Homecoming by Denise Grover Swank

someone else. It wasn’t Will’s job to protect everyone in the world. He’d tried that, and look at where that had got him.
    When they reached the end of the row, they turned the corner to find a man sitting in a chair. He wore an expensive dark gray suit and dark hair slicked back into a ponytail. He looked to Will like somebody who had watched too many episodes of  The Sopranos . His hands were folded under his chin. Will expected him to talk as though his throat was full of gravel. Instead, he sounded nasally. “You brought a friend.”
    “These aren’t my friends.” The man between them shouted.
    The guy in the chair laughed. “Not you.” His eyes pierced Will. “You.”
    “He’s my associate.” James said. “He offered to help me tonight.”
    Mr. Sopranos shifted his attention to James. “You know I don’t like surprises.”
    “Yeah, and neither do I, but this hardly seems the time to discuss this.”
    The man laughed. “Very true. If you’ll kindly wait outside, we can discuss it out there.”
    James looked at Will, and shifted his eyes to the entrance as he moved toward the door. When they were outside, James paced next to his car. “You were smart to wear gloves handling his keys.”
    “I’m not a total idiot.”
    James paused to look at Will and roll his eyes. “That remains to be seen.” He resumed his pacing. “When that guy comes out here, he’s liable to offer you a job. What are you going to do?”
    Will laughed. “I’m going to turn it down.”
    James stopped and released his breath. “Thank God.”
    “Shit, I’m not working for this guy. I’ll work freelance. I suspect there’s more money and I hope to hell I can work in a warmer climate.”
    “Are you a fucking idiot?”
    “No, I’m smart. You yourself said that I’d spent my entire life training to be a soldier. I’m more than qualified to do this.”
    “This is not being a soldier. And this is not about being qualified. This is being a criminal. Worse than that. It’s being a lackey for a criminal. Besides, you got lucky tonight.”
    “Maybe, maybe not, but I’ve learned things the last four years that could be very beneficial to this line of work.”
     “And what might those be?” Mr. Sopranos appeared in the doorway and walked toward them.
    Will had seen men like him in Iraq. Cocky assholes that thought they owned entire towns. And they did. Until Will and his men came in and stole their power. This man might frighten James, but he didn’t scare Will. But then again, Will had nothing to fear but the nightmares in his head. “I have a special skill set, seeking out intelligence and apprehending high-ranking terrorists.” Will gave him a cocky grin. “I’m ruthless.”
    The man glanced from James back to Will. “Since Buckner’s taken his leave of absence, I’ve had a hard time finding a replacement for him. I’d like to bring you onto my team. After a background check. Of course.”
    Will shrugged. “And while I thank you for your offer, I’m going to have to pass.”
    James swore under his breath.
    The man laughed for several seconds. “You’re arrogant.” He studied Will. “I like it.”
    “I’m still not available as your staff employee. However, I  am  available for freelance work.”
    The man laughed again. “Most men shake in their shoes in my presence. You’re not afraid of me?”
    Will wanted to laugh. This guy was a joke. “I’ve faced worse men than you.”
    “Do you think so? I once had a man’s tongue cut out. Are you frightened now?”
    “Should I be?”
    The man shook his head with a grin. “Deal. I’ll accept your generous offer.”
    Will winked. “There’s nothing generous about it. You’ll pay me well.”
    The man glanced at James. “You said he’s your friend?”
    Cringing, James nodded.
    “I like him.”
    Reassured, James squared his shoulders. “I want out. I don’t want you calling me again.”
    The man nodded. “I’m good with that. But I’ll need