“That’s all I get?” she asked.
“What else did you need?” Remington asked her tone completely businesslike.
“An apology would be nice,” Wynter counted.
Remington looked back at her impassively, but made no reply.
“Of all the…” Wynter muttered as she marched off to her tent.
She didn’t see the grin that curled Remington’s lips after she’d passed.
The quake had been a 6.8 magnitude, with the epicenter southeast of Los Angeles near the Chino hills. There’d been plenty of damage and a few lives lost. The loss of life was lessoned by the volunteers who’d pitched in to help. It was duly noted that eleven members of the Department of Justice were key in helping out in the West Hollywood area, saving as many at ten lives. Skyler and Grayson flew rescue choppers to help take people to local hospitals. While other members helped to dig people out of their homes and other various locations, working tirelessly for hours on end. Cody and McKenna worked with the shelter to find families who’d been separated from their pets, or find temporary housing for pets whose family couldn’t be located.
The concert at Santa Monica Pier raised over a million dollars to help the victims and their families. Remington watched Wynter perform on stage and found that she was rather impressed with the tiny little fireball, not that she’d ever tell the girl that. Xandy performed to a screaming crowd, and was even prompted to bring her girlfriend onstage. As always, Quinn was reluctant to comply, but eventually walked onstage, waved to the people at the show. She kissed Xandy sweetly, then walked back off stage. The crowd loved it! Jordan performed to screaming and adoring fans. Sparks was the last to perform, and they brought down the house. It was a success all around.
Harley and Devin became the heroes to local emergency units as they assisted in setting up a tracking system to keep track of calls and progress made. They were also able to troubleshoot issues with the systems power grid and help to get power back to thousands of people. They also helped local law enforcement by restoring the CLETS system that had been knocked offline by the quake.
The group gathered at Harley’s house, using it as a command post of sorts, to keep track of each other. It took almost a week for things to return to normal. During that time, Harley and Shiloh played host to the entire group and their families, including Ana, as well as Sebastian and Ashely’s baby, Gemma. As always, the group looked out for each other, pointing out when people needed to rest. Savanna and Grayson took up the role of mother hens and made sure everyone ate, slept, and rested as appropriate.
As things finally calmed down, the group met at Harley’s house one more time to have a celebratory dinner. Xandy had invited BJ, Jordan, and Wynter as well. The house was alive with music and people. Everyone ate, drank, and had a good time.
Remington had taken refuge in the backyard near the outdoor fireplace. She was sitting with a beer in hand, staring into the flames. She didn’t notice the person watching her.
“Wishing you hadn’t moved here?” Wynter asked from behind her.
Remington glanced over her shoulder, standing as Wynter moved to stand by the fireplace, a glass of wine in hand.
“Disasters happen everywhere,” Remington replied, still standing.
Wynter nodded, having noted the gallant gesture. “True,” she agreed. “But one helluva a welcome, huh?”
Remington didn’t reply, and Wynter’s phone buzzed. Remington watched as she looked at her phone, and rolled her eyes heavenward.
“I swear to God…” she muttered in annoyance.
“Problems?” Remington asked.
“Just with my girlfriend,” Wynter said her tone annoyed.
Remington nodded, her look unaffected.
“I swear, it’s like she wants to be connected at the hip all the time, it’s really annoying!” Wynter said.
Remington nodded again.
“I guess your girlfriend doesn’t annoy you,” Wynter said.
“I think that if she annoyed me, she wouldn’t be my girlfriend,” Remington said mildly.
“So you do have a girlfriend?” Wynter asked, not caring if she was completely transparent.
Remington didn’t answer. She just looked back at Wynter, her eyes only flickering slightly at the question.
“And you’re not going to answer,” Wynter said.
A slight smile curved at Remington’s lips.
“Careful, that was almost a smile,” Wynter pointed out, with a wry grin.
Remington lifted her beer to her lips to avoid responding. Wynter watched, knowing that Remington was trying to put her off.
“I guess I’ll get back in there,” Wynter said. She canted her head slightly to Remington. “Would you be willing to escort me?” she asked, testing out a theory.
Again, Remington’s look flickered, and Wynter read mild suspicion in her look. However, she took the two steps to close the distance between them. Without a word, Remington extended her arm to Wynter who took it, grinning as she did. Remington turned to walk toward the house. Wynter knew she had a good old-fashioned southern gentleman on her hands, and she found that thought absolutely fascinating!
Also in the WeHo series:
When Love Wins
When Angels Fall
Break in the Storm
Turning Tables
Marking Time
Jet Blue
Water under the Bridge
Vendetta
Gray Skies
Now available, Sherryl D. Hancock’s highly anticipated MidKnight Blue series. Dive into the world of Midnight Chevalier and as we follow her transformation from gang leader to cop from the very beginning. Building Empires and Empires Fall available on Amazon now!
You can find more information about the author and series here:
www.sherrylhancock.com
www.facebook.com/SherrylDHancock
Everything to Everyone Page 24
