“Dude.” Derek chuckled. “It’s nothin’ personal. Charlie’s just been really busy since we got back to the city. She had to find a place to live and get a car. She’s been goin’ non-stop doin’ what she can to get this business put together. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her so excited about somethin’. She even has an office space rented already. She’s supposed to go today to sign the lease.”
“Whatever,” Coop rolled his eyes dramatically and threw his hand up.
Derek made a face, and the two men laughed. God, he loved his team.
“I promise I’ll bring her by to meet you as soon as I get the chance.”
“What’s the big deal, anyway?” Mac challenged Coop. “You’ve never been worried about meeting any of the other women he’s dated.”
“Mac.” Coop’s expression turned serious. “This is Wild West we’re talking about. So, one...he doesn’t date. And two...hell, yes, I want to meet the woman who could tie this crazy bastard down. I gotta see for myself she’s real.”
“Oh, she’s real, all right,” Derek assured him with a smirk.
Jake cleared his throat. “If you two drama queens are done, we do have some actual R.I.S.C. business to discuss.”
“Sorry, Boss,” Derek offered, though the grin on his face was anything but apologetic.
“Thank God,” Mac muttered, ignoring the tongue Coop was sticking out at her.
“What do you got for us, Jake?” Grant asked, his tone as serious as always.
With a sideways grin, he shook his head and got to it. “Two jobs. Neither are very extensive nor do they involve international travel. So, I’ll be splitting you up.”
“You’re not doin’ one?” Derek asked their boss.
“This pregnancy is still kicking Liv’s ass. As of this morning, she’s officially taken a leave of absence from the hospital. I plan on being home with her until after the baby comes. Obviously, I’ll still be reachable, and y’all are welcome to come to the ranch any time to shoot or do any other sort of training. I’ve got Bravo Team on call for any jobs that Ryker may throw our way. As far as actually being here in the office, Trevor will hold down the fort while I’m gone.”
“But everything’s okay with Olivia and the baby. Right, Jake?” Mac asked, her concern mirroring everyone else’s.
“They’re fine. Liv’s blood pressure has been higher than her doctor would like to see, and since we’re lucky enough to be able to afford it, she’s taking it easy for the next few months.”
“Wow,” Coop exclaimed. “Can’t believe you got her to agree to that.”
“It wasn’t easy.” Jake shook his head. “Trust me. But, she knows it’s what’s best for the baby, so in the end, she gave in.”
“Speaking of the baby...when are you going to find out what it is?”
“We decided we aren’t going to find out ahead of time.”
The room filled with groans, but Jake simply smiled. “Let’s get back on track. So, one of the jobs is for a new client. He recently purchased a very large property on a gated, secluded lot located on the northeast edge of the city. His realtor assured him the security system currently in place is the, and I quote, ‘best that money can buy’.”
“Is it one of ours?” Derek asked with a raised brow.
“No.”
Derek scoffed. “Then it ain’t the best money can buy.”
Jake smiled. “Which is exactly what one ofhisclients told him. That’s why he wants us to take a look and see if we just need to make a few improvements to it, or if it needs to be replaced altogether.”
“Sounds easy enough,” Mac commented.
Jake gave her a look. “Yes, and no. The guy wants the systems check to be legit.”
“Meaning?” Coop asked.
“Meaning, he doesn’t want to know when we’re coming.”
Coop leaned up onto his elbows, excitement flaring in his eyes. “Wait a minute. Are you saying what I think you’re saying?” He looked around at the others then back to Jake. “Some rich dude is actually going to pay us to break into his house?” The former Ranger grinned. “Oh, I am so in. Put me on that one, Boss.” Coop added puppy dog eyes for effect. “Please.”
