Promises: The Next Generation (Bounty Hunters 5)

“Blessed morning to you, mother. You look beautiful.” He bent and kissed her forehead. The first words to her were always a heartfelt greeting and a compliment.

At fifty-five she was still a gorgeous woman. The minor stroke she’d had caused her to have lingering weakness in her left hand, and minor difficulty with balance. She also wasn’t able to walk for long distances. However, her face was unblemished, even her fair complexion hadn’t yet been touched by age or illness. She wore a long-sleeved, floral dress with a perfectly matching hijab. “Did you make this recently?”

His mother’s smile rivaled the sunshine as she reached up to casually touch the intricate stitching. “Yes. I made it last week, just finished it over the weekend.” She sighed as she rubbed her left hand. “I can’t make them as fast as I used to.”

“It’s amazing.” Ty said as she put a small piece of melon in her mouth then took a sip of her green tea.

“Thank you, son.” She pushed around some of the scrambled eggs on her plate then looked back at him, scrutinizing his wardrobe. “May I ask why you are dressed so darkly on this lovely sunny day?”

Ty adored the way she spoke. Always had. So delicate and considerate. Never took a harsh tone with him, “I have a new job.”

“Oh.” She placed her fork down and picked up a piece of turkey bacon. She didn’t question him, leaving it his decision to tell her more.

He wouldn’t go into details yet. He was still in training, so nothing was concrete. But he was adamant he’d make it solid. This could be a position that would set him straight for the rest of his life. A career. Brian also held the key to his family’s closure, so he’d stick to the man like white on rice. Ty was going to see this through. He’d continue to follow his father’s instructions through his most trusted brother-in-arms. Even though he was twenty-eight years old, Ty still craved the guidance of wiser men.

“Yes m’am. It has demanding hours, so I may have to come at unusual times for the next few weeks. Like at the crack of dawn.”

She smiled at him, “Early to bed and early to rise…”

“Makes a man healthy and wise,” he and his mom finished together. He gave her a deep laugh that he knew sounded like his father’s.

“Your father loved rising with the roosters.”

“And quoting Benjamin Franklin,” Ty added, making his mother laugh fondly at the memories.

After his mom had finished eating, Lisa came in and removed her tray and quickly washed the couple of dishes. His mother wasn’t up for visiting the recreation wing, so instead he stayed with her in her room and took care of a few minor repairs, to avoid having to put in a maintenance request. When he’d finished tightening the leg on her coffee table and changing the bulb in her bathroom, he sat next to her with his arm around her while she read her bible.

She never asked him about his faith, seeming to understand his reasons for leaving the Nation of Islam, and he was glad for it. His decisions were his own and he couldn’t be swayed. He felt her disappointment in that, whether she’d ever voice it or not. His mother had always understood that a person had to create their own destiny and follow their heart. Like she had. A Christian woman with Islamic principles.

When he left, he kissed her forehead and told her he’d be back in a few days. He’d hoped. He’d make a way. He’d keep her consoled and in peace. His unbreakable promise.

When his Lyft pulled up in front Duke’s building at half-past eight, Ty’s mood immediately turned in another direction. Friendship. Kell was standing at the entrance in his cloak and dagger apparel, waiting for him.

Kell

Since the hunters were inside working out their schedule for the day—which required zero input from him—Kell decided to wait outside in the quiet of the morning for his partner. He was glad most of his face was hidden, because when Ty stepped out of the dark SUV, Kell’s mouth dropped open before he could recover and hurry to close it. Damn, the man was fine. A tall, built, intelligent, walking Adonis. The man looked good in all black. Ty’s jeans were the color of midnight, possibly new, maybe even designer. The shiny chain he’d worn under his T-shirt yesterday was on the outside of his black turtleneck today. Now Kell knew what was attached to the necklace—a single dog tag resting between his pecs. Kell could already presume who it belonged to.

It must be nice to love your father that much.

Ty’s stoic expression softened when he got closer. His partner was tall enough to make Kell have to tilt his head all the way back when he was up close.