[ israclilxoncss continued from here ]
The sharp impact of his wifeâsâârather bonyââelbow into his unprotected side had not been not wholly unexpected, but it doesnât do much to help him for having known that it would happen.Â
He shifts and hunches slightly after the fact to make a follow-up strike at least a little more difficult before he manages to grit out the warning to her.
At her reply, he almost snorts.
âWhat else was I supposed to do, ××§×רת× ?â he questions, voice not far above a whisper, though there is some amount irritation placed even on the term of endearment. âApproach you in the wide open and leave both of us a target?âÂ
âBut while weâre on the subject of things that should be known, you should really know better than to go sneaking away while Iâm at work to do God knows what. Do you know how difficult it was to find you?â
Heâd actually had to call Malachi for a favorââone that the other was sure to collect on at some point whether it was in payment of beers or in application of stitches or other medical knowledge before Malachi could go home to his daughter, so as not to worry her.
âAnd another thing,â he begins, voice raising ever so slightly. âIf you must go sneaking away, perhaps you might remember to bring this with youâââ
With that he offers her the grip of a firearmââbecause even âretiredâ, and with or without actual permits, Eyal would not have a defenseless household, not with the enemies that he ad Ziva both had made.
âââSo that I donât have to explain to the children why something happened to their mother, hm?â
âAs for your âshadowââŚâ he begins, lowering his voice once more.Â
âHe moves as though heâs trained, but he didnât notice me, so obviously heâs not too well trained if he canât spot a man with a limp. Though, itâs not too bad today so, I suppose I can cut him some slack.â
Ah, yes. The usual wry humor had returned, the slightest hint of a smirk apparent before he turns serious once more.
âWhat do you want to do?â