We’re in the clear here, Kyren and Syrus are safe back at the SUV on the other side of the property’s woods, and all I have to do is wrap up the last of the loose ends with this conversation with Gary.
Easy, right?
“Gideon had a large organization running here,” I agree half heartedly. I have a long drive ahead of me and I’m ready to go home to Widows Peak.
When did that happen? I think it became my home when I met Silva face to face, I was just too stubborn to realize it at first.
“Yep. Listen, I know you have your own thing going on now. Would you consider expanding a bit?” he asks, not looking at me.
His lips are barely moving, and my eyes narrow. What’s the cagey bastard about? He’s been a decent ally to us, my concern is about everyone else that he may answer to.
Shoving my hands in my pockets, I shrug to show I’m listening.
“I have a few men who are considering retiring,” he continues. “They’re tired of playing things by the books, though not crooked.”
“Can they follow authority?” I ask. “I don’t feel like doing a song and dance of who’s in charge, but I am considering opening a security firm.”
Gary snorts without amusement as he nods.
“You’re not really pulling the wool over my eyes, kid. I know what you’re about, and I honestly don’t think whatever records this place holds are safe in government hands. Vulnerable people have a way of falling through the cracks, and the omegas who were once in this place have gone through enough if you ask me,” he muses. “Keep your intel, protect it, and do good shit with it.
“My guys can follow authority, they’re just tired of doing shit the way the government tells us we have to do it. I have six that I’d recommend for private work. At some point, you burn out.”
“That’s relatable shit, sir,” I reply. “Life has a way of changing, and I’d like to expand so I don’t have to travel as much.”
“Authority roles aren’t a walk in the park,” Gary reminds me.
“No, but I can run an operation from home just as well as in person. Research, background, lay of the land,” I parrot back. “If the person is competent, they should be able to make it work. If we’re being honest, I spent more time redirecting you than in the action.”
“Harlan, what the fuck?!”Syrus hisses in my ear.
Oh well. I don’t fucking work for Gary, and I was never here. He can’t arrest a ghost.
“You’re an asshole,” Gary grumbles. “Alright, you’ve made your point. I’ll get the names of those guys to you to reach out to and their competencies. I will also let them know there may be an opportunity for their skill sets after this job.”
“Wow, so they’re really serious about retiring,” I say.
“Oh yeah. They’re hanging up their government hats,” he says. “It’s time for something new, and true mercenary work isn’t their style.”
I get that. Sometimes, you want to know that the good you’re doing will actually stick, and the only way to do that is to get murdery and break a few rules. Or twenty.
Yeah, I definitely think we broke more than that tonight.
“I’m intrigued,” I admit. “I’ll take a look, but I’m headed home now.”
“I don't want to know where that is,” he grunts. “Go be a ghost.”
“Yes, sir,” I say, walking away from him.
“Damn. Did we officially go into business together, or did I miss my invite?”Kyren teases me.
“Ugh, you’re such an idiot,” I say under my breath. “As if you’d let me take a shit without any of you.”
“Descriptive and gross,”Syrus groans.
This mansion is fucking ridiculous. I should have cut through the house, but I didn’t want to run into anyone. Who needs this much space, other than a sex trafficker?
“We’ll break it to Sloane and Aiden later. I have this odd feeling they’re not going to want to travel much for work either,”Kyren says.
