Hostile Ground (The Arsenal #7) - Cara Carnes Page 0,117
of frequent use.
“This was very thoughtful of them,” Kristof said as he sat across from Olaf.
“That’s the Masons for you. Heck, that’s everyone at The Arsenal. Always ten steps ahead.” Addy wasn’t sure whether to sit next to Kristof or on the other side with Olaf. She chose Kristof. “You’ll get used to it after a while, but I’ll warn you—it rubs off on you.”
Kristof chuckled. “Duly noted.”
“I like this area,” Olaf signed.
“Me too,” Kristof said.
“The rest reminds me of…” He hesitated.
“It’s not like Kostya’s compound,” Addy said. “I promise you’ll notice the differences after you’re here awhile. We have guards to make everyone inside safe. We’re free to leave whenever we want, and everyone is really nice.”
Olaf nodded, but she noted the uncertainty in his slumped shoulders as he crouched over the tablet. Addy wondered if there were apps or something that Bree could add. Knowing her, she’d likely already added quite a few.
“Hey, sorry we’re late. Jud packed enough stuff for us to stay away from the house for a month,” Vi said as she walked their direction.
Jud wore a cocky grin as he prowled behind her, baby Destiny in her face-front style carrier. Addy smiled. From what Zoey had said Vi rarely got to carry their daughter if Jud was around. She was definitely daddy’s little girl.
He carried a portable play dome that he sat at the end of the table across from where Kristof sat. She watched as the scariest man she’d ever met made googly eyes and blew on his daughter’s tummy as he removed her from her carrier and put her into the dome.
Destiny giggled and reached her tiny arms upward toward her daddy.
Yep. Definitely daddy’s girl.
“It’s cute how he melts and does whatever she wants,” Vi said as she sat. “Between him and Momma Mason, she’s going to be spoiled rotten. Add in his parents, and she’s going to never learn the meaning of no.”
“Hey, now. She’s a baby. She’ll learn when it’s time.” Jud clapped Kristof on the back and looked at Olaf. “Hi, Olaf. I’m a friend of your cousin. Jud. This is my wife, Vi, and my daughter, Destiny. Welcome to The Arsenal.”
He spoke in flawless Russian that had Vi blinking. “I didn’t realize you knew Russian.”
Jud shrugged. “I picked it up along the way.”
Vi rolled her eyes and shook her head. He’d likely picked up quite a few different languages while working with The Collective. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Olaf. I work with Zoey.”
“Zoey is nice,” Olaf signed. Red spread across his face. “Sorry, I forgot to do the fist first so you could translate what I say.”
“That’s okay,” Vi signed. “I know sign language. Mary does too. You’ll meet her and Dylan soon. She had to take an emergency phone call, so they’re running a few minutes late.”
“Is everything okay?” Addy asked.
“Sure.” Vi’s gaze cut to Jud. “Nothing that can’t wait. Why don’t you go show me your hunter prowess and get some food for us?”
A rattling noise sounded from around the corner. Olaf’s head whipped that direction as Jesse turned the corner pushing a large box on wheels. Jud went to him and helped him navigate it along the uneven terrain to the tables.
“Mom must’ve packed enough food for an army in here,” Jesse muttered. “Ellie’s bringing another one with desserts and drinks.”
“I’ll go help her,” Jud said. He disappeared around the corner.
“I should help,” Olaf signed.
“Next time,” Addy said. “Have you looked around on the tablet? Knowing Bree, she probably has some games or other fun stuff on there.”
Olaf’s shoulders shrank inward as he looked down. “I’m still learning how to use it. I’m not that smart.”
Addy’s gut soured. That bastard Kostya had probably put lots of fucked up thoughts in Olaf’s head. She glanced up and noted the glower on Jesse’s face.
“I hope you all are hungry,” Jesse commented. Barbecue aroma filled the air when he opened the box. He started setting out the contents. Addy stood and started helping.
But worry mounted within her when Olaf continued staring down at the table. Withdrawn. Kristof spoke with him softly for a few moments, but then glanced up at Addy.
“We’ll figure the tablet out together,” Addy said. “Better yet, we’ll ask Bree to show us. She loves helping, especially when it involves tech. Everything is so busy around here she rarely gets the chance to do anything fun like that.”
“She won’t mind?” Olaf asked.
Jesse smirked as he set large bowls of potato salad at each