Rebel Heart

"All it takes is practice. The way things are going, you need to learn to shoot," he said.

"You really think so?"

Brady frowned. Whoever Angel was, she was sheltered. He'd surmised she was somewhere this side of the Mississippi, but he couldn't understand how she didn't know how bad it was.

"Maybe." He softened his words. "It's a good skill to have."

"Did anyone try to blow you up today?"

He chuckled. "Not yet."

"That's good."

"You'd miss talking to me?"

"Yes," she said simply.

"You're the only one."

"No companion or wife anywhere?"

"They'd be in a million pieces right now if so. Don't know if you noticed, but it's a warzone."

"I am so sorry," she said, sounding distraught. "I didn't even think to ask if you lost anyone."

"I didn't. It was my attempt at humor," he explained, not unaffected by her concern. It had been years since he'd heard a woman's compassion. "Did you lose anyone?"

"No. Well, yes. Maybe."

Brady waited, unusually interested in her answer. He expected her to name off Tim and answer his unasked question about the relationship between the two of them.

"My dog, Jack. I left him with my neighbor and haven't been able to reach her."

"Your dog," he said. "Dogs are good at surviving on their own. No one else?"

"No. You sound surprised."

"Just curious." He heard the beat of a helo approaching. "I'll keep an eye out for any lost dogs." As he spoke, he strode from the commo room to the ledge outside. He trotted up a set of shallow stairs chiseled into the mountain to the helipad where Dan waited. "I gotta go, Angel. I'll contact you later."

"Good luck."

"Get some sleep. Guardian out."

He trotted to join Dan as the helo lowered from the sky. His thoughts were on Angel. Some evenings, he talked with her until she lost the edge of worry in her voice. Other evenings were like this one, where he checked in and went about his business. In both cases, he found himself looking forward to hearing her voice-and making sure she was still alive. He wasn't sure how he'd break the news to Tim if something happened to her.

The helo hovered near the edge of the plateau. A ladder lowered, and Brady vaulted onto it, followed by Dan. They sat and pulled out laser guns, arming them and waiting as the helo took them down the mountain again to their awaiting teams.