Page 49 of Missing Marcus

“Early this morning. I sold the house and I’m flying out early tomorrow,” he replied.

“Tex spoke with Patch. He mentioned you interviewed with Serenity Securities,” Abe whistled. “I heard good things about the group from Patch and he seems happy. Tex and Melody visited not too long ago.”

“Yeah. They seem like good people. Did Tex hear about any other jobs around Seattle?” Knight asked.

Wolf and Abe glanced at one another. Abe shook his head. “He didn’t mention any to me.”

Wolf pulled Caroline closer to him and whispered in her ear, making her smile. “We’re about to go in for a drink. It appears a bit crowded tonight. Why don’t you come back to the house? Our basement beats any hotel room, and we can drop off your rental and get you to your gate before heading to PT.”

“Thanks. I don’t want to impose.” Knight adjusted the cap on his head.

“Please. Alabama and I decided to plan a girls’ weekend. You can keep the men company while we devise our plans for shopping,” Caroline offered with a smile.

“Thank you. I’ll take you up on the offer. With everything going on, I forgot to book a hotel room. I figured I’d grab some dinner and find one,” Knight addressed Caroline.

“Why don’t Alabama and I head home and they can take you to drop off your rental and pick up some grub? Then you can relax,” she suggested.

Wolf kissed his woman and Abe pulled Alabama into his arms for a kiss before the women walked across the parking lot. Both men tracked their wives until they entered the vehicle. Knight envied them, how easy they made their relationships appear.

“Let’s get this car dropped off. We know a barbecue joint close by with the best ribs. We can pick up some before we return home,” Wolf suggested.

They followed him to the rental place, and he dropped the keys into the door’s slot before sliding into the back of Wolf’s vehicle.

Abe turned slightly in his seat to strike up a conversation. “How’s things in Seattle?”

“A buddy of mine let me rent his condo until I find a place. I took some time off to get situated and met with my brother-in-law’s team,” Knight gave them a general description of his life.

“I take it the interview didn’t go as you planned. You have a legendary reputation for your sniper skills. They’d be idiots not to snap you up.” Wolf glanced toward the back seat.

He stroked his jaw, reluctant to discuss it. He knew Abe and Wolf and ran into them occasionally. Yet they didn’t hesitate to give him a place to stay while his former team accepted his apology and went about their business.

“Yeah. I screwed up and gave them a shitty first, second and third impression. Patch refers to me as ‘asshole’ if that gives you any idea on how it went,” he explained.

Abe and Wolf chuckled.

“Plus, things grew more complicated over the last few weeks. Gabrielle moved to Seattle, too,” he admitted.

“It seems like fate has other plans for you two. Maybe it’s your sign to work things out,” Abe suggested. “Alabama spoke with her not too long ago. Gabrielle seemed upset.”

Knight watched California’s nightlife pass him by, wishing he returned to the cabin, and held Gabby in his arms. “I fucked up there, too.”

Wolf pulled into his driveway and they piled out of the car. The women sat at the kitchen table before a computer, discussing their girls’ weekend options.

“Why don’t we grab a beer to go with those ribs and take over the living room?” Wolf suggested as he leaned down and shook his head at the computer screen before kissing Caroline.

Abe led the way and placed a TV tray in front of Knight for him to eat while they visited. Wolf walked in a minute later with three beers in hand. He placed one near Knight and handed another to Abe before taking a seat.

Knight dug into his food while they exchanged news with one another.

“I heard Serenity Securities has a nice setup on the mountain. Tex mentioned the hospital’s unique approach. He seemed impressed by their programs and referred a couple of our mutual friends,” Abe broke the ice.

“Gabby’s visited the hospital twice. They run a tight ship and she’s received excellent care,” Knight agreed.

“Is she all right?” Wolf leaned forward in concern.

Knight put the ribs down and wiped his mouth and fingers, no longer feeling hungry. “Gabrielle’s pregnant. I screwed up royally and I don’t know how to fix it.”

“It’s the third time you’ve told us you screwed up. We’ve all made mistakes. I’ve made my fair share, and my team hashelped me see the light. Why don’t you tell us what happened and see if we might help you figure it out,” Abe suggested.

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