I’ve already thought of that and am running a program tonight to scan for patterns and keywords that might connect the two. “That’s the plan for tonight.”
“I don’t think she’s lying. She’s in trouble,” Bull replies in a low tone. “She looks scared.”
“I agree, but Falcon is looking out for us. Being unprepared could get us killed,” I remind him.
“True,” he agrees.
I grab my backpack and walk out with Bull. Falcon is still in his office. He’s always the first to arrive and the last to leave. We joke that it’s because he lives on-site in an apartment he built, so he has no commute time, but we all know he takes his role as the leader of this team seriously. He checks and double-checks everything. Every plan is scrutinized with a Plan B in place in case shit goes south. Falcon said from the start that Bull, Rebel, Phoenix, Archer, and I are his priority. This is because he doesn’t intend to lose another brother. That was his vow from the start. Cory’s death affected us all, and Falcon held us all together and never let his own emotions show.
“Better not be late for Kailyn,” I tell Falcon as we walk past.
“I wouldn’t dare. The wrath of Kailyn is enough to bring a man to his knees,” Falcon kids, making us all chuckle.
“I’ll tell her you said that,” Bull banters back.
“You do, and you’ll be playing babysitter on the next mission,” Falcon warns. There’s nothing Bull hates more than being a bodyguard. Bull wants to be in the action. He’ll do whatever the team needs, but he grumbles like an old man from beginning to end until it’s over.
“Hell, no!” Bull says emphatically.
“See ya there.” I give Falcon a two-finger salute and head out with Bull by my side.
Remmi
Wire and Bull arrive to pick us up. They help Vic load his truck with boxes that need to be shipped out. Vic’s so sweet that he volunteered to drop off the boxes at UPS to make sure they arrive on schedule. He was a great help throughout the day, helping where he could, but always on guard.
My plan to go to the grocery store and stock up on ingredients for my best dish—veal scallopini with Parisian potatoes and asparagus—is put on hold when Wire texts to say we’re invited to Kailyn and Phoenix’s place.
“What’s the occasion?” I ask. Mom always says to never show up empty-handed, and it’s advice I’ve always followed. Mina thinks it’s ridiculous that I still bring a little something with me when I drop in to see her. It’s nothing fancy, but who doesn’t like flowers or dessert? Since I’m not sure what Kailyn likes, I think flowers will do.
“Not sure. She didn’t say much, just that she wanted us all together,” Wire responds.
We have time to go home, shower the grime of the day away, and head back out. Wire stops off at the floral shop, refusing to let me go in alone. He’s a big guy and takes up most of the room in the small space. I think he nearly scares the owner, Leah, a sweet older woman with gray hair that looks fabulous on her and bright blue eyes that are wide as can be when she sees Wire come in.
“Hi, Leah!” I say, drawing her attention to me. She looked shocked when I called her by name. I point to her name tag. “We’d like some flowers for a friend of ours. Something bright and cheerful.”
“We have so much to choose from. Fresh cut or an arrangement?” Leah asks, waving toward the cooler full of beautiful flowers in all shapes and colors. “I just finished making this one.” She points to an arrangement with beautiful greenery mixed with peonies, sunflowers, and lavender.
“It’s gorgeous,” I exclaim.
“And it smells heavenly, if you like lavender, that is,” Leah returns with a grin. “I can make one for you as well. It doesn’t take long, and you can choose whatever you like.”
“That one’s good, babe,” Wire says. “She likes lavender. She’s always burning lavender-scented candles. Phoenix buys them for her all the time.” He glances at his watch.
“You’re just trying to hurry me along,” I accuse, crossing my arms over my chest.
“Yup!” He doesn’t deny it. “If Kailyn said seven, she means seven. The only one who gets to be late is Gertie, and that’s because she moves more slowly and because one of us goes to get her and walks her over. Also, Kailyn will put out a spread. She doesn’t skimp, but my brothers have an appetite, and if we’re late, all my favorites will be gone. Especially Rebel. He eats enough for three men, and he never saves any of the sausage rolls.”
I burst out laughing, not only because of the ridiculousness of worrying over sausage rolls, but because his expression is so serious.
“Don’t laugh, lovie.” Leah comes to his aid, “A man needs his nourishment.” She looks at Wire. “I’ll just box this one up quickly.” Leah picks up the vase and gets it ready for us. Wire insists on paying after a very stern glare in my direction.
“But—”
“When you’re with me, I pay,” is all he says, then proceeds to carry the flowers as he leads me back to the truck. He helps me in, then sets it on my lap.
“I have money. I do pretty well for myself,” I tell him once we’re back on the road. I don’t even mention that I’m the only child of wealthy parents. I could easily live off the money that’s in my trust fund today for the rest of my life.
“That’s good, babe. I’m happy you’re doing well, but this is the kind of man I am,” he answers.
