Page 10 of The Devil's Conflict

“We need more people,” I agree. “And we need more Prospects to be go-betweens.”

“Speaking of which, we do have a request for a new Prospect,” Shadow says. “Theo Sutton, a former teammate of Eric’s, came in for an interview today and he’s interested in prospecting. He’s older, thirty-two, so he’s not a kid. Which would give us four. But we need to get a couple more.”

“I think you’re going to see Eric offer to prospect if his buddy does,” Viper predicts. “I mean, they’re pretty close, and Eric said today that he missed having him around.”

“But we can’t take them away from the business to do Prospecting if you’re short people,” Bullet points out.

“We have people applying to us all the time so we can get some more people to help out at the construction company,” Stone says. “Which can free some of us up at different times. And with our new Foreman, she’s got things well in hand and the guys listen to her without too much of a problem. What about the bar?”

“I have that new girl, but otherwise we’re going to be running on a small crew,” I reply. “I have some ads out and some people interested, but after the shootout, a few cancelled. They don’t want to deal with it. We might need to ask Ash and Ember if they can spare some of their people if they’re willing.”

“Talon will have a fit if Piper wants to come after all that,” King predicts. Talon Cross runs the local tattoo shop with his best friend and business partner, Wolf Wild, and being a former SEAL who has already had to deal with the Russians when they kidnapped and tortured him, the man isn’t fond of his woman being in danger.

“Piper will be here if she wants and Talon will come and play bodyguard,” Stone predicts.

“I have a few interviews coming up tomorrow. We do have a food runner, but she only does Thursdays to Sundays because those are our busiest days,” I tell them thoughtfully.

“Alright, let us know,” Bullet agrees. “For now, I want everyone with their eyes open, no women go anywhere alone, and kids are taken to school by a brother or Prospect. We’re not taking any chances. Torque, you, Timber, Titan, and Carson if he’s there working with you, get to work on trying to find the journal. But keep it quiet. I don’t want to alert Vlad that we’re looking for anything. Sniper, you see if you can find anything at the bar, and considering the state of it right now, it’s the perfect chance because no one is around to see and will just see it as you renovating or moving things around.”

I nod. “Done.”

Torque nods as well. “We’ll figure it out. I’ll have to figure out a way to keep Izzy out of it, but I’m sure I can keep her busy with some bigger jobs.”

“Good. If anyone finds anything, let me or Sniper know. Don’t be calling around. We want to keep this down to as few people as possible in case they’re trying to monitor us or our phones. Cryos, I know you have our security well in hand, but you’re only one person and with this shit going on, you have a lot on your plate,” Bullet adds when Cryos scowls at him. Cryos loses his scowl at that, but I can see he’s affronted that his skills or system are in question. Not that I give a shit. This isn’t personal. “Now, let’s vote on accepting this Theo as a new Prospect.”

“What do we know about him?” Timber asks. “Anything that might be a problem?”

“I ran him and he’s clean,” Cryos assures him. “He was medically discharged a year ago after being shot in the leg. Bad enough they were sure he would lose his leg or at least walk with a forever limp. He pushed his ass through physical therapy and he got back to almost one hundred percent mobility. Now, his sister, she’s an interesting one.” He grins wickedly and I barely manage to keep my expression cool and composed whenhe adds, “And she’s a looker for sure. Wouldn’t mind seeing her come around here.”

That gets a few looks my way by Shadow, Viper, Bullet, and King, which, of course, has everyone else looking at me in surprise or curiosity. “And apparently she’s a former subordinate of our VP,” Viper adds. “And from what we saw when she was waiting with her brother earlier, there’s no love lost between them either.”

Cryos loses his grin instantly. “Shit, sorry, Sniper, I didn’t know you two were a thing,” he rushes out.

I merely arch a brow and reply calmly, “There is nothing between us. Thea was under my charge during training and I gave her a bit of push she didn’t appreciate. That’s as far as our acquaintance goes. Now, let’s vote so we can get to work on finding this shit and tracking down Vlad and this new asshole after us.” I make sure everyone can hear that I’m done talking about Thea. That is not a subject that I need to think about. Ever. “Shadow, Viper, which one of you will sponsor him?”

“I will,” Viper replies. “Shadow sponsored Crypt, so only fair I do Theo.”

“Good. All in favor?” Bullet asks. The vote is unanimous and Bullet tells Viper, “Make sure he’s here tomorrow after he finishes his shift with you. And make sure that there’s a room for him. I expect that he’ll be staying here.”

“That was our impression.” Viper nods. “He’s been living with his sister, but I think she’s anxious to have him out of her hair.”

“Good. Bowie, Frost, you’re still working on tracking down Vlad and his men?” Bullet asks. Both men nod. I don’t pipe in my own plans and work on the same thing. I work better alone, and I don’t need them getting in my way. “Good. Cryos, find out everything you can about the pawn shop, and then we’ll meet tomorrow night to make another plan. For tonight, I want extrapatrols on the grounds, and I want whoever we can spare on the businesses.”

“I’ll do the watch tonight at the security office,” Hulk offers. “I am off tomorrow anyway, so that will give me a chance to get a bit of sleep and then I can head where anyone needs me tomorrow.”

“Good. Stone, you and King have any concerns for your sites?”

“If they were going to hit any, it’s the new high-rise the Lincolns are building on the edge of downtown,” King answers. “I’ll pull first watch there if someone wants to come and relieve me around two or so. Six-hour shifts. And not you,” he adds with a stern look at Stone. “You have a pregnant Old Lady you need to be with.” Stone nods, giving him a grateful look.

“I’ll come and relieve you,” Frost offers. “I’m off tomorrow too so I’ll get some sleep later, and then someone let me know where I need to be.”

“I’ll take the bar,” Bowie offers. “Sniper, you going to be there tonight looking around?”

I nod. “That’s my plan.” It wasn’t, but my others will have to wait.

“Okay, then we’ll do that. I’ll be there around two as well, which will give you a few hours. Who’s on it right now?”

“Kaleb,” I reply. “He’s been giving hourly updates that there’s been no sign of any problems so far.”

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