Bryn shrugged. “We all need a helping hand every now and again. Eat your pie.”
They were finishing their food when Gunnar came to join them. He had a plate heaped with pasta and salad, enough for three normal appetites. Bryn and Talbot exchanged glances and Talbot broke into a smile.
“What’s so amusing?” Gunnar tucked in.
“I’d been telling Talbot about your voracious appetite, partner. You came through with perfect timing. Also, you need to get the pie.”
“You do.” Talbot nodded. “So yummy.”
“So what did the boss man say?” Bryn asked.
“If Talbot agrees, he can come back to HQ with us. He can start work with the geek squad right away. Warden says they’re always looking for new talent.”
Talbot gaped. “You mean it?”
“Yeah. He also said you can use one of the residential staff rooms for a while and you’ll get a budget for clothes and toiletries. Computer and phone will be provided for you.”
“I don’t know what to say.” Talbot looked like he might cry.
“How about you fetch Gunnar some pie?” Bryn suggested.
Talbot scampered over to the counter.
“Did Warden give you any trouble?” Bryn asked while Talbot was out of earshot.
“None. He thought it was a great idea. I think that man’s heart may be a lot softer than appearances suggest.”
“Emmett will be pleased to hear that.” Bryn grinned. “You know he has a huge crush.”
“I suspect our Emmett is more interested in a firm hand than a soft heart,” Gunnar said. “I’d bet good money that Warden is a Dom.”
“No one’s going to take that bet. It’s obvious. He could have it written on his forehead and it wouldn’t be any clearer.”
“Which might be why he has the urge to care for those that are more vulnerable than he is.”
Talbot returned with a massive slice of pie and placed it in front of Gunnar. “The lady serving guessed you were a wolf.”
Gunnar beamed and gave the server a wave. “That is a good woman right there.”
“I’m so excited,” Talbot said. “And kinda scared, but in a good way. You guys have work to do, right?”
“We do. Should have thought of that,” Gunnar said as he demolished his pie. “Gimme a moment.” He typed a message into his cell and a few seconds later got a response.
“Okay. Emmett is coming by to pick you up, Talbot. He’ll take you back to HQ, get you settled in and sort out some supplies for you, okay?”
“Sure. You’ll be back later, though, right?”
“Yeah, and we’ll come find you, but you’ll like Emmett. He’ll look after you. If you go wait in the lobby, he’ll come in.”
“How will I recognize him?”
“He’ll be wearing a checkered sweater-vest. Today’s was blue and yellow, I believe. He has a collection.” Gunnar chuckled. “Give him half an hour. Meanwhile, we need to get our butts upstairs to meet with Bell’s team.”
“You sure you don’t want more pie?” Bryn asked. “We could get some to go. It’s Bell’s dime.”
“I like the way you think.” Gunnar went over to talk to the lady he’d waved to before.
“You okay with this?” Bryn asked Talbot. “Things are moving pretty fast.”
