Page 79 of Free
"We've got an unexpected visitor, so it may be a few before we actually get back to the computers," Jeremy told Marshall. "Just bear with us."
Marshall stepped back. "Maybe I should wait then?"
"Nah, the visitor is a friend. We have no secrets from him. We just didn't expect him tonight. D can deal with him once we find out why he's dropping by." Jeremy walked to the door and used his key to unlock it.
"No stress." D slapped Marshall on the back.
"I didn't expect a house." Marshall looked around as they stepped inside.
"Blends in. We look like a bunch of guys just hanging out. If the neighbors ask, we are gamers who spend the nights in front of the TV playing. It's an easy cover and anyone would believe it." D focused on finding Brad as soon as he was in the door.
He found him in the kitchen, but the man who was with him was the biggest shock. "Patrick!" D hurried over and gave the guy a hug. He was thinner than he had been when they'd been in jail together, but he looked good. "They got you out."
"I don't know how to thank you. About a week after you left, some lawyer shows up to talk to me, says he can get the charges dropped and that he's already been paid if I'll accept his help. I didn't hesitate. I fired the lawyer I had and let him get to work. About three weeks later, I was released, all charges dropped. The district attorney said he didn't have a strong enough case." Patrick hugged him back. "Then, once I was out, this guy shows up at my door, offering me a job. I was hesitant about it until they mentioned you. Relocating wasn't an issue. After the shit I'd been through there, I was happy to leave."
"So you're free and clear. No charges, no warrants? They didn't have to break you out?" D ignored everyone staring at them.
"Nope. It was all legit. The lawyer you, or whoever, hired, managed to work magic, and get everything dropped. Which is shocking. They could have got me on manslaughter. I don't know how your guys did it. I went home and spent a few weeks with my sister before Brad showed up to bring me here." Patrick looked around the room as if just realizing how many people had just walked in.
"Let me introduce you." D gestured to the group. "This is my boyfriend, Jeremy. You've met Dr. Rani Haba, and this is our other new team member, Marshall. There is also a woman, Jessica, who isn't here tonight." D glanced at Patrick. "How much did they tell you about this job?"
"I think most of it." Patrick looked over at Brad.
Brad nodded. "Bryon filled him in on pretty much everything, then we discussed it in more detail as we drove. I'm sure we missed some topics, but for the most part, he knows what the team does and is aware of the risks."
"And you're okay with it?" Jeremy asked as he moved to slide an arm around D's waist.
"Yeah. There was nothing left for me back home. I'd lost my job because I was in jail so long. My sister is planning on moving with a friend to Arizona and finishing school. There was no reason for me to stay. I know there's a risk, but from what I hear, it's slim. Besides, the cause is worth the risk. The more I heard about what you do, the more I wanted to be part of it." Patrick sat back down beside Brad. "They said I'd have a place to stay. Is that okay?"
Jeremy nodded. "There's plenty of room here until you can get your own place. Rani is living here too right now."
"I assume you're staying the night, Brad?" D asked.
"Yep, but I'll be out of your hair by morning. I have to get to Vail." Brad finished off his beer.
"You're always welcome if you need a place to stay." D smiled.
"Well, it looks like we have two new members in training." Jeremy kissed D's cheek.
"Yep. I'm assuming you're not here for computer work," D asked Patrick.
"Um, no. I can barely check my email." Patrick laughed. "I was told I'd be going out with you at night." He glanced at Brad as if making sure his information was right.
Brad nodded. "He's a cutter. Another muscle."
There was a weight that lifted off D's shoulders. They finally had a full team. They still needed to worry about a therapist, and he wouldn't turn away anyone else if they fell into his lap, but for now, they could do the job with who they had. It meant another long week or two of training to make sure that Marshall and Patrick had all the skills they needed, but he wasn't going to complain about that. The whole team could use more training. They could never practice their skills enough.
D's phone rang, surprising him. Figuring it was Bryon checking in he answered without looking. "Hello?"
"D, it's Jessica. I'm in the hospital. I was in a wreck on the way home. My car's totaled and my brother isn't answering. Can you come pick me up?"
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, I think so. A few cuts and I've broken my fucking arm." She didn't sound happy at all. "I'm more pissed about my car."
"We'll get you a new car, Jess. What hospital are you at?" D noticed every head in the room turn his way.
"Denver Health. Do you need the address?" She asked.
