"Are you expecting trouble?"
I was always expecting trouble.
"We haven't heard from Jojo's father in over a week, and while I want to believe the man has accepted things and gone away—"
"You can't."
"No."
"That makes sense." Sampson nodded. "I'll let everyone know this is just a walk for two-legged creatures."
"Thanks. Can you be ready in a few minutes?"
"I think so, yeah." Sampson glanced back toward the dining room. "Henry was just finishing up preparations for dinner. He should be done by then."
"Okay, I'll meet you at the front door in ten minutes then."
Sampson gave me a nod then started back for the dining room. I changed directions and headed toward Sinclair's office. I would actually be thrilled to death if everyone went. The level of protection that would give Jojo and Tommy was staggering.
I was glad to see Sinclair's door opened when I reached it. I rapped on the open door. "Hey, got a second?"
"Stalker." Sinclair smiled at me. "What's up?"
"Jojo and I are taking Tommy to the park. A few of the others are tagging along. I wanted to see if you and Stone would be interested in joining us."
Sinclair closed the folder he was looking at. "Sounds good to me."
"We're not taking the cats this time around."
"Yeah, that's probably a good idea, but you have to convince Bob."
I frowned. "Why me?"
Sinclair's laugh was evil. "Your walk. Your job."
"Thanks." I spun around and headed out of the office.
"Hey, wait, when are we doing this?" Sinclair called out.
"We're meeting by the front door in ten minutes."
"Okay."
I chuckled as I went to hunt down Bob and Shade. By the time I tracked Bob and Shade down and convinced them to go to the park with us—and convinced Bob not to bring Mustachio—then made my way back to the main entry, everyone was waiting on me.
And I do mean everyone.
Minus the cats, of course.
"Is everyone ready?" I asked.
"I am!" Tommy said as he jumped in place. "I am!"
"Well, then, I guess we're ready to go." I swung Tommy up into my arms again. As much as I'd love to let him walk to the park, I'd feel better if he was somewhat tethered until we got there. He could run until his eyes popped after that.
I opened the door and stopped before I could step out. My arms tightened around Tommy as I stiffened. "Alpha Langston."
I'm sure the man's smile was meant to be charming, but it just reminded me of a poisonous snake right before it strikes.
