is gathered at the hospital. She’s stable and they don’t know more than that for the moment, so let’s get dressed and get there.”
She jumped from his lap and ran to her closet. He moved to his and they emerged at the same time. She didn’t say anything until they were in his truck on their way to the hospital. When she spoke next he was even more grateful he’d married this woman.
“I don’t know what the plan is, and I don’t want to know. But thank you, Chad. Thank you for being who you are, thank you for being the kind of man the world can count on,” she said. She reached out and caressed his cheek before she sat back, all of her energy taken by simply breathing in and out as they drove what seemed like endless miles to get to their family. They were as much Chad’s now as Bree’s.
He was mentally scrolling the contact list on his phone, which he pretty much had memorized. Names were popping into the forefront as he crafted a list of men and women he trusted enough to bring in on this mission.
He needed people who’d served, who had top-secret clearance, and who had morals and ethics and cared about their country and their fellow human beings. He wanted experience, and he wanted loyalty.
He’d get it.
He couldn’t recruit those who were currently active duty or employed by the government. He couldn’t ask any of them, because they’d be required to report it. He had to be smart.
By the time they reached the hospital, he had a list of about a dozen names compiled in his brain. He smiled, happy with the initial crew of men and women he was going to ask. This could grow into something so much more than the Andersons could possibly imagine. Or it could be a one-time job. He wasn’t sure in which direction it was headed. From something tragic, something beautiful was emerging.
Chapter Twelve
Avery looked up at the large downtown office building she’d been working at for the past seven years. Mixed emotions flitted through her as she stood outside trying to talk herself into walking inside.
She’d made up her mind, and was more than ready to do this. But she was also finding it a bit harder than she’d thought it would be to execute her decision. She wasn’t sure why. It wasn’t as if there was anyone inside she’d miss. Sometimes people stayed far longer in jobs they disliked, not wanting to leave their co-workers. That wasn’t the case for her.
“Let’s do this,” she said to herself. She took a fortifying breath and moved forward.
“Great job, Avery,” the secretary said as she walked inside. The smile she wore faded as she took in Avery’s bruised cheek. Avery ignored the look, getting used to it now. She simply nodded at the woman, her throat too tight to answer.
Then she moved through the offices, ignoring the stunned looks and nodding at those who’d been hard at work for the past few days as she’d stayed home trying to figure out her next move. Only the senior partner was aware she’d been attacked. He’d assumed she’d be back on her feet in a day or two with nothing changing. He was wrong.
She didn’t hesitate as she walked into the senior partner’s office. He looked up with a grin that faltered for a second, but he recovered quickly, just as she’d known he would. They were attorneys, damn fine ones, and they didn’t react. Neither of them said a word about the state of her face. She did attempt to give him the semblance of a smile as she moved to his desk, not bothering to sit.
“There’s my all star,” he said. “You were supposed to take the week off and celebrate your victory. I should’ve known better, though. You’re a workaholic like me. You might take over my job someday. I wouldn’t be surprised at all.”
His words sent another mix of emotions through her. On the one hand, it was a dream come true to hear those words. Her dream had always been to be the top dog at an established, well-reputed firm. There weren’t many women who claimed that title. She wouldn’t allow less than the best for herself, though, and being a woman wasn’t a limitation in her eyes. Even thinking that, her dreams had recently changed. She still needed to be the best, but she wanted to do it by helping those