“Yep. You can have one every time you meet someone politely.”
“’Kay.”
Austin extended his arm as they approached, sliding it around Everly’s shoulders and drawing her and Bella toward him in a way that felt both sweet as hell and inappropriate at the same time. Especially when she knew her boss and colleagues were watching so closely.
He introduced them both to Mr. and Mrs. Connelly, owners of Titus Security Group, and when he didn’t remove his arm from Everly’s shoulders, she shifted out of reach, repositioning Bella at the center of the group so she could shake hands with the couple.
After the little gummy-inspired imp stole their hearts, Everly left them to their conversations about their grandchildren and hit up all of Austin’s security team, collecting coins for the fountain with the promise of more pineapple empanadas next Sunday. If she was still with them next Sunday. When she had a fair sum of change jingling in her palm, Everly made her way to the fountain and sat on the edge with Bella.
While Bella was busy thinking up new wishes for every coin and tossing them into the water, Roman and Gianna approached Everly.
After glancing around for security, Everly said, “Who are you two pretending to be?”
“If asked by someone from Titus Security,” Roman said, “we’re part of Austin’s team. If asked by Austin’s men, we’re part of Titus
Security. No one has taken a second look at us.”
Everly nodded. “On the way here, Alpha told me he hired four local guards in addition to the four he brought with him.” They’d nicknamed everyone in an effort not to draw attention to their conversations if someone picked up a familiar name. Austin was Alpha, Decker: Hos, security: Goons one through three. But that would have to be extended to Goons one through seven now. “He has a team of a dozen active-duty-on-leave military guys flying in from all over the place for the training. I’m not sure how many are here tonight. Any news on Grandma?”
“Our geek is drilling into the judge. Not the easiest or fastest thing to do.”
Sam was always the geek. Everly had no doubt that hacking into legal files, backgrounds, known associates, and financials of someone like the judge who ruled in favor of Seaver would not be easy.
“But he’s already found a long-standing association between the judge, his wife, and the Seavers,” Gianna added.
Bingo. She experienced a surge of vindication but didn’t gloat.
“I was talking to Hos,” she said, looking at Gianna. “He describes Alpha as one of the best soldiers he’s ever known. Have you looked at his file? He was special forces for eighteen years. He’s got an exemplary record and a dozen metals. One of those, the Medal of Honor.”
The Medal of Honor was the highest achievement available in the military, reserved for service men and women who had performed acts of valor.
“I read it,” Gianna said.
“No one with that kind of record works for a criminal.”
“Not true,” Gianna countered. “He works for one right now.”
Everly’s gaze shot to Roman. “We should back out of this and let them be. Little Red Riding Hood couldn’t be any happier.”
“She could be safer,” Gianna said. “We’ve looked up his travel. He’s taken her to no fewer than six countries over the last year, all of which carry risks to Americans.”
“Look around,” Everly told her. “The only person who’s got better security is the freaking president.”
“Yet, here we are.” Gianna’s gaze drifted to Bella. “I could take her right now.”
A laugh raspberried past her lips. “Right. Good luck with that. Bella’s got at least a dozen pairs of supersoldier eyes on her right now. Even the president makes public appearances.” She glanced at Roman, searching for some common sense. “Seriously, don’t you think Grandma’s blowing the situation out of proportion?” Then she looked at Gianna. “Maybe in an effort to rally support?”
“I know this situation has a lot of gray areas,” Gianna told her, “but the bottom line is still law.”
Everly tilted her head. “You are a curious woman.”
“How’s that?”
“Your previous profession isn’t one known for telling the truth or following the rules.”
“Key word there,” Gianna said. “Previous.”
This was disheartening, but Everly did her best to appear detached. “What’s your plan?”