Her Commanders - M.K. Eidem Page 0,47

gone to get Cali.

Cursing, Jamis touched his link. "Specialist Prue, report to my office." Jamis didn't give the specialist the chance to reply.

Three hours later, they were no closer to knowing what had caused the lens feeds' interference. Prue couldn't explain it, and nothing in their system had flagged that this was happening. Prue left with orders to inspect every affected lens and find out what was causing the interference.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Cali was already behind the bar pouring drinks when Oke strolled into The Brink before starting her next shift, heading straight to the cegin. Cali had known that would be Oke's first stop; it always was, which was why Cali had left specific instructions with her cogydd. It didn't take long for Oke to come storming out of the cegin and head straight for the bar. It took her a moment to realize that it was Cali and not Mae behind it.

"What can I do for you, Oke?" Cali asked, sliding a drink to the waiting Si male.

"The cogydd just refused to serve me a meal."

"I know. I told him not to."

"Why?" Oke demanded.

"Because free meals are only for those who work at The Brink," she told her.

"But I work here," Oke said, pointing to her chest.

"Really?" Cali asked innocently. "Then where were you for your last shift?"

"I… umm… well I…" Oke stuttered.

"You thought I wouldn't find out?" Cali helped her settle on something.

"Look, I had things to do," Oke told her defensively.

"Then I suggest you continue doing them because you no longer work here."

"What?!"

Cali leaned over the bar to her. "I've already deposited the credits you've earned in your account. I've also deactivated your worker chip."

"Because I missed one shift?" Oke questioned in disbelief.

"Because of your attitude and actions before and after Mae became The Brink's manager. Triz refused to let me fire you before because he liked having you around to fuck whenever he wanted. I don't. You making Mae work a double shift when she's this far along with offspring was the final straw."

"The what?" Oke gave her a confused look.

"The last thing I'm putting up with from you," Cali explained. "You're done working here, Oke. Now, are you ordering a meal or drink?"

"No."

"Then may the Gods watch over you." With that, Cali walked away.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Cali was surprised when later in the shift, Hamm walked up to the bar. "Hamm ready to work."

"You want to start now?" She ran a critical eye over what he was wearing. The Brink's Protectors had specific vests that designated they were on duty. But she'd have to get one specially made to fit Hamm.

"Hamm here. Hamm work."

"Alright." Cali touched her link. "Wafa could you come to the bar for a moment, please?"

"I'm on the door alone."

"I know, but this won't take long."

"Be right there."

As soon as Wafa arrived, Cali explained that Hamm was now one of the Protectors and that Wafa was to begin training him as they stood at the door. Cali could tell Wafa was surprised, but he quickly recovered and gestured for Hamm to follow him.

∞ ∞ ∞ ∞ ∞

Cali couldn't help but smile as Mae and Tay walked toward her hand-in-hand before the next dark shift started. They both looked relaxed, happy, and well-rested. When Tay leaned down to kiss Mae then turned to leave, Cali stopped him.

"I hired a new Protector," she told him.

"What?" Tay gave her a shocked look. He was in charge of hiring the Protectors even under Triz's ownership.

"Hamm was going to go to Zolia." Cali didn't need to expand further for Tay to understand. "Instead, he accepted the position here as a Protector. Wafa started working with him last dark shift." She looked behind Tay to see Hamm approaching wearing the vest she'd paid extra for to have created so quickly. "He'll be working the door with you tonight." Tay just nodded, and the two males moved toward the door.

Cali looked back to Mae. "First, I posted that we were hiring waitresses and have already received several applications. You'll need to look them over and tell me what you think, and then we can schedule interviews."

"Alright."

"Second, I fired Oke. I paid her, and her worker chip is deactivated. If she comes in and gives you any trouble, call Tay or one of the other Protectors."

"I can handle Oke."

"Normally, I'd agree with you, but not with you this close to presenting your offspring. And third, you'll start taking it easier. No more lifting cases or stretching up