Read Online A Soldier Finds His Way by Irene Onorato - Free Book Online

the knife. “Mm-mmm-mmm.” As he shoveled the food into his mouth his beard became a catchall for food that failed to hit the target. He held the bag out and cocked his head sideways to read the bag. “Lasagna, my favorite.”
    Hank licked both sides of the knife, wiped it on his pants, folded it up and handed it back to Edward. A huge, unrestrained burp bellowed out of him, then, with the back of his sleeve, he wiped his mouth. His huge paws patted his stomach. “That hit the spot.”
    Ignoring everyone, Hank went to the fireplace and stretched out next to Cricket on the braided rug. He rolled onto his back, pounded his chest with his fist, let out another loud belch, then turned onto his side and closed his eyes.
    Edward tossed his knife in the sink and turned toward the girls who were wide-eyed at the spectacle they’d just witnessed. He had to laugh. This was exactly how most people reacted to Hank the first time they met him. “I told you he was different.”
    * * * *
    Edward dumped the hot water into the tub and tested it with his hand. Nice and warm.
    The girls stared at Hank. They’d regained their composure, but neither of them had said a word for several minutes. Edward touched Audra’s arm.
    She flinched and sucked a quick breath.
    “Didn’t mean to startle you. Your bath is ready. Zoe, go get your clothes, and Audra’s too. I’m sure you’ll both feel a little better if you’re in your own stuff once you’re cleaned up.”
    He grabbed a plastic cup off of the kitchen shelf as they passed by and handed it to Audra. “Here, you can use this to scoop the water over your hair. It might make washing it a little easier.”
    “Good idea. Thank you.” She looked past him to where Hank lay by the fire. Her breaths came a little faster.
    “Don’t worry. Hank’s a good guy.”
    “I’m sure he is. It’s just that—”
    “I know.” He removed Audra’s splint. “Try not to bang that arm around. Let Zoe help you get in and out of the tub. There are a couple of towels over there.” He nodded toward a shelf. “And soap and shampoo. Don’t drain the water when you’re done. We’re recycling it. I get first dibs on the tub when you guys are finished. Maybe we can convince Hank to take a dip when he wakes up as well.”
    * * * *
    Girly voices, melodious and cheerful, drifted through the bathroom door. Edward couldn’t make out their words, but their laughter told him that they were happy. After what they’d just witnessed, it was a wonder they could laugh at all. Most people lived their whole life without having an intruder barge into their home or seeing a man draw a gun on another human being. In a few short seconds, the girls had seen both.
    “You like them, don’t you?” Hank lay on the floor with his head propped up on the dog’s back, hands folded behind his head.
    “Yeah, so? What’s not to like?”
    “Not a thing. Just making an observation.”
    “You scared them, Hank. They’ve been through a lot, so take it easy on them. You made an assumption about Audra and me, and I think it embarrassed her. Don’t do it again. You got that?”
    “Sorry bro. I’ll be charming from now on, I promise.” Hank got up and sat at the kitchen table. “Now, for the real reason I came here today.”
    Edward sat across from him. “Finally.”
    “Greco is looking for you. When he kept getting your voicemail, he decided to call me to see if I knew where you were.”
    “What does he want?”
    “The unit’s been called up. They’re assembling the team, and he wants you to head up a mission.” Hank rubbed his neck and stretched from side to side.
    “What kind of mission?”
    “He wouldn’t tell me. It’s classified. I’m out. Remember? Anyway, I told him I’d see if I could find you. So, did I find you?” Hank thrummed his fingers on the table. “What I mean is, if you don’t want to be found, well then, I didn’t find you. It’s that simple.”
    “I’ll think about that after we get