Page 65 of Night So Silent
“I didn’t wreck it!” he argues. “I was checking the tire traction and, apparently,someonedecided it was a good idea to move the dumpsters to the opposite side of the lot out back.”
I glance down at him through slitted eyes. “That was you?”
Barrera opens his mouth, but then pauses. Without a word, he turns and makes a quick exit, setting off to find Dallas. I flash an amused look at Lutz, who makes no effort to hide his own mirth.
“He’ll be a while. Dallas is right over there with Brett and Barrett,” Julia motions behind her while Barrera sets off in the opposite direction.
But before I can take a step, I feel the smack of Royce Avery’s hand on my back.
“If I didn’t already tell you congratulations—congratulations.” Avery extends his hand as I turn around.
“Thank you,” I give his hand a firm shake. “I’m honored that you could make it tonight.”
“This is quite a party,” Avery comments, giving his drink a swirl as he gazes around at the webs of string lights and miniature fir trees. “I’ll have to get the names of your vendors. Our company events could use a little refresh. It’s easy for things to get stale after a few years.”
“Unfortunately, I can’t take credit. Dallas planned the entire event, but I’m sure she wouldn’t mind sharing her secrets.”
“Even better!” he exclaims. “Then I’m sure I’ll get all the details from Astrid later, based on how much she goes on about this place.And you,” he adds. “You must be a pretty good boss.”
“I like to think I’m firm but reasonable,” I reply. “The quality of our people is only as good as their leader.”
Not only do Avery and I exchange business, but his daughter has worked at Volk since she graduated from college as an Administrative Coordinator and Dispatcher directly under Julia. They work closely with me on a daily basis and know the inner-most details about the company. Astrid is outgoing and likes to talk, which is probably why she gets along with Dallas.
“I’ll let you go and enjoy the rest of your evening. But I want to set up a meeting next week before I leave for South Korea. Putting together a major contract—next-generation upgrades across the board. With that and the increased work we’re doing in the Middle East, I’m looking to expand, so we’ll need a lot more manpower.”
This is very good. We consult on a variety of specialties, but long-term security contracts mean consistency and let us explore the more niche parts of the industry that would otherwise not be feasible.
“I’ve had a new contract drawn up, making Volk our exclusive security contractor. You’ll receive it first thing next week. I imagine it’ll mean significant growth for you as well. You know how the military is. They might as well be walking around with blank checks. So, think of it as a wedding present—one that keeps on giving.” He winks and gives my arm another light smack before bidding me farewell.
I take a moment to consider the gravity of this development. I started this company only three years ago and grew it at such a rapid rate that everyone in town thoughtIwas a secret militaryinstallation until I started donating money to the public library and funding after-school programs. And, soon, it probablywillstart looking like a not-so-secret military installation. There’s so much to do. But the first thing is to head deeper into the mood-lit Christmas cave to find my fiancée.
I would recognize Barrett anywhere, with her long glossy brown hair falling down her back in gentle waves and the way she stands tall, regardless of her actual height. She’s wearing a fitted garnet dress with a lace sleeves and bodice that fades into a long silky skirt. She spins around when she realizes I’m approaching her, a bright smile flashing across her face as her eyes light up. She steps toward me, but I hold her at an arm’s length so I can take in the rest of her dress. Or, rather, the plunging neckline framed by her mahogany hair and the slit that climbs to the middle of her thigh.
“Printsessa,” I marvel. “You really do look the part now.”
“Well, I can’t let you upstage me.” She runs a hand up my arm and looks it over with admiration. “And look, you even wore my favorite button-down.”
I can’t help but smile. Because it’s currently myonlybutton-down.
“I’ll replace it with a better one at the end of the month. I’ll get a new shirt when you get a new name.”
I had no preconceived notions about marital naming conventions. Like me, Barrett is a professional, and she understands the value of establishing your name as an indicator of expertise. But she seemed very excited to announce to me that she’s decided to hyphenate her name to Halsey-Mikhailov. I did not argue.
“Speaking of which, where have you been?” she asks. “Everyone’s starting to think I’m marrying myself. Not that it would be a bad option.”
“It would be terrible. The worst mistake of your life,” I reply, pulling her close and leaning down to kiss her for the first time in over 10 hours. “I couldn’t make it five feet before getting sidetracked by guests.”
“Well, I’ve missed you. So, don’t do it again,” she warns, pulling me back for another kiss. And she still tastes just as sweet as the first time I kissed her nearly a year ago. “But can youbelievethis many people showed up?”
“No. In fact, I ran into Royce Avery just a minute ago.”
She knits her brow and glances up in thought. “Avery…isn’t he the one who armors all your cars?”
“Yes. In fact, he stopped to inform me that he wants to make Volk his exclusive contractor.”
Barrett’s eyes widen. “Sergei, that’shuge!They’re a global company, aren’t they?”
Just as I absorb the finer details of Barrett’s work life as she decompresses each day, she pays close attention to what happens at Volk and knows what news like this means.
