Page 39 of Jameson

“All right, everyone, listen up,” Jameson said. The sounds and conversations died down as everyone turned to look at him.

“Maxim says the device will be ready to launch tomorrow.”

The table went even quieter.

“My squad and I have a plan to get the device close to the monster. Hopefully, by this time tomorrow, it’ll be dead, and we’ll have justice for your friends. And then you can get your project completed.”

“Yes!” one engineer said.

Others nodded and cheers broke out.

Jameson held up a hand. “It’s not done yet. Plan your celebration forafterthe monster’s dead.” His gaze touched mine. “My squad will be on patrol shifts tonight. I want everyone to get a good night’s sleep.”

With a nod, he stood and left. Slowly, people started to drift out.

After checking in with a few of my engineers, I headed for my room. I was too wired to sleep. Would the device work? I gnawed on my bottom lip. Could Hunter Squad take down the monster?

What if someone else got hurt or killed?

No.Hunter Squad could do this. There was no doubt about that. They’d been keeping us safe for years. Jameson had taken over Hunter Squad several years ago, and little kids grew up knowing the squad would protect them.

I took a quick shower and put on my pajamas. I tried to read for a bit.

Nope, still too wired. I set my tablet down. There was going to be no sleep for me anytime soon. I remembered that the hot chocolate the other night had helped. I slipped out of my quarters and headed for the kitchen.

The base was silent and dark, everyone in bed and sleeping. I knew that some of Hunter Squad would be outside doing the rounds.

At least the monster wasn’t banging on the wall again.

Tomorrow, we’d eliminate it. That was all I needed to focus on.

In the kitchen, I opened the fridge. The glow of light was like a beacon in the darkness. I grabbed some milk and hot chocolate powder and put it on the heat unit.

A moment later it dinged, and I poured the cocoa into a mug.

“Hey.”

I jolted and turned. “You nearly gave me a heart attack. Make some more noise when you sneak up on a girl next time.”

Jameson stood there, mostly hidden in the darkness. Then he reached up and pulled his armored vest off.

“You were outside?” I asked.

“Just finished patrol. Kai took over.”

“The monster?”

“No sign of it.”

“Good.” I sipped my drink.

“Couldn’t sleep?”

“No.” I circled the counter and saw his gaze drop to my bare legs. His jaw tightened. “Jameson?”

“It’s going to be okay. I don’t want you to worry.”

“I can’t just turn the worry off.” I leaned against the island and sipped again. “I know that you and your squad are good. And you always keep your promises. Like your dad. My mom says no one is more trustworthy than Marcus Steele.” I cocked my head. “I say the only person more trustworthy is you.”

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