“Perimeter checks twice daily until the storm passes or makes landfall,” he said. “I want all dock access points secured and monitoring increased on the construction zones. If we evacuate, we lock down completely—no unauthorized personnel on or off the island until all-clear.”
Nettie’s brows creased, concern in her voice. “What about supply deliveries?”
“Suspended during lockdown,” Zach bit out. “We stockpile in advance, or we go without.”
She frowned, oblivious to the danger in Zach’s tone. “That could leave us short of supplies for opening.”
“Won’t matter. Vendors will stop deliveries as soon as the waters roughen. Mailboat stops at tropical winds speeds, if not before.” Zach growled.
Nick nodded. “He’s right. Emma, would you coordinate with procurement? Make sure we’re not caught short on essentials a storm team would need?”
Emma pulled up the supply schedule on her tablet as she spoke. “I’ll prioritize medical supplies, non-perishables, and fuel reserves.”
Zach’s gaze flicked toward her. “Communications equipment. Backup batteries. Satellite phones in case cell towers go down.”
“Already on the list,” Emma replied.
Something almost like approval crossed his face before it reset to neutral.
David’s mouth twitched, as if fighting a smile. He glanced at Nick, brow raised. Nick’s expression didn’t change, but Emma caught the faintest change in his demeanor—like he’d heard something no one else had.
Zach’s absolute stillness drew her awareness like a moth to a flame, distracting her from the meeting. He still stood at the window, but now he was facing the group, eyes roving as Samson discussed securing half-finished structures and Keith reviewed insurance coverage and emergency funds.
Zach didn’t speak often, but when he did, people listened. Not because he was loud or forceful, but because there was a gravitational certainty about him. He assessed, calculated, and delivered conclusions with the confidence earned from years of leadership under difficult circumstances.
She caught herself leaning in when he outlined shelter-in-place protocols, noting the way his focus never wavered from the operational problem in front of him.
Dangerous.That kind of competence is dangerous.
She forced her attention back to Nick as he wrapped up the meeting with characteristic efficiency. “All right. Department leads, you know your assignments. We will reconvene tomorrowmorning unless the forecast changes significantly. Preparation is cheaper than recovery.”
Chairs scraped. Papers shuffled. The room emptied in quiet, purposeful motion.
Emma gathered her notes, sliding the tablet into her folder. The room was empty of all but her and the three owners when she stood.
“Emma.”
She turned. Nick straightened from where he leaned against the end of the table, arms crossed, expression thoughtful rather than amused.
“Yes?”
“Walk with me a minute.”
They stepped into the hallway as David and Zach remained behind, heads bent over the weather display. Nick lowered his voice. “I wanted to say something before rumors start doing the job for me.”
Emma blinked. “That sounds ominous.”
“It isn’t.” His mouth tilted. “Just practical.”
She waited.
Nick glanced back into the conference room where Zach stood silhouetted against the gray light. “You and Zach seem to have strong opinions about each other.”
“If this is about the hiring dispute?—”
“It isn’t.” He met her eyes, steady and calm. “The sparks between you two are obvious. I think you two suit each other.”
She stared at him for a beat, wondering if her hearing was faulty. He was joking, right? “That’s a surprising conclusion to draw from an argument.” She scrutinized his face, looking for tells. Shit. He was serious.
