Page 90 of Free
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
D couldn't wait to get back home. The sting had gone perfectly, and Patrick had done an amazing job. He was almost ready to go out on his own. D was just waiting for Patrick to show the confidence in himself. There was a lot of nervousness and self-doubt still. That was normal, and he was sure in time, Patrick would be going out on his own and doing a great job.
He was happy with how well the team was working, and as soon as Jessica was back to doing stings, the team would be right where they needed to be. He'd still like to find someone else to help Jeremy, but it seemed Marshall was doing the work of two people. He just worried he'd burn out eventually.
"How long is Xander staying?" Patrick asked as they drove home.
"I'm not sure. He said he'd see how things go. I get the feeling he's here for a reason, but I know better than to push Xan to talk about shit until he's ready. Whatever is on his mind will come up when he wants to let me know." D was sure that was why Xander hadn't called to warn him they were coming. When Xander had something on his mind, he didn't want to wait to discuss it. He wouldn't have risked D telling him to wait to visit. Not that he would have. Seeing Xander, Matt, and Faith had been exactly what he needed. It eased the homesickness that hit him from time to time, and affirmed that he hadn't left that life behind completely. He might not be able to return, but that didn't mean he wouldn't see his friends still.
He was thankful Jeremy had taken to Matt so well. It had given Xander and him time to catch up. They'd spent the hours up to the sting laughing and talking about old times, and filling each other in on all that had happened since he'd left. He glanced at Patrick. "You still happy here? No regrets?"
"None." Patrick didn't hesitate. "Coming here was a good move. There was nothing left for me back home. I like the others on the team. I feel like I'm part of something for a change. I'm not just punching a clock at some job that I hate with a bunch of people I have to tolerate. I'm looking forward to getting my own place though. I want to date, check out the city, see what it's like here."
"It won't take long before you can start looking. Jeremy and I were looking at finances today and you guys should have some good money coming in. The guy we took down tonight had several accounts that Jeremy managed to clean out before we went in."
Patrick slowed as they approached the team house. "Whoever figured out how to do all this is genius."
"That would be Carter and Bryon." D undid his seat belt as they parked. "I'm still learning how they manage everything. I'm glad Jeremy understands it, because I'd be lost if it wasn't for him."
Patrick opened the car door. "Do you think I'm ready to solo yet?"
D got out of the car and met him in front of it. "The question is, do you think you're ready to solo yet? How comfortable are you? You need one-hundred percent confidence before you're ready. Until then, we team up. I want you and Jessica to walk in and do the job without having to think about it. I want you ready for any situation. I won't put your lives at risk any more than we already are."
Patrick nodded. "Maybe a few more times then."
D smiled. "I'm glad you aren't rushing it."
"Yeah, my time in jail was tough enough. I'd rather be sure of what I'm doing than risk going back."
"Me too." D pushed the door open and walked inside.
He smiled as he saw Faith, Xander, and Rani in the living room. "You didn't have to wait up." He winked at them.
Faith tossed a piece of popcorn at him from the bowl she was holding on her lap. "Everything okay?"
"Are you asking about the sting or are you hoping I got a papercut you can bandage?" D asked as he pulled his hoodie over his head.
"Knowing you, you'd let Rani help you just to make me mad." Faith stuck her lip out in a playful pout.
"I would not. You're my favorite doctor. You know that." He smiled at her. "Let me check in with Jeremy, then we can all get ready to go back to my house." He wanted to go home where he could escape team business and just relax with his friends. He made his way down the hall to the computer room, and pushed the door open to find Marshall, Matt, and Jeremy still working. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, no problems. Everything go okay on your part?" Jeremy stood, walking over, and giving him a kiss.
"Textbook." D rolled his shoulders. "What's got their attention?" He gestured to Matt and Marshall, who seemed interested in something they were looking at.
"Three new uploaded videos. Look recent. They're trying to track them." Jeremy sighed.
"You guys don't have to hang out. I've got this tonight. Go home and get some rest and we can focus on this tomorrow. It's going to take me time to figure out where these originated. I'm not even sure they are local yet," Marshall told them. "I'll work a few more hours, then grab a nap. We can pick up in the morning."
"Thanks." D was glad Marshall was willing to work alone. "You ready to go?" he asked Jeremy.
"You sure you want me to tag along? You don't want to visit with your friends alone?" Jeremy glanced over at Matt.
"Nope, I want you with us. I want you to get to know them. If you don't mind hanging out with us." D hoped Jeremy would join them. He really wanted Xander and Jeremy to get along and be friends.
"Then let me just shut down my stuff and I'm ready." Jeremy turned back to the computer.
Matt stood. "I'll be back tomorrow and we can work on getting you deeper into the dark web, Marsh. I've got a well-known profile. When people see you associated with me, they'll trust you more."
