Page 25 of Bayou Sunset

It was time to call his team leader. He knew the team was on a much-needed break, but Alpha team was deployed, and Charlie team was still building and training. Romeo selected the correct speed dial on his cell and pushed “Call.”

“Grits,” his boss answered on the first ring.

“Bonjour,cher.”

“What’s up, Romeo?”

Romeo anxiously rubbed the back of his neck as he glanced down the brightly lit hall, ensuring Daisy Mae was still lingering in his father’s room. He was determined to keep her in the dark about the impending visit from the men coming to investigate on his behalf. She believed that the agents of HIS were on vacation with Romeo. Although he despised lying to her, he knew she would reject any offer of assistance.

“I have a problem and need help. I know the team be off,maisI could use some local investigation.”

Romeo could hear fingers snapping, signaling that his team leader had brought someone else into the room. He hoped his leader wasn’t in bed with someone, as it would undoubtedly dampen their plans.

“I’m putting you on speaker. Casper is here. Now, tell us what’s going on.”

Casper, an enigmatic operative with a knack for eerie assignments, formed a solid and effective partnership with Grits. This close bond often sparked jealousy in Romeo, who held the second position in their team. Romeo suspected that the nature of their special operations work led to a faster, deeperconnection, but he acknowledged that other pressing matters needed their attention.

“Someone be trying to harm me woman.”

“Your woman?” Casper asked, sounding way too bewildered by the statement. “When did this come about?”

“It no matter,” Romeo bit out. “I need some help from Bravo.”

“What’s happened?” Grits asked.

“Merde,besides being shot at?”

“What the fuck?” Grits nearly shouted.

“I be fine. We be fine,” Romeo bit out again. He needed Grits to stay focused—no time for playing around bullshit.

“Anything else we need to know about?” Grits asked.

“Besides sabotage? I no think so.”

“Why do you think this is happening?” Casper asked.

“If I knew, I wouldn’t need ya,couyon,” Romeo snapped.

“Don’t get your panties in a bunch. Casper and I will be there tomorrow.”

“Merci, cher.”

“What about me?” Casper asked.

Romeo ended the call without a word to the agent.

That gave him the opportunity for a date night tonight. There was no way around it. He would have to stay over to protect her. His dick twitched at the thought of what they could do to fill the time.

Romeo reentered the room, his eyes fixated on Daisy Mae. She greeted him with a radiant smile. She was petite, agile, and quick to react like a little pocket rocket. Daisy Mae seemed unchanged in these aspects since his last visit home.

Romeo turned his gaze to his father. “Papa, what can we get ya for breakfast? I tried da cafeteria already. Ya want takeout.”

Wayne smiled at that. “Me could use a grilled steaketpotato. Yamèrealready say no to dat. How ’bout a breakfastsandwich? Sausageetegg.”

The family immediately began brainstorming ideas for fast food places that served a good breakfast.

After his papa agreed to a place, Romeo and Daisy Mae left to pick up the food, leaving his parents alone. His mom looked beat. It was fortunate that his father was being released the next day. Romeo wasn’t sure if his mom could handle more time with his dad not at home.

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