CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
-:- PENNY -:-
It’s nearly the end of the week, and it’s been a busy one. Ruger and I have been a little like ships that pass in the night during the day. But we have made time for each other in the evenings once Arabella has been settled for the night.
It’s strange living in a room at the clubhouse, and I wish we could go back to Lincoln’s house.
But I understand why we cannot as yet. The shooting was more than a little frightening I have to admit, and I’ll sit it out here until we know it’s safe.
I would never forgive myself if anything happened to Arabella just because I was hasty.
As usual, Nyx has taken Arabella with her to work. I’m sure she is the best aunt that my little girl could have. The more time I spend around all the women at the club, the more I think about how lucky Arabella and I have been. It’s all thanks to Nyx, too. I really have a lot to thank her for.
I’m making the bed and tidying our room before heading to work. Nelson is my escort today. I like to refer to it as that rather than think of them as being bodyguards or security officers. It’s sickening to have to have someone following you around. But I’ll suck it up for now.
The door opens, and Ruger saunters into the room. “You nearly ready to go, babe?”
“Yeah. I’m just tidying up a little before I go.
Is Nelson here?” I pick up my purse and look around to check if I have missed anything needing attention before I leave for the day.
I hate returning to a home, or room as it is at the moment in a mess.
I’m a little on the OCD side with that, and happy to admit it.
“Take a seat for a minute, babe. I want to fill you in on what’s happening with Rosemarie.
” Ruger holds my hand and we both sit on the end of the bed.
Once he has my attention he continues. “The fucker that took the potshot at you is no longer a problem. He’ll not be bothering anyone else. Do you get my drift?”
Now, I must blink a few times as I soak up this bit of information. I look around for some stupid reason, because we are alone in the room. But feeling like I have to be careful and not overheard I whisper. “Dead!”
Ruger smirks. “Yeah, babe. As a Dodo…”
“Oh!” My mind flickers around for a moment, then I ask. “What about Rosemarie? Is she still in the facility?”
“She is for now. But we are going to get her out and then take her out. She’s never going to stop coming after you.
It’s sad really, but she’s lost all sense and reason.
Even speaking to Carol showed how demented she is.
When we spoke to the male nurse, it was obvious she’ll keep coming for you.
” Ruger rubs the back of my hand with his thumb while looking at me concerned.
“Okay. It’s sad that a person gets to that point, and nothing can help them. But whether it be me or someone else, they cannot be allowed to hurt someone just because!”
“Just be aware of your surroundings while we get this taken care of. I’ll keep you informed of the happenings, but you keep your taser close, okay?”
“Yeah, I carry my taser all the time. I will double-check I don’t leave it behind.” I’m not sure if I should mention I have two tasers or keep that piece of information to myself? I quickly decide to remain quiet.
“Good, now come on, I’ll see you into the SUV. Nelson should be here for you by now.” Ruger kisses me and whispers he still wants ‘A promise.’ I’m not sure why he keeps talking about promises, but I’m just going to ignore it for now.
Thanking Nelson for driving me to work, I head to my office.
I want to check supplies with Magnus this morning.
Opening the bottom drawer of my desk, I take out the order book I keep for the kitchen.
I grab a pen and make my way to the canteen, stopping to speak with Scarlett as she walks out of the locker room.
“How are things, Scarlett?”
Scarlett places her mop and bucket down, and wipes her forehead with her forearm. “Everything is good, but I think we will need another cleaner. I’ve got most places cleaned to my satisfaction, but I think to keep it that way I need an extra pair of hands.”
“We can get someone else, but it’s got to be someone like yourself, trustworthy, and who will fly through the security checks that will be done.” I pull the order book to my chest and think about placing an advertisement, but it’s often someone known that works out best.
Hearing someone speaking behind us, we both turn to see who it is, and I’m surprised it is Bentley. “I know someone, Penny.”
“Who?” I ask.
Bentley stops walking when he reaches us.
“My best friend’s sister is looking for work.
She has just moved here because her relationship ended.
Moved in with her brother for the time being, but she’s looking for work.
She’s been working at a lawyer's office, and been with them for five years if you need to check on her.”
“Okay, leave all her details on my desk, Bentley. I’ll speak with one of the bosses, then let you know.
But let her know that you’ve put her name forward.
I don’t want to go through all the checks, and then she says she’s found something else, or she’s not wanting the position.
” Bentley gives me a nod, and Scarlett looks satisfied we may have someone, so I leave them both gossiping while I get myself to Magnus.
Entering the kitchen area, I see Magnus stirring a large pan of something that smells delicious. “Hi, Magnus.”
“Hi, Penny. Is it that time again?” Magnus wipes his hands on the towel he has hanging from the waist of his apron.
“Let me get the list. It’s a fairly big one this time.
I’ve been asked to make meals that can be taken out.
I have checked what ingredients are used, how many, and calculated the cost of the meal, and that is what I’ve been charging. ”
I follow as Magnus walks over to the small office area at the back of the kitchen and then wait for him to give me the list of stock he needs.
“Here’s the list, Penny,” Magnus hands me a sheet of paper with writing on both sides.
I’ll take this with me this time as there are twice the number of things he needs than usual.
It will be easier to take it and write it in my order book while at my desk.
“I’ve got the meals sold, the cost, and the money I’ve taken so far.
” Magnus now hands me another sheet and cash.
“Wow, you have been busy. Who has been buying?” I ask while placing the first order sheet in the order book. I take the second sheet and cash from Magnus.
“Jayne, Wren, Dallas, Scarlett, Delta, Lincoln, and Colton.” Magnus smirks at the look of shock that is on my face.
“Oh my, I had no idea. Well, I’m going to be placing an order too.
” I grin broadly, knowing this is going to make my life easier.
I’ll have more time for Arabella, which is what I’m aiming for.
I am not seeing her half as much as I’d like to, but I’m going to speak to Ruger, then Lincoln about cutting hours once I have Everlee trained to my way of working.
“What do you have in the pan?” I step back into the kitchen and glance into the pan.
“Chili, and it’s my special recipe. It’s not hot, but just the right type and number of spices,” Magnus brags.
If Magnus is bragging, then it’s got to be good. “Can you keep two portions for me, please? I’ll get them before I leave tonight.”
“Of course, I’ll put it in the warmer later. I’ll put the cost of things on the wall later today so everyone will know take-home prices.” Magnus is glowing, and I know it’s because he feels busy and useful, and we all like to feel that way.
After placing the order in the order book, and then on the system for delivery I put the order book away and take the order list and cash to whoever is in the security office this morning. Knocking on the door before I enter, I pop my head inside and smile at Arrow.
“What can I do for you, Penny?”
Stepping inside, I give Arrow the list and the cash. Explaining what it is for, and how Magnus has flourished with the extra cooking. I watch as Arrow checks the list and grins. “So, this is where Lincoln got the fried chicken that smelled like heaven.”
Laughing, because I can imagine Lincoln teasing everyone with the aroma of the fried chicken. It has your mouth watering as soon as you smell it. “He has chili cooking, and I’ve ordered two servings to take home.” I give Arrow a huge smile, and laugh when he gives me a wide-eyed look.
“Fuck, I’m going to have some of that. But leave this with me for now. I’ll get him to bring the stock order and the cash to you each week. You don’t have to chase him, and he’d not mess with any takings, so who cares if he carries from the canteen to you?” Arrow rubs his hands together and stands.
“Oh, before you go rushing away, I have to tell you we need another cleaner. Bentley knows someone. He’s left the details on my desk so you can check out this woman, blah, blah.”
Arrow chuckles, “Blah, blah?”
“Yeah, you know what I mean.” I giggle as I turn and leave the office. I can hear Arrow chuckling behind me.
My phone vibrates on the desk, and picking it up, I frown when I see it’s a notification from my bank.
Opening the message, I see it’s in fact a statement showing I had two-thousand dollars deposited in my account from my ex-landlord.
Wow, he actually paid me compensation. Who would have thought he would really do it?
I quickly sent a message to Ruger. That shows how excited I am.
Penny: I got compensation into my bank. Two thousand dollars.
Ruger: That’s great, babe.
Penny: We can use that for furniture when the house is ready.
Ruger: No need, babe, I have the cost covered. How about we open an account or something for Punkin?
Penny: Oh. Can we look into that?
Ruger: Speak to TwoCents. He’s the money man. He’ll know what to put it in.
Penny: OK. I have chili for later [smiling emoji]
Ruger: That’s great. See you later, love you xx
Penny: Love you back xx
Picking up the business phone, I make a call to Everlee. Tapping my fingers on my empty hand on the desk while I wait for her to pick up.
“Hello, Everlee…”
I don’t wait for her to say more. I jump right in. “Everlee, it’s Penny here, and I’m just checking you are still starting here at BaronsSecure on Monday?”
“Oh, Penny, hello, and yes I am all ready to start on Monday.”
“That’s great, Everlee. If you can be here at nine sharp, that would be great. I want to run through everything with you in the first week. I’m sure you’ll pick things up quickly, so don’t worry about anything.” I try not to stress her, but I want her to know it’s an important job.
“I will be there, and thank you, Penny, for the opportunity of the job.”
“Hey, you are helping us too by coming here. Has your boss been causing trouble?” I can’t help but be nosy and ask.
“I’ve kept out of his way. He isn’t happy, but nothing he can do or say will make me stay. Even if I weren’t coming to work with you, Penny, I would have left.” Everlee sounds relieved to leave, and that always says a lot about a job.
We chat a few more minutes before Everlee is called away from her phone, and I head to the canteen to get a drink.
But I’m interested in what’s happening with Lincoln when I see him inside the canteen hugging Jo.
Both have huge smiles on their faces, so it seems whatever squabble they had going is over now.
Drink in hand and back at my desk I double-check the order Delta gave me for some equipment she wants for her office. It’s all marked where to buy, which item, how much, and any discount she has found. She’s a good shopper…maybe I should get her to find our furniture when the house is ready?
My phone rings, and picking it up I see it’s Mia calling me. Now that’s strange, as I’ve only had her number in my phone for two days thanks to Ruger adding it.
“Hi, Mia. Is everything okay?” Why do we always think something may be wrong when people call us?
“Nothing wrong, Penny. I just wanted to check you still want that theme? I’m not going to say it because you know male ears are always wagging,” Mia whispers the last, and it has me grinning.
“Yes, I would like that theme if we can do it?”
Mia laughs, “Well, we can do it. No problem with that. I’ve enlisted Star, Meat and a couple of others to help and keep the secret, so leave it with me and I’ll do it. If that is okay with you?”
“That would be great. Thank you so much, Mia. I really appreciate your helping me.”
Mia quickly replies, “We are sisters in the club, Penny. You are Ruger’s Ol’ Lady, and now going to be his wife. Of course, we would help you. I’m sure if we asked you to help do something you would.”
“Yes, I would. I would be happy to,” I respond with all sincerity.
“Well, that’s it then. I will update you closer to the time. I have everything under control as far as I know. I’ll talk to you later, Penny.”
“How about we meet up and have a coffee in a couple of weeks? Then you can update me. But if you need me to do anything I’m up for it. I just have to keep it away from Ruger until the day.”
Mia laughs. “That will work. I’ll give you a call nearer the time, or send you a message.”
“Okay, thank you, Mia.” Placing the phone on the desk I lean back in my seat and smirk, because Ruger is going to love our wedding, or hate it.