Not that he would. That would be a violation of privacy, and being that his brother seemed content with Hugh, Reese figured there weren’t any skeletons in the guy’s closet. After all, Z did work for Sniper 1 Security, had access to information Reese probably couldn’t even get his hands on. He could only assume that meant Z had done his homework at some point and deemed the man worthy of their mother’s love and attention.
“For the most part, we stay in and around central Texas,” Reese elaborated. “We do have cold cases across the state that we’ve been assigned, but until we expand the task force, we’re havin’ to focus on local ones.”
“When will you be expanding?” RT asked.
Reese glanced at Brantley for the answer to that.
Brantley looked his way, finished chewing, then answered with, “Beginnin’ of the year.”
When he didn’t elaborate, Reese finished for him. “We’ve got six additional positions approved by the governor’s office. It’s just a matter of interviewin’ candidates.”
Again there was an expression on Brantley’s face that Reese couldn’t quite identify.
“Fun stuff,” Z joked. “I know that’s how I’d wanna spend my day, closed up in a room with a stranger, askin’ all kinds of stupid questions.”
“The eternal optimist,” RT said with a grin. “One of the many things I love about you.”
That earned a laugh from everyone.
“What about y’all? How’re things with Sniper 1?” Brantley prompted.
RT wiped his mouth with a napkin then smiled. “We’re actually lookin’ to expand as well.”
Being that Sniper 1 Security was a family-owned business, started by Bryce Trexler, RT’s father, and Casper Kogan, it was in the process of being passed down. RT had taken the helm years ago, and recently Casper’s son Hunter had stepped up to the plate. From what Reese had heard, they were taking it in a new direction, expanding not just in employees but also in the work that they did.
“Openin’ a new location?” Brantley inquired.
“We’re lookin’ at some property in Austin and some in Houston. Tryin’ to decide which’ll be more beneficial.”
“Not out of state, huh?” Reese asked.
“Not for operations, no. We’ve got operatives who live in different states, which gives us the coverage we need, but I’d like to keep the general functions close to home.”
“Overseas?” Brantley asked.
“We’re venturing into it more,” RT replied. “Right now, we’re assignin’ our most tenured agents to those positions.”
“What’s it like in the private sector?”
Reese was a little surprised by Brantley’s question. Anytime they’d discussed private-sector workforces, Brantley tended to tune out. Reese figured that had a lot to do with the fact Brantley’d spent most of his life working for the government. And everyone knew Brantley wasn’t fond of major change.
“I’m not sure I could do it any other way,” RT answered. “Then again, it’s the only way I’ve ever known. My father and Casper were both in the military, which has helped, I think. They’ve maintained some connections that way.”
“You get much pushback from government agencies?”
“No. As a rule, we don’t impede.”
“But we have been known to sidestep when necessary,” Z added with a grin.
“Yes, we have been known to do that.” RT took a sip of his iced tea. “But we keep that on the DL. No sense upsettin’ the local LEOs if at all possible.”
“LEOs?” JJ asked, leaning forward, fully engaged in the conversation.
“Law enforcement officers,” Z supplied.
“Ah.” She grinned wide. “Got it.”
“I know a couple of guys who might be interested in any overseas positions you’ve got comin’ up,” Brantley said, setting his fork down. “Former SEAL teammates. One recently got out, the other’s got three months then he’ll be stateside again.”
