Reuben stared at her, his eyes those of a man barely in control of his anger. “I fought in wars for my country. I got my ass shot up for my country. I’ve almost died about twelve times following Oliver on his little adventures. I love him like a brother and he was there for me when I didn’t have anybody else. I walked into a death chamber called Murder Mountain with him and we almost didn’t walk back out alive. And you know who was right there beside us? Alex Ford. He put his career right on the line when he could’ve just walked. And he also got his ass shot up, stood up to a team of freaking Korean ninjas looking to slit our throats, took a round for the president of the United States and pretty much single-handedly got us out of that hellhole.” He glanced over at Caleb. “And this guy’s been kidnapped, knocked out, almost asphyxiated, nearly blown up and saved me and Oliver’s ass on several different occasions. And we both had to deal with one of our closest friends in the world getting blown away. And all we did was hold up our heads and try to keep going. And now we’re out here in the middle of frigging nowhere trying to keep Oliver alive while an asshole that would make Charlie Manson look like a soccer mom is breathing down our backs. So if that’s your definition of a wimp, then we’re wimps with a capital W, lady.”

For the next minute all that could be heard in the confines of the van was the heavy breathing of Reuben Rhodes.

Annabelle stared at him, a series of emotions competing on her features until one finally won out.

“I’m an idiot, Reuben. I’m sorry. I’m really sorry.”

“Yeah, well. Hell.” Red-faced, he looked down at the floorboard and punched the seat with one of his massive fists.

Before Annabelle could say anything, Caleb spoke up.

“Maybe we should keep going.”

A red-eyed Reuben looked over at him and smiled grimly. “Won’t be the first time. Or hopefully the last.”

Annabelle reached out and took each man’s hand in one of hers. “I just realized something,” she said.

“What’s that?” Caleb asked.

“That I should probably keep my big fat mouth shut. I’ve been acting like I’m the leader here, but I’m not even a full member of the Camel Club yet. I haven’t earned it.”

“You’re getting there,” said Reuben, giving her a quick smile.

She squeezed their hands and gave him a smile back.

Reuben said, “So what’s the next town on the list?”

Caleb looked at the sheet. “Divine.”

Chapter 59

CHAPTER 59