Brotherhood

Chapter 10

...

Callen pulled his t-shirt off over his head and tossed it aside, welcoming the breath of cool air that finally began to stir as the sky lightened. Sitting on the edge of the bare mattress he looked over at Deeks who was still sleeping, sprawled facedown in his boxers, one arm hanging off the cot. He studied the darkening bruises along his ribs, and the healing gunshot wound, but his long hair hid the cuts on his face, and he told himself the kid could handle the pain he'd been trying so hard to hide. Even though they both had anticipated it, he was still disturbed that Guidry would probably continue to hurt Deeks if it would get him what he wanted, and undoubtedly vice versa. Suddenly feeling agitated, he got up, groaning with his own twinges of pain, and padded outside hoping there was some respite from the heat and from the worry he couldn't shake.

He lowered himself to the porch deck and leaned back against the rough siding, gently pressing his fingers to the tender bruise along his jaw. His meeting with Guidry had been contentious by his own design, but it had earned him a few new bruises along with what he hoped was a measure of respect. He'd woven his legend around hints of the truth, knowing that whatever he said was being folded into their backstory back at Ops. He hadn't wanted their time with the Aryan Knights to become the key to their acceptance, but it was and Deeks would just have to deal with it. The girl had been an interesting and unexpected twist, reminding him that Guidry was a clever man, much smarter than he looked and sounded. He wasn't surprised that Deeks had handled that situation, feeling a touch of pride that he'd managed to get solid information about Joe in the process. He smiled as he thought about it and what might happen when this was all over, wondering if Deeks would share this little episode with Kensi. It certainly was something he could hold over him if he didn't. He could never have enough ammunition to get the better of the kid if he needed to. Teasing him was one of the enjoyable benefits of having a smartass like Deeks as a brother.

He remembered a time when he'd been jealous of Joe Atwood. The close bond the two men had forged seemed impenetrable to him, until Sam had reminded him that a man could have more than one brother. He could laugh at the memory now that the two of them had grown so close. He got the feeling Joe got a bit jealous himself once in awhile since he and Deeks spent so much time together, but the three of them were friends as well as brothers and he never tired of their camaraderie. Elan seemed to round out the group, not as demonstrative as Joe and Deeks, but there was no doubt about his loyalty and deep connection to both men. He'd witnessed the big Arapaho's bond with Deeks when the three of them had come together to save him in Santa Fe. Elan showed raw emotion that first day, berating himself that his search for his son might cost him the man he claimed as a brother. That fight had brought them all closer, and he knew Elan would be coming now that it was Joe who was missing.

"G? You there?"

Sam's strident voice in his ear jerked him away from those memories, reminding him he had a partner who meant as much to him as the others. It was a comfort to hear his voice, but the information he began sharing startled him, making him wary of what might be in store for them when Guidry discovered his men weren't coming back. He eased up onto his feet, not rushing or acknowledging he was communicating with someone, knowing they were still being watched. Turning his back to the camp, he let Sam know he understood, smiling briefly when he was told Elan had arrived just in time to help in the firefight. Going back inside, he debated whether to wake Deeks with the news but decided to let him sleep, fairly certain he was going to need it before long. He listened intently as Sam shared their plans to move, that someone in Washington was involved and that he was going undercover in the task force, all of it making his head spin with questions. Sam's concern came through loud and clear as he told him to watch his back, telling him he was heading into New Orleans and that Roy would be monitoring them for the rest of the day.

"What's up?" Deeks asked sleepily, propping himself up on one elbow and tousling his hair as he tried to come fully awake.

Callen put a finger to his lips and pointed to his ear and nodded, and Deeks quickly retrieved his earpiece from the hidden slit in the mattress and snugged it in. He looked back at him with that look of intense focus Callen had come to recognize early on as the first hint that he wasn't as laid back as he pretended to be.

"Elan's here."

He was rewarded with a widening smile and he sensed a feeling of relief as if he took comfort from all of them coming together. For some reason, he held back on telling him what had happened at the plantation and he wondered how Deeks would react when he found out he'd purposefully kept him in the dark. His instincts told him it was the right thing to do, but Deeks wouldn't see it that way, and would be hurt that he didn't trust him. He'd deal with the consequences of hurt feelings later, but right now if it kept him healthy it would be worth it.

The sound of men moving through the undergrowth in front of the cabin sent a rush of adrenaline through him and he quickly slipped into his jeans and threw on his t-shirt. Deeks was moving slower and barely got his pants on before the cabin filled with angry men who parted as Guidry and Tino stormed inside.

"How y'all know Roy Blanchard?" Guidry demanded as he grabbed Callen's shirt in his fist.

"We don't," Jake replied, holding his ground. "Was given his name by a friend."

"What kinda friend dis be?" He asked.

"A dead one," Jake replied sharply. "Now you want to tell me what in hell this is all about? Cause I thought I answered all your questions early this mornin'."

"Seems convenient him bein' dead," Tino said in a low voice as he moved closer to Deeks. "Doncha think so Jimmy?"

"Not for Zeke it ain't," Jimmy shot back. "We called to tell 'im we met with Blanchard and his sister told us the Feds shot him down in his own driveway. The fuckin' bastards. He was the best shot I ever saw..."

Tino sucker-punched him before he could finish, knocking him to floor, then stood laughing over him.

"What the fuck?" Jake roared and struggled to get out of the grip several men now had on him.

"Addy called him a sweetheart," Tino taunted, ending in a high voice, and laughing with the men around him.

Jimmy groaned, shaking his head as he pushed himself up from the floor to his hands and knees and spit out some blood. Rocking back, he held up a hand toward Jake and gave him a dark look that made him pause.

"Women like the way I make love, asshole," he said, panting hard. "Don't mean I ain't a tough sonofabitch when I wanna be."

With that statement he drove his fist full force into Tino's crotch, who screamed, his eyes wild as he grabbed himself and collapsed to his knees. Before anyone could do anything, Jimmy hit him hard in the face, breaking his nose and sending him backwards onto the floor.

Jimmy staggered to his feet with both fists ready. "Anybody else wanna make fun of the way I fuck?"

Guidry walked over in front of him with a sour look on his face and placed a hand on his bare chest, shoving him hard against the wall.

"Don't care shit 'bout dat, boy," he snarled. "You 'member Homer?"

"Henry's brother?"

"His cousin."

"Thought Homer was his brother..."

"No never mind, couyon. Same difference," he said, sounding exasperated as Jimmy shrugged and looked confused.

"Don't know nothin' about him," Jimmy said honestly. "Blanchard's the one knew 'im."

"You pay 'im ta bring y'all here?"

"Yessir...two hundred dollars," he replied. "Why? Is that not a good thing? Don't mean ta get 'im in trouble, but it's the truth. Wouldn't have brought us otherwise. Least that's what Blanchard told us. You can ask 'em."

"Homer ain't talkin' no more shit after tonight," Guidry said. "Don't like outsiders sellin' information 'bout The Brotherhood. Folks need ta understand dat. Lesson has ta scare shit outa folks, otherwise dey don't learn."

"What kinda lesson?" Jimmy asked warily, his eyes flicking over to his brother.

"Cut 'im tongue right out," Guidry stared solemnly at Jimmy, watching for his reaction.

"Seriously? Sonofabitch," Jimmy breathed out, looking completely stunned as Guidry nodded.

Callen's muscles rippled with tension as he waited for the standoff to end, uncertain what might come next.

"Y'all been ta Blanchard's big ol' plantation house?" Guidry asked, stepping closer to Jimmy, his hand pressing into his chest.

"Once," Jimmy responded, swallowing hard.

"Who dere wid 'im?" Guidry's gravelly accent getting heavier the longer he spoke.

"Nobody...just him."

The man's punch was low and hard and Jimmy doubled over and would have fallen if Guidry hadn't grabbed him by the throat and shoved him back against the wall.

"Told ya I don't like liars, couyon," he growled.

"Ain't lying," Jimmy gasped out.

"Yeah? Den call dat sister," Guidry demanded, and called out impatiently for the satphone.

"Zeke's?" Jimmy looked warily at Jake and Guidry slapped him.

"Stop bein' a couyon, boy," Guidry snarled in his face.

"Can't stop if I don't know what the hell that is," Jimmy said gruffly as he stood up defiantly in front of the man.

"Means stupid...ignorant fool," he replied, smiling for the first time. "Don't play dat wid me or I'll knock ya sideways like ya done Tino. Now call dat dere girl, or I'll let Tino have atcha."

"She's kinda grumpy in the mornin'," Jimmy said with a quick, cocky grin.

Callen could hear Sam in his ear assuring him he had Nell on the line to Kensi and he began to breathe easier. He stared back at Deeks as he heard the same thing, his relief evident, but guarded.

"What her name, boy? Ya fuck 'er good, yeah?" Guidry asked, smiling suggestively and slapping Jimmy lightly on the cheek.

Callen saw a subtle change come over Deeks and he braced himself in case he lost his temper. He could hear Sam talking calmly to Deeks, warning him to be cool, but the look in his eyes was tumultuous and very dangerous for both of them.

"He's got a thing for Fern, that's for sure," Jake said quickly, hoping to remind him to hold it together. "Don't like her being disrespected."

"'Member who you talkin' to," Guidry snapped and turned toward Callen, who kept his eyes on Deeks.

"He's sweet on 'er is all I'm sayin'," Jake said with a soft smile.

"Den call 'er," Guidry ordered as a man handed him the satphone.

Jimmy nodded obediently, and Jake slowly let out his breath and waited for the call to go through, grateful Sam had patched them both through so they could listen in as they had before. When the call connected, Kensi sounded groggy and he saw concern flash across Deeks' face.

"Mornin', Fern baby," Jimmy said softly.

"I'm mad at you, Jimmy Hale," she said in a sleepy Southern accent before Guidry snatched the phone.

"What you say ta 'im, girl?" Guidry growled.

"Who's this?" She asked, sounding more alert and a little pissed.

"Answer me girl or I'll hurt Jimmy here so's he ain't no fun in bed ever agin," Guidry threatened in a low, heavy voice.

"Just told him I'm still mad at him," she finally replied softly. "He left without saying a proper goodbye, if you know what I mean."

"You gotta brother, Fern?" Guidry asked, his tone quieter, which surprised Callen.

"Didn't Jimmy tell you?" The tears were evident in the sadness of her voice. "Feds just shot him down for no damn reason. And now Jimmy's gone too, and..."

Kensi began to cry softly, finally sniffling as she appeared to get control of herself. "Sorry, life's been kinda hard since Zeke was killed. Please don't hurt Jimmy, mister. I'm kinda hopin' he comes back to me."

Guidry grunted and didn't reply, simply handed the phone to Jimmy, who whispered a couple of endearments and a quick goodbye before ending the call.

"That 'un's too needy, boy," Guidry advised. "Git shed of 'er."

"You ain't seen how pretty she is," Jimmy said with a slow smile.

Guidry actually laughed, although it sounded gruff and ended quickly, but he slapped Jimmy good-naturedly on the shoulder and turned to leave, saying something in Cajun as he pointed at Tino who still lay groaning on the floor. A couple of men helped the man up and he sagged between them as he shot Jimmy a look of pure venom.

"You two goin' out to a stripper well with me and Henry today," Guidry ordered as he stood by the door. "We missin' eight men."

"What happened to 'em?" Jimmy asked, making Callen flinch slightly.

"S'pose ta go an kill that asshole Blanchard, but ain't no sign of 'em at the ol' place," he said, visibly angry. "Dere was plenty blood, but no Blanchard neither. No way he take out eight militiamen by hisself."

Callen could tell Deeks was shaken by the news, but outwardly he showed little emotion except to commiserate with Guidry, before looking over at him with deeply troubled eyes that he hoped only he could read. When Guidry walked out and they were finally alone, Deeks' expression hardened before he looked away, and Callen knew he'd made a mistake. Before they could talk, Pea came in and handed them back their weapons and told them to come down to the main hall for breakfast, praising the boudin brought in fresh before dawn. Somehow the man sensed the tension and quickly left, but not before praising Jimmy for what he'd done to Tino. Apparently the man wasn't well liked.

"You knew," Deeks said tightly as he inspected his weapon. "Anybody hurt?"

"No," Callen felt the distance in his voice. "Elan did his thing. Took two alive. They're moving operations."

"I'm going down to breakfast," he replied as he pulled a t-shirt on and sat down to put on his shoes. "Think I can handle that all by myself?"

"Deeks..."

"I'm either your equal partner or I'm not," Deeks said quietly as he stood to leave. "Let me know which it is so I can act accordingly...boss."

He saw the hurt in his eyes, but when his jaw clinched Callen realized just how pissed he really was. He let him go and then had to listen to Sam in his ear, asking what the hell he was thinking. They argued as he tried to explain, but Roy broke in and brought them both back to the present.

"Tino's his enemy now," Roy remarked. "You best watch out for your brother, man, cause that 'un will retaliate...no question. If I read Deeks right, he'll try and prove himself to ya and that'll be dangerous for 'im. Make things right between the two of ya before things get outa hand."

The truth hurt, but Roy was right and he shoved his gun behind his back and hurried out to catch up with Deeks. He walked by several rustic cabins as he made his way down thought the heavy undergrowth, some occupied some not. He got several suspicious glances, but a few men he passed raised a hand or nodded in greeting and it helped him relax somewhat. As he walked into a wide clearing, smoke rose from a long barbecue pit, the smell of roasting pork making his mouth water as he walked toward the main hall. It was a large structure open on three sides with a cement floor and a "Don't Tread on Me" flag flying above it. Long tables with rough-hewn benches and a few smaller tables along the edges were crowded with men and a few women having breakfast and talking in subdued voices. Callen did a quick count in his head of the number of men, estimating there were at least forty he could see and all heavily armed. They were a rough looking bunch and quite a few looked to be ex-military, congregating in various groups that watched him with just enough distrust to make him nervous. No one was smiling or came up to welcome him until he got to the food table.

"Hey dude, how ya doin' this mornin'?" The familiar young man asked easily.

"Silas, right?" Jake replied, pointing at him with a knowing smile. "You were kind enough to bring us some fried chicken when we got here. Thanks. We appreciated it."

"Wait till ya taste the boudin," he said proudly. "My mama made it herself. It'll melt in your mouth."

"If it's meat I'm in," Callen replied, getting a laugh out of the kid.

"You ain't never had sausage before?" He asked.

"That what it is? Smells damn good."

Silas piled his tin plate high with boudin, some white goopy stuff he called grits and a mishmash of scrambled eggs, onions, potatoes and more sausage that the kid liberally seasoned with hot sauce from a gallon jug. He grabbed a couple of warm biscuits that he hoped would soak up some of the eye-watering hot sauce, and then helped himself to a mug of coffee, before looking around for Deeks. He spotted him at one of the outer tables, smiling widely at the young girl draped all over him. She couldn't seem to keep her hands off him, and Callen smiled at his unfailing ability to attract women.

"Am I interrupting?" He asked as he stepped up to the table.

"This is Addy," Deeks said, not looking up as he stabbed at a sausage. "Could ya get me another cup of coffee darlin'? And maybe another biscuit for Jake. I don't think two's gonna do it."

Callen settled down on the bench across from him and started in on his breakfast. Deeks kept his head down and said nothing, ignoring him completely and it was starting to bother him. He felt oddly unsettled by it, realizing how accustomed he'd become to their closeness and easy conversations, never tiring of the teasing banter that was so much a part of their relationship. He was unsure how to make up for his mistake now that they were surrounded by hardened militiamen watching every move they made and able to overhear whatever they said.

"How's Fern?" He finally ventured.

Deeks seemed caught off guard by the question and looked quickly up at him, his eyes betraying his curiosity. He shrugged and looked over at Addy as she talked with Silas.

"Did it sound like she was feelin' better?" Callen asked softly, knowing he was pulling him back to his true self as he tried to cut through his hurt feelings and his alias's tough demeanor.

"It was good to hear her voice," he conceded, his shoulders sagging as he let out a long sigh.

"I'm sure she thought the same thing," Callen replied. "I know you miss having her around."

Deeks stared at him, his eyes searching his, trying to read his intent. "She's prettier than you that's for sure."

"Better at some things too," he said with a smirk. "Guessin' she doesn't piss you off as much as I do."

"She has her moments, but you..." Deeks struggled over what to say, until finally flashing a cocky grin, he expressed his anger. "You can be a big fat dumbass at times."

"Guilty as charged, little brother," Callen breathed out with a smirk. "Promise to avoid being one in the future."

"Did I hear you call him a dumbass?" Addy asked as she sat down and handed Deeks his coffee. "Funny...Phil used ta say that all the time."

"Who's Phil?" Callen asked, his face placid compared to the knot quickly forming in the pit of his stomach.

"Ain't none of your business. You talk too damn much, Addy. Now git before I paddle your ass," Henry growled as he approached, roughly grabbing her arm and yanking her to her feet.

Callen caught Deeks' eye before he could respond and gripped his forearm, holding it firmly down on the table.

"Just makin' conversation, man," Jake said easily.

"Guidry's ready to head out," Henry snapped, glaring at them with bloodshot eyes. "So come on now. We gotta meet somebody that don't like us being late."

He turned and stalked off, and Deeks quickly gulped down the rest of his coffee, squeezing Callen's shoulder as they hurried after the man.

"Mornin' fellas," Roy suddenly said in their ears. "FYI...One of the men we took captive told us a man in a suit from New Orleans is the one who told 'em Joe and Oscar were agents. Could be the man y'all are goin' ta meet. Amos said the guy was there when Oscar was killed. Also said he thought Joe knew 'im."

"Shit," Deeks whispered.

"If it is the same guy, y'all better pray he don't make either one of ya, or this is gonna turn into a piss poor op real quick," Roy cautioned. "Might be why Guidry's takin' y'all along. Wants ta see if his contact knows y'all. So, stay sharp out there."

Guidry was already in the boat when they got to the dock. There were three men with him and Henry directed them to a second boat, which held two heavily armed men wearing camo tank tops and fatigues. Callen held his breath, wondering if they were now trusted enough not to be blindfolded, but then he reasoned that if they were taking them out to be killed there would be no need for blindfolds. He placed his hand on the back of Deeks' neck before he stepped down into the boat, feeling a deep need to make physical contact with him. Suddenly he became very emotional and fought to maintain a stoic expression, keeping his head down as he followed him into the boat.

He was never afraid for himself. In all the years he'd been doing undercover ops, he always believed he would find a way out of whatever dangerous situation he found himself in. But that was when he worked alone and before Deeks. He was afraid for him, and the thought of watching these bastards kill him filled his soul with overwhelming angst and a powerful, almost uncontrollable rage. Deeks was smiling until he looked at him, the smile disappearing as the boat engine roared to life and they pulled out into the middle of the bayou. They held each other's gaze, each one reading the other until Deeks reached over and pounded his knee with the base of his fist.

"Sun's shinin', brother," he said with a crooked grin. "It's gonna be a good day."

He hated his optimism at that moment, but he understood what he was doing and simply shook his head, giving him a guarded smile before turning to stare out at the passing scenery.

The trip turned monotonous, and the militiamen showed no interest in either one of them. The first sign it was ending was when Henry eased off the throttle and snugged the boat slowly up against the bank. They were greeted by several armed men, everyone speaking Cajun as the boats were tied up. Callen caught the drift of the conversation, but gave no indication that he understood.

"Git on up ta the road," Henry ordered. "Truck's waitin'. When we git to the well site, keep your mouths shut. No talkin'...no nothin'...or I'll kick your ass."

Henry seemed on edge and the smell of whiskey wafted off of him, and Callen shot Deeks a warning look, knowing he had picked up on it. It was obvious that Henry was coming off a bender, and the kid more than anyone, knew not to push the man. He'd never had much patience with drunks because of his father, and at times it had gotten him in trouble, so Callen held him back as the others followed the man up the levee to the road. Deeks gave him a knowing look, easily reading his concern and slapping him lightly on the back to show he understood.

"Y'all ride wid me," Guidry ordered, stepping in front of them when they came up to the trucks. "Get on up in back dere."

A trickle of sweat slid down between Callen's shoulder blades, and he felt Deeks tense up beside him, but the kid gave the man a quick grin and hopped up into the bed of the truck as if nothing were bothering him. Henry climbed in after them, his eyelids drooping and his breathing labored and harsh as he settled with his back against the tailgate, an AR-15 resting in his lap. When Guidry walked past to get in the passenger seat, Henry glowered at him, an expression of pure hatred contorting his face. If their situation wasn't volatile before this it seemed to be now. It looked as if Henry wasn't taking his cousin's grisly death well and they needed to be prepared if things went sideways.

It was a hot dusty ride, but a short one, finally ending when they drove through a scraggly pine forest to an isolated spot with a small, rusty pumpjack in the center. The iron horse head on the front of the rig nodded methodically, slowly drawing oil from the ground. It was nothing like the bigger rigs on the outskirts of LA, but apparently whoever was running this consortium of wells was making enough money to finance a terrorist organization and keep Guidry's militia in grits and boudin. The men were climbing out of the trucks when a sleek silver Mercedes pulled up close to the well head and stopped. Two men got out and both were wearing suits, but the driver was packing a sidearm, so Callen turned his attention to the other man.

He was a tall, well-built man with wispy light brown hair, and wore tortoiseshell designer glasses that gave him an owlish appearance. He held himself like an athlete, his movements smooth and confident as he strode toward Guidry with a condescending smile. The two men talked quietly and Callen steadied himself when the two looked their way. Deeks was suddenly pushed forward by one of the guys from the boat, an automatic weapon braced hard against his back. Callen felt a muzzle shoved into his lower spine and he moved forward to stand next to Deeks.

"So you're the new guys," the man said calmly as he slipped an iPhone from the inside pocket of his jacket. "Guidry told me your names, but please, refresh my memory."

"Jake Hale," Callen said with a smirk as the man shot his picture. "Don't really like being photographed."

"And I really don't care," he replied, sounding arrogant and dismissive. "I'm not as trusting as Mr. Guidry. I have access to a data base that will tell me everything there is to know about you."

"He just don't look as good in pictures as I do," Deeks said, grinning widely. "I'm Jimmy Hale...the handsome one in the family."

"Guidry said you have a way with women," the man said as he snapped his picture. "He put it a bit more crudely, of course, but I got his meaning."

"He ain't lyin'," Jimmy replied cockily.

As he stepped back from the man, some movement must have caught his eye and he turned to look over as Henry Moreau stalked toward Guidry, raising the AR-15 into firing position, his face a dark mask of rage.

"Jake! Henry!"

Deeks shouted and launched himself into the two men in front of him, taking both to the ground just as Henry fired a burst at them, spraying bullets into the side of the car and instantly killing the bodyguard.

Callen whipped his gun from behind his back and fired twice, hitting Henry in the head, the automatic weapon firing harmlessly into the air as he fell. He could hear Guidry shouting and cursing in Cajun, but it sounded muted and far away as he was knock down by the man behind him. He lay stunned on the ground, raising his head to search for Deeks in all the chaos, and he panicked when he saw him lying facedown in the dirt, an arm draped across Guidry's chest. The man in the suit was screaming he'd been shot, blood streaking down the fine fabric of his sleeve, while Guidry shoved Deeks off of him and struggled to his feet. He was roaring mad and charged over to Henry's body, kicking him again and again as he spit out curses. Deeks didn't move and Callen softly choked out his real name as Roy shouted a warning in his ear. He ignored him, crawling across the rough ground, trying to get to his brother and praying for him to move.

"Jimmy?"

The bottom half of his t-shirt was soaked in blood, and Callen rested a shaky hand on his shoulder as he leaned over him, taking a deep breath to steady himself.

"Come on, kid...you're scarin' me," he whispered as he gently turned him over onto his back.

When he raised his shirt to get a look at the wound in his side, he heard him groan and saw him grab a fistful of dirt. His eyes fluttered opened and he blinked slowly, lifting his head and finally gripping Callen's arm as he grimaced in pain.

"Did ya get 'im?" He asked.

"Yeah," Callen said with incredible relief. "He killed the bodyguard. Wounded the amateur photographer...and you."

"Shit. Hurts. How bad?" Deeks asked, struggling to see where he'd been hit.

"A deep crease. Lots of blood," he replied. "You were lucky."

"Guidry okay?" Deeks mumbled, his face now clammy with sweat.

"How'd ya know he was gonna try'n kill me boy?" Guidry asked as he walked up to stand over him.

"Didn't. Just looked mad as hell in the truck," he replied weakly. "Thought I should keep an eye on im."

"What the fuck, Guidry," the man in the suit yelled, shoving his way through the men who had gathered around. "You're own man shot me, you sonofabitch. My suit is ruined, my phone's destroyed..."

Guidry hit him hard in the mouth, knocking him on his butt before he could say anything more, and he looked completely stunned as he sat looking up at him.

"Dis here boy save your sorry ass, couyon," Guidry growled. "Mine too. Shed his own blood doin' it. Folks 'round here don't forget dat kinda thing. Go on now and look after yourself. We take care of our own."

He turned and nodded to Jake Hale, reaching down to help him get his brother Jimmy on his feet, while Roy Blanchard swore softly in the brothers' ears.

...

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