Page 15 of Missing Marcus

Knight peered around the pool as Kassie brushed Emma’s hair while the baby beside her slept peacefully despite the noise. Saint rose and helped Bryanna up as she called for Nugget to bring her swimsuit. Lizzy dried Caleb and Tyler off. LJ impatiently waited, holding a helicopter until Aunt Lizzy finished. The men chatted while watching over their kiddos and women. The was the type of life he wanted with Gabby and he felt like an outsider trespassing on their lives. Everyone seemed happy and they worked together as one huge family.

Doc helped Samantha up while Whiskey gathered the towels. Then he helped his wife. She smiled as if he meant the world to her. He gazed at her like a man besotted. The familiar knot in his stomach tightened at the reminder of Gabby and he brushed it away.

The men loaded the women in their trucks and Doc took his wife home. He didn’t know the story there, but no one thought anything of him taking her when she drove herself.

“Hey,” Saint broke Knight from his thoughts and motioned for him to follow him back to the kitchen. The men sat at the kitchen table. Taco and Shadow gave each other shit while Leo laughed and shook his head.

“Take a seat, Knight. Since you last visited Serenity, we’ve welcomed two more to our team. Ragu returned to us not long ago. Patch recently joined as a corpsman. He and Whiskey help at the hospital when needed,” Leo informed him. “Guys, meet Bryanna’s brother, Marcus ‘Knight’ Hutchins. He recently moved from California.”

Knight respected how the leader didn’t share his history with the others.

Each man gave him a chin nod as they got to work.

“It appears we cut the head off the snake when Shadow killed Rahimi. Three more want to take his place. Julio confirmed his second in command Marghai’s death.”

Marcus kept his face passive, not giving away how the man died.

“We’ve tracked down his number three man. He showed up in Chicago, flew to Miami and Corpus Christi. Julio Hernandez greased some wheels and gave us a trusted contact in Seattle. He’ll keep us in the loop. They’ve got a tail on him and a team in place. For now, we’re on stand-by. We still have the port here and a vested interest in shutting it down. Matthew’s chomping at the bit to leave for Texas, but we need him here. I need someone to lead the team there.”

“Where’s Matthew?” Saint asked. “Why didn’t he show?”

“We’ll discuss it later.” Leo turned his attention to Knight. “Saint says you might be interested in a position on the team.”

“I recently retired and moved here. I’m feeling out my options.” Even as Knight said the words, it felt like a lie. He detested sitting at the condo and staring at the walls. Wishing he allowed Gabby to take the bed she requested because he imagined her in it every time he saw it. He missed the feel of her smooth legs as he ran his hand ran up them to untie the silk wrap she wore after showering.

“Knight?” Leo asked.

“Ugh, sorry. I’m keeping my options open. Saint mentioned you might be searching for men for a new team,” Knight explained.

Leo clasped his fingers and leaned forward. “Do you have a problem working with women?” His eyes narrowed at the same time the team sent him damning glances.

“No.” Knight shook his head emphatically. Now he looked like an ass. “As long as someone can get the job done, gender doesn’t matter.”

Leo nodded before sitting back.

“When you decide what you want to do, come talk to us. You’ll require a background check, we’ll go over a contract, and you’ll train with us before we decide to take you on. I heard of your sniper abilities. But I’m aware of your issues with the last team.” Leo’s chin firmed at Knight’s surprised expression. “I have friends,” Leo explained. “Your ability to work on a team matters. We all butt heads now and then, but in the end, we watch each other’s six. I won’t bring on someone who can’t work with my men.”

“Understood,” Knight replied.

“Patch, Whiskey asked you to meet him at Claire’s office. I expect you’re ready to take Doc’s place from here on out. Doc will continue as a backup for the team. I doubt we’ll use him for a bit with PITA carrying two. Tomorrow PT starts at0600.” Leo dismissed the men.

Saint walked him to his truck. “You wanted this interview and now you’re feeling out options. Did something else come up?”

“No. Man, I’m sorry. I feel like a shithead. Between the move, getting settled and dealing with the divorce, my head seems everywhere. I need to get some things handled before I commit to a team,” Knight vented.

“You saw how we work today. We’re more than a team; we’re family. Whatever affects one affects the others. For example, Chase and Kassie went through a ton of shit to grow their family. They adopted Tori and discovered her pregnant with twins. It killed us when we announced our wonderful news, not knowing if they would ever get the opportunity.”

“Yeah. You all seem close. I’m glad my sister found a place among you. She always wanted a real family,” Knight confided.

“No. You’re her family. Her heart’s big enough to include everyone, and she wants you to join this one. Bryanna agreed not to pressure you. I want you to give it some time if you’re unsure.”

“Thanks.” He shook Saint’s hand. “I appreciate the meeting and the family time.”

“Anytime.” Saint walked back inside as Knight got into his truck. The phone rang with an unidentified number. He sent it to voicemail. Turning onto the mountain road, he headed toward Seattle when his phone rang showing the same number. Annoyed, he answered the call.

“Hello,” he answered sharply.

“Hello. May I speak with Marcus Hutchins, please?” the woman on the line asked.

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