Page 61 of Deadly Alliance

“So, I leave you alone for a minute, and you start recruiting?”

He was clearly teasing. “You have something against my choice?”

He shook his head, his hands on her hips. “I think it was a wise choice, as per Zack’s recommendation. And both he and Lance have many suggestions we should take a look at.”

Emme nodded before taking his head in her hands. “Are you certain you want to jump into my crazy idea? Don’t you want to go back to Purgatory?”

“I’m right where I need to be. With you. And I love your crazy idea. And I love you.”

Emme melted again in his arms.

“Please, can I have your attention?”

Zack’s voice boomed over the entire group of people, silence falling over the whole pub. Lance came by his side, all tall and solemn.

“Thank you for coming here today. It would be a joyous time, a time to celebrate completing the mission but the loss of two friends darkens it.”

Lance straightened. “Admiral James Feander was the most honourable, cunning, and selfless warrior I’ve ever known. Every man and woman who worked under his orders knew how much he valued each and every one of us. An individual to look up to, and one that I admired very much. Beatrice Dante was unique and courageous. An intelligent woman who overcame a hard life, founded Purgatory, and worked hard to build it into the renowned and respected organisation that it is today by hiring the most incredible band of rogues and misfits to be part of it. She will always be remembered, and I swear to keep her work and her legacy alive. To Beatrice and James.”

Everyone in the room raised their glasses in suit and hailed in a single voice. Emme swallowed hard, the surging emotions at Lance’s eulogy making tears prick her eyes. She would always remember Beatrice and her advice as an example for her future plans.

People drank and mingled again as Zack and Lance made their way in their direction.

“Hey! Shane. Emme. We wanted to have a word with you before you leave.”

Shane took her hand, and the four of them stepped away from the group.

“Lance and I have been discussing your project. And more importantly, we came to some decisions.”

Lance nodded. “Yeah. It reminded me of a discussion I had with Beatrice, when she started Purgatory and how difficult it was to launch the organisation.”

Zack chimed in. “Networking, agents, and especially money. That was one of the most difficult parts to find to build Fortis from the ground. I was very fortunate, but it was still a stretch. And that’s the reason why I checked with Lance. We have a proposal for you. Fortis and Purgatory are offering you a loan.”

Too stunned to answer, Emme had trouble processing their words.

“We thought we could use the money my father left me when he died,” Shane said slowly.

Zack nodded. “And you will need it. Keep it for unexpected events.” He turned to Emme. “I believe in you. From the moment you came to Fortis, I saw something in you. I wouldn’t offer money or support if I didn’t believe in your potential or your insight. You will do great things, and I want you to know that I’m behind you. All the way.”

The encouraging words from this man were more than she had ever had from her entire family. She went to him, this mentor and father figure and wrapped him in her arms, overwhelmed by his offer and his trust. “Thank you, Zack.”

Zack, taken by surprise, patted her back. “Well, it’s well deserved. And the entire team thinks so.”

Lance turned to Shane, opening his arms. “Don’t I get a hug too?”

Shane laughed. “Well, I think this warrants one. Come here, Sorenson.”

Everyone’s laughter caused Emme to draw back from Zack to offer a hug to Lance too.

“Now, where are you going?”

Shane took her back, tucking her back under his arm. “My parents owned a house in Miami. We thought it would be the best location to start our project.”

Zack winked at them. “Well, expect us to visit for a bit of fun and sun, that’s for sure.”

“And you will all be very welcome.” Emme smiled her heart full of the love she felt for these people.

Lance turned, slapping Zack on the back. “Never thought you Brits would like the beach. With that pale skin, don’t you all burn?”

Zack cursed and went to give him a slap that the big man evaded. Both men chuckled as they joined the group.

Cradled in Shane’s arms, Emme looked at all the people in the room, all a part of her past, her present, and her future. All important pieces of what was to come.

As she looked at the team from Fortis talking together, Emme realised where she had come from, the person she had become, and how every piece of the puzzle led her to where she was heading. Another chapter of her life that she was impatient to begin.