Page 76 of Fight
"No, it wasn't that easy.There was a complication."I said and Alexis took over.
"I watched his system as she tried to shift him and I saw something catch, prevent him from shifting.It was a flaw in his system that kept him from shifting.I tweaked it and had her try again.On the second try he shifted like he had been shifting all along."
Ridges turned to Devon."And how have you adjusted?"
"Well, sir."Devon said."I had a few bumps along the way, but things have gone pretty well.I knew what to expect and I had more control over my body and emotions than the average newbie, and I think that helped."
"How is it that you managed to qualify as an enforcer within a couple of months of your first shift?"
"I had a lot of training during ten years with the Army.Both in hand-to-hand combat and tactics.Much of that translated well into the fight it took to qualify."Devon glanced at me."Plus, I had one hell of an incentive."
Ridges chuckled."I bet you did.So what exactly do you want from me?"
"Permission to offer the non-shifter in your territory the opportunity to shift."Alexis took the lead again."And if he chooses to try, we're going to need a place to do it."
Ridges nodded slowly."I can agree to that, with the stipulation that I be present for the event.I'd also like for one of my healers to be present as well."
Alexis looked at me for my opinion.I nodded, agreeing."Not a problem."She said.
"Then go ahead and make the offer.See what he says before we make any further plans."
"Thank you, sir."I said.
We spent a few minutes saying our goodbyes and Alexis, Devon, and I left, meeting up with Caden in the waiting area before heading out to the car.
In the car, after leaving the Anikitos office, I dialed Reese Donovan's number and left a message asking him to call me, and that I'd like to set up an appointment to meet with him.Alexis, Devon, Caden, and I found a restaurant on the edge of the water and ate lunch, and then we took a walk along Alaskan Way, enjoying the nice day and the breeze off the water.We walked up the Pike Place Hill climb Walk to the Pike Place Market and had a good time taking in the sights at the Historic Pike Place Market.
We'd just arrived back at the hotel when my PCD rang, It was Reece Donovan calling me back.
"Hello?"I answered.
"Miss Daniels?"He said."This is Reece Donovan, returning your call?"
"Yes, Mr.Donovan," I used a polite but businesslike tone."I have some things I'd like to discuss with you, if we could schedule a time to get together?"
"Um."He seemed surprised.
"I have something I'd like to propose to you, but we need to do it face to face."I tried to calm any apprehensions he might have.
"Do you want to meet somewhere?We could have dinner?"He asked.
"Actually, it's something that needs to be done a little more privately than a restaurant."I said."You can come to our hotel room, or we can get together on your boat.It's up to you."
"I guess I could come by your hotel tonight."He said hesitantly.
"That would be great."I kept my tone bright and cheerful as I gave him the address and our room number, we set a time, one well after mealtime, before ringing off.
I let the others know about the meeting, and we ordered to have dinner delivered from a nearby restaurant.While we waited for our food to arrive we discussed how to bring the issue up to Mr.Donovan and how to let him know his options without influencing his decision.
Later, after we'd eaten and cleaned up, a knock sounded on the door.Knowing it was probably Mr.Donovan I waited in the common area, while Devon answered the door.He invited Mr.Donovan in and ushered him to the seating area.I stood and greeted him, shaking his hand and introducing him to Alexis and Caden, who had remained seated so as not to intimidate our visitor with his size.
"Can I get you something to drink?"I asked.
"No, I'm good."He said.
"Why don't you have a seat."I offered, aware that what we were going to offer him would be a bit of a shock.
Reese took a seat in one of the chairs arranged into a conversation area, his confusion growing.I sat on the edge of the sofa near him.
