Chapter 11
-:- CHAOS -:-
When I walk into the clubhouse kitchen, which I felt was the best option, I guide Corey in with me. He is not a timid kid, and I reckon he’ll be fine here.
Meat looks up and gives me a small nod before giving one to Corey. Amelia walks over and smiles, “Well, hello little man, and who might you be?”
“I’m Corey. This is my Uncle Chaos. I’m nine and living with Aunty Victoria.”
Now, Corey states this with such pride that it has me thinking I have to do my best for him.
“We are going to visit Axel,” I inform Amelia when Mia walks into the kitchen with Summer on her hip. She gives Corey a huge smile as she steps closer.
“Oh, hello, and who might you be young man?”
Corey puffs his chest out and gives such a toothy smile that I can’t help but smile along with him. “I’m Corey. I just told this old lady that this is my Uncle Chaos and I live with Aunty Victoria.”
Amelia frowns at theold ladycomment, huffs, and mumbles something aboutno cookies,then gets back to work in the kitchen. Meat chuckles, but remains silent.
“Well, you can come with me, Corey. I’m going to have my morning snack with Summer,” Mia jiggles Summer so she laughs and it points out to Corey who Summer is. “We are having cookies and milk. Do you want some?”
Corey looks up at me, and I shrug. “I’ve got to go out for a while. so if you are okay with Mia and everyone here, I’ll see you later.”
“I’m nine, Uncle Chaos, so I can stay here. I’ll be fine. I’ll go with this lovely lady.”
Mia laughs. “My name is Mia, and…” taking his arm with her free hand, “I’m the boss here.”
That is how Mia walks away with Corey, both looking like they will get along just fine. Turning, I look at Amelia. “Will you make sure he’s okay, Amelia?”
“Of course I will, although I am only an old lady…” huffing again as she turns her back to me. Meat gives his deep chuckle of amusement, and I roll my eyes because that’s what the Ol’ Ladies would do.
Knowing I have people to catch up with today, I have to get my butt moving or I’ll not get everything done. Forgetting all about Axel, I make my way to BaronsSecure as my first port of call.
Standing at the door, I tap on the frame, gaining Bones' attention.
“Come in, Chaos. What can I do for you?”
I walk inside and take a seat facing Bones. “I’ve been thinking about Vicky’s situation and you know she’s a tech person, like yourself. I was thinking maybe you had a space for her here?”
Bones taps his palm on his knee gently while looking at me seriously. “Delta has actually spoken to me about Victoria. I have also spoken to Specs. Both say she’d make a great addition to the team here, but would she be interested? That is the question.”
“I will speak to her today. Well, tonight, when we have sorted out sleeping arrangements. Last night Corey slept on the couch and I had the floor. Christ, I’m too old for sleeping on the ground. Did enough of that in the military.”
Bones chuckles. “Well, you know if you are serious about Victoria then you will have to get somewhere to live. Above the range isn’t going to be ideal. Did you know there is a house for sale across the street from me?”
“No, I didn’t. I’ll put that on my list of things to do. I’ll arrange a viewing.” I tap my chin in thought, then laugh at Bones’ next comment.
“You’ll have to put up with Mrs. Lincoln. She’s the one who does nothing but complain. But you will also have Ginny, who is great. She compensates for having to put up with Mrs. Lincoln.”
“Hmm, maybe I could shut the old crow up. I can cause chaos if I want to, and she may have earned some.” We both look at each other and start to laugh because we both know I’m not even joking.
****
An hour later I am outside the realtor’s office sitting in the truck with the phone to my ear. It only rings three times before my call is answered, “Wings, have you found Bethy?”
“Yeah, she’s safe with me. I’ve had to divert some as she was being followed. I found a tracker in her shoe, but got rid of that quickly enough. We are heading back but not taking a direct route. I’m watching for anyone following, but nothing as yet. I reckon two days and we’ll be with you.”
Wings knowing someone was tracking her would have had him taking out the threat. I’m not going to ask and he’s not going to say, but I know him well enough that he’d do exactly the same as I would. Eliminate the threat.
