Page 77 of Free
CHAPTER THIRTY
D liked Marshall and hoped that he would be a good addition to the team. They'd spent the last hour at dinner, talking about everything that they did in hushed voices, careful not to give too much away while out in public.
As always when he went out, D wore long sleeves to cover his tattoos and kept his head down, making sure not to make eye contact with anyone. He was always nervous, but as time went on, it got easier. He really needed to get in and get his ink covered in something different and to keep growing out his hair. It changed his appearance more than anything did.
"This is your last chance to change your mind," Rani told Marshall.
D grinned as he covered Jeremy's hand with his own. "Don't scare him off, we need him."
"I'm not scared." Marshall laughed. "I'm looking forward to this. I half expected some formal group, all black tie, and suits. Meeting you all really has helped ease my mind that I'm making the right choice."
Jessica grinned as she nodded to D and Jeremy. "If you can handle these two flirting all the time, you'll be fine."
"Oh, you're together?" Marshall's eyes widened.
"Is that an issue?" D asked, hoping this wasn't all for nothing.
"Uh, no. It's just I was trying to get the nerve up to ask Jeremy out. Guess I better get those thoughts out of my head." Marshall smiled at Jeremy.
A wave of jealousy hit D hard. It was a new experience. He hadn't been jealous of someone in he couldn't remember how long. He'd never really been with anyone to get jealous of. There had been a little jealousy when Xander had met Matt, but that was for loss of time and attention from his best friend. This was different. He didn't like at all that someone was noticing Jeremy and taking an interest. He linked their fingers, bringing Jeremy's palm to his lips, kissing it softly. "Sorry, he's all mine."
Jeremy smiled at D. "I'm flattered, but extremely happy with D."
"You make a good couple." Marshall smiled.
Trying to keep his jealousy from showing, D changed the subject. "So, if you're in, when would you like to start?"
Marshall shrugged. "When do you need me? I can start tonight if you want. I'm excited to dig into all this and learn how you do everything."
D hoped he wasn't too excited. This was something that took time. You couldn't just dive in and start pulling information. You had to weed through tons of stuff, search for the right links, meet the right people. It would take months before Marshall could earn enough trust to get into the inner circles of the dark web. For now, he would mostly be tracking down videos and pictures that were posted and helping with security for stings.
Jeremy glanced at D, then back at Marshall. "You're welcome to start tonight if you want. I can at least get you set up on our computers and show you the basics. I'm not a big night-owl, but we've got a few hours we can get in if you want to come to see the STK house so you know where we are."
Jessica shook her head. "As much as I'd like to join you, I have to work in the morning, so I'm going to cut out, guys. Marshall, it was a pleasure to meet you. I look forward to working with you." She stretched her hand across the table to him.
"You as well, Jess. Thanks for giving me a chance." He gently shook her hand.
"I'll walk you out." Rani stood. "I'll see you guys at home." He nodded to the table.
"So, you up for a few hours tonight or would you rather wait until tomorrow?" D asked.
"Let's do this. I've got nothing to rush home to." Marshall stood. "If you guys had plans, I don't want to interfere with them."
Jeremy shook his head. "We're good." He stood up, reaching for the bill that was on the table. "Will you be able to follow us?"
"Yeah, just don't lose me at a red light and we're good. I have your number now if I get lost." Marshall walked with them to the register to pay. "Do you all live in this place? Rani said he'd see you at home."
"No, Rani is living there right now until he buys a house, but D and I both have our own homes. The option is there for you to move in if you want, but soon enough, I think you'll be looking for your own home too," Jeremy told him.
"Right, that's going to take a while to save for." Marshall sighed. "I'll keep my apartment. I like having my own space."
"You just let us know if you change your mind." D smiled. Once Marshall got settled and the team started doing more stings, the money would roll in fast. It was good to finally have a solid team. He still wanted a few more people, but there wasn't a rush anymore to find them. He could sit and wait, watching for just the right people instead of risking everything to bring them on quickly.
There were a million little things he needed to do, and between him and Jeremy, they would get done. He was slowly starting to feel more in control, and like he belonged as a leader of the team. He'd always looked at Bryon and thought he couldn't handle the job he did, but now that he'd been thrown into the position, it wasn't so bad. Unlike Bryon, D had no plans to cut down on doing stings. Maybe someday, but he enjoyed the work, and sitting home waiting all the time like a nervous father waiting for his daughter to get back from a date wouldn't work for him.
With the bill paid, they made their way outside. D smiled, seeing Marshall's beat up car. It wouldn't be long before he got a new one. The team would get one for him once they got him settled into the job. Marshall was young, and he had no clue what a life-changing decision he'd just made by joining with them. The money alone would be motivation to continue to work with them and keep their secrets.
"We'll see you in a few." Jeremy waved at Marshall as they got in their vehicles.
