Page 5 of The Flame of Carson
Chapter 2
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Gage climbed out ofhis truck along with Lance and Tony."So, what did you guys do last weekend?"
“I finally got that damned whirligig finished for ma and pop's anniversary.I dropped it off at UPS this morning.”Tony answered, grabbing his tool bag.
“How many years have they been married now Tony?”Lance questioned, grabbing his own bag.
“Thirty-eight years next week.”Tony grinned, the three walking into the office building.
The three were greeted by a woman.“Good morning gentlemen.I'm Stephanie Chance, head of security.”
“Morning ma'am.I'm Gage Carson with Blackout Security.These are my associates, Tony Pace and Lance Archer.Our boss Ethan Blackstone, said your company signed up for our VIP package, correct?”Gage replied.
“That's correct.The big wigs are worried about cyber hacks.”Stephanie answered, leading them toward a bank of elevators.
“Has that been an issue for the company in the past?”Tony asked.
“Yes, Mr.Pace, several times actually.This company is small, but we deal in financial investments, money management, that sort of thing.We deal with individuals and small businesses.So naturally, we want to protect not only our clients, but ourselves.”Stephanie stated.
“We'll get you all squared away ma'am.”Lance spoke up as they exited into the basement level.
“While these two are getting things set up, perhaps you and I could discuss the full details of the VIP package.”Gage said.
“Sounds great.”Stephanie agreed.
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Stacey pulled up infront of Blackout just as Ethan walked out the front doors.When she pulled off her helmet, she heard him let out a low appreciative whistle.“When did you buy that Stace?”
“The day after I got to town.Krista put me in touch with the guy that sold her bikes.The second I saw it I fell in love.”Stacy grinned, placing her helmet on the back of her seat.“So, he’s out?”
“Well, he’s on his way back now.He called about ten minutes ago and said they were packing up.That’s when I called you.”Ethan answered, leading her into the building.He opened the door and held it for her.“They should be back in about fifteen minutes, twenty if there’s any traffic.”
“Perfect.Krista and her girls are at the house unpacking.When you called, Krista all but kicked my ass out the door.It was her idea to ride the bike here.”Stacey laughed.
“Sounds like her.”Ethan snorted as they stepped into the elevator.“I have a pretty good idea what she was thinking when she suggested it too.”
Stacey snickered, “Me too.She’s probably thinking I’ll take a while.”
Ethan and Stacey looked at each other for a moment before they both burst into laughter.When the doors reopened, both had managed to get themselves under control.They rounded the corner and ran into Grant.He stopped in shock.“Stacey?What are you doing here doll?”
“Hey Grant.”Stacey smiled, giving him a hug.“I’m here because I live here now.You’re looking at the new Romance Fiction Editor at Walter & Jackson here in Austin.”
“Wow!Congrats!”Grant beamed hugging her again.“I bet Gage flipped when you told him.”
“Um, well, that’s why I’m here.Gage has no idea.Only Krista and Tina knew and that’s because I needed her to put me in touch with Tina to find my house.Ethan only found out last night.”Stacey explained.
Grant glanced over at Ethan, “I always knew your wife had a brass pair.Hopefully, he’ll be too shocked at seeing his girl here that he won’t be mad.”
