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“I don’t think I’ve ever had so much fun,” laughed Dylan. “Thank you. This is exactly what I needed.”

“It’s exactly what we all needed,” smiled Erin. “It’s been difficult to be out on the other island, but necessary. We should do this once a month just to connect. The women have always relied on one another, and that hasn’t changed. Being near to the ones out there is making it all bearable, but I do miss having all of you at the ready.”

“I agree,” smiled Kate. “I need the wisdom of my older sisters, and sometimes, I just need a big old hug.”

“Dylan, what did you put in these cookies?” asked Lena. “These are amazing.”

“Oh, it’s just a standard chocolate chip cookie recipe, but I added a little cocoa powder to make them dark, then some chocolate syrup, and instead of using chocolate chips, I used chocolate chunks.”

“Damn,” muttered Lena, biting into another. “I need to keep these away from my husband. Tailor would eat this whole plate.”

“Has anyone heard how Sadie is doing?” asked Dylan. Virginia nodded.

“We went out there this morning to see her,” she said. “She seems to be moving toward her old self physically, although she’s very weak. But there’s a lot of emotion there. Wes suspects that she’s still hiding something, but we don’t want to push her. I don’t know what we’d do without Ham. He’s been a God-send. Wes said he’s been sleeping outside her bedroom door on the floor because she wakes up with nightmares.”

“God, that’s so sweet,” said Dylan. Virginia nodded.

“I’m worried for her. Sadie has always been incredibly independent and outspoken, and now she’s a shell of herself.”

“She’ll figure it out, Virginia,” said Kate to her friend. “We’ll be here for her if she needs anything. You know that. Ham can be trusted.”

“What did the ghosts say?” asked Dylan. All eyes turned toward her with a surprised expression. “Didn’t we ask them?”

“I never even thought to,” said Virginia. She looked around the room, and on cue, Martha and Claudette appeared to the room of women. “I should have asked you both sooner to check on her. I know you’re able to go to and from the island now.”

“She is lost in her own mind but finding her way back,” said Claudette. “In time, she will be herself again, but you have to give her space.” Virginia nodded.

“Trust that Ham is making everything better,” said Martha. “He is a fine warrior and one of the finest men I have seen on this property. That’s coming from someone who is related to almost half of the men. I have never encountered a man with more patience, compassion, and love in his heart.”

“Love?” asked Virginia.

“Yes, my dear. Love.” Martha and Claudette disappeared as quickly as they’d come. Virginia just stared at the empty space, then turned to the other women. “He’s in love with Sadie.”

“Isn’t that a good thing?” asked Dylan. “I mean, she said he was a good man.”

“Yes, I suppose it is a good thing. I just, I don’t know. Sadie has been saying lately that she doesn’t want anything to do with a military man or anyone who works for VG. If she hasn’t changed her mind, that might be setting Ham up for heartbreak.”

“He’s a grown man,” said Ajei. “I’m sure he knows the risks. Right now, I say we let them be and we try some more chocolate. What other surprises do you have for us, Dylan?”

“What would you ladies say to a chocolate cookie pizza?”

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

“You’re clear on what to say, Doug?”

“I think I’ve been down this road a time or two,” he smirked. Hiro hit the call button, and the phone immediately began ringing.

“Metzger,” said the voice on the other end of the line.

“Is this Hanz Metzger?” asked Doug.

“Yes. Who is this?”

“This is Doug Graham, CEO of G.R.I.P. You’re a persistent man, Mr. Metzger.” There was almost a giddy sigh of relief on the other end of the phone.

“Mr. Graham. To say I’m surprised to hear from you is an understatement. I’ve been trying to reach someone at your facility for years now.”

“Well, we are a top-secret facility, Mr. Metzger. Your e-mails were buried in our junk folder. You claim you have a legal right to part ownership of G.R.I.P.”

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