Chapter 24
Jackson
These first few weeks at the mansion had been perfect.
Pete and I had finished unpacking, and most of the renovations were finished by now.
We had six rooms that would be used for our future club members, with two larger rooms for parties and other gatherings.
One of them had a bar and an eating area.
Three other rooms could easily be used for our members too, but we didn’t want to do all the rooms ahead of time.
Just in case it wouldn’t work out as we hoped.
Each room for rent had an ensuite and a small wardrobe where we’d put items for them to use. We’d even made bathrobes our members could use. And good quality ones too. We’d also bought matching towels, bringing the whole luxury feel to another level.
We’d had fun decorating each room and then stocking up on the things that could be needed.
Pete wanted our bedroom to be separate from the rooms for rent, ensuring we still had plenty of privacy.
We had two wings, so we’d decided to keep one of them just for us, and the other for the club, and adding walls and another staircase had done wonders.
Pete hadn’t been at his “real” job, but was still employed by them, “just taking a break”, he’d said.
Whenever a call came from his boss, he’d slip away to speak in private.
Once he even had to drive to a meeting, but had been back not even an hour later.
I respected that he had his secrets regarding missions, or as he called them, assignments, but I kept fearing when he’d return again.
I selfishly didn’t want him to be in danger, and considering how new our relationship still was, I felt it would be too fragile for us if more trauma was dumped on him.
I never wanted him to experience another incident like the one in the club, but with his job, how could he not?
FBI work had to have some kind of danger no matter the assignment, I just couldn’t ask him questions to learn more about just how dangerous they could be.
Considering how Linda wasn’t too surprised when he got hurt told me enough, and that hadn’t even been from work. Not that Linda knew about that.
I was so busy worrying about Pete that I didn’t even realize Harold, my general contractor, was waiting for my reply on something. “I’m sorry, Harold, what were you saying?”
He sighed. “The house needs two exit routes added. For safety reasons, such as fire, you need at least three options of escape. It wouldn’t be necessary if the house was only used as a private residence, but since you’ll be renting out rooms, you need them added.
Not doing so would be illegal in this state. ”
“Oh.” I still had so much to learn, but adding stuff for the safety of others, wasn’t something I would reject. “Let’s do that then. Um, where? It’s not like we have perfect options for it.”
He waved me off. “We can add them to the balconies. Hidden stairs that can be pulled out so people can climb down will be sufficient enough, and they won’t be visible either.
With that said, you’ll need to inform all your guests where they are located so if a fire should break out, or in case of a home invasion, they’ll know where to go.
I can’t place permanent stairs since that’ll only invite trouble, such as burglars.
No reason to make their job easier.” I nodded, not really feeling discussing fires and people breaking in.
“I trust your judgement on it. Let me know if you need me to sign anything.”
“You will, since this is an addition to our agreed upon plan. I’ll have the paperwork ready by tomorrow, then have the work done within the week.”
“Thank you, Harold. I like the new windows by the way. You were right about adding better insulation.”
“It’ll help with the power bill too, believe me.” I snorted in reply, then shot him a smile and left him to work.
I’d just returned to the living room, when Pete came running in, his eyes wide as he sought me out. “What’s wrong?” I asked, hurrying over to him.
“Um, work,” he replied, swallowing. “It’s a big case. I don’t know when I’ll be back.”
Be back…. “What do you mean?” I couldn’t demand he stayed here with me… right? That wasn’t what a supportive boyfriend would do, was it?
“My boss needs me on the case since no one else has been able to finish the assignment. We both knew I couldn’t ignore my job forever, and this time I’m truly needed.”
I swallowed. “Will you be safe? Will your partner be with you?”
“I, um. I have to do this alone. My partner is in the hospital.”
Hospital?! “Pete….” I rarely called him by his name, and from the slight wince, he’d caught up on my feelings regarding this mission. “Was she hurt because of this assignment?” Just what wasn’t he telling me?
He sighed, looking down at his feet and nodded. “I have to help before others get hurt too.”
“You could get hurt!” I snapped, then instantly regretted it when he jumped back.
He shook his head at me and left the room.
I knew he was in a hurry so I was battling with myself on what to do.
Did I chase him and demand we make things right between us, or did I let him go?
My heart ached with fear and regret as I heard the front door slam behind him.
I let out a shaky breath, hoping he would return safely.
If my last conversation with him would be this one, it would be my greatest regret.