Page 27 of With A Little Luck
I smile, focusing out the window next to the booth. I believe it’s good that we got that out of the way.
I spend my morning and early afternoon piggybacking off Calder’s surveillance system. He’s got most of Burlington locked down with his own cameras and easy access into the networks he doesn’t own.
It’s impressive, and I’m not someone who’s easily impressed.
Anywhere I settle long term will need to have a similar setup. That way, I’ll always feel confident I’ll know my enemies are coming before they have the opportunity to strike.
I’ve got enough of them that I never truly saw myself settling down. However, it’s quite easy for me to imagine a cozy life with Quincy and the baby here in Vermont. The downside is that I’ll always need to stay vigilant.
After all, even with extensive surveillance, Ridge’s foes have mostly managed to avoid detection.
The Shadow Security office is quite lively, but I was given an empty office on the first floor. It’s quieter than the second floor since it’s only used as a front for customers.
I barely have to interact with anyone, except when Ridge stops by to ask if I’d like to join him for lunch.
“No,” I say, running through the files on everyone who looked at the listing for his contract. “And you shouldn’t leave either. Order delivery.”
He scoffs, leaning against the doorframe. “I’m going to lose my fucking mind if I don’t get out of here. Briar just introduced me to a guinea pig and tried to get me to help her clip its nails.” It’s hard to tell with the reflective aviators he always wears, but I believe he rolls his eyes based on how his brow and cheeks move.
I refocus on the monitor for the desktop computer. “Take someone else with you. I’m busy.”
Truthfully, I’m shocked Easton allows his omega to keep so many of the furry beasts at the office. It might be mostly a shell to hide the true nature of the business, but using it as a guinea pig sanctuary is so ludicrous that I almost laugh.
The blinking screen finally loading catches my attention, and I frown.
Motherfucker.
Costa didn’t stop at one contract. He’s got Ridge listed on another site, with an even higher bounty of seven hundred and fifty thousand dollars.
“Whatever, starve then,” Ridge says, shoving off the doorframe and preparing to exit.
“Wait,” I call after him. “You and I need to have a meeting with Easton, as in, right now.”
“Nothing like an invasion of assassins,” Easton says, rolling his dark eyes.
Our father’s genetics must have been exceptionally strong. It is eerie how much the two of us look alike, and we’re only half siblings.
Ridge snorts. “You sure know how to fuck up a man’s day. I was dreaming about the all-you-can-eat wings at O’Malley’s.”
My eyes narrow as I realize he was speaking to me. “Surely you can afford the delivery charge and a tip.”
“He most definitely can,” Easton says. “He was my top earner last year. Just under three-point-seven million in completed contracts. He’s just cheap.”
“You can’t get all-you-can-eat delivered,” Ridge says petulantly.
“Is that gross or net?” I ask, trying to calculate if Ridge might be more prolific than even me.
“We need to find you an Omen to your Valor,” Easton says, looking at Ridge. I have no idea what that means. Ridge raises a hand, flipping off my half brother. “You’re lucky you spendfive days a week in the gym, but even then, one day, your eating habits will catch up with you.” He rolls his eyes and refocuses on me. “The bottom line is, he’s not hurting financially.”
Ahh, so he did hear my question.
“You know I get crabby when I don’t eat regularly,” Ridge says.
“I’m bringing Knox in. He can help watch your back while Trigg is hunting.” Easton points at Ridge. “Eat in the office for now. I will treat this one timeifyou will shut the fuck up.”
Ridge crosses his arms over his chest. “Fine, but I’m ordering what I would have if I was paying.”
This is the guy I’m supposed to keep alive? I have serious doubts the world would miss him.
