CHAPTER NINE
Katelyn felt the Osprey begin to descend and looked out the window. She saw nothing but trees. There was no clear landing space. She felt the eyes of the men on her, and she looked at them, then back out the window.
“We’re going to crash into those trees!”
“Relax,” smiled Pax. “It’s one of the many things that’s going to help protect you.”
As the bird continued to the earth below, Katelyn watched as her view went from lush, thick trees to a massive airstrip and hangar.
“Holy cow,” she whispered. “You’re completely hidden. You are utterly hidden from anyone in the air. No one can see the planes, the runway, nothing.”
“That’s right,” nodded Mav. “If they’re driving up the only road that would bring them here, we have a diverted extension to the road that people automatically move toward. Our property is shielded from anyone we want to shield it from.”
“What about the locals? Surely they know,” said Katelyn.
“Honey, we are the locals. There are very few other people out here, and those who are, are friends or relatives and work to protect us. It’s why we were telling you to not worry about the agency coming for us. They’d have the devil of a time finding us. Even if they did, they can’t get on the property.”
“I knew I made the right decision when I went to work for G.R.I.P.,” she smiled. When the doors opened, Katelyn was surprised to see a dozen familiar faces that she’d worked with via screen and phone. But there were also dozens more that she didn’t recognize at all.
“Welcome home, son,” said JT, hugging his son. His mom gave him a big hug, and he stepped back, pulling Katelyn forward.
“Mom, Dad, this is Katelyn Smith.”
“It’s so wonderful to meet you,” smiled Kennedy. “You’re absolutely beautiful!”
“Oh,” said Katelyn with a surprised expression. “I don’t know what to say to that. I mean, look at all these beautiful people. Thank you.”
“Where is she? Move outta my way, where is she?” said the familiar voice.
“Aunt Claudette, it’s nice to see you, and hear you,” smirked Mav.
“Don’t get fresh, young man. I’m my mother’s daughter, and I like to meet our new family members.”
“Oh, ma’am, I’m not…”
“No ma’ams,” said Claudette. “You can call me Miss Claudette, Aunt Claudette, or just Claudette. Red hair. Beautiful, long, red hair and the prettiest green eyes ever. Don’t you think so, Mav?” He laughed, shaking his head.
“I do indeed, Aunt Claudette.” He hugged the older woman, and then they all began walking or taking the ATVs toward the main part of the property. To Katelyn, it felt as though they were walking forever.
“Just how many miles away is this place?” she asked. Mav laughed.
“I told you the property is huge. We have hundreds of homes spread out over the thousands of acres of land, businesses that we own, not just G.R.I.P., and so much more.”
“This is incredible,” said Katelyn.
They passed several homes, and Katelyn couldn’t believe how beautiful they were. The classic Acadian style, with their wrap-around porches, rocking chairs, and charming tin roofs, was classic for the area.
When they arrived at the cafeteria, Katelyn was completely overwhelmed by the number of people coming toward her to greet her. Old, young, middle-aged, even children. A girl of about twenty or so walked toward and extended her hand.
“Hi, I’m Victoria,” she smiled.
“Nice to meet you, Victoria.” The girl stared at Katelyn, cocking her head to the side. “Is something wrong?”
“No. No, I’m sorry. You’re very pretty.”
“So are you,” laughed Katelyn. She walked away, and Katelyn looked up at Mav. “This is crazy. It’s so overwhelming.”
“Wait until you taste the food,” he smirked. “That’s what I’ve missed more than anything.”
An hour later, she was so full she could barely move. Brax, Pax, and Saint came in, whispering to Mav.
“Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Yeah, they’re going to be doing some work for the team in Guyana. They were just letting me know why they would be away for a few days.”
“Oh, okay,” she nodded.
“Katelyn, we’ve got your cottage ready for you,” said Kennedy. “I have to get back up to the hospital to check on some patients, but Kate and Gwen will walk you over there. Based on what the guys told us, we bought clothing for you. If anything doesn’t fit, just let us know, and we’ll return it for you. We’ve stocked the kitchen and bathroom with everything you should need, but if we’re missing something, just tell Mav.”
“I can’t believe you did all that,” she said, shaking her head.
“It’s what we do, honey. We’re family.” Kennedy gave her a quick hug, kissing her son on his cheek as she waved.
“Your mom is a doctor.” Mav nodded. “And your father was a Navy SEAL. They’re all real, and they’re all so special and wonderful. Everyone is kind and beautiful, and they’re all sticking their necks out for me.”
“I told you all that,” he smiled. “I told you about my parents. I told you about the property and all the people here. Didn’t you believe me?”
“I know. I guess, I don’t know, maybe I thought you were exaggerating.” Mav laughed, shaking his head.
“Honey, there is no need to exaggerate a thing at Belle Fleur. Everything is bigger and better than your imagination.”