she caused this? “Is this normal for them?” she asked Lillian.
“Oh, now and then. It’s some sort of readiness evaluation. Chevy said once that there is a lot of shooting going on during their scenarios. The members are restricted to the compound while they test their ability to respond to attacks.” Lillian’s brow wrinkled. “There is a gray area between the practical preparation for trouble or going overboard.”
“I can guess which side the PZs fall on,” Frankie said, her stomach sinking. Kit had chosen Saturdays because the PZ officers would be out drinking. But they wouldn’t leave if they were restricted to the place. And the guards would be extra alert during a readiness evaluation. It would sure be the wrong time to be trying to escape—or cut a fence.
There was no choice. Kit and Aric’s rescue would have to wait until after the lockdown. It was good they’d mentioned rolling the date forward in case of problems.
Rapid footsteps on the staircase caught her attention. Someone thumped on the door.
Felix rolled his eyes. “Come on in.”
The young girl Frankie had seen with Bull danced in. She was short, slender, and maybe nine or ten years old with long brown hair and big brown eyes. She hugged Felix. “I’m sorry you’re hurt, F-man.”
“Yeah, me, too, baby.” Felix kissed the top of her head. “Have a scone—I know you like them.”
Lillian sniffed. “The rapscallion is playing favorites. He didn’t offer any to us.”
“Cuz he likes me better.” Chortling, the girl grabbed a scone, settled on the floor beside Felix, then turned a curious gaze on Frankie.
“You two haven’t met yet, have you?” Groceries put away, Audrey sat down in an armchair. “Frankie, this is Regan, Caz’s daughter.”
“You’re Frankie?” Regan scowled before her face closed down.
What did I do? At a loss, Frankie glanced at the others.
Audrey got an oh-shit expression, whereas Felix and Lillian appeared confused.
“So, Regan, what’d Frankie do to make you mad?” Felix asked, reminding Frankie of how Bull had asked nearly the same question. What was with these guys?
Regan gave Frankie the evil eye. “She doesn’t like Bull. He said so.”
Oh, merda. “Um, actually, I didn’t like him at first. Later, I found out I was wrong, and now we’re friends.” She could feel the heat rising into her cheeks.
“Friends? Again with the insipid descriptor?” Ignoring Felix’s snickering, Lillian pursed her lips. “I am certain our Bull would prefer to be known as a swain, beau, paramour, suitor, or an innamorato, instead.”
There were no words.
Frankie took a sip of her coffee.
Felix grinned. “See, Audrey, you should have Frankie’s skin color. She doesn’t turn nearly as pink as you do.”
After a moment, Regan focused on Frankie. “Are you going out with Uncle Bull?”
Frankie choked on her drink. “No. No, I’m not. No.”
“Why not? He’s really nice—and a hunk. Women are always all over him.” Regan said.
“Oh, really.” Frankie had to unclench her jaw. “Well. I’m sure he’s exceedingly popular with women, but I’m too busy to date anyone—and I’ll be returning to New York once the summer is over.”
“Now, doesn’t that have a familiar ring?” Lillian wagged her finger at Audrey. “However, I’m afraid Bull hasn’t found anyone to capture his interest, which is a shame. He would be much happier with a good woman, don’t you agree, Regan?”
Oh, wait a minute here. Dragging in children to make a point was cheating. Frankie gave Lillian a frown to show her she’d broken the unspoken rules.
Regan studied the woman who had just given Lillian a dirty look. Only, her mouth had tipped up, kinda like she was almost laughing, too.
Frankie’d been all embarrassed when she talked about Uncle Bull. Almost like how Niko had turned all red when he sat beside Delaney at lunch, and stupidhead Shelby made smoochie noises. But Shelby’d been right, cuz Niko totally liked Delaney.
Was this Frankie crushing on Uncle Bull? Maaaybe. Uncle Bull wasn’t usually interested in women, but he sure kept watching her across the lake last weekend. Maybe he was like…lonely. Papá had JJ now, and Uncle Gabe had Audrey. Uncle Hawk didn’t act like he’d want a girlfriend, but Uncle Bull might. Grammy Lillian said he’d be happier with a good woman, and she knew, like, everything about love stuff.
But would this Frankie be okay for Uncle Bull?
Papá said Uncle Bull was married two times, but sometimes people didn’t stay together cuz it turned out they didn’t like the same stuff. And that made sense, Regan decided.
Maybe she should check…? Okay, so, Uncle