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Chapter Thirteen
Remington gatheredher notes and walked into the darkened gym. Besides hunting down all the clues regarding their botched security detail and digging into the politician, she’d been busy getting their quarterly report ready.
They were meeting at the gym this time. The meeting place changed and to ensure they weren’t all seen the same place each quarter, two people always attended virtually. Some people might think their plans were overreacting, but each choice was made to grow this project as safely as possible. Tonight, Winchester and Jesse were virtual. Winchester had volunteered, which was unusual. She always whined when it was her turn. She’d been running more than normal, which was usually her way of working through a problem. Winnie had the most positive personality of all of them, but she was also a little introverted, though when she was ready, she’d brief her sisters. Remi had considered every angle and knew tonight had the power to be explosive. War, Bear, Cannon, Flick and Scoop would be learning about their projects.
She’d had trouble focusing on her pet project because they still didn’t know why they’d been targeted. Their client had gone back to Topeka, and she’d closed out the contract. As far as he was concerned, he’d gotten away with everything. The shooter and his brother had been helped and would be unavailable for retaliation.
She was nervous and it all came down to War. She hadn’t been able to quit thinking about his arms around her and his lips against her forehead. He may have meant it as comfort, but it had stirred every daydream she’d ever had about him. Even when she was her angriest, she’d still been attracted to him. She’d dreamed of someone strong to stand beside her and he’d always been the ideal. Of course, in every dream, he’d either kept his mouth shut or he’d been appreciative of her.
She wasn’t getting any younger, but she hadn’t found anyone who made her want more than short term, except War. He made her consider the future, but she wasn’t trusting her judgment. She’d been hyper aware, and the adrenaline had been leaving her system. She might have imagined their connection because of the emotions coursing through her.
She clicked the lights on and focused on her report. She’d see what everyone said. It was up to all of them how they perceived what they’d built. Whether he supported her or not, she was having her dreams.
She paused, waiting for the guys’ reactions. She’d rushed through the report because of the nervousness of what the guys would say. Without knowing Cannon, Flick or Scoop very well, she was watching War and Bear. Bear started to speak a couple times then paused. His pessimistic nature was running multiple worst-case scenarios before he responded.
“I just want to make sure I have this correct. Kathryn’s Wings is basically a clandestine part of the security company that’s never advertised but you help victims of human trafficking, sexual abuse and domestic violence. Even going so far as to find jobs, housing, basically whatever the victim needs.”
“Yes, but we call them survivors because they’ve survived and are taking the next steps to a better future.”
She was proud of Kathryn’s Wings. They’d started small but had helped over sixty individuals in the first eighteen months. They’d named it after her mom because they’d wanted to honor how she’d helped people when she was alive. She wasn’t sure why War’s opinion mattered so much to her, but it did. She’d view him differently if he couldn’t see the possibilities of what they’d started and built. She wanted to share this dream of hers with him.
“It’s amazing. You all saw a problem and worked to make a difference. This is why we left law enforcement and you found a way to help those who weren’t getting what they needed. I’m fucking excited to be a part of this. I’m stunned at how much you all have accomplished in such a short amount of time.”
His smile and nod at her had her swallowing back tears. She was strong and wasn’t showing how much his approval meant to her but to know he supported her meant the world. She saw so much pain and suffering in her job. To know they were making a difference one person at a time and that he recognized it gave her an approval she hadn’t realized she was seeking.
“I agree. Count me in.” Bear’s lips almost tilted up in a small semblance of a smile. She already had a flash drive so he could review their procedures. Mr. Worst-Case Scenario would be perfect to fine tune their security measures. There were never too many fail safes. He was moving a lot better in the last month since the shooting.
“I’m excited about the possibilities and I’m willing to help in any way I can,” Scoop said.
“Me, too. It’s like we’re going to be living the moviesThe Eraser, Rambo: Last Blood, and all Liam Neeson’s movies combined. Count me in.” Flick’s comments had everyone smiling.
“I’m in and just in case anyone needs reminding—I’m also proficient in explosives. You know, if it’s ever needed for anything,” Cannon offered while grinning at the group.
“Well, we haven’t needed that skill yet, but I’m pleased you’re all on board. Now, let’s hear the updates on financials.”
She’d already reviewed the financials but everyone else needed to know where they were at. Since they didn’t have a facility, their costs were dramatically less plus she didn’t need manpower to protect a building. Not that a building was bad but being in such a small town, they’d known any type of place would be under scrutiny. With their offices all over the state, they had connections and moved people so their abusers couldn’t find them or if they’d been taken from families, they helped them get back to them. Besides their safe houses for the security business, they had a second set which was only used for survivors. A Kathryn’s Wings staff member lived in the residence and was ready to receive anyone at any time. She was proud of what they’d built in such a short time.
She couldn’t stop worrying about why the politician had targeted them. Not just the security company but the MC. What did he have to gain by it? Everyone had motives and his were still unclear. Once they got more information maybe something would come to light. Until then, she’d have to be satisfied they’d fulfilled the contract. He’d tried to renew for another two weeks but she cited lack of manpower to be able to adequately protect him. He raised his voice and wanted to speak with the owner. When she replied he was, he’d huffed and hung up on her.
Feeling eyes on her, she glanced around the room. War was smiling at her. Wow! She might need to go change her underwear because he was warming every part of her. Scowling he was sexy but that smile with his full lips had her wanting to drag him off somewhere alone, throwing caution to the wind.
~**~
WAR HAD COME INTO THEmeeting wondering what the secret project was they were discussing. He had to admit to himself he’d been condescending in his thoughts even if he hadn’t voiced them. He’d figured they had some small project. He was ecstatic he’d kept his mouth shut. Remington, her family and the MC had built an organization. Their network they’d built was huge and he was fucking impressed.
It was exactly what he’d been looking for when he left the police force. A place to make a difference without all the rules he had to follow. Remington was beautiful any day but when she spoke about her passion project—she was radiant. The spark in her eyes and hand gestures communicated how much it meant to her.
He was feeling a little guilty how he’d treated her when they’d first reconnected. He’d been an ass who was acting like he was still in high school.
Even though he’d never admit it to anyone else, he’d always had a thing for her but with her dad being in the MC, she’d been off limits. Looking back, he’d been embarrassed he’d ruined her day but hadn’t been able to shut up.
You’d think once he got back and was an adult, he would recognize his behavior as asinine, but it had taken his twin sitting down and asking him why he was acting like an eighteen-year-old around her instead of a man. Self-examination had sucked. Roam’s words had pounded in his head until he’d finally taken a ride to clear his head.
