“Four million in diamonds. They were run off the road. The jewels landed safely in London last night. Quebec Team was assisting Kings Crossing Team Four. The rest of the team is trying to ID the bandits who almost killed them.”
“After I get the grand tour, I want to review the Eagle’s Talon Teams for our branch. My thoughts are we need an influx of new personnel,” Troy said.
“I didn’t want to add more staff without more supervision,” Julian admitted.
“And I’m going to be out with more surgery. I can postpone,” Troy offered.
“Last June, um, when I took some time…?” Julian started.
“What do you mean ‘time’? You disappeared and disabled your security, asshat,” Troy corrected.
“You and Tighe stalked into my office. I was afraid. I’d never seen you that mad. I thought you’d punch me.” Julian chewed his lower lip.
“I almost did. But you were contrite enough.” Troy chuckled.
“Now it’s my turn. You postpone that surgery, I’ll deck you myself. Ready?”
Troy lifted his arms as if he were presenting something. “Lead the way.”
Julian walked Troy to the south wing. “Wave your hand in front of the sensor.”
Troy did, and the lock popped. Cautiously, he stepped inside. The lights turned on, and Troy’s breath caught. His eyes were greeted with the warmth of the Mediterranean Sea. Splashes of blue and yellow were everywhere. His large teak desk was backed by wall-to-wall shelving. Natural light generated a warm feeling as it flowed in through the skylights, accenting the seating area, composed of a couch, loveseat and two club chairs upholstered in various patterns of cream with yellow and blue. A teak six-person conference table overlooked San Diego Bay. A glass wall divided the seating area from his desk, centered by a large tank of colorful tropical fish.
His mouth fell open. “I don’t know what to say.”
“Finally, you’re quiet. I promised you fish.” Julian’s eyes gleamed.
Troy’s gaze settled on the colorful sea creatures, digging into his brain, trying to remember an offer of fish and coming up empty.
“Look.” Julian showed him the gadgetry in the office from music, to beverages, to lighting and the file cabinets and gun safe. “And last but not least.” Julian opened the pocket door that led to a full bathroom and closet filled with two brand-new suits, including ties, underwear, and shoes. It also held two tactical uniforms.
Troy pulled on the sleeve and pressed his lips together. “Jule.”
“Four months and that uniform will fit perfectly. Grab a drink and sit, take it in. My office, thirty minutes, first meeting.”
* * *
As Lily Blackhugged her goodbye, Gwen mused about how fast Eleanor West and Pete Walter worked. The clinical psychologist had knocked on her door within an hour of her phone call to Ellie for help.
Gwen sighed; for the first time since she returned from hell, she felt she may be able to let things go. Lily’s approach was different from her previous therapist. Today, their chat wasn’t as much detailed as it was to establish comfort. And it did.
Gwen rang the call bell. Now that her head was clear, her gut rumbled with anxiety—not hers, but Troy’s. A nurse answered her call. “Hi, I need some help taking a shower and getting dressed. I need to get over to Tower 1.”
“Ms. North, you are not discharged,” the nurse maintained.
“I need to get into real clothing, or I’m going over there in my gown. Look, help me shower, and while we are doing that, find Eric Seton. He’ll understand after I speak to him.”
Gwen bit back the pain as she slid on a pair of black BDUs and a white Chase Security supervisor’s shirt she had the nurse bring her.
Eric knocked and entered. “Gwen, what’s going on?”
“You know, I was hired as Troy’s therapy companion.” She placed her hand on her belly. “Eric, it’s his first day. He stopped by to visit. He’s on edge. I’ll sit in a wheelchair. Please,” she begged.
“Wheelchair. And I’m adding a leash. I’m calling Julian to get me a medic from an Eagle’s Talon Team to watch over you. Clear?”
“Yes, but this can’t wait.” Her eyes widened in a plea.
“I’ll take you and stay until someone gets in.” Eric puffed out a breath. “I’ll be back with a chair.”