Parker
Are you sure? I’m just going to be working, it's not a big deal.
Maverick
I will be wherever you want me to be, whenever you want me to be there. No questions asked.
Parker
Oh…Okay.
Obviously that wasn't the answer she was expecting, but it’s the one she will always get from me.
Maverick
I’ll see you soon, pretty girl.
Parker
See you soon.
I drop the phone back down to the bed and begin getting dressed. I had already planned on going to the bar before she closed up for the night. Now I’m just going to go earlier. I’ll sit there for her whole shift if that’s what she wants. After I finish getting ready, I make my way back into my office to pass the time. Lowering myself into the office chair, I tap the keyboard to bring the screens back to life and enter my password. Deciding to see what else I can find on Hazel while I wait for Slater, I drag the cursor over to the web browser when a new email comes in that’s marked as urgent.
Sliding the cursor over to the other monitor, I open the email then click to open the file that’s attached. Once it loads fully, I begin reading. About half way through, the hair on the back of my neck begins to raise; and by the time I’ve reached the end, my blood runs cold. Jobs like this don’t come in very often, but when they do I have one man for the job.
Grabbing my phone, I tap on Elias’ contact and put it to my ear. My eyes fall back on the pictures and documents on the screen, and I swallow pastthe lump that’s beginning to form in my throat. He answers on the first ring.
“Maverick, what’s going on?” He asks, his deep and gravelly tone even. I’ve known Elias all of my adult life. He used to work with my father, and from what he tells me, they were best friends. When I turned eighteen, he found me and when I approached him with my idea to start Cain Defenses, he was my biggest supporter. He trained Karson and I, shaping us into the men we are today.
“Something just came to my attention, and I have a job for you. I’m sending you the file now for the Wilson case.” I tell him as I forward him everything he’s going to need. “Let me know when you get it.”
“You got it.” Elias is silent on the other end for a moment and I stand, beginning to anxiously pace back and forth behind my chair. This job is fucked, and the conditions attached to it are bullshit, but if there’s any one person who can accomplish what’s needed, it’s Elias. “Got it.” His voice breaks through my thoughts and I sit back in the chair, pulling myself up closer to the screens. “What the fuck?” He says to himself, and I pinch the bridge of my nose.
What the fuck is right.
“Jesus Christ, Maverick.” His voice now louder through the ear piece. “You need a sniper for this one, not a damn bodyguard.” Elias grits through his teeth, his frustration palpable through the phone.
“I agree with you, but there are strict instructions tonotinterfere with this one.” I tell him. He lets out a harsh breath before speaking again.
“This ain't right kid, but I’m on it.” He says and I exhale.
“You’ve got seventy-two hours to get ready and get out there. I’ll respond to the sender and let them know you’re coming.” I say and begin my reply to the client.
“I’ll be there in forty-eight. I just booked the flight.” He tells me and I smirk to myself. I knew he wasn’t going to sit on this for too long. “Now, catch me up on this casino deal. Do you want me to be there for the contract signing?”
“There’s no need. Karson and Slater will be coming with me. I appreciate it though. You worry about this case, no matter how long it takes.” I tell him, grateful that he’s willing to take this job, and that his concern is still being there for me.
“Okay, but if you need me you call me, boy. I mean it.” Elias orders and I nod to myself.
“Yes, sir. Be safe over there, I’ll be checking in.” I say and we hang up. Looking at the clock, I quickly exit out of everything on the computer and shut it down. I stand and make my way out of the office, and down the stairs to the front door.
I don't want to keep my girl waiting.
Chapter twenty-two
Fifteen minutes before myshift is supposed to begin, I pull into the parking lot of Doc’s and park in my usual spot underneath the street light. I shut the engine off and flip down my visor to give myself another once over before I go inside. My hair is half up-half down in a claw clip and a few wisps hang down framing my face. I put a light coat of mascara on my eyelashes and some eyeliner on, and did a light blush on my cheeks. It’s no different than what I do for makeup on any other shift, but knowing that Maverick will be coming, I took a little extra time getting ready tonight. I’m wearing my favorite pair of ripped boot-cut jeans that hug my curves just right, a black fitted t-shirt and my favorite pair of Converse.
Grabbing my zip-up hoodie off of the passenger seat, I pull it over my shoulders. Tucking my hair into the hood, I open the door and step out into the rain. I speed walk across the parking lot and tug the front door open of the bar. It closes behind me and a shiver runs over my body when the warm air hits me. Making my way towards the bar, I begin to slide my jacket off when I look up and see a very pissed off looking Ashlynn glaring at a man sitting at the end of the otherwise empty bar–a man I recognize as Karson. Maverick’s friend.
