Chapter6
Garrison
“All done,” Elijah says as he steps back from the alarm system panel he just finished installing.Complete with window and door sensors, as well as a hidden exterior security camera, my apartment is locked down tight—so long as I actually remember to arm it.Either way, this will send an alert straight to Knight Security, who will then patch it through to our entire team here.
Safety first.
“Looks a bit complicated.”Personally, I’ve always been better with detonators than computers, though I can make my way through basic tasks.
Plus, I do love a good spreadsheet.
“It’s not too bad,” Elijah replies as he finishes putting his tools away, then closes up the box the system came in.“Now, I set the door and window sensors to silent, so they won’t sound unless you arm the system.If you like, I can show you how to change that so they ding every time it opens.Personally, I didn’t start using those until Charlie started walking.Now, they’re nice,” he adds with a laugh.
“I’m good with silence,” I reply.
“I thought you might be.”Elijah taps on the screen.“To arm it, all you have to do is press this blue button here at the bottom.That will lock down the system and activate the motion sensor on your door.To disarm, you tap the same button, then type in your code.That’ll disarm the system before any alerts are sent.”
“What will the motion sensor pick up?I’d hate for you guys to get alerts anytime someone walks by the door.”
“Thought about that, too,” he replies with a grin.“The only time it will go off is if someone tries to access your door directly.I might have hidden it across the hall so I could angle it on just your door.That way, there won’t be any late-night walk-throughs sounding a security alarm.Now, the alarm itself is silent.You’ll get an alert on your phone, but it won’t make any loud noises.”
“I appreciate that, too.”
“I don’t do it for every system, but with your military history, having any kind of shrill panic alarm can cause more harm than good.”His gaze darkens a moment, and I remember that Elijah carries his own PTSD scars.
“Thanks so much for this,” I tell him.
“Not a problem at all.I already put one up at Mrs.Knox’s place and handled the coffee shop.I’ve got Sawyer’s shop next, then Ryker’s apartment.After that, I’m headed back to Hope Springs.”
“You sure you don’t want to stick around for dinner?I know Linda would love to have you.”
“I appreciate the offer, but I miss Andie and Charlie already,” he grins.“Stupid in love, that’s what I am.”
“I don’t consider that stupid at all,” I reply.“And if you change your mind, you’re more than welcome.”
Elijah zips the large suitcase containing the rest of the alarm systems, then shoulders his bag of tools.“It’s good to see you, Holt.Call if you need anything.”
“Good to see you, too.And you be sure to do the same.”
He offers me one final wave, then leaves the apartment, closing the door behind him.I flip the lock and stare at the security panel.I never thought I’d have one in my place.Ever.And, to be honest, if Elijah hadn’t installed it, I doubt I ever would have agreed.
I haven’t known Elijah long, but he and the other guys of Knight Security have become close friends ever since Dylan Hunt introduced all of us.We’re spread out all over the country, with Knight Security being in Maine and the Hunts in Texas, but we manage to stay in touch.
It helps having other veterans to talk to.Others who know what it’s like to go from having your day planned out for you to being thrust into civilian life.Something that has been a major adjustment for everyone on my team.
After downing some water and taking some Advil, I head down the hall toward my room.The blackout curtains are already drawn, so I set an alarm to make sure I get up with enough time to shower before Sawyer picks me up for dinner at Linda’s, then climb beneath the covers and close my eyes.
I’ve never been much of a napper, but apparently two near-death experiences in as many weeks will drain the energy right out of a person.
“Garrison Holt, you shaved ten years off of my life,” Linda Knox scolds, her hands on her hips, as I walk into her house alongside Sawyer.As usual, she’s wearing an apron covered in random chickens—a gift from Sawyer last Christmas, and her silver hair is pulled back in a loose bun.
“That’s what I told him!”Sawyer exclaims as he kisses Linda on the cheek.
“Well, it’s the truth.”Her expression softens, gaze full of worry.“How are you, sweetie?”She pulls me in for a soft hug, which I happily return before kissing her on the top of the head and stepping back.
“I’ve been worse,” I reply, then take a deep breath.Well, as deep as I can, since my lungs still burn once I hit a certain oxygen level.“What are you making?It smells delicious.”
“Enchiladas and Spanish rice.”