Leo ran his hand through his hair. “Shadow, you and Ragu take the shift tonight. Keep me informed if Stewart farts in his sleep.”
Whiskey, another team member, entered the room. “Boss. We got a problem.”
Leo groaned. “What now?”
“The Pizza Palace called. The hospital cancelled trips into town and they didn’t notice immediately. Someone destroyed all their video games. They used the substance we found in the bread truck.”
Leo glanced at Chief Williby. “The substance containedpesticides. Do you know any farmers who might have any? Maybe it’s enough to get a search warrant. He became hostile with Patch and Scarlett today and has made damning comments about the Winters Foundation. What more do you need?”
Chief Williby sighed. “I’ll go talk to him. In the meantime, I don’t mind you aiding in the investigation but let us handle it.”
Shadow led the man out.
“What do you want us to do, boss?” Knight asked. “Several farmers have pesticides. Jeremy Stewart will argue the fact half the town uses it.”
“We’ll let Williby do his job. In the meantime, we’ll keep our eyes open and stay on the asshole. Call Doc. I don’t want the teens in town, not even to work. Let’s ask the veterans to act as our eyes in town.” Leo frowned. “José and Lucas leave in the morning for basic. I want all of us there to send them off. Taco, call the Seattle SWAT team and see if they have a few spare people to hold the fort down for an hour around seven. I’ll pay them.”
“Will do, boss.”
“Scarlett, I prefer you stay on the mountain until we get this handled. I know you mentioned something about a friend coming this weekend. It might be a good idea to hold off on her visit. Serenity’s no longer the safe place we love, and I refuse to allow us to lose another family member.”
CHAPTER 22
The following day,the men lined up beside Chase’s truck outside the facility. Lucas and José shook hands and held back their emotions as the men sent them off with a few words of advice and encouragement.
Lucas walked to Leo and shook his hand. “Words can’t begin to tell you how much your guidance has helped me. Thank you for this opportunity. I don’t know where I might’ve ended up without you.”
“You’ll never have to find out,” Leo said proudly. “Now, it’s up to you to decide your future.”
Finally, Kassie hugged Lucas. “Stay safe and remember this is your home. We’ll always be here.”
“Thanks, Kassie,” Lucas said before moving on to Victoria.
She lifted her chin and pulled him to her. “Show them how the Rostovs operate. You’re ready for this, Lucas. Nick will be fine. I promise you.”
“Thank you for everything, Victoria,” Lucas choked up. “I’ll make you proud. I love you, Mom,” he whispered.
Victoria smiled. “You don’t have to call me Mom. I know you adored your mother, and I won’t take her place.”
“I do. But I figured it’s okay to have two. Especially when I know you’ll do anything to protect me,” Lucas said quietly.
She cupped his face and kissed each cheek. “I love you, Lucas. You already make me proud.”
Nick swiped his eyes. “Good luck, Lucas. I’m happy for you.”
Lucas gave him a brotherly hair tousle. “I’m happy for us. Take care of Victoria and Ivan. I’ll call you as soon as I can.”
Nick hugged him. “Love ya, Lucas. Don’t get yourself shot in the ass like Leo.”
Lucas laughed as Leo called out, “Hey, I heard that. With two squids leaving, I’m on the search for someone else to torment.”
Tess hugged José and sniffed. “Be safe. I’ll miss you.”
“I’ll miss you and your tacos. I love you, Tess,” José kissed her cheek before moving on to Kassie.
“I love you, too,” she murmured.
Kassie clung to José. “Don’t worry about Sara. She’s one of us now. Be careful and call home as soon as you get the chance.”
