“Unfortunately, you witnessed Grace having an episode. She’s struggling with her mental health, and we sometimes must sedate her to keep her from hurting herself,” Julioexplained quietly. “We happened to stop by when her roommate called for help. I know it appears bad, but you have my word. We don’t hurt women or keep them here against their will. When they feel ready, we send them home to their families and set them up with mental health professionals and anything else they need to live a safe life.”
“Dr. Greene can vouch for us. She’s a doctor from Serenity Mountain and volunteered to help until we find a permanent solution,” Matthew volunteered.
“What about the little girl, Megan?” he asked Julio.
“They kidnapped her mother and her because they needed a doctor to perform exams. Unfortunately, they killed her father. Dr. Reese gave us a drive detailing each woman, man, and child, where they sold them, and we’re rescuing them,” Rebecca continued. “We have support from the government and Serenity Securities if we need additional men. It’s our goal to keep our team here.”
“We’ve watched you over the past month. You discovered our weak spots, and you’re protective of the two women in your cabin. I understand why you came to those conclusions today and why you reacted as you did. Keeping it in mind, we’d like to offer you a position on our team. You’ll be required to go on missions, we have PT every day, and you report to me,” Julio offered him.
“Fuck,” Garrett said, swiping his beard. “That’s what you’ve kept hidden? How many men guard it?” he asked.
“We have twenty. They’re all ex-military and have bunks further south from the women’s. They keep their distance and wear a red, white, and blue bandana on their arm so the survivors can easily recognize them,” Rebecca said. “They’re not victims, and we don’t use the word ever. They’re survivors.”
Garrett digested it all. “What about Kara and her parents? You seem awfully close.”
“Kara’s a survivor. Her parents lost their jobs while searching for her,” Julio told him. “She’s rather shy, and Tara helped bring her out of her shell. Rather, Rachel’s fondness for makeup and fashion gave the teens something to bond over, and they seem to get along,” Rebecca added.
Garrett nodded. “I apologize for jumping to conclusions. I heard her screaming and saw you tackling her…”
“No need for apologies. If I didn’t know, I would’ve done the same thing,” Julio assured him. “If you join the team, you’ll get a bump in pay. You can stay in the cabin, or we can move you toward the new ones we’re finishing.”
Garrett took a breath. His heart sped up at the thought of joining a team again, and maybe this was the missing piece. Then again, he felt damn good when he woke up with Riley in his arms.
“I want to do it,” he said. “I’ll stay right where I’m living now.”
“What will you do about Riley and her sister? They can’t find out about this,” Rebecca warned him. “In time, Kara will tell Tara if they remain friends. It’s still too fresh for Kara to discuss, and it puts the women here at risk. Kara and her mom volunteer here after she attends counseling.”
“I’ll deal with it when I cross that bridge. You should know I’m hoping Riley stays here with me, and it goes without saying, Tara, too.” Garrett stated, realizing they were too important to let go.
“I take it things have progressed with Riley?” Matthew asked.
“I care about her,” Garrett admitted. “I’m hoping to convince her to give us a shot.”
“We wish you all the luck. She’s very nice,” Rebecca toldhim as she rose. “I have a conference call. Julio will provide you with the paperwork, and we’ve performed the background check. You’ll report at 0500 to the in-law cottage. We turned it into a gym. Running paths connect in the back. If you have any questions, please let us know, and we’ll be happy to answer them. Welcome to the team, Garrett.”
“I have one more question. Jameson seems sad sometimes. He’s made a few comments…”
“A woman named Caroline helped narrow down my vicinity. Julio didn’t plan to find me the night he did. It happened by coincidence. Jameson worked undercover and befriended the woman, and she helped him. Shortly after my rescue, she disappeared and we haven’t found her. He’s checking a lead as we speak,” Rebecca explained. “We’re hoping it’s a good one. I owe her my life and Megan’s.”
“Thank you for telling me the truth. I’m sure it’s not easy for you to talk about this,” he murmured, gazing at Rebecca with sympathy.
“It’s not easy, but if it helps to convince you to join our team and save a life, it’s worth it,” she said warmly before kissing Julio and leaving.
Garrett glanced at the bruise on Matthew’s face. “Man, I’m really sorry.”
“Payback’s a bitch, asshole,” Matthew grumbled. “Rachel will freaking try to put makeup on me to cover it up and I’m coming for your ass.”
Garrett laughed, imagining the woman chasing Matthew down with one of those sponge things.
“I’ll send you home with the paperwork. Keep it out of sight and then you’ll report at 0500 on Tuesday. Take Monday off and we want you to consider it. There are risks involved,” Julio warned him. “When Jameson got made, they put him up for auction. Luckily, I posed as the buyer,and we shut the bastards down. Next time, they may do more than beat someone.”
“I understand. Let’s see how Mac’s feeling with his leg and then I’ll take off. We have a few slackers I’m keeping my eye on,” Garrett told him frankly. “Mac seemed to hurt pretty bad. He tried to play it off, but when I suggested he return home, he didn’t hesitate.”
“I’ll run by Mac’s cabin and check on him. I’m sure it’ll cheer him up to hear how you found out. He’s hounded me since the day you pulled up to bring you to this side,” Matthew said, rising from his chair. He held his hand out and shook Garrett’s. “Welcome to the team.”
“Thanks.”
Julio went into an office and emerged with a file which he passed to Garrett. “Come on, I’ll take you to get Gus.”
