21. Chapter Twenty-One
Chapter twenty-one
Peter
Lukas got on a video call with us first thing the morning after the accident, explaining how he needed to pull Cole back to Chicago to help with coverage.
“I know we just brought you to Colorado…”
“But that was before Ryan took a bullet for the family. I get it. You need an upright tech guy.”
Lukas let out a sigh and sagged into his chair, guilt all over his face. “Yeah.”
I immediately felt bad for Quinn. She already had her hands full with Lukas before his best friend almost died protecting him. Who knew what this was going to do?
Cole cleared his throat. “Knowing how fast Ryan is going to bounce back, you’ll only need me out there for a week or two. We all know how much of a control freak he is when it comes to keeping tabs on things.”
Our boss let out a weak chuckle. “I suppose that’s true. He doesn’t exactly like being down for the count.” His attention shifted from Cole to me. “Will you be okay without both of us there?”
I noted the hesitation and concern in his eyes as I nodded. “Oh yeah. You’ve still got Quinn there, and with Chelsea and Phil in the house with me, it’s pretty much the original set up when we first moved in. We’ve got this.”
Lukas studied my face for a moment before letting out another sigh. “Okay.”
“I promise you’re not shirking your duties here. If anything, you are taking things more seriously. You’re doing exactly what needs to be done: taking care of your family. This is what we do. We circle around those who need extra help and protection.”
“Yeah.” He rubbed his hand over his face before sitting up again. “Cole, can you please get on the next convenient flight out of Denver? We’re doing our best, but…”
“Already on it, boss.”
Lukas nodded. “Thanks.”
As soon as we ended the call, Cole booked his flight and then packed his suitcase.
I opened the secure browser and logged back into the secure backup server to check on Hummingbird. Everything looked fine, and I let out a sigh of relief. I was grateful for all the good news I could get.
Phil was at the lodge today, so I took Cole to the airport. On my way back, Edith called me.
“Peter, is anyone in the car with you?”
I furrowed my brow at the question. “No. It’s just me.”
She let out a relieved sigh. “Perfect. Can I ask a favor of you?”
My eyes went wide. “You can ask, but I can’t guarantee anything.”
Edith chuckled. “That’s fair. I need to pick up something and want to do a little birdwatching.”
I immediately started driving faster, now heading toward the lodge. “Did something happen?”
“Not that I’m aware of. Do you have a couple hours free where I can borrow you?”
A tense breath came out as I navigated the SUV off the highway. “For you and your hobby? Absolutely.”
By the time I got to the lodge, Edith was standing outside, waiting for me. I'd barely put the truck in park when she opened the door and hopped in the front passenger’s seat. “I told Frank you were taking me to pick up some wreaths for the lodge, so we’re going to have to make a stop on the way.”
I blinked at her. “Okay? Not that I don’t mind driving you, but you aren’t the type to relinquish that kind of power.”
She grinned. “I know, but you have far more arm strength than I do, and I want some large wreaths for the front of the lodge.”
“It’s not even Thanksgiving yet.”
Edith shrugged as she opened the door and stepped into the truck. “We always put the wreaths up this early. The trees come after Thanksgiving.”
I nodded. “Okay. Should we get our little bird a wreath, too?”
Edith clapped in excitement. “Oh! Yes! I love that so much. She could use a little joy in her life, too.”
As I drove away from the lodge, I glanced at Edith for a second. “So, why the real request for the ride and the company? I hardly think this was solely about wreaths. Not that I mind.”
“I need to check on something for Lynette. Something only she and I definitely know. Something you can’t do for me.” She let out a short chuckle. “And what can I say? I like being chauffeured around sometimes.”
When we got to the Christmas tree farm, Edith dove into a conversation with the owner, and I took the opportunity to send a message.
Shield:
Hummingbird:
Shield:
Hummingbird:
Hummingbird:
Now I see why Edith immediately agreed to picking up a wreath for Hummingbird.
Shield:
Hummingbird:
I was immediately determined to help them out in any way I could.
Shield: