“So, how exactly did this happen?”
Sighing, I really didn’t want to go through this again. “Talk to Remi. He has the details.”
“You know, that uniform is gonna cost you.”
Glaring at my boss, I lost it. “I just lost my house and everything inside, and you want to nickel and dime me over a uniform?”
“State property, I’m afraid,” he grinned.
“You’re an ass.”
“Now, boys,” Ma chastised. “Now is not the time to argue about such things. Let’s all be grateful that you all made it out okay.” She sighed, shaking her head. “And so soon after Liam’s house burned down. It’s like we’re jinxed.”
Mav raised an eyebrow at her words. “Any chance they’re related?”
“Not unless Austin suddenly figured out how to make killer robots,” I muttered.
I stared at the still-smoldering house. How the hell did this happen? I was finally happy. Finally on my way to a normal life, and then this happened.
Correction, Knight happened.
“Well, the fire’s mostly out,” Declan said, walking over as he wiped the sweat from his face. “Got a few places that are still just itchin’ to flame up, but we’ve got it under control. I’d say you could go back tomorrow and see if you can find anything, but honestly…I don’t think there’s gonna be anything to get. What the hell started this fire anyway?”
In order to know that, I’d have to ask Knight, but if I spoke to him, I might actually kill him.
“Not sure, but I’ll get back to you on that. Excuse me,” I said, leaving the group behind to stalk over to the person I really needed to talk to.
Cap stiffened as I approached, ready for the lashing I was about to give.
“Now, just remember, I had nothing to do with this.”
“Cap, just once, it would be nice if destruction didn’t follow me wherever I went.”
He opened his mouth, but I continued.
“See, I came here for a peaceful life. I have a baby on the way. I had a new house. Hell, I even got myself a real job,” I grinned. “And on my wedding night, of all nights, it all goes up in flames. Literally.”
“Not true,” he countered. “You’re still married. You still have a job, and you still have a baby on the way. Three out of four isn’t bad.”
“Except, I don’t have any place toputthe baby. And in Montana, that’s kind of important, seeing as how the winters are so freaking cold!”
“Right,” he nodded, scratching his jaw. “Reed Security will cover the expenses.”
“You’re damn straight you will!”
His eyes widened comically. “And we’ll build it ourselves!”
“Without Knight,” I hissed.
“Sure,” he nodded. “And in the meantime, we’ll send you and Blake off on a honeymoon. All expenses paid.”
Now, that sounded more like it. “I expect the house to be built the same as before.”
“You got it.”
I wasn’t quite sure about this, but it sure as hell beat staying with Ma for however long it would take to get a new house built.
“Good. We’ll leave tomorrow.”
