The chopper powers down, and Dan climbs out with us. I wrinkle my nose at the weather, since the light rain is still falling. “Do you want to come up to the house?” I ask, but he shakes his head.
“Nah. I’m dying to get my pole in my hand. The boathouse veranda will keep me dry, and I can always use it if I get cold or need something to eat.”
He’s right, the boathouse not only stores the watercraft but also has a loft with a bed, and the bottom level contains a bathroom, a small kitchenette with a fridge, and comfortable living area. It’s for when we have parties on the lake in summer. It’s actually quite fancy despite the basic name.
“Okay, I’ll send you a text when we want to leave.”
He waves goodbye and disappears down the path toward the lake. I lead the others in the direction of the cabin. It isn’t too far, but there’s a small hill blocking the cabin from sight. When we get to the top, I see Mickey, Maeve, Suzy, Ben, Sam, Dean, and Lacey all sitting on the furniture spread out on the wide veranda, warm drinks in hand. I shout and wave to them. Mickey calls back, lifting a hand in welcome. Everyone else stands as we approach.
“Tori!” Suzy squeals and launches herself off the steps, throwing her arms around me. “I’ve been so fucking worried.” She squeezes me before reaching up with both hands to cup my cheeks, peering closely at me. “Are you okay?” she asks quietly, and I give her a small nod. I’m sure she will grill me for all the details later, but for now, she releases my face and steps back. Her expression turns glacier cold as she looks over my shoulder at the others. Suzy is a grudge holder. They are going to have to work hard to get back on her good side. Thankfully, Ben seems to have forgiven them. I guess Sage and Mickey filled them all in.
“Welcome. Come on out of the rain and warm up,” Ben says.
Xavier eyes him carefully before turning his attention to my bodyguards, Lacey, my uncle, and Maeve.
“Are we safe here?” he asks carefully.
Mickey scoffs and waves a hand. “Safer than in your own home, I would guess.”
“Touché,” Tristan replies flatly.
“Come, please. You will be safe here,” Maeve says, her lilting Irish accent and soft gray eyes inviting.
I do the introductions for those they don’t know. Mickey’s eyes are flat and judging. He’s like Suzy. They are going to have to prove their worth. If I can have them rescue Dad and Carla, then I bet he would forgive them quickly. Maeve is friendly and welcoming.
The five of us mount the steps, but I look around the veranda. “It’s pretty crowded out here. Maybe we should go inside,” I suggest, but Sam stands, pulling Lacey to her feet, and Dean follows.
“We’re going to head out. We have a few things to take care of.”
“Nico and Francis are going to the safe houses and organizing the strike teams. They are going to do somereconnaissance and work out how many people need to be taken down at the various locations.”
“If you let us in on the plan, I can help with that,” Xavier offers.
Sam gives him a nod of appreciation. “Leave the information with Mickey, and he will get it to us. Thanks.”
They don’t hang around, and with a wave from Lacey, they disappear around the other side of the cabin where the cars are parked.
“Come on, let’s go say hi to Dan.” Ben puts his arms around his pretty wife and drags her down the steps, even though it looks like she would rather stay where she is.
“Fine. Tori, our other guests are waiting for you to invite them outside,” she tells me, and I roll my eyes. Of course she couldn’t just keep quiet.
Just as the four of them seem to be relaxing, they become tense and more alert at Suzy’s words. Xavier, Colton, and Tristan reach for weapons and shuffle Vienna so they can circle her for protection.
Mickey scoffs with amusement. “Nice reflexes, and I approve of you protecting your woman, but if we wanted you dead, I would have taken you out when you came over the hill. Put your guns away, I think you’ll like our other guests. You can come out now, poppet,” he calls, and the screen door flings open, and Addi jumps out.
“Surprise!” she shouts before throwing herself at the four of them. Vienna slaps a hand over her mouth, but a sob escapes as she bends down and picks her daughter up, hugging her close and pressing kisses all over her face.
“Oh my god! You’re here,” Vienna says tearfully. “How?”
Tristan throws his arms around them, and I see tears shining in his eyes. “Oh God. I’m so sorry, Tori, can you forgive us?” he begs.
“Papa, you’re squishing me,” Addi says, her voice muffled.
“Just go with it for a moment, sweetie,” he tells her, and she giggles.
I wave a hand. “It’s okay. I would have been just as upset if I didn’t have all the information.”
“This is what you were doing last night?” Xavier asks as he reaches for Addi.
