Carnival Queen (Gray Wolf Security #16)

CHAPTER ONE

“I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I really wish we didn’t have to go to work today,” frowned Miller. The others stared at him, nodding. “I love what we do for a living, our passion, but damn that vacation was wonderful. I didn’t realize how much I needed that time off. Spending time with Kari, and all of you, it was perfect, brothers. We need to truly put time on the books for this every year.”

“Italy was everything we hoped for and more,” said Gaspar, nodding at his brother. “Look at the girls over there. They’re laughing, relaxed, and they think they still have their little secret from us. I love it.”

“I love it, too,” said Ghost. “I think it’s cute that they think we didn’t know about the kids. I guess they forgot we see ghosts as well or maybe they just thought the kids only saw women. Those kids sure deserved better than what they got, but at least they’ve moved on now. Maybe they can finally be happy, and we helped bring some history to light.”

“I checked in with Otto, Kegger, and Bryce to see how things were while we were gone. They handled a few cases by themselves. Some simple things of adding extra security cameras and lighting to a few houses and businesses, an old man, hell, he’s my age, a man who thought someone was stealing his firewood. Turns out it was his own niece who lived down the street. He didn’t remember telling her it was okay,” said Ian.

“You know we used to have a cyber and tech team strictly doing work with computers, security, cameras, hacking that kind of shit when we started at REAPER,” said Nine. “I wonder if that’s not something both divisions need now. I mean, we have some guys who have that expertise and love doing just that, plus some of our resident geniuses are getting to the age where they might want to do something like that. Plus, things have expanded and changed since then. Now we’ve got to worry about things like artificial intelligence and all kinds of shit we didn’t have back then. I don’t think all of our kids will head into the military. I could be wrong, but that’s the vibe I’m getting.”

“I like that idea,” said Wilson, “but we can’t do what we did to the others. We had so much work that needed their guidance and skill we pulled them away from a lot of the smaller jobs we were doing. If we do this, Cam, Luke, and the others need to be in agreement. That would be three separate divisions. Voodoo Guardians, Gray Wolf, and whatever this turns out to be. Are we ready for that?”

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Razor. “I know that a few of us at the shop have said we love helping whenever we can, but our true passion is the bikes. We’re bringing in a lot of revenue from them, and we’re back-ordered a year on new builds. I think I might like to be relegated just to the shop unless we’re desperate. I know Bella would be fucking ecstatic if I just worked at the shop.”

Nine, Ghost, Ian, and Gaspar stared at the men at the tables around them. Those working the most at the shop were Skull, Tango, Razor, Whiskey, Kegger, who had found a second calling in painting the tanks, Gunner, Blade, Bryce, and Griff. They had hired a few salespeople and a few extra mechanics to work on bikes that came in for tune-ups or any engine issues.

“Do all the guys feel this way?” asked Ghost.

“I think the main guys spending most of their time there other than a few,” nodded Razor. “The bikes are our love, our lives. We’ve created something pretty incredible at Patriot Cycles, and I’m damn proud of it. Whiskey and Skull want to split their time when needed, between the bike shop, VG, and Gray Wolf. Most of the kids are entering the military and don’t seem to have an interest in the bikes right now, but you never know. If they don’t want to work with us, we need to start an apprenticeship program and start training kids from the VoTech schools.”

“I never even thought of all that,” said Nine. “I think it’s fucking great. When you find your passion, you should follow it. You guys are creating bikes that no one else can even dream of, and the coolest shit is that you’re creating bikes for specific professions. We’ve got an entire line of first-responder bikes, bikes for the military, bikes for the average guy and not-so-average guy. It’s fucking cool, and I’m damn proud you’re part of our family.”

“Same,” nodded Gaspar. “I think if you guys want to strictly remain on call for emergency cases, sort of worst-case scenarios, then that’s what we’ll do. You’ll still be at the front of the property for first-line-of-defense should we need it.” Razor smiled, nodding at Gaspar.

“I know the other guys will be happy to hear that. So will the wives,” he grinned. “Should we think about moving off property?”

Ian and Ghost stared at one another, Nine looking as if he were going to blow a gasket.

“What the fuck? No! No, you’re not moving,” said Gaspar. “You guys are family. Family stays close. We don’t want you to move, and I hope you don’t want to move.”

“We don’t,” laughed Razor, “but the cabins and cottages were built by your father for the team that’s involved in the security division. We just didn’t want to tie up space if you were hiring new guys.”

“You’re still part of the team, asshole! Don’t piss me off,” he frowned. Razor just laughed, lifting his hands in the air and shaking his head.

“Alright, thanks, brothers. I’m going to let the other guys know. Skull and Whiskey will be devoting most of their time to Gray Wolf and VG, spending time at the shop when they can. We’ll only ask for their help in the shop when we desperately need it. Appreciate you guys.”

“We appreciate you,” said Ghost. “Tell the others not to worry. We’re all still a team.” They watched as Razor left, headed to the front of the property with the others to open the shop.

“I think this is a good thing,” said Nine. “I love it when people find their happy place, their passion. Let’s meet with VG and talk about recreating our cyber and personal security division again.”

They leaned back in their chairs, sipping their coffee and enjoying the hot breakfast provided for them. Although they ate like kings while in Italy, they missed the cinnamon rolls especially and the American style of bacon and biscuits.

“It’s good to be home.” Gaspar smiled at the others, leaning back in his chair, taking in a deep breath of the magnolia and moss-saturated air.

“Gaspar!” called Irene, walking toward them.

“I had to open my damn mouth.”

“Gaspar.”

“Yes, Mama. I’m right here. I can hear you. Pray tell, what animals are we adopting this week? Perhaps a shark or maybe a moray eel. No, no, they require salt water,” he said as Irene put her hands on her hips. “Don’t tell me the grizzlies have returned.”

“You’re makin’ me mad, Gaspar. You don’t want to do that.” He laughed, kissing his mother’s forehead.

“No, I surely don’t. What do you need, Mama?”

“We got a lot of work to do for Mardi Gras. We’ve been invited to participate in three parades in the city, plus the boats we always do through bayou here, and we’ve been asked to enter someone for court for the big parade.”

“That feels like a nightmare,” he murmured.

“It could be,” nodded Irene in agreement, “but I think we should consider it. For now, we’ve got boats that need to be decorated, meals planned, tents to set up, and I’m needin’ helpin’ hands.”

“Alright, Mama,” he said, standing and smiling at her. He reached beside him and handed her a box wrapped in gold paper with a delicate gold and white bow on top.

“What’s this?” she asked skeptically.

“A bomb, Mama.”

“Gaspar, don’t be smart with me. I am not in the mood today. I’m gettin’ too old for all this foolishness.”

“It’s a gift, Mama. From all of us from Italy,” he smiled. She sat down with the box in front of her and shook her head. She had tears in her eyes as she tugged on the bow.

“You brought me a gift? Why?”

“Because you’re the glue that holds us together, Mama Irene,” said Ian. “Besides, the Pope was quite a fan, and we agree.” Irene only chuckled, shaking her head. She opened the box and let her fingers gently touch the book Saints, Pasta, and Wine .

“It was in the Vatican bookstore. It’s produced by the cardinals to raise money for orphanages. I figured it was something we could all get behind.” Lifting the book, she gasped, touching the beautiful lace beneath it.

“That was made by a group of nuns we met,” said Nine. “They said any great seamstress could make it into a blouse or shawl for you. I’m going to bet that Gwen could make it into something wonderful. It’s gonna look beautiful on you, Mama Irene. I’m sure it will. We hope you like it.”

“I love it,” she whispered. “It’s one of the finest gifts I’ve ever been given. I can’t believe y’all did this for me. Thank you.”

“There’s more coming from Father Nicholas,” said Ghost. “He made pottery items for everyone and sent some table pieces for you and Matthew. He said Matthew would understand and that they would be special to him.”

“Oh, how thoughtful,” she said, shaking her head. “This is truly lovely. The girls have been raving about what a great time they had. I know you all enjoyed the trip, and the pontiff made sure to tell me how impressed he was with you all. I’m glad you did this. Y’all needed it. Thank you, boys.”

“You’re welcome, Mama,” laughed Jean, giving her a hug as all the others followed, doing the same. “Now, where is all this work that needs to be done.” She tucked the box against her breasts and waved at them.

“Follow me!”