“Consequently, guards will be walking everyone to their cars at night. They will search them before you leave. I am increasing security at the entrances and exits. All visits are being cancelled until the situation becomes clearer. All individuals entering or exiting the building will be searched. Guards will be outside your lab, and only authorised personnel shall be allowed entry. Dr Wright, please stay behind at the end to give us the names of those you need admitted.
“If you suspect you’re being followed, drive to a public place, call the police, and create a scene. I’d rather you be embarrassed than kidnapped. We are happy to provide security guards at your homes at no cost to you. We are aware of the significance of Project Jelly Bean and its value, which is why we’re not risking your safety. If anyone has any issues or concerns, please inform us.”
I sat back as Dr Paulson glanced around the room before taking a seat and speaking to one of my technicians, who was located next to him.
This was overkill. Something was majorly wrong.
Chapter Twelve.
Allegra
Maybe I’d been a bitch to Polly yesterday, but it was hardly something that bothered me. I’d heard from every single cousin, Thatch, Nana, and Gramps what those bitches at the motorbike club Shotgun rode with had said. I wasn’t impressed, although I understood they were trying to protect Rain and Shotgun. They’d been cruel and hurtful, and without reason.
I might have viewed things differently if I’d been sneaking around behind Rain and Shotgun’s backs, but I hadn’t been. And none of those bitches had the brains to question why Rain and Shotgun were happy with the situation. Clearly, intelligence wasn’t high on the list of qualities for the old ladies of the MC. Being judgmental, having tits, ass, and a pretty face was.
There! Now I could be a bitch! Wade tugged on my hand as he pointed to a diner. “Ungry.”
“You ate two hours ago!” I exclaimed.
Wade scowled.
I’d brought the children to a soft play area after finally being given the clear to drive my car, which I didn’t remember owningbut knew how to operate. At least I had been planning to, but it had been closed due to a leak. A little annoyed, I headed to the library to see what toddler events they had. I was pleasantly surprised at what was on offer. We were wandering the shops until this afternoon, when I had an appointment at the doctor’s office to register us.
“P’cakes,” Darcy chirped, and I sighed.
“Pancakes?” I asked, and both kids nodded. “You ate breakfast two hours ago; you can’t be hungry.”
Darcy and Wade swapped glances, and they both folded their free arms across their chests and pouted. Darcy added a frown for effect, and Wade copied her.
“Wow,” I muttered. “You’re good. Come on.”
We crossed the street and headed into the diner. It took a few seconds to get my bearings, and I winced as I noticed all the tables were full. “We’ll go somewhere else.”
“P’cake!” Darcy snapped and pointed.
“Young lady, I don’t know how it was in the past, but you don’t snap and get what you want!” I scolded, and Darcy pouted.
“Orry.”
“Hey, Allegra,” someone rumbled, and I turned and spotted Shotgun.
“Oh, hi,” I replied, starting to squirm as I felt eyes on me.
“Come and join me,” he said, waving at his table.
“No, it’s fine, thanks. I’m going elsewhere; otherwise, Madam believes she’s getting her own way.”
“I’ll tag along with you,” Shotgun announced and stood up. He threw some notes down and headed my way.
“Shotgun, that’s unnecessary.”
“Yeah, I know. There’s another diner a bit further down. I usually alternate between the two. Come on,” he said, cupping my elbow.
Darcy perked up, seeing who it was.
“Bang, bang,” Wade crowed, and Shotgun smiled.
“Hey, little dude,” he said, then nodded at Darcy, “princess. Shall we go find some pancakes?”
