Chapter Eleven
“About the code,” I began once we were settled in the office he’d escorted me to, but he waved me to silence.
“I sent a group to check it out as soon as I finished speaking with you. They pinpointed it to the edge of the Fifth Quadrant. Your Intel led us to discovering a female Enforcer we’d assumed had been killed or sold into the brothels. Turns out she found some allies, and they’ve been working on rescues, as well. Maybe, you’ll get a chance to meet her.”
“I’d like that, sir.” I knew exactly who he spoke of. She’d been one of the first female Enforcers paired up with two males. Unfortunately, the males hadn’t liked having her with them. They’d been ambushed while on patrol. Both men had been killed, and the woman had been taken. At least, that’s what had been assumed. I bet she had one hell of a story. I couldn’t wait to meet her—if I had the opportunity before I left.
“There’s another matter I’d like to speak to you about.” He glanced over me. “Have you had a chance to see much of the building here?”
I found that to be a strange question but still shook my head. “No, sir. Enforcers Dayes and Xantor escorted me in quickly before they left. They wanted to make sure I was protected.”
“I’m sure they took very good care of you,” he agreed and looked away, reminding me he’d seen me disheveled and wearing nothing but Tor’s shirt.
“Yes, sir. Have you seen them yet?”
“Yes, they’ve been reassigned. I’m here to speak with you. Are you in a hurry to get back to your home station, Officer?”
“No, sir. I’d like the chance to visit with Enforcers Certze and Burrelis, if I may, sir.”
“Of course, but I’d like to offer you another opportunity, if you’re interested.”
“Sir?” I questioned.
“We’re fortifying our post here, building it up and increasing the numbers. I’d like to include an onsite intelligence office, and I’d like for you to head it up, Officer Vectors.”
I wouldn’t have to leave, and there might be a small chance I’d see Webb and Tor again.
“Yes, sir, I’d like that.”
“Good. As soon as we’re done talking, you’ll meet with the Enforcers who will be taking over as post commanders here. They’ll want to go over a few things with you. Show you where you’ll be working and staying. We’ll send someone to pick up the rest of your things and bring them here. Hell, at this rate, I might be able to get Commander Certze to finally leave that station he calls home and join me at Command.”
I nodded, thinking chances were pretty good Emma’s dad would leave now that we were all gone. I knew he’d stayed because Emma, Soph and I had been there. We’d been his girls. He never would have left us or taken on a more demanding position than the one he’d already held.
“Sounds good, sir.”
He pushed up from behind the desk, and I automatically rose with him. “I apologize for my wife’s interference in your life, Officer. I promise you she had good intentions.”
“I like your wife, sir,” I told him.
He snorted. “Everyone does. She has something about her.” His lips ghosted up in a smile. “Have a seat, Officer. The Commanders will be right in.”
I stayed on my feet until he left then dropped into the chair again. I was staying here in the Fifth Quadrant and heading up an intelligence office. I’d have the chance to spend time with Soph and Emma both. I’d be a part of building a stronger outpost here. Maybe, I’d get a chance to see those trees and bodies of water on the Fifth, if they still existed.
The door open behind me, and I surged to my feet once more, eyes facing forward as it closed behind me.
“Don’t just stand there, baby,” Webb’s voice commanded. “Get that ass over here and greet me properly.”
I spun around, eyes wide as I took in Tor and Webb standing there. I practically ran to them, flinging myself against Webb’s chest. He dropped his mouth on mine, and I drank him in before he passed me off to Tor and I was treated to the same from him.
“What are you doing here?” I asked when I was back on my feet. “I thought you’d been given another assignment.”
“We were,” Tor agreed. “Liege Commander Diamato made us an offer we couldn’t refuse.”
“He offered us a part in the expanded Alpha Enforcer Squad program,” Webb said.
I stepped back, feeling a bit numb. “I… You… That’s great,” I mumbled, feeling anything but.
“We agreed under one condition,” Tor agreed, stepping into me. “That the woman we’re paired with is you.”