by Hart, Lea
“I think you’re lucky - you get to work with people you like.”
“What do you do, Isabella?”
“I’m a pediatric surgical nurse over at Scripts Memorial. I have been there for five years now.”
“That sounds like a challenging job. I think seeing children in surgery would be difficult.”
“When we have a successful outcome there is no better day. We just work really hard to make sure we have more wins than losses. Do you guys need anything else?”
“No, thank you.”
“Ok, we are going to get lunch started.”
They settled back on the couch and watched the game while Frank eavesdropped on the conversation in the kitchen. He didn’t really feel like he needed to know about Max’s skills in bed. He had no idea girls talked about that to each other. It made him a little uncomfortable, but it didn’t make him stop listening. They finally started talking about something else and he couldn’t have been more grateful. They were talking about Isabella’s boyfriend and his upcoming birthday. He was hoping he wasn’t going to hear about Catalina’s boyfriend next. He knew that he should feel bad about listening to them, but somehow he couldn’t make himself stop. This was like any other op; he was gathering Intel, nothing more. That was the story he was going to stick to.
***
Sean and Max made their way down the beach and kept up a nice easy pace. They were going to do ten miles today, and Max was looking forward to having the opportunity to talk to his brother about why he left Delta.
After the first five miles, he figured it was now or never. “So, why did you leave Delta?”
Sean looked over at his big brother and contemplated lying to him for about five seconds before he dismissed the idea. “They wanted me to go on black op team full time. If I chose to go that route, I was never going to be able come home. I decided, I wanted to come back and try something else. I’ve loved nothing more than protecting my country for the last twelve years, but the last several years has been a little rough. Things are changing fast out there and the lines are no longer clear. Our enemy today is our ally tomorrow. I don’t have the stomach for it anymore. I don’t want the only place, I feel comfortable, to be in some hell hole in one of the Stans. I can’t eliminate another tribal leader who happens to have the most power that day. I want to figure out how to function in the world, and relate to normal people.”
“It’s not like being on the teams where you have a brotherhood of people who will die for you and with you. Delta is a completely different animal. I wanted the autonomy that is provided, but there is also a cost to that. I can’t pay the tab anymore, if I ever want to have a life outside of the military.”
“I’m glad you retired when you did. I wouldn’t want to have to pull your ass out of the sandbox and bring you home. Thanks for bringing yourself home - in time.”
“Let’s just hope it was in time. I’m dealing with some pretty tough shit and I know that I’m going to have to do some hard work to get on the other side of it.”
“Let’s get to it. I will help you through whatever you need.”
“Thanks brother, but I think I have to tackle most of this stuff on my own.”
“I’m here. I always will be. Can’t get rid of me.”
“Watch me.” He took off at a pretty good clip and tried to outrun his big brother. Not much had changed since they were little kids running wild in the back woods around their house.
Max caught up to him, “Little brother, you will never get rid of me.” They managed to keep a regular pace for the rest of the run.
***
Everyone sat in the backyard enjoying the delicious meal that the women had made. The sisters were entertaining everyone with stories about the various prom dates they had over the years. Rory was laughing so hard she had tears coming out of her eyes. Catalina was snorting as Isabella tried to finish describing the tux that some poor fool had worn. “I didn’t know that particular shade of blue was available in polyester. My father was horrified and didn’t want Rory to leave the house with him. He felt like it would put a stain on our family if Rory was seen in public with the guy.”
Frank leaned back and asked, “Why was your father so upset?”
“Because Papa, along with his two brothers owned a fabric mill in Sienna that imported the wool that has been used by some of the most renowned companies around the world. Clothes are very important to them and they believe it says a lot about a person. My uncles still own several shops that make bespoke suits that are in high demand.”
“The blue polyester tuxedo was offensive on so many levels that my poor father couldn’t take it. He would have preferred if Rory missed her junior prom than be seen with the boy who wore the horrible tuxedo.”
Max ran his hand up Rory’s arm, “That’s why you always are so perfectly dressed. I’ve never seen someone with clothes that fit them so perfectly.”
“Now you know my secret. Our uncles make sure that we all have beautiful clothes.”
Catalina spoke up, “My second graders don’t really appreciate how well dressed I am, but at least I know Papa isn’t rolling over in his grave.”
The sisters were all quiet for a moment and then let out a sigh. Derick leaned forward as he asked, “So, Catalina, where do you teach?”
“I teach second grade over at Her Lady of Sorrows Catholic School here in town. I taught first grade for the last several years but decided to make a change this year.”
Frank looked at her like she was the answer to every question he ever had, “I’ll bet your students love you.”
“They like me most days. I like what I do and I guess they can tell.”
The conversation went on and Catalina started picking up plates, and Frank got up to help her. They carried a load into the kitchen and she started putting leftovers away. Frank decided it was now or never, “Catalina, I was wondering if you would like to go out to dinner with me this week?”
Turning to him she looked shocked, “Thank you, but I can’t. I’m dating someone.”
“Is he your boyfriend?”
“We don’t define our relationship in those terms.”
“He’s an idiot then. No offense.”
“I hate when people say no offense when they say something really rude. It’s doesn’t get you a pass, you know.”
“You’re right. If I was dating you, I would make sure that no other man had a chance. I would be very clear about my intentions. But that’s just me.”
“Rory told me you’re a player, so I don’t really believe you. At all.”
“I’m not a player. I am always honest with the women I date.”
“I like how you said women and not woman…. player.”
For the first time in a very long time Frank had no response. What could he say that wasn’t a lie? “If I dated you, then you would be the only one.”
“Has that line ever worked for you?”
“I’ve never said that to anyone before.”
“Well, it’s nice that you believe that.” She walked out of the kitchen and returned to the backyard and joined everyone at the table.
Rory and Isabella looked up and knew something had gone on in the kitchen. They could tell by the look on their sister’s face. They both got up and cleared the rest of the plates, “We will bring out dessert.”
Max got up, “We’ll do the dishes, so leave them for us.”
“Thank you. We will just put the leftovers away and bring out dessert.” They grabbed Catalina on their way in.
“Max looked over at Frank - who looked like he lost a skirmish. “What did you do? Why are they going to have a meeting in the kitchen?”
“I asked Catalina out and she declined, because she is dating someone. I might have asked one or two questions after that and then she told me where I stood. I don’t like where she told me to stand….even though it was completely justified.”
“Why would you ask out such a smart, nice girl? Are you crazy?”
> “Why does that make me crazy?”
“Because you are a man whore. You sleep with several different women each week. I don’t blame her.”
“Thanks for the support, brother. I appreciate it.”
“I am supporting you. I don’t care what you do, but leave the nice teacher out of it. Jeez, have you lost your mind?”
“Why is it not possible for me to want something different?”
“It’s completely possible, just don’t experiment with Rory’s sister. The wrath those three will bring down on your head will make ISIS look like a preschool group. Leave her alone until you have some practice dating only one woman at a time.”
Frank looked at the group of men and knew what Max was saying was true, but he didn’t like it. Not at all. “Do you want to hear what they were talking about while you were gone?”
“Of course.”
“Did you guys know that women talk about sex in detail…. a lot of detail. Who knew? Anyway, Rory shared a lot of details with her sisters and by the way - those are things that I never needed to know about you. She complained about how pushy you are being about being in a relationship. She wants you to stop, because it’s making her crazy. My advice to you is to back off - she is at her limit.”
“I know, I just can’t stop myself. I want her to be mine.”
Sean finally spoke, “Listen to him man. You don’t want to lose the love of your life because you are scared of losing her. Pull it together and be smart.”
He looked over at his brother and nodded his head, “I’m going to give it a try.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
Max sat in his office with Frank and Derrick and listened to Rory’s outline of the recommendations for their business. “I believe that if you contract with a single pilot or hire someone and buy a helicopter, then it will make a real difference in your business.”
Shuffling the papers in her hand, she quickly reviewed her notes and determined that she’d given them everything she had up to the current review. “Please take your time and let me know your thoughts when you’re ready. She smiled at them and made her way back to her office.
The three of them sat in Max’s office and started to discuss the ideas that she had given them. “I like all of her ideas,” Derick said. “She’s right about expanding the Corporate Security Division. That is something that we can do in our sleep and it’s highly profitable.”
“I like the idea of expanding the warehouse and adding the gym and workout room and letting guys move their offices there if they want.” Frank sat back and stretched his legs, “Also the idea of expanding the kitchen has real merit as well. It makes sense, because sometimes the guys are here for a long time if they are working on a case.”
“If I say that I like them all - is that wrong?” Max moved some folders on his desk and looked at the packet that Rory left them. “I knew she was smart, but this packet is incredible.”
Derick flipped through the pages, “I agree man. This could easily double our business - even if we spend all the money she is recommending. I like how she’s looking out for the guys. It shows her understanding that they are the biggest resource. She puts them first in every idea she presented today. She would’ve made an excellent Senior Chief if she had ever joined the Navy.”
Frank and Max looked over at him and laughed. They were trying to imagine Rory in uniform, taking orders, and they couldn’t picture it. “Have we hired her yet?”
Max responded, letting out a frustrated sigh, “No! She won’t agree to it. She wanted to do all of this in exchange for us protecting her. I offered her a job and she said no. I’m going to try again after we wrap up the stalker business.”
Frank stood up, “Where are we on that?”
“It’s down to two guys, but unfortunately it has been very quiet in the last couple of days. We have a way to track anything she receives back to the source now and the guy decides to go silent. I want this done, but we need proof so we can put the guy away.”
“It will happen soon and then Rory can come work here and take care of us and our business. I like her idea about cookies in the kitchen. That could possibly be her best idea.”
Max laughed, “You might be right, Frank. What do you think of joining all the offices together and making one corporation?”
Derick flipped through the report, “I think if the guys like the idea then it is fine with me. It would make us one of the largest security firms of our kind. I like the idea of being able to offer jobs to people if they need it. I think Rory is right - we need to look outside the teams as well as focus on adding women to the group.”
“I think having Sean join us will bring other guys like him to our doors. I like the idea of knowing people before we hire them.”
The other two agreed, “So how do you like living with Rory? Are you ready to move back to your place when this is done?”
“No, I want to keep living with her. I want to marry her, but she couldn’t be less interested. I have decided to back off and let things happen slowly. I think you were right - I was freaking her out.”
“I told you. When I heard her talking to her sisters, she was complaining a lot about how pushy you’re being.”
“I’m hoping if I relax then she will stop fighting me and realize that she loves me too. Then we can get married and have babies.”
“Is this you being relaxed?”
“Yes, this is me being laid back. Can’t you tell?”
They both said “No” at the same time. “I’m going to get Rory and take her to the gun range. I promised her that she could practice.”
“How is that going?”
“It’s going fine. When she keeps her eyes open she can usually hit some part of the target. She admits that it’s not her thing, but doesn’t want to give up. I respect that - I don’t think she’s going to want to keep it up after we put the stalker away.” Max got up and left his office in search of Rory. He wanted to give her the good news.
He walked over to her temporary office and watched her walk towards him in the hall. “I just got a text from Birdie. Mark is awake and doing well. I’m so relieved - she said they will most likely be there until Friday, so I’m going to ask Bob if he will let me send the corporate jet to pick them up.”
“Is that something he does?”
We have offered the jet for various charity needs. Mostly we make it available to families if they need to get their child to another state for medical care. I think picking up a naval war hero is a good cause. He’s having his knee surgery tomorrow, so flying back is going to be really uncomfortable on a commercial flight. I will talk to Mom and see what she thinks and then I can ask Bob.”
“What are you working on? Do you want to take a break and go to the gun range?”
“I am right in the middle of something. Do you mind if we skip it today? I’m in a groove and I don’t want to stop yet.”
“Whatever you want. I will send lunch in for you in a little while -let me see what you’re creating.”
She led him back to her desk and sat down. She pulled him next to her so he could see the screen of her computer. He looked at it and had no idea what she was doing. “Don’t try and understand it - this is one of my complicated flow charts that I like to create when I start a new project. People always make fun of me, but I promise you it works.” She turned and smiled, “What do the guys think of the ideas I recommended?”
“They liked them all. Frank especially liked the idea of cookies and Derick like the idea of a helicopter. You did an amazing job. Thank you. Do you want me to talk to the partners in the other offices about your proposal?”
“If you think it’s a good idea. I don’t know if it’s something they would be interested in.”
“I think they will be. We can go and visit each office …. take a road trip together.”
“It might be fun to see the other offices and figure how many similarities there are. I wonder if the LA office has as much need for a helicopter. That
is something that could be shared between the two offices.”
Let’s work it out for next week - we can start there.
Rory leaned over and kissed him, “Thank you for taking such good care of me.”
“It’s my pleasure.” He placed his big hand behind her head and pulled her forward and gave her a kiss that was meant to inspire love. He had to figure out a way to get Rory to fall in love with him. “OK, back to my office, before I lock the door and show you how I’m really feeling.” Dropping one last kiss on her cheek he made a hasty exit.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
They were on their way to the corporate headquarters of Bob’s company to clean out Rory’s office and Max could tell she was worried. “Are you ok?”
“I’m fine. I was just thinking about the last six years and how much I’ve learned. I have to thank Bob for giving me an opportunity - I don’t think I always appreciated it.”
“From what I’ve seen over the last week, I think you contributed a lot to the company. He was lucky to have you and I’m sure he realizes that.”
She squeezed his hand, “You say the nicest things to me. I sent off the last of my reports to Bob as well as the CFO of the company who is buying the hotels. If Jackson is up to something with the suppliers or contractors, then he better clean it up quick. I wash my hands of the mess.”
“I know he’s up to something because we traced another million dollar deposit to a bank in the Caymans. You would think he would’ve been a little more creative with his scheme. It’s so old school to do it that way. Then again maybe he wasn’t worried about being caught.”
“I think he feels invincible; he sees it as his business. He’s just waiting for his Dad to hand it over to him. He’s going to be surprised when it all goes away. There was a time when I felt sorry for him, but I’ve gotten over that.”
“What do you need to do today?”
