by BT Urruela
“Where the fuck are we?” I ask.
“Patience,” Irish says, a broad smile on his face. “Only a few more minutes.”
“You know, I’m thinking your guys’ whole understanding of time is off.”
“Ten seconds,” Shane says, eyeing his watch. He puts five fingers up.
“See what I mean,” I crack. “Ten seconds until what?”
“You’ll just have to wait and see,” Irish says in a sing-song tone.
“Five,” Shane starts, putting a finger down. “Four, Three, Two, One… Go!” As soon as he says ‘go’ there’s a thunderous explosion, and a burst of light can be seen through the thick forest. There’s another explosion, and then another, and then sirens begin wailing out in the night air, from where, I have no clue. But the familiarity of the siren is odd and nerve-rattling.
“What the fuck is going on, guys? I know that fucking alarm,” I say, passing them all wary glances.
“Any minute now,” Shane says.
I’m peering out into the darkness, searching, wondering, for what feels like an hour when a loud bang against the side of the van startles me, making me jump in the passenger seat. As I twist around to see what caused it, Rock slides the van’s side door open and my eyes go wide.
“What’s up, party people? Just in time,” Twitch says, standing before us in his prison garb, stained brown beyond belief. He hops in, Chase scooting over to make room, and he slides the door closed behind him. Looking up at me, he has a wide smile on his face as my own is still contorted in complete confusion.
“Well, hello to you too, fuck nut,” he says, patting my shoulder with his hand. “Long time no see, friend.”
“Holy fucking shit…. Twitch?!” I take him in for a bro hug, patting his back before letting him go, my nostrils picking up a very unwelcome smell.
“It’s fucking great to see you, man,” I say as the van pulls away, headlights still off. “But you smell like shit.”
He grins, wriggling his brows as we cruise down the dark road. “It is shit, my friend,” he says, letting out a sigh of content. “It is shit.”
I have to first thank the Lord. It’s been a long road, and one I’ve veered off of frequently, but His love and guidance has never wavered. I will never forget the second chance at life He gave me.
Major David Gladney Taylor, thank you for being you and for the sacrifice you and your family have made for this country. You are in my thoughts always.
Michelle, Jake, Joanne, Joe, and Kay, thank you so much for accepting me into your incredible family. I feel honored and blessed to know you. It means the world that through such a tragedy, I was at least able to meet some of the kindest, strongest, most generous people I’ve ever met. Love y’all!
Pops, Brad and Britto, you are my strength. I know, without a doubt, I wouldn’t be where I am today if it weren’t for your love and support. I love you guys more than anything and can’t thank you enough for sticking it out with me.
To my boys (and girl!), Rob, Krotch, Andrew, and Beth, thank you for always having my back. You know I’ve got yours forever. Same goes for my VETSports crew, Kevin, Margaret, Jennifer, Jenifer, Johnson, Randy and Bryan.
To my book family, Kirby, Golden, Michael, Harper, Heidi, Christopher, Reggie, Shauna, Mikey, Amy and of course the other R&E Frat bros, Michael, Daryl, SD and Seth, y’all are amazing! This beautiful industry has been like a second family to me and it’s because of you all. Thanks for all that you do, and more importantly, all that you give to others.
To Cat and Cara, thank you for all your hard work and for taking on the complicated job of keeping me in line! You two have been game changers. It’s a true pleasure to work with you and an honor to have you on my team. I of course can’t forget the other 3Bs who work tirelessly to get the right words out of me. Your dedication and commitment is unmatched and so very appreciated! Thank you Jen, Holly, Jenn, Lucy, Amy, Nikki, Blue, Stefanie, Angela, Jennifer, and Kristen!
Last, but most certainly not least, a massive thank you to my readers. What can I say? You all have changed my life. Your love, support and strength helps carry me through when the tough days come. Words can’t express what it means to have you all in my corner. It’s an absolute honor! THANK YOU for reading and supporting my work!
BT Urruela is a US Army combat wounded amputee, Purple Heart recipient, turned contemporary author who has written both independent and traditionally published books. He is the Co-founder and Brand Ambassador for VETSports, Ambassador for Tampa Sports Academy, Cover Model, Motivational Speaker and Philanthropist. He currently resides in Tampa, Florida with his dogs, Kiko and Scout.
Other Books
Broken Outlaw Series
Into the Nothing, Book One
A Lover’s Lament (co-written with KL Grayson)
Wicked Little Words (co-written with Stevie J. Cole)
