Page 53 of Rex

All three people in my office look upward. It takes a moment for it to sink in where the voice came from and who it is, but I burst out a laugh in relief when my wrists are released. I roll sideways and get back to my feet, putting some distance between myself and my now smiling brother.

“Only five? Make it ten, and I’ll leave her office and let her get back to work,” Drew says to the ceiling.

“Are you seriously negotiating for more food?” I ask in disgust.

“It might work,” Drew states with a shrug.

“Fine! Ten it is, but you have to leave now. Grab your food and drink and get gone,” Rex orders, then chuckles.

“See ya later, sis,” my brother states with a grin and a salute and then exits with his lunch.

I drop into my desk chair in relief. Damn, it’s been a long time since I’ve been dumb enough to touch Drew’s food. It brings up a lot of old memories and some are still a little scary.

“I’m not even going to ask about whatever all of that was, but I’m going to insist on upgrading our security system after witnessing whatever the hell I just witnessed,” Georgeanne says before walking out of my office, shutting the door quietly behind her.

“Thanks for the save,” I say, turning my head to face the camera.

“Jesus. How’d you survive growing up with him?” Rex asks in dismay.

“Learned early in life not to touch his food or get between him and it. He was asking questions I didn’t want to answer, so I needed a distraction. It worked until it almost cost me a limb.”

“I should have talked to him today about us, but things were hectic here, and I didn’t get a chance to. Sorry about that. On a good note, your office security works fairly well. I would like to change a few settings and angles of the cameras, but overall, it’s good. Thanks to Chubs, you won’t need to talk your partner into it, though,” Rex says and then laughs loudly. “I’ll call you later about your home system, but I have to make a food run before Chubs gets here. I don’t have the luxury of having backup if he gets here and I don’t have his promised food.”

“I have to get back to work too. Again, thanks for the save. Talk to you later,” I say before leaving the office.

“Dinner sounds great, but I’m not a huge fan of sweating first,” I explain.

“Come on! It’s always a good time there, and it never hurts to have knowledge. Besides, you said your afternoon had a couple of cancellations, and who better to spend time with than me and Lucy?” Lisa asks with a laugh.

“Fine, I’ll be there. Learning how to defend myself will come in handy with my brother,” I say in a resigned tone.

“Your brother? What’s that about?” Lisa asks.

“I’ll explain later. See you in an hour,” I answer before disconnecting.

An hour later, I park my car behind the club’s gym and walk inside. I’m not thrilled to be here, but Lisa is a persuasive bitch, so I’m going to make the most of it and then eat my misery away later. God! I’m starting to think like my brother now.

Spotting Lisa and Lucy at the check-in desk, I join them.

“Hey, woman! Glad you came,” Lisa shouts before giving me a playful punch in the shoulder.

“Hey,” I answer while rubbing my shoulder. “Hi, Lucy. How are you doing?”

“I’m good, thank you. I’m surprised Lisa talked you into this. Chubs said you aren’t big on physical stuff unless it includes carrying shopping bags,” Lucy answers with a wide grin.

“He ain’t wrong, but he’s part of the reason I agreed to this madness. I need to learn some self-defense against him.”

“Against Chubs? Whatever for?” Lucy asks with a shocked expression.

“He nearly bit off one of my legs today over a dropped sandwich,” I reply with a smile.

“He would have only taken a small bite. He’s good that way,” Lucy states with a straight face and a small shrug.

“It sounds like we’re talking about a rabid dog,” Lisa mutters.

Axel walks past, gives us a nod and a smile, and I struggle to hold in a laugh when I notice the small bag in his hand. Tinsel, crepe paper, and garland are visible at the top of it, and all are orange, black, and dark purple. Hmmm. Halloween colors. When I notice Lucy and Lisa both staring at me oddly, I fix my expression. When they continue to stare with raised eyebrows, I sigh.

“I can’t explain yet, so please, don’t even ask,” I plead.

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