Page 26 of Too Hot

“Classroom.”

She nodded, and Rafe followed the group of women out. He knew the subs took care of their own, but he’d not really seen it in action until now. He glanced at Brianna. “You okay?”

“Once this gets settled, I will be.”

* * * *

Three hours later, the club was closed. Logan had gotten Emily’s statement. Dane and Regina offered to take Emily home with them until Zeke could swing by tomorrow and put better locks on her doors and make sure a security system was installed.

A family, Brianna thought. They were like a family rallying around a member who needed help. Her heart warmed. Maybe one day she’d belong to a family like this.

“I need a drink,” Jordan said, sitting next to Crystal at the group of tables and chairs they’d pulled around so everyone could sit and talk.

“Wrong place,” Kaley commented.

“Not anymore,” Sierra said, walking in with Max. Both of them carried bottles. Several of them.

“Out from behind the bar, Kaley. I’ll take over,” Max said.

“Yes, Sir.” Kaley came out from behind the bar and over to Anthony. He drew her onto his lap.

“Drop the protocols, everyone,” Max said, opening the first bottle. “I have red or white wine, vodka, and tequila.”

Orders started flying. Brianna understood. It had been a hell of a night.

“What would you like?” Rafe asked her.

“Red, please.” She didn’t want anything too heavy. While she knew they wouldn’t play after drinking, she also didn’t want to have a hangover in the morning from heavy alcohol use.

After everyone had a drink, Brianna glanced at Max as he came to the table. “Can I ask a question?” She didn’t want to offend anyone here.

“Go for it,” Max replied.

“How did Ward get past all your screening?”

“Damn good question,” Damon said.

“It doesn’t make sense,” Colby said. “We all talked with him when he grabbed Kaley, and he swore it was an accident, and he didn’t mean to.”

“He even apologized to me,” Kaley commented.

“Plus, he went through all the classes again after Dani told us that Ward wasn’t taking no from the subs when he asked them to scene, and he passed his probation period without issue.” Max rubbed his forehead.

Brianna processed their words. “He was able to hide his true self so as not to alert any of you.” All eyes turned her way.

“But how?” Tessa asked.

“I’m taking a guess, since I wasn’t here when the incidents happened, but based on the screening process Max makes everyone go through, I wonder how Ward slipped through?” Brianna pondered her next words.

“The subs did talk though,” Crystal commented.

Max’s gaze zeroed in on her. “Talked how?”

“Tone it down, honey.” Sierra laid her hand on his arm, and instantly Max’s shoulders sagged.

“Just passing comments, nothing concrete.” It was the truth.

“Damn it, we do extensive background checks, and nothing flagged,” Jordan said, taking a swig of his vodka tonic.

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