Read Online Dirty Work by Chelle Bliss, Brenda Rothert - Free Book Online Page A

slide into the booth across from him. His wheelchair is toward the back of the bus. “It’s rented. What’s been going on with you? I haven’t seen you in years.”
    “I was in a bad way for years, brother.” Jim touches the scruff on his face, rubbing against the grain with his fingertips. “I shut the world out and everyone in it. Took me years before I finally started living life again.”
    “Why are you in a chair? Didn’t the VA hook you up with a leg?”
    He nods slowly and sighs. “I’m in the process now. I should have it any day now. That took longer than expected too.”
    I lean forward and clasp my hands on top of the table. “How long?”
    “I could’ve been fitted for one before I was discharged from the hospital, but I told them to fuck off. I wasn’t in the mood to deal with the bullshit that came along with it. I was too busy feeling sorry for myself.”
    “When did you decide to get one?”
    “About six months ago. The VA is so backed up that everything moves at a snail’s pace.”
    My eyes widen. “Six fucking months? That’s unacceptable. Want me to try to move it along quicker?”
    He shakes his head and laughs. “I appreciate the offer, but I don’t want any special favors. It’ll happen. There are people worse off than me that need their help first.”
    I’m gutted. No vet should have to wait to regain their ability to walk. “Don’t hesitate to contact me if you need me to step in. I have some pull now that I’m running for Senate.”
    “And a big mouth,” he adds before laughing. “Did you hear about Kurt?” His face darkens, and all traces of happiness disappear.
    “No.” My gut twists because I know whatever he’s going to say next isn’t good.
    “He killed himself.”
    Even though I braced myself for the news, it still rocks me to the core. “What happened?” My hand covers my mouth, and I feel tears threatening. I’m not a crier, but the thought of losing a fellow Marine after he endured so much has me on the edge.
    “He took his own life. He couldn’t deal with shit anymore. I guess he was still haunted by what happened that day.”
    I close my eyes and images flash in my mind, vivid and gruesome. “It took me a long time to deal with my feelings about what happened to us, Jim. I still struggle with it today. Sometimes I wake up screaming and covered in sweat. I don’t know if it’s something I’ll ever get over, but then again…” My voice trails off, and I swallow down the lump in my throat. “I don’t ever want to forget what we went through. When did it happen?”
    He rubs his forehead with three fingers and grimaces. “A few weeks ago. He left a note for you. That’s why I’m here. He left one for everybody who was there that day.” He reaches into his front pocket and pulls a folded envelope out, placing it on the table before sliding it in front of me.
    I’m taken aback and can’t touch it. Not yet. I stare down at the jagged cursive letters and wonder what’s inside.
    “You’ll want to read it. It’ll make you feel better.”
    My eyes flicker to his. “How can I feel better? He’s gone.”
    He taps the envelope with his nail twice before shoving it closer to me. “He needed to get shit off his chest and make his peace. I was hesitant to read mine too, Jude, but it gave me closure.” I start to drag it back slowly when he places his palm on top of my shaky hand. “Do with it what you will.”
    I nod and bite my lip, unsure of my voice.
    “He respected us. He said we’re the only family he’s ever had. Just read it. Don’t pussy out on me.”
    I force a smile. “I’ve never been a pussy.”
    “You sure weren’t, but I can’t speak for the man you are today.”
    I cross my arms in front of my chest and slide down the seat. “I’m the same guy, Jim. I just plan to kick ass another way.”
    “Make us proud, kid.” He starts to scoot across the booth and swings his leg, half missing, over the edge and points to his