“He’s disbandin’ the task force.”
“What?” All casualness disappeared from Travis’s expression as he shot up straight. “Why the fuck would he do that?”
“Somethin’ about financial allocation or some shit.”
“Well, fuck me,” Travis breathed out, sounding sincerely shocked and more than a little pissed.
Everyone knew the task force was currently investigating Juliet Prince’s whereabouts. While technically the FBI was involved because of the kidnapping, the task force had made it their main priority.
Not to mention, Travis was a silent partner with the team, providing financial backing when necessary. Probably would’ve been wise to clue him in when the governor initially warned him this might happen.
“So what’re you gonna do now? You got another job lined up?”
“I do not. Nor will I be lookin’ for one.”
Travis frowned, obviously waiting for more.
“I’m gonna keep the task force,” he said, as though it was as simple as that.
A deeper line formed between Travis’s eyebrows. “Meanin’ you’ll run it without the backing of the state?”
“I damn sure can’t give up now,” he argued, although he knew Travis wasn’t pushing him to quit; he was merely curious.
“I’d prefer you didn’t.” Travis relaxed again. “I’m not sure what I would’ve done without you and Reese. Seriously. I know y’all haven’t worked a lot of cases, but you’ve accomplished quite a bit in a short time. I think it’s smart to take it private.”
Brantley stared at his cousin, then asked the one question he couldn’t hold back. “I’ll probably need some financial backing to start. You still in?”
Travis’s spine straightened, his countenance shifting.
Brantley figured this was the businessman he was now having a chat with, not his cousin.
“I don’t have a business plan yet,” Brantley added quickly. “But I will. I promise you that. I’ve been talkin’ with Reese’s brother. Thought I’d seek their help, too. Financially, that is.”
“Sniper 1 Security. Smart move on your part.”
“Yeah. Not gonna get my hopes up until I have an official conversation with them. What I need to know is whether or not I can depend on you in the same manner you’ve assisted thus far.”
“That I can do,” Travis stated firmly. “As for an investment, get me a business plan. I’d like to go over it with Gage.”
Brantley nodded. “I’ll get it worked up.” He stood. “Anyway, I needed to vent before I head back to HQ. Last thing I want is for Reese and the team to think they’re out of a job.”
“I know the feelin’.” Travis stood. “Just remember, you can lean on them, too.”
Brantley grinned, starting toward the door when Travis joined him. “Wow, that’s downright psychological of you, Dr. Phil.”
“Fuck off,” Travis grumbled, grinning as he opened the door.
The friendly banter helped to lift some of the weight off his shoulders.
It was enough motivation that Brantley decided he would tuck away the news until after the first of the year. He wanted to enjoy some time with Reese, and that wouldn’t be possible if he told the team they were out of a job come Monday.
*
“Why’d Brantley drop by earlier?”
Travis glanced over at his husband, saw the concern in Gage’s eyes.
They’d just sat down for the evening, having spent the past half hour doing the dishes while Kylie got the kids started on their baths and showers. Maddox had gone first, then was passed off to Travis to dry and dress. The little boy was now at Travis’s feet, staring up at the television, where an animated snowman was keeping him transfixed.
