Liv’s eyebrows shot up, but she stayed silent.
“You cleared me to return to ALPHA, but I didn’t request an interview. I wasn’t confident I could do it,” Simone said. “I’m thinking your recommendation could go a long way toward reinstating me.”
Liv finished chewing, put down her fork. “I uploaded my recommendation months ago. Providence, Cooper, and I talked about you returning to ALPHA.”
“I never heard from them.”
“Cooper wanted to reach out, but Providence didn’t want to pounce.”
“I wasn’t ready, but I am now.”
Liv smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.” Then, her smile fell away. “In order to remain objective?—”
“When I find that monster, I’m gonna kill him.”
“You sound like Jericho,” Liv murmured.
“Then you can understand how I feel.”
“I understand completely, but I don’t condone it.”
“I’m glad we talked,” Simone said. “I needed to get some insight into how you summarized my situation after you released me.”
“I told them you’d know when you were ready. I’m sorry it’s under these circumstances.”
Simone’s heart fell. “So am I. I can’t even process what’s happened. All I feel is rage. He got away with murdering thousands, then he kills my team and vanishes into thin air. Now, he’s back with a bang, starting with ALPHA. He’s got all the power. All of it.”
“For now,” Liv said, “but I’m confident once ALPHA puts together a plan, he won’t have the power for long.”
“Thank you for rearranging your schedule, and for lunch,” Simone said. “I needed to talk with you because you were there for me.”
“And I’m here for you now.”
Simone walked over to the sideboard and admired the family photos. “Liam is getting so big. How are things going with Owen and Layla?”
Liv and Jericho had fostered, then adopted Owen and Layla after Carrera and Slash had removed them from a dangerous living situation.
Liv beamed, and love filled Simone’s heart. “My babies are like a pod. They’re very close. Jericho and I are talking about, maybe, having another.”
“That’s wonderful,” Simone said.
The women finished eating. Simone helped Liv clean up, then she left. As she jumped into her SUV, she made a call.
“Providence Luck,” answered the woman.
“Providence, it’s Simone—Red—Redding. I know things are chaotic at work, but I’d love to swing by and talk with you and Cooper. How’s tomorrow?”
“Did you get my text?” Providence asked.
Simone glanced at her phone which she’d silenced while lunching with Liv.
We need to talk
“I was in a meeting and missed it.”Simone said.
“When can you come by?”
“I can be there in twenty.”
