Once the newcomers sat down, Stryker said, “Anyone want food before we start? There’s tons in the kitchen. We ordered Dan Tana’s catering. Go get you some good Italian food.”
Annika didn’t have to be told twice. She and Daddy ran and got plates. Once they came back, she sat on the floor atop a blanket that had been spread. Some other Littles were already there, eating their dinner.
“All right. Let’s get down to business,” Stryker said. “You’re all here because you have a specific skillset. Those skills are needed if we’re going to pull this thing off.”
Harrison aimed a remote at the TV and clicked it on. “If we can direct your eyes to the screen, please.” An image of Edward Marlot popped up. It received a few boos from the crowd, prompting Harrison to chuckle.
“What’s going on?” Leah asked. “I know he’s rich and a bit on the annoying side. But why so much hate for him?”
“I’m afraid he’s more than just annoying,” Harrison said. “He’s evil.” Looking at Annika, he asked, “Do you mind if I share your story?”
They had a right to know, she figured. After all, they were risking their very lives to help. She nodded.
Harrison—with the help of Stryker—spent the next few minutes relaying the events Annika had shared with them and the rest of those that lived in the Guard’s mansion. The Mountainville Gang, along with Grant and Sadie Baker, listened with rapt attention.
Once the tale was complete, Leah spoke up again. “Okay, now I see why all the hate. My goodness! That’s awful. I’m sorry you went through that, Annika.”
Annika looked back and smiled at her. “Thank you.”
“The good news is,” Stryker said as he began pacing in front of the TV, looking at everyone, “we’re going to make this as right as we can. We’ll get her identity back, make sure Edward Marlot doesn’t do that to anyone else, and get Congress and the FBI the proof they need to take this madman down.”
“Oh,” Jack said. “Is that all?”
Everyone laughed.
Hearing Stryker lay it all out made Annika doubt it could be done.
But they had to try.
“I know it sounds crazy. But I think we can do this,” Stryker told the group. “If we work together.”
Harris clicked the remote and brought up a picture that Annika had seen during their last meeting, the one of the invitation. “As some of you know, Edward Marlot hosts a gala around Thanksgiving each year. It’s two nights from now.”
Stryker took over. “That’s why it was imperative that we get you all over here from Texas so fast.” He grinned. “Being famous movie stars, Grant and Harrison were able to snag an invite. So that’s part of our in.”
“But only part,” Harrison said. “Let’s go over the plan and you can all tell us what you think. Help us find the holes in it. Be honest. We need to know your objections. And nobody do anything you’re not comfortable doing.”
Annika waited with bated breath. What on earth were the guys going to unveil?
She really wanted to know a moment later when Stryker added a final warning.
“Y’all, buckle up. This is going to be a wild ride…”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Matteo sat in the backyard, coffee in hand, looking out over the perfectly landscaped lawn.
He hadn’t slept well the night before. Which was bad, because he was going to need his strength as they tackled the big plan that had been revealed.
It was all good. He didn’t feel tired. If anything, he was amped up.
Taking a sip of coffee, he watched as a bird landed on the palm tree near the back fence. His mind wasn’t on that, though.
He was thinking of his sweet girl. Life had been hard for her. Unfair. Cruel. Now her fortunes had turned. But would it last?
What if she’d found him—and her new family—only to have it all ripped from her? Things could go sideways with this mission. One wrong move and Marlot could have her again. It would be as if Matteo and the Guard just hand-delivered her.
The thought sent a chill up his spine. But the fear didn’t last long. It was soon replaced by pure, unadulterated anger.
