Page 217 of Assassin

“What?” he asked.

She explained.

“I kinda like being here. Tonight was all kinds of fun, and when I’m trapped in a bar, it’s not the same. I’ve made my money, and I’ve built a really good nest egg. I think I’m going to pass The Underground off, and if you guys will let me, I’d like to be here with you.”

Remington just stared at her.

What was this?

“Baby. Are you sure?”

She smiled.

“When you proposed, it felt so good to be hugged by Merry, and Maura. When you asked, I felt like I was part of something. I’m not going to be like the Major, but I can contribute. I can help. I’m good with a gun.”

Stella sighed.

“Of course, she’ll get a gun, but I can’t have one.”

Zayn stared at his wife.

“Not about you, pumpkin. How about you hush and let them talk.”

Stella zipped it.

Calyx continued.

“You guys need Remmy, and I know for a fact that Remmy is stupid in love with you guys too. I can’t ask him to give that up. If you guys will have me, I’d like to join the team. I’m not badass like all of you, but I’m loyal to a fault, and I’ve built a network in the city that I can offer up.”

Maura headed her way and hugged her. She smelled like swamp and goo, but she wanted Calyx to know she was always welcome.

“When you marry this nut, you’re ours. Welcome aboard, and you can’t change your mind when you’re chasing Stella around to get any guns she finds.”

Stella laughed.

“A babysitter too?”

Calyx smiled.

“I have never had a family. I can always make money in other ways. I can’t make a family. Remmy loves it here with you guys, and so do I. I’ve had a good two days off.”

He kissed her.

“I love you,” he said. “Thank you for this.”

She just clung to him.

“We have a good life with your family. Why stop that now?”

He couldn’t be happier.

Merry heard MATE beep, and headed toward the computer monitor. When she looked at the screen, she sighed.

“Well, MATE narrowed down the location that he might be to the Ninth Ward. The only problem that’s one and a half miles by two miles. That’s a lot of space to cover.”

“Holy shit,” Maura muttered.

There was no way they’d find his hidey-hole there. Half the buildings were abandoned, and they didn’t know where he’d go.

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