with what you were doing. I could’ve helped.”
“You had enough troubles of your own to deal with.”
“That’s not how friendship works. Not with me. You had my back in that cesspit when no one else did. Thought I was doing the same for you.”
“You did. I would’ve been taken down if you hadn’t warned me,” Kristof said. “I was in the middle of an op for them when you called.”
Intensity resonated within the man’s gaze. The Judge was one of the most feared operatives within the former Collective. His nickname was bandied about to instill fear in their enemies.
“Edge mentioned you have a friend, someone who was once on their payroll.”
“It’s a long story.”
“I look forward to hearing it and meeting him.” Jud grasped his shoulder. “I’m thinking he and I have met before, back when I first started with The Collective. If he’s who I think he is, he trained me.”
Which meant Jud was the reason Maksim had been allowed to semi-retire from The Collective. He’d helped Kristof with a few of the more difficult assignments though the years but had otherwise stepped back from the life he’d once led. He’d trained Kristof on a lot of what he’d learned through the years but hadn’t ever mentioned any other operatives he’d known from the organization.
“I’m hoping he’ll come here, at least for a little while. His sole focus the past couple of decades has been helping me. It’s time he moves on with his life.”
“He’s not the only one who needs a new path,” Jud said. “I never thought life outside the dark was worth the risks, but it is.”
“Sinclair’s bringing Olaf back,” Jesse said. “Let’s get to the mess hall and eat before all the food’s gone. Mom’s itching to spend some quality time with her eldest. It’s been a while since any of us have been away for weeks at a time.”
Kristof was looking forward to meeting the woman who’d raised seven children—all of whom Addy spoke of fondly. The woman had welcomed Addy and the other Hive orphans with open arms. For that alone Kristof admired her.
26
Addy entered the mess hall and startled to a halt just inside the entry. Olaf stood between her and Kristof. Damn near the entire compound was in the large area. Barbecue with all the fixings took up the left wall. Signs along the way to the right showed that there were freshly grilled burgers and hot dogs, chicken. The salad bar was loaded down with people making plates. Side dishes were along the far-right wall with signs prominently displayed.
“Wow,” Kristof remarked.
“Momma Mason loves cooking for a large group, but I’m thinking she had a lot of help with this one.” Addy looked over at Jesse as he entered. “Your mom’s been busy.”
“So has Ellie and Riley and a few others, some from town. I was hoping to catch you before you got in here. Come on, we’ve got somewhere different set up for you.” Jesse turned and headed toward the exit. Addy followed, aware that Kristof and Olaf were behind her.
Where was he going? They turned the corner of the large building. Three large picnic tables were set up beside one another beneath a large oak tree. The leaves rustled with the light breeze. The whole area was bathed in cool shading—a welcome relief from the Texas heat.
“I never knew this was back here,” Addy admitted.
“It wasn’t. Mom asked Brant’s brothers to make a few tables. They’re spread out around the grounds now.”
What a great idea.
“We’ve got kids around here more now—both ours and Warrior’s Path participants. She thinks the exterior grounds should be warmer and family oriented,” Jesse said. “She wants a sandbox in the corner over there, but I’m not sure Marshall will agree to sand anywhere on this compound. Too many of us are a bit sick of it.”
“That’s understandable.” Addy motioned toward the table. “Have a seat, Olaf. You too, Kristof. I’ll run in and grab some food for us.”
“Sit. Mom and Ellie already have plates in a warmer for all of you. Jud and Vi should be here soon. Mary and Dylan may join you, too.”
“What about you and Ellie?”
“Next time.” Jesse smiled and headed toward the mess hall. “I’ll be right back.”
Olaf sat at the table and pushed the green button on the pad. It repeated the conversation they’d had. She made a mental note to ask Bree what the battery life on that device was because she suspected it would see a lot