TLC

Hunter had to laugh as he nodded. “I did have my doubts. I’m rather impressed you’re upright and speaking intelligently.” Stepping off the porch, he threw her a grin. “Coffee is brewing… but feeding time first. That means we basically divvy out the hay and grain in our sleep.” 

Walking with hands tucked in his jacket pockets, he stifled a yawn. The air was clear and just a little chilly this morning, but the sun was just peeking over the horizon, promising a bright, warm day. Hunter’s eyes shifted to the side as they aimed for the barn. “So… did you sleep okay last night?”


“Garret?” 

He looked up from his computer, immediately bristling when he saw Justin approaching. “What?”

Justin paused at the cubicle and gave Sapphire a short nod before turning his eyes back to Garret. “Would the Agency kill Aaron if he returned to them?”

Garret didn’t want to be talking to him, but opted not to cause a scene…for now. “Probably.”

“Can you prove it?”

Garret’s eyes narrowed. “Not without actually releasing him and watching him receive a bullet to the head.” 

Justin frowned in thought. “What about past instances? Were there every any cases of people who were arrested, then made it back to the Agency just to be killed for it?” 

“Sure. Almost anybody who’s gone to jail or prison, or especially gone missing for a length of time – like Aaron – it’s rare any of them lived if they went back to the Agency.” 

“Would those have been documented?” 

Garret shrugged. “As much as anything else is ever documented.” 

“Think those cases would convince Aaron they’d kill him too?” 

“Might.”

“Good.” Justin nodded. He turned his attention to Sapphire. “Help him hack into whatever he needs to get that documentation. If anybody complains about him having access, just have them call me.” He readjusted his backpack on his shoulder, and walked away without saying anything further. 

Garret blinked and glanced at Sapphire. “Really?” 


Before leaving, Justin wandered over to Nate’s cubicle. He knew good and well there was still tension there after what he’d done to Garret before, but it didn’t stop him. Halting at Nate’s space, he simply nodded. “Whatever you and Laura are doing with Garret…keep it up.” He was just sorry he couldn’t be a part of it. 


Hal’s eyebrows rose and he grinned at Sam’s suggestion. “I… think I could handle darts again. But only if you go easy on me.” 

He swiveled back and forth in his chair as his eyes twinkled. “A distraction sounds like a good idea. Aaron is gonna be the death of both of us if he keeps all this up.” He stood up and opened a cuboard above the desk. “Speaking of which… camera. Small…. Camera… where are you…” Pausing, he glanced back down at Sam. “What time tonight? Same place or somewhere else?”


Standing as he saw Misty pull into the driveway, Carson’s stomach flipped. All of his doubts returned in a rush, and he only hoped that at least Misty wouldn’t hate the place. 

Receiving her kiss, he slid his arms around her and returned it lovingly. As she drew back, he gave her a sly grin at her comment. “You talking about me or the house?” His grip around her waist tightened. “I could definitely use some TLC.” Leaning close, he gave her neck a teasing kiss before he pulled away and took her hand to lead her up to the porch. “Come on. Watch your step. I gotta replace a couple boards there.” 

He took her inside and showed her the living room, dining room and kitchen. The room he was using as his bedroom would be better suited as an office. Upstairs there were three bedrooms and a half bath – which needed just as much work as the first floor bathroom. It was obvious he’d already put many hours into this place, and it needed many more. But the woodwork was charming, the closets spacious, and the windows many, giving it lots of light. Overall, despite the mess, it was homey. 

“So…that’s it.” In the kitchen, Carson grabbed a water bottle from a mini fridge, and offered Misty one too. He was planning to get a full refrigerator this week. At least there was a working stove. He leaned on the island counter and studied Misty’s face, trying to figure out what she thought of it all.