Hide & Seek - Nicole Edwards Page 0,48
and beneath her chin, continuing to stare at the whiteboards.
Reese had no idea what JJ’s plan was with them, but he figured she had one. She and Brantley, anyway.
He noticed that above the glass whiteboards, a television screen had been mounted, probably seventy inches or so. The screensaver was on, the letters O T B bouncing like pinballs off the four edges.
“Any news on Charlie? Is she comin’ on board?” Baz asked, joining them.
“She is,” he confirmed. “She’ll start mid-December. Brantley’s workin’ with the governor to ensure she keeps her tenure with the department and her pension.”
“That’s great news,” JJ said with a clap.
“Plans for her?” Trey inquired, coming over.
“I think that’s what Brantley wants to discuss.”
JJ did turn now, peering over at the door. “Where is he?”
“He got a call. Said he’d be over in a minute.”
“I’ve got another delivery comin’ this afternoon. Desks,” JJ announced, her attention shifting to Baz and Trey. “If you two would make sure you’re around to help.”
“Please tell me we’re not puttin’ them together,” Trey said, a hint of true concern in his voice.
“Nope. I negotiated delivery and setup for free,” she answered with pride. “But I will need you to help rearrange.”
Reese glanced around, noticed how things had already been shifted.
It looked as though they were finally settling in. Now if they could get some of these cases underway and hopefully solved, he’d feel a hell of a lot better. As it was, it felt like they were wasting time, although he knew that wasn’t so. Baz was continuing to give updates on the social media group he was trying to uncover while JJ was spending her time digging into Juliet Prince, although she’d had no luck up to this point.
The door opened, all eyes turning that way.
“What’re y’all sittin’ around for?” Brantley asked, his gaze scanning the room.
He had a box tucked under one arm, a neutral expression on his face.
“Waitin’ on you,” JJ said, but then held up a hand. “Before you turn into Mr. Bossy Pants, we’ve done our daily reports, shot them over to your email.”
“A little early in the day, is it not?”
“It’s so you can review the layout, see what else you might need so you can do your own report for the governor.”
Brantley nodded as he perched on top of Trey’s desk, set the box beside him. “I don’t expect daily reports. But I do want weekly. On Friday, before you call it a day.”
Reese took a seat on the couch, JJ stealing the other end, while Baz hopped up on his own desk, and Trey wheeled over his chair.
“Weekly reports,” JJ noted, snagging her Apple Pencil and jotting notes on her iPad. “Got it. I was just tellin’ them we’ve got desks comin’ this afternoon.”
“Laptops and computers’ll be here tomorrow,” Brantley added.
“What about the other iPads?” JJ asked.
“What about the people to fill ’em?” Trey asked.
“What about…” Baz grinned. “Sorry, I got nothin’.”
Reese couldn’t help but smile. He had to admit, he did like that this group meshed so well.
Brantley nodded toward JJ. “Ordered.” He glanced over at Trey. “They’ll be here soon enough. Hirin’ takes time.”
“What’s in the box?” Baz asked.
Brantley reached over, picked it up, and held it out to JJ.
She jumped up as though it was Christmas. “What is it?”
Rather than answer, Brantley waited while she looked inside.
Her eyes widened as did her grin. “Phones. Fancy ones.”
“Your phone plan’s now covered by the state. If you want to keep your current number, let JJ know. She can get them all set up.”
“Does this mean Big Brother can now track me?” Trey asked.
“Oh, don’t be naive,” JJ countered, her tone relaying that she thought Trey was being ridiculous. “Big Brother’s always been able to track you.”
Reese didn’t doubt that one bit.
“Also, I’ve been told that if an Amber Alert or a Silver Alert are issued in the state, we will immediately receive as much detailed information as was submitted. Those will be our priorities, of course. Doesn’t mean we can up and go, but we do have a responsibility to help if it looks as though we’re needed.”
“What about comms?” JJ inquired, referring to the wireless communication devices they hoped to have for when they were out in the field. It wasn’t always feasible to use a phone, Reese knew. Especially not with a weapon in hand.
Reese answered that one. “My brother’s hookin’ us up on that front. Sniper 1 Security’s got a patent on some they’d like us to try out.”
“Rockin’