The Horse Soldier: Beginnings Series Book 10 Read Online Free Page A

Both of them look worried. Hal did not. He shut the door and smiled.
    “Tell us,” Robbie said. “I know it’s bad.”
    “Nah.” Hal joined them on the bed. “I explained everything.”
    “Shit!” Jimmy freaked. “See, now Doug at the store is going to get in trouble for selling them to me. I’m only sixteen. God, it’s against the law you know. I knew I should have never have gotten those for Robbie. He was too young.”
    Hal fluttered his lips. “He doesn’t know what he’s looking at anyhow. Don’t worry. I didn’t say it was you. O.K.? I explained it to Lucille and she is explaining it to dad.”
    “Thanks,” Jimmy said in relief. “I’m sorry they thought they were yours.”
    “Me too ,” Robbie said.
    “Hey, what are big brothers for , huh Robbie?” Hal rubbed his head. “If not to take the entire blame?”
    “The entire blame?” Jimmy asked. “Wow.”
    “Yep.” Hal exhaled. “The entire blame.”
    Upon completion of Hal’s words, the door to the bedroom blasted open as if an explosion went off. The door slammed against the wall and brought in something worse. Frank stood in the door. He huffed. “Which one of you told Dad those were my fuckin magazines?” Frank asked so angrily his face was red. “You have three seconds or I start beating you up. One, two . . .”
    The three boys looked at Frank.
    “Three.” Frank slammed the door and dove after Jimmy. Hal, knowing what he had to do to help, took his opportunity as Robbie jumped on Frank. Hal darted from the room, screaming the entire way. “Dad! Frank’s mad because we told and now he’s beating us up! Dad! Help!”
     
    The loud shrill long call of his name brought Hal back to the painful world of Grace. “Captain!” Her face was so near to his. “What do you plan on doing?”
    “Can I get back to you?” Hal asked.
    Graces hand slammed on the desk. “I should have known. We don’t ask much. We merely ask that you handle these situations. I certainly hope you aren’t ignoring our needs.”
    “Never ,” Hal told her. “While I determine a suitable action, what do you have in mind? Any suggestions?”
    Grace raised her head high as she moved to the door. “We can forget about this whole mess if you can get Peter to be a permanent monthly guest at the house for myself.”
    Hal’s eyes widened. “I’ll uh, see what I can do.”
    “It would prove beneficial and I can guarantee there will be once less complaint each month.” Grace opened the door. “I expect to hear from you within the hour.” She stepped out. “Soldiers, guard me on my way back.” The door closed.
    Sgt. Ryder looked at Hal. “You cannot even consider her request,. I’ve heard what that woman does. It would be cruel to ask Peter that.”
    “I know but she likes him.” Hal tapped his fingers together. “One less complaint, Elliott.” Hal smiled. “Doesn’t hurt to ask, now does it?” Hal stood up. “Isn’t he up for promotion? I think he is. Yes.” Hal paced around with a thinking, smiling face.
    “It’s bribery.”
    “It’s Gr . . . Gr . . .”
    “Grace?”
    Hal cringed. “Yes, it’s her not bitching, one less slot open per month, and another less chance of us being picked.”
    Sgt. Ryder stood up. “I’ll go summons Peter.”
    Hal grinned with arrogance and thought again then returned to his desk.
    ^^^^

Quantico Marine Headquarters
    Sitting at his desk, Jeremy Lyons held the phone tight ly to his ear with closed eyes. He just received the dreaded call from George and delivered the news he so much wanted to keep from him. Jeremy listened as George spoke sternly to him.
    “I’ve deliberately kept you away from our soldiers for this very reason. You know what to do. Get ready. I know exactly where to put you ,” George told him and hung up.
    “Damn it ,” Jeremy spoke to a deadened phone. He laid it down and stood up. He had things to do and preparations to make. By the way George sounded, he’d better do them