Page 30 of Guarding the Singer

“For a while there, they had a bump in recruitment for the Marines." Alex gave him a knowing smile.

William turned his head toward Hank and Alex.

Alex nodded with a small smile. "I'm surprised they didn't put you on a poster back then. Join the Marines and you too can guard National Treasures."

Alex's droll delivery made everyone smile.

"I think it's a great idea to have Gunny be point on this. If he already knows her, it will make it easier if she trusts him."

Putting it that way, William was a little nervous about that.

Yes.

He hadn't seen her in a few years.

She might not be happy to see him.

Sure they texted back and forth once in a while, but it wasn't like they were close.

"William?"

He looked up at Sadie and managed a smile. "Sorry. Did you say something?"

Her smile was easy, which helped the unease he felt inside. He didn't want her to think he wasn't up for the job.

"Will you be able to go with me and Cooper to meet with Selene tonight?"

Tonight?

He'd been ready for years.

"I'm ready to go when you are."

Cooper stood and reached into his pocket. "I can call Selene and ask her to meet at my brownstone tonight for dinner. She knows that Sadie is in town and wants to meet her." He looked at Sadie with a wink. "She's a big fan of yours."

She leaned into Hank's side. "I'm a fan of hers as well."

Sadie stood and Hank stepped up to her side, putting a hand on her lower back.

The head of the Brotherhood Protectors gently moved his hand to his wife's hip. "Our kids are fans of hers, too."

Cooper looked at Flash and Badger. "What about you two?"

Alex gestured to the others. "They'll be here to help with logistics."

Alex's tone was calm and reserved, but William knew what he wasn't saying.

They'd have the two others in reserve if they were needed for... other things.

Cooper moved closer and as he walked, he looked William over from his head to his feet and back again. "I'm told you have suits."

William smiled at that. "Yes, sir."

"You can handle yourself in polite company?"

The words weren't all that bad, but the look in the man's eyes was irritating.

"I'm good."

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