Chapter 2 #2
Yeah, Max was still reeling from the news he'd been loaned the whole team for the duration. It made him feel guilty. "You know I'm extremely grateful that Lake Benson offered the support of your team," he said. "But I really only need a bodyguard."
Abasi Otieno, who was red carpet ready in his bespoke suit, yet had the mannerisms of a mobster, folded his arms.
"You're gonna need a team," he said in a very distinct London accent. "In my experience, if you go up against organized crime, you need more than one person watching your back."
Violet snorted and when everyone turned to her, she held up her hands. "What? It's funny because he dismantled his old crime family all by himself."
"Yeah," Abasi drawled. "But Max here doesn't have my skills."
Max couldn't argue with that. It was clear, solely from the little he'd heard already, that Abasi had skills Max couldn't even imagine, let alone replicate.
"To be fair," he said. "I don't have any evidence Damien is involved in organized crime. All I have is a lot of suspicion and a handful of rumors."
"Which is why this trip to Wedding Island is so important,” Rochelle said. “I know you were only able to book one room at the resort. Did you leave it open for booking more? For a wedding party, perhaps."
"Yep, two people, one room." Max winced. "The newspaper's budget is tight, we could only afford one room. The resort did say they could accommodate a few other people for our wedding if it necessary. I can try talking to my boss about finding some money to book more rooms…"
Rochelle waved a hand to stop him. "Benson Security will cover its own costs.
I think it will be enough of a wedding party if we just add a best man and maid of honor.
Rodrigo, you can head up the op. Katrina, you go with him.
We'll place a couple more people on St. Patrice to back you up.
I don't think there's any need for the whole team to go to the Caribbean. "
"Wait." One of the MacDonald triplets raised his hand like he was in school. Max thought this one might be Evan, but it was damn hard to tell the three young, identical Scotsmen apart. "Who gets to go as back up? I think it should be me. They'll need computer help."
Ah, definitely Evan then. He was the hacker guy.
"I should go," his brother said. "I can bypass any lock on the planet." That would make him Logan, the thief—or requisitions officer, as he'd introduced himself.
That left the conman. Or, as Harris had called himself, the people person.
"Don't count me out," Harris said. "Nobody can charm hotel staff like I can. That's an overlooked and undervalued skill, but essential nonetheless."
"It's like running a preschool," Rochelle muttered as she stared at the triplets. "Sorry boys, but there's no way I'm sending the three of you on this mission. You attract too much attention."
"What if nobody knows there are three of us?" Harris said.
"He's got a point," Logan chimed in. "We arrive at different times, wear the same clothes, come and go individually. Nobody will have a clue there's more than one of us."
Max grinned at the thought. It reminded him of an old black and white comedy movie, where the same people went in and out doors, while some jaunty music played in the background. What was it called? Damn it. Couldn't remember. He made a mental note to look it up later.
"Never going to happen," Rochelle said loudly, making him realize he'd wandered off into his head again. "Evan will go with Abasi and act as back up." Her expression dared anyone to argue with her.
Evan punched the air. "And we have a winner!" He taunted his brothers with a grin. They, in turn, frowned in a way that made it clear they were plotting revenge.
"Great," Abasi muttered. "I almost killed him after a few hours in a cell together. I'm sure we'll do fine, alone on an island, for a week."
Cell? This team was going to drive him nuts. So many questions and no time to ask them.
"Then it's settled," Rochelle said. "We have a team, and we have a mission. Now all we need to do is some detail work."
"Not so fast," Violet said. Max was pleased to see she'd eaten the food he'd given her. He made a note to keep her well-fed during the trip as he suspected a hangry Violet would be volatile. "I have something to say."
"This should be good," Logan muttered with glee.
Violet ignored him and stood, facing Max.
"I have some ground rules. There will be no public displays of affection, no unnecessary touching, no girly crap, no embarrassing romantic stuff, and you will defer to me in all matters relating to your safety.
" Her eyes blazed, making it clear she expected complete agreement.
Man, she was glorious. Terrifying and adorable at the same time. It messed with his head.
"Got it," he said. "No unnecessary touching."
He placed heavy emphasis on unnecessary, just to see what she would do. And yeah, he knew he was playing with fire. He just couldn't help himself.
Her eyes turned mean. "That wasn't the only thing I said."
"Mmm, but it seems the most pertinent," Max replied with a smile.
She opened her mouth to speak, and Max held his breath, waiting to see what would come next. A strange mix of anticipation, fear, and excitement coursed through his veins. He imagined it was the same feeling someone got when they entered a lion's cage at the zoo.
Rochelle shot to her feet and shattered the moment. "Now that’s settled," she said. "Let's sort out the details of this trip."
With clear reluctance, Violet turned away from Max. And instead of being relieved, as any prey would be when confronted by a predator, he found himself grinning. Oh yeah, this trip was fraught with problems. Not least being Violet Lee herself.