Page 40 of Alistair

“He’s got a booming business. Why would he?” frowned Hiro. “Just when we think we’re making a huge dent in these assholes, another one pops up. It’s annoying as fuck.”

“I couldn’t agree more, but we are making a difference, Hiro. You know that,” said Tanner.

“I know. But we read about these assholes killing kids, adults, every single day. They don’t give a shit that it’s someone’s family. They’re just interested in selling their shit and making money for themselves.”

“Commerce, brother. The wrong kind, but it’s commerce, nevertheless. It’s getting late, and the team is headed back to their inn. Let’s go to bed. We’ll be back at this in the morning.” They closed out all their programs and walked toward the front of the offices, then heard soft laughter and a ‘goodbye.’ Victoria stepped out of the comms room.

“Oh! I’m sorry. I didn’t know you guys were still here,” she smiled.

“We’re headed to bed, and so should you,” grinned Tanner.

“I know. I’m going now. That was Hayes. The guys were right. He was in training for the last two weeks, and they weren’t allowed to use any electronics, phone calls, nothing. He’s doing okay, and we’re still okay.” She had a huge smile on her face, and the two men nodded at her.

“He’d be a fool to let you go, Victoria. You two have been through a lot in your young lives. You just have to be able to trust Hayes and let him follow this dream of his. He’s trying to build a future for the both of you.”

“I know,” she nodded as they stepped outside. The wind whipped at them from the north, and the three of them pulled their collars up on their jackets. “I’ve never had a boyfriend before, so this is new for me. And for him, I think. I just let my imagination get the best of me, that’s all.”

“Everyone does it now and then,” they said, walking her to her cottage. “Get a good night’s rest, and we’ll be back at it again in the morning.”

“Yes, sirs.” The two men just chuckled, not able to break her of the habit of calling them ‘sir.’ “Oh. Something that could be helpful for all of you. Lance Stone is set to premiere his movie about corrupt coal mining next Friday. He’s doing a whole red-carpet event and everything. He’s doing it at the New River Gorge Bridge. Some big spectacular thing with a temporary screen on the bridge and everything.”

“That’s very helpful, Victoria. Thank you.” She turned and smiled at the men as her father opened the door. She kissed his cheek and then turned, waving at Tanner and Hiro.

“Goodnight, Tanner. Goodnight, Hiro.”

“Night, kid,” smiled Hiro.

“Thanks for walking her back,” said Mo. “I know it’s safe here, and no one could get to her, but she’s still my daughter.”

“You’re a great father, Mo. She loves you and Ophelia.”

“We love her. Strange as it is, adopting her so late in her life, we can’t imagine not having her here. Everything good in West Virginia?”

“So far. We’ll be back at it tomorrow. Goodnight.”

They opened the door to the inn and immediately smelled the food. Walking into the dining room, the table was set, and there was a note that said the food was being kept warm in the ovens. Before they could head to the kitchen, Iris appeared.

“I heard you boys come in. Let me get everything,” she said.

“Let us help,” said Gator.

“Son, I’m the owner of this place. I can handle a few pots of food. Take a seat. Did you boys find anything?” she called from the other room.

“Not really,” they said, trying to remain vague.

“Well, the news said a young man was found dead in his apartment yesterday morning. Originally, the coroner thought it was malnutrition due to him being out of work. Turns out, he was working a full-time job and died from an overdose of some new diet drug. He was just twenty-seven years old. Had his whole life ahead of him to worry about how much he weighed,” she said, setting the last of the food on the table.

“It smells wonderful,” said Dan.

“Stroganoff, roast beef, roasted potatoes, cheesy broccoli and cauliflower, homemade rolls, and I made you two kinds of pie, blackberry and rhubarb.”

“Oh, man, I just might have to marry you, Iris,” said Garr. She chuckled, shaking her head.

“You’re a handsome devil, but you wouldn’t be able to handle me. My Charlie, Charlie Sr., he had a hard time wrangling me in.”

“How long were you married?” asked Leif.

“Forty-seven years. Oh, how I loved that man. We met in grade school. He passed me a note and asked if I liked him, check ‘yes’ or ‘no.’ I checked no.”

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