Montana SEAL (Brotherhood Protectors #1)(25)

“I didn’t do it until I knew you were eavesdropping.” Fin rubbed his arm. “You didn’t have to hit me so hard.”

“Baby.”

“Brat.” Fin pulled his sister into his arms and hugged her tight. “It’s so good to have you home.”

Sadie smiled up at her brother. “It’s good to be here.” Her smile faded. “I’m just sorry Carla couldn’t stick around.”

Fin’s face darkened, and he set Sadie at arm’s length. “It worked out for the best. She gets a little too flustered when company comes to stay with us, and her mother is always happy when she goes to visit.”

“Are you two all right?” Sadie whispered.

Hank heard the worry in her voice.

“We’re fine,” Fin said. “Now, let’s get going. Joe will be one beer ahead of us if we don’t get there soon.”

“I’ll drive,” Hank said. “Might as well put the miles on the rental, since I have unlimited miles.”

“You won’t get an argument out of me.” Fin held the door for Sadie. “I call shotgun.”

“I swear we could all be back in high school,” Sadie said.

Hank disagreed. Though their words were spoken like they had been eleven years ago, each of them had gone through a lot. From taking on more responsibility, learning new skills and suffering the loss of loved ones, they’d weathered storms and come out stronger.

Hank drove the curvy roads a lot slower heading back into town than when he’d driven out earlier.

Fin joked, “You’re driving like an old man. What happened to the kid with the lead foot on the accelerator?”

“Let’s just say I’ve encountered my share of obstacles. Driving like my hair’s on fire doesn’t hold the same appeal.”

“Realizing your own mortality?” Fin nodded. “I don’t ride the orneriest horses anymore. I’ve learned to tame them, rather than break them. Actually, I guess I learned there was a difference.”

Talking with Fin and Sadie felt like old times. Before Hank knew it, they were pulling up in front of the Blue Moose Tavern.

Hank hopped out and held the rear door of the SUV for Sadie, and then held her hand all the way into the bar.

Joe met them with back-thumping hugs. A cheer went up from the occupants of the room for the hometown hero and the local celebrity. After a few minutes of handshaking and hellos, they finally settled at a table in the corner.

About the time Hank sank into his chair, he spied Sadie’s agent, entering the tavern.

Sadie must have seen him as well. “Damn,” she muttered.

“Say the word and I’ll throw him out,” Hank said.

“No. I can handle him. He’s really one of the best agents in the business.”

“Yeah, but he doesn’t know when to back off.”

“True.”

When Raymond spotted Sadie, he made a beeline for their table.

Sadie straightened in her seat. “Here we go.”

“Sadie, I’m so glad you’re here, tonight,” Ray said as he came to a halt in front of her. “I hope you’ve had time to consider the contract.”

Her lips thinned. “Ray, I told you, leave it until I get back to LA.”

Hank leaned forward and gave the man a glare that made most SEALs new to the unit cringe. “Listen to her, Ray,” he said in a deep, threatening tone.

Ray frowned at Hank, and turned back to Sadie. “I have the document in my car. All I need is a signature.”

“Ray,” Sadie said, her voice smooth, controlled, “you’re fired.”

“It will only take a second for me to get the papers,” Ray went on. “You can sign, and I’ll be on my way back to LA in the morning.”

Hank stood and placed himself between Sadie and Ray. “Maybe you didn’t hear Miss McClain. She said you’re fired.”

Raymond blanched and stepped backward. “You can’t fire me.”

Sadie rose to stand by Hank. “I can, and I did. Now leave me alone.”

Ray looked from Sadie to Hank. He opened his mouth and snapped it shut. “We’ll talk when you get back to LA.”

Sadie crossed her arms over her chest. “I won’t change my mind.”

Joe chose that moment to join them. “Sorry I’m late. I had something come up with one of my deputies.” He stared from Ray to Sadie. “Everything all right here?”

Ray dragged in a breath and let it out on a huff. “Everything’s just fine. I’m leaving. But this isn’t over.” He performed an about face and left the tavern.

Joe’s brows sank. “Was it something I said?”

Sadie shook her head. “It wasn’t you.”

Hank slipped an arm around Sadie. “You handled that well.”

“Yeah, but now I need a new agent.” She shook back her hair and smiled. “But that can wait until I get back to LA. I’m here to visit with my friends.”

Someone fed money into the jukebox, and a cry-in-your-beer love song filled the room.

Hank leaned close. “They’re playing our song.”

“We had a song?” she asked.

He winked. “We do now. Dance with me.” When she hesitated, he added. “It’ll reinforce our cover.”