“Once,” he said, pulling out paper schematics of each venue for us to mark. “With Nate.”
I looked at him for some response to saying his name, but he just smiled. “I’m fine, Phantom. Dominick and Livie are my world.”
I nodded, because I knew that was the truth. But I also knew how he felt about Nate. I didn’t say anything else about him.
Jesse took out some papers and a legal pad with an extensive list written on the first page. When he looked down at the paper, he tapped his pen on the pad of paper.
“I expect to hear back from some ex-military firms to arrange for the additional security. I was hoping they’d get back to me before now, but not everyone works like we do. But if they can work us into their schedules, you won’t have to train them.”
“That would be great,” I said. Former military people were easy to work with.
“That’s what I said. But you’ll also have Patrick after the Super Bowl, right?”
I nodded. “As far as I know. I haven’t heard anything different.”
“Good. His size alone would be a deterrent.”
He was right. Patrick had been Cole’s personal bodyguard for a long time. If he covered Cole, that left Adam all to me. Owen and Sam would be covered by a temp.
“Let’s take a look at these and determine where to station people. I’ve already marked where the venue’s security will be stationed.”
We worked on each venue layout and decided where to station our guys and venue security. We studied exits and determined which way the band and roadies would enter the arena. Two hours later, we finished up our meeting at almost three p.m.
“I think that’s everything, but let me see if Darren has gotten back to me on San Fran.”
Jesse opened his laptop to check his email while I folded up the maps. I glanced over at him when he didn’t say anything more. He was frowning at something on his computer, then looked over at me.
“What’s wrong?”
He shook his head. “Nothing. But have you heard from Homeland Security? I have an email from them about you.”
I furrowed my brow in confusion. “No? They haven’t contacted me.”
GQ stared at me and nodded slowly. “The email I have from Ann Martin says they are extending an interview.”
“What interview?” I asked, confused.
“They emailed me Friday about interviewing you. I told them you were about to start an assignment on the road as director of security. I also gave them the date when the tour ended.”
I was confused. “Really? I didn’t hear anything. I checked my email early this morning.”
Reaching for my phone, I opened the email app. There at the top sat an email from Ann Martin, Homeland Security.
I looked up at Jesse and held my phone up. “Here it is.”
Leaning against the table, I opened the email that requested an interview tomorrow.
Lieutenant Coleman,
After speaking to Lieutenant Commander Evans regarding your availability, we have decided to move forward and extend an expedited interview to you at this time. We understand the limits on your time, so we have taken the liberty of booking you a flight to Washington’s Reagan International this evening from PDX. Hotel accommodations have been arranged as well. Your return flight should get you back to Portland before your departure.
We look forward to speaking with you tomorrow.
Ann Martin,
Special Assistant to the Director of Homeland Security
What the fuck?Why now?
