Chapter 36: Pete’s confession.

THE THICK STRAPS of the double-thigh gun belt, cool against Pete’s blue skin, whispered as they slid into place. His jaw tightened, a surge of determination hardening. He pulled the belt snug around his hips, the weight of the holstered pistols settling against his thighs, and then he snapped the lower bands, the soft thwack echoing his commitment.

“You’re right.” Pete straightened from the box, the words escaping him in a rush. “My ...