What You See (Sons of the Survivalist #3) - Cherise Sinclair Page 0,51
raised his voice. “It’s open.”
Frankie frowned. “It’s not safe to leave your door unlocked.”
Audrey, the curvy blonde librarian, walked in with filled grocery sacks. “Felix, you should lock your door.”
He burst out laughing. “I’m surrounded by city girls.”
Audrey smiled across the room. “Hi, Frankie.”
A petite older woman with chin-length white hair walked in. “My boy, what have you done to yourself?” The elegant British accent made Frankie blink.
“Lillian, my sweet, would you believe I tangled with an icy glacier and lost?” Felix gestured to his ankle. “Someone told you?”
Audrey nodded. “Caz asked Bull if he needed to write a doctor’s excuse for you, but Bull said you were already scheduled off for most of the weekdays this week. He was pretty unhappy you hadn’t called to tell him you were laid up.”
Just the mention of Bull’s name made Frankie’s heart race.
Audrey continued, “He got called to Anchorage for some financial thing, or he’d be here scolding you.”
“Uh, oops?” Felix shook his head. “He would, too. He’s such a great boss.”
He was. Frankie sighed. It’d almost been easier when she believed the handsome face and friendliness were only camouflage for a nasty person underneath. Instead, he was just what he showed the world—outgoing, smart, and concerned about others. Including his employees.
Felix should have called Bull. Scowling, she picked up the glittery phone on the coffee table, pushed Felix’s finger against the reader to unlock the device, and added her phone number to his contact list. “Next time, call me.”
“I—” He blinked as Audrey took the phone from Frankie, added her own number, and handed it to Lillian who entered hers.
Felix bit his lip. “Thank you.”
“We brought some easy-to-heat food and staples.” Audrey picked up the sacks and headed for the kitchen.
As Lillian sat on the couch to check and rewrap Felix’s ankle, Frankie finished tidying up the apartment.
“Still swollen,” Lillian shook her head.
Frankie walked over. It was bruised, as well. “Ouch.”
He shrugged. “It’s a lot better today. I’ll be able to take my regular shift tomorrow night.”
“Keep your ankle wrapped for a few more days,” Frankie advised. Her years in aikido had led to a lot of sprains and strains. “It’ll twist again otherwise.”
“I will. Stupid ankle.” Pouting slightly, he took a sip of his coffee.
As Lillian pulled out a new ACE wrap, she frowned at his drink. “The coffee shop is farther than you should walk today.”
“I didn’t go there.” Felix smiled. “Frankie took pity on me and brought me breakfast.”
“Did she now?” The woman turned to Frankie. “I’m quite sorry. We simply barged in here without introductions. I’m Lillian Gainsborough. It’s lovely to meet you.”
“She’s also known as Mayor Lillian to the Rescue citizens,” Audrey said.
Felix grinned. “She’s also your landlord’s ah…friend, if that’s what we’re calling it these days.”
Lillian looked down her nose at him. “Such a lackluster word, but I suppose it will suffice.”
Felix simply laughed.
Frankie stared. The old Okie who owned the grocery had this sophisticated Englishwoman for a girlfriend? “I’m Frankie Bocelli, also known as one of the waitstaff in the roadhouse.”
“Ah, that’s where I’ve seen you,” Lillian said.
Audrey laughed and told Frankie, “A guy reached for your ass when you were wiping down a table, and you towel-whipped his hand hard enough we heard him yelp all the way across the bar.”
“Quite nicely done.” Lillian nodded her approval. “You were perfectly dignified when you asked him if anything was wrong.”
Audrey was snickering. “Really, what could he say?”
“Was it the Patriot Zealots giving you grief?” Felix asked with a frown.
“No, just a tourist who overstepped the boundaries.” She’d worried that Bull would be upset, but he’d just congratulated her on handling it herself—and reminded her to call for him anytime she wanted him to take care of a problem. His trust in her and his protectiveness were a devastating combination.
“Actually, the PZ crowd won’t be bothering your fair establishment for a couple of weeks,” Lillian said.
“Really?” Audrey paused in putting groceries away. “Did they leave?”
“Unfortunately not.” Lillian folded her hands in her lap. “I spoke to Reverend Parrish to schedule a town council meeting, and he said the entire compound is going into a lockdown for training exercises. Maneuvers.”
“They certainly take themselves seriously—like an army.” Audrey banged the cupboard door as if to express her opinion.
A lockdown for two weeks? Frankie scowled at the floor. Surely, they weren’t on heightened alert because of her? Because of the drone, and then spotting her near the fence. Could they think federal agents were suspicious and scouting them?