CHAPTER TEN
“There are so many people,” she gasped walking into the cafeteria. Mike held tightly to her hand. He’d already requested an emergency two-week leave of absence and was now contemplating retirement. For good.
“They’re an amazing organization and family,” said Mike. “When I left the Army I was kind of lost. I was assigned to one of the Ranger teams, which is how I met them. These guys helped me find a way to still serve and I’ve loved being with the fire department.”
“You’re good at your job,” she smiled. “And I’m grateful for that. I’ll go grab a plate and meet you back at the table.” He nodded, kissing her cheek as she flamed red.
“Yes, sir. This place is good for men like you,” smirked Eagle.
“Shut the fuck up,” he laughed. “But yes. It’s good for people like me. And her.”
“Speaking of,” he said with a serious expression, “Colt’s body was found in a warehouse near the waterfront early this morning. Someone heard moaning.”
“He’s alive?”
“Not anymore. He was alive long enough to whisper Jordan’s name and then died. He’d been brutally abused, brother. Physically and sexually.” Eagle frowned staring at the younger man.
“Fuck. What the hell is happening in that place?”
“We’re going to find out. The boys in tech are hacking into the software now, although they say they’ve got a pretty decent system. Not great, but at least it’s decent. We’ll let you know what we find.”
Everest returned to the table, setting her plate down and watching as Mike filled his own, speaking to everyone who knew him. She felt a warmth in her chest and almost wanted to run. Almost.
“Mike’s a great guy,” smiled the beautiful woman across the table from her.
“I just met him a few days ago but yes, he seems great,” said Everest.
“I’m Tinley. I’m married to Eagle. This is my daughter, Keegan. She’s married to his twin.”
“Oh, yes. They mentioned that last night at dinner. I have to agree with Mike. You two look like sisters.”
“For that you get a free spa treatment,” smiled Keegan. “Gotta run but I’m sure I’ll see you later.”
Everest ate slowly, looking up every now and then to see Tinley’s smiling face.
“You can ask whatever you like,” she said softly.
“You know that I’m older?”
“Eagle mentioned it. I’m older than he is. Faith, the beautiful woman over there, is older than her husband, Ian. We have a lot of couples like that. Age means nothing if you love someone Everest.
“Did you know that recent studies indicate that women in their fifties and sixties are actually best suited to be with men in their forties?”
“No way,” said Everest with surprise.
“Way,” laughed Tinley. “They’re not looking for mother figures.
I assure you that was not what Eagle wanted.
They’re looking for maturity, stability, a woman who isn’t afraid to tell them what she wants.
They don’t want games. They want someone who can have an adult conversation without drama and guessing games. ”
“I guess I can see that,” she said nodding. “My ex-husband and I were exactly the same age, only four days apart. It meant nothing. We had nothing in common. I’ve discovered I have more in common with Mike than I ever did with my ex.”
“Well, then I think that tells you all you need to know. He’s a good man, honey. He’s done a lot of work for us here and has kept our secret,” said Tinley.
“Why is it secret?” she asked.
“Did Mike tell you that most of these men are former Special Forces?” she asked. Everest nodded. “That makes for a lot of enemies. This whole community was created by Irene and Matthew Robicheaux to protect their fifteen children.”
“Fifteen?” whispered Everest.
“Yep. Nine boys, eight of whom were Army Rangers, one in the CIA. They were not playing around. They’ve done contract work for the government, private companies, even other countries. Everything here is observed twenty-four-seven. You are safe.”
“But is my heart?” asked Everest. Tinley turned to see Mike walking toward them.
“Of everything, that’s the safest,” she smiled. “I’ll talk to you later. Hi, Mike. Bye, Mike.”
“Bye, Tinley,” he grinned. “She’s really nice.”
“Yes, she is,” said Everest. “Mike?”
“Yeah, babe?”
“I think I was wrong.” He frowned at her, turning slowly and staring at her face. “I’m not too old for love.”
“Damn right you’re not,” he chuckled, kissing her.