Freedom

CHAPTER 19

“The prodigal sons have returned, and in one piece, I’m glad to see.” It was a relief to find him so relaxed after their encounter a few days earlier. “You two didn’t try to kill each other?”

“Actually, we got along okay. Much to my surprise.”

“He’s got a long way to go yet, but I’ll get Maddock straightened out for you,” Bones added.

“You didn’t get him into any shenanigans, did you, Bonebrake?”

“I can honestly say I didn’t get him into any trouble.” Bones covered a laugh, but Maxie, his attention diverted by the morning paper, didn’t notice. “We downed a few brews, he dragged me to some historical crap, I scammed on the ladies and Maddock took notes. The usual.”

Chuckling, Maxie closed his newspaper and dropped it on the desk. “I read about a tunnel collapse yesterday in downtown Boston. Formed a big sinkhole in an abandoned lot. You didn’t see that, did you?”

Dane and Bones spoke over each other in their hurry to reply.

“No.”

“We didn’t do it.”

Maxie’s features froze in a blank stare. They stood there in silence for a span of ten heartbeats, waiting to see what he would say next. Finally, his shoulders sagged and he dropped his chin to his chest. When he looked up again, Dane saw fatigue and a touch of amusement in his eyes.

“Do I need to make some calls?”

“I don’t think so.” Dane couldn’t quite meet Maxie’s eye.

“Good.” Maxie returned to his newspaper and flipped to the sports page. He studied it for a minute, leaving Dane and Bones standing there. Dane was just about to ask if they were dismissed when Maxie spoke from behind the paper.

“Remember the questions I asked you both?”

“Which ones?” Bones asked.

“Tell me about Maddock.”

“He’s still got a stick up his butt, but it’s smaller.” Bones cleared his throat. “And his instincts are good. He’s somebody you can trust.”

“Maddock, tell me about Bonebrake.”

“He’s a little reckless, but he’s tough and loyal. He’d run through a brick wall to help a friend.”

“Or tear one down,” Bones added with a grin.

Maxie gave them another long look. “It’s a start. I’ll make SEALs of you two yet. Dismissed.”

Dane had his hand on the doorknob when Maxie called out.

“By the way, Maddock.”

Dane froze and slowly turned his head toward Maxie. “Yes?”

“Paccone’s an ass. Nice work.”

Bones guffawed and shoved a dumbstruck Dane out the door and into the warm California sun.

“That,” Bones proclaimed, “calls for a beer. How about I stand you to a pitcher?”

“Only if you let me buy the second one.”

“It’s a deal.” Bones paused and gazed thoughtfully up at the sky.

“What?” Dane craned his neck to see what had captured Bones’ attention, but saw only blue sky.

“I was just wondering. Do you think we’ll ever have another adventure like that one?”

“Not a chance, my friend. Not a chance.”