“Later,” Sasha whispered back.
Megs neared the bottom of the attendance sheet. “Austin Taylor is here. And Nicole Turner is here … and pestering Sasha for details about her love life.”
“Love life?” Eric cracked open a bottle of water. “Is it the detective?”
All eyes turned her way, and Sasha blushed again. “Stop looking at me.”
Megs started the meeting. “We are looking at a slight budget shortfall for this fiscal year—about fifteen grand. It’s been a busy year, and a couple of our rescues were hard on the equipment. We need to make major purchases—ropes, trauma kits, new tires for both rescue vehicles. Rather than doing a fundraiser at Knockers, I wanted to share with you all an opportunity that has come our way.”
Megs explained that one of the climbing gear stores in Boulder was happy to use their auditorium for presentations by Team members. “They’ll charge for tickets, retain the cost, and give us the proceeds.”
“Cool!”
“That’s great.”
Megs held up her hand to quiet the noise. “They say we ought to anticipate a haul of about five grand per night. They say that big-ticket speakers often bring in more.”
“Send Sasha.” Creed grinned. “She’ll fill the coffers.”
“Thank you for volunteering your injured teammate, Herrera.”
Sasha raised her hand. “I’m happy to do it as soon as this investigation is finished. I don’t think I’d feel comfortable being in public before that.”
“I wouldn’t want you to do it until this is all behind you. It’s not worth the risk. The last thing any of us wants is to see you on a stretcher again.”
“Amen to that.”
“Yeah, no kidding.”
Megs looked over at Harrison. “Conrad, your name came up specifically.”
“I’ll do it. Sign me up.”
“Hawke, they asked about you, too. Your role in saving this town didn’t go unnoticed outside Scarlet. The program director at the store wonders what it’s like to be both the town’s fire chief and a Team volunteer.”
Hawke looked surprised. “I’ll do it, but I can’t guarantee anyone will show up.”
Taylor laughed. “Seriously, dude? You think ‘Hunky firefighter who almost died saving an entire town’ won’t sell tickets?”
Eric stuck out his chest. “I had no idea you thought I was a hunk, Taylor.”
Laughter.
Megs ignored all of this and turned to Chaska. “Belcourt, the store owner asked about you, too. The gear you’ve designed for us has had a big impact in search-and-rescue circles. He wants to know how you do it and why you won’t patent it.”
Everyone laughed at the astonishment on Chaska’s face.
“I’d be happy to do it, but are they even going to understand what I’m talking about when I get into the engineering part of it?”
“I have no idea. But they’ll pay regardless, so that’s all that matters.”
More laughter.
Megs looked up from her notepad. “There’s our fifteen grand. Sasha, if you’re up for it when this case is closed, I’m certain the owner will kiss your feet.”
“I’d love to.”
“Great. Now, on to other matters. As you know, we normally gather at our place to watch Sasha compete at the world championships. This year is different. Friday, we’re having a party at Knockers to support Sasha and cheer on the less-deserving people who will leave with trophies that would have been hers.”
