“Is your husband, the restaurant, your home and family squared away?”
“Thanks to all the help.”
“And you’re comfortable staying?” Kip asked.
“Full supply of meds. Go bag packed and here,” Elin said.
“Good, I want you to have this.” Kip handed her a bag.
Elin smiled. “A tac uniform. Thanks.”
“You’re a vital part of the team. We will begin the shutdown of non-essential systems at 1400 hours.”
“Understood.”
Kip stared at his phone, typing in his home number. “Hi, Dad.”
“Thank goodness you called. I was going to have to tie your mom up to stop her from bothering you. How are you doing?”
“As good as I can be. I wanted to check in. It may take a few days after the storm to call again.” Kip continued to work on payroll on his computer.
“Something wrong?” his father asked.
“Not really.”
“Kip.”
“This may sound crazy. But I met someone,” he admitted.
“And you’re scared?”
“My feelings. They hit fast and hard.”
“You’re older, wiser. Enjoy the ride. Nothing wrong with strong feelings. Your heart does work well if you let it. Here comes Mom.” His dad laughed. “She’s picking up the extension.”
“Kip, are you okay? Are you evacuating? The news is showing all the traffic,” his mother worried.
“Mom, I’m fine. You know I can’t evacuate. I wanted to tell you and Dad that I love you. I’ll talk to you soon.”
“Love you, Kip,” they said together.
Kip returned to his computer. Payroll was signed off, so he opened the file covering Ovax. Bruce already left his first note delineating a game plan. The picture of Serafina stared up at him. “Who are you?”
“Kyle to see you,” Elin called.
“Send him in.” Kip looked up. “What’s new?”
“I have a lump in my chest. Tally’s pressure is ticking up again. She got frantic when I had to tell her about Harper. Tim got her on the phone, and Tally calmed. Damn it, I feel helpless.”
“I need you to focus on them now that licensing is under control. I am going to be in the command center. I need to know they’re safe,” Kip sighed.
“I spoke to Bean. Who are these people?” Kyle asked.
“Boss, Dr. Montgomery is here with Kevin,” Elin said.
“Send them in.”
“Harper?” Kip asked.
