Page 42 of Death Wish

Jesse sent a text and received a response seconds later. “We’re set. Rayne will be here in five minutes. Iona and Tegan will stay with you while I’m gone.”

He studied her a moment and frowned. “Are you all right?”

“I will be.” She had to be, or she’d lose the best thing that had ever happened to her. Jesse.

“What’s wrong?”

Time to drag up more courage and speak the truth. “I realized the worry and anxiety I’m feeling is a taste of what’s coming when you’re deployed.”

Jesse’s expression went blank. “Are you backing out?”

“No way. I’m making plans to work overtime while you’re gone. Will I be able to communicate with you while you’re deployed?”

“Of course. You already have a satellite phone. We can communicate by text unless I call you. If I can call, I will.”

“But sending a text will be safer.”

“In some situations, yes. If you need help and I’m not answering a text, call Zane or Brent. They’ll take care of you. Our families are everything. Brent is the first one to tell new recruits that their families are part of Fortress. You’re an employee, Simone. That means you’re already considered part of the Fortress family. If you need help, you’ll get it within minutes.”

“Zane told me as much. I still find it hard to believe.”

“They mean it.”

A soft knock sounded on the back door. When Jesse opened the door, a tall woman walked inside. She held out her hand to Simone. “I’m Rayne.”

“Simone. Thanks for going with Jesse.”

“Glad to help. I’ll watch his back, Simone. We’ll return before you know it. Your boyfriend is very good at what he does.”

Simone kissed Jesse. “Be careful. Promise me.”

“You have my word. I won’t take chances. That’s why I have Rayne.”

Iona and Tegan entered the kitchen. Tegan smiled. “Party time, Simone. I hope you have popcorn and soft drinks.”

She laughed. “What’s a party without those? We’ll see what’s in the pantry.”

Jesse kissed her and stepped back. He glanced at Rayne. “I’ll grab my gear, then we can go.” When he returned, Jesse carried two bags. “Ready.” He looked at Iona, who gave a slight nod, then shifted his gaze to Simone. “If anything happens, do exactly what Iona and Tegan tell you to do. They’ll take care of you until I return.”

“We’ll be fine. We’re having a party, remember? Don’t underestimate Trevor. He’s a snake who likes to bite when your back is turned.”

“Yes, ma’am.” He winked. “Save some popcorn for me.”

Then he was gone.

Simone stared at the closed door for a beat, then shifted her attention to the two women. “Popcorn and soft drinks is all you want?”

Tegan brightened. “You have something else in mind?”

“Maybe. Let me see what’s in the freezer.” She and Jesse had polished off the apple pie last night. Hopefully, the people who stocked the kitchen had bought more than one.

She peered into the freezer and hit pay dirt. Not apple, but cherry which was even better in her opinion. “Score.”

Simone removed the box from the freezer and turned on the oven to preheat. “Cherry pie for the win. We also have vanilla ice cream. Sound good?”

Iona laughed. “It’s perfect. Who doesn’t love a good cherry pie?”

“My thoughts exactly.”

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