Page 67 of Jobe

“Good point,” Tony conceded.

“Oh, no.”

All eyes at the table turned toward Lily, seeing her dismay.

“The shipment of new equipment that was coming today won’t be coming in after all. The shipping company is on strike so the dealer is now sending them through the Post Office, but they won’t get here for three more days.”

“Goddamnit,” Jobe shouted, his jaw tight with frustration.

“Okay folks, work the mission,” Tony ordered.

After another hour, the group had their assignments. Deciding that they did not want to delay the move, Jobe, Vinny, and Gabe would start removing the cameras from the current New Beginnings location and install them today at the new home. Lily would go with them when the systems were in place to provide the video-feed check. The bars would remain on the bottom floor windows of the current location and they would have Terrance spend the night at the old location along with Little John, to provide more security.

“Jobe, you okay with this plan?” Tony asked when the details had been hashed out.

“Yes, sir. It looks like we’ve planned for all contingencies. This will get the new place wired so the city can move the women tomorrow, plus the old place will have extra manpower tonight for their last night in the old location.”

We got this.

* * *

Fuck, what else can go wrong?Jobe thought angrily. Getting a late start due to the change in plans, he, Gabe, and Vinny had just removed the security cameras and driven to the new location when it began to rain. The men had worked in the soaking weather until the thunderstorm rolled in. Heavy rain, lightning, and strong winds kept them in the van for over two hours.

Jobe glanced at his watch as the storm finally began to pass on. “We’ve got just enough time before it gets dark to get these cameras up and then call Lily to come check them so they’ll be ready. I’ll have Tony send Doug over with another ladder and that’ll make it go faster.

Getting off the phone with Tony, he reported, “Gettin’ the ladder and Lily’s coming on over. Terrance has headed to the old center to get some instructions from Mackenna before she heads home.”Okay, we’ve got this.

* * *

Mackenna had told the women at the center that morning that they would be on a tight schedule for the next couple of days. “The cameras have been taken out and are being installed at the new home,” she said, looking out of the windows at the impending storm. “Hopefully they can get them installed in spite of the rain and we’ll be good to go for tomorrow.”

Forcing her eyes back to the group, she told them to finish packing their belongings.

“How safe are we going to be tonight?” Paulina asked.

“Alvarez Security is sending another man to stay with Little John so you’ll have plenty of protection tonight,” Mackenna replied.

The group soon disbanded, Rose heading to the classroom by herself to unplug and label all of the equipment. The girls moved upstairs to pack their clothes and toiletries as well as the linens. Mackenna headed down the hall just as Rose was finished.

“I’m going to head out early,” she said to Mackenna. “If you don’t mind. I’d like to get ahead of the storm.”

“That’s fine. I’m staying to make sure Terrance is settled in and then I’ll head home later. See you tomorrow—it’ll be a busy day.”

Something flashed through Rose’s expression, but it was gone so quickly that Mackenna could not be sure that she had seen it.I wonder if Rose is all right. I hope she isn’t changing her mind about staying with New Beginnings.

An hour later, Jobe called with an update on the progress. “Hey doll, just wanted to let you know that I’ll be a little late tonight. The storm has passed and we’re getting back on the ladders to finish the outside installations. Had a delay also when the city inspector did not show up for the inside camera approvals, but that’s finally done. We want to get these cameras up and running for tomorrow, so I’ll be in late.”

“Oh, honey, I hate that you’re working so long on this. Tony’s going to hate me.”

“No way. He’s glad to do it. Are you heading home?”

“I see Terrance pulling up now. Little John should come soon and I’ll stay until I’m sure they’re settled. Tell Doug he can pick me up in about two hours.”

“Will do. Love you, doll,” he said, his voice always going lower when saying the endearment.

Smiling to herself, she acknowledged, “Love you too.”

An hour later, Terrance and Little John were sitting in the kitchen talking to Mackenna when Paulina walked in. Greeting them shyly, she moved to the coffee maker. Fixing two cups, she smiled as she handed them to the two men. Looking over at Mackenna, she said, “I know you don’t need the caffeine. Is there something I can get for you?”

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