You’re doing all right with your life.”

“Now all we have to do is get you hooked up with someone Zoé likes.”

“So we can double date? So I can be domesticated, too?” Zed laughed.

“Rub it in, rub it in. You’ll like it, too. There’s nothing wrong with a woman to come home to, not when she’s as fine as Zoé.”

Or Beck,
Zed thought. But really, what could he possibly know about someone based on one very fine moment of kissing?
Not a thing,
he decided.
Not a thing at all—especially since she never called.