Page 92 of Mountain Target

Beau

“No,” Alex said, his mouth a thin, hard line.

“What? You’ve been taking lessons from the Commandant now?” Ry mocked, turning towards Beau. “We all know no is one of your favorite words.”

“Or at least it used to be, before he fell in love,” Hugo laughed.

“Careful, Hugo, or I won’t go easy on you in the gym next time,” Beau scowled.

Hugo gave a good-natured cackle. “Whatever you have to tell yourself to sleep at night, Commandant.”

“You’re not going to get rid of me that easily,” Alex insisted.

Beau sighed, exasperated. He didn’t have time for this.

“Nobody’s getting rid of you, Alex. We’re just loaning you temporarily to the mayor’s office. Temporarily being the key word in that sentence.”

“To do what? Push papers around. I won’t do it, Beau.”

“Don’t be an idiot. There’s been some kind of IT trouble, and the mayor needs somebody who understands computers.”

“Does it have something to do with Bristow?”

“I doubt that,” Ry replied. “The scientists left yesterday. Off to test drive their model in California, apparently.”

Over the last three months, the scientists had stayed in town, refining their model on the basis of what they’d learned during the Megève earthquake. And as little as Beau liked Bristow as a person, he had to admit the man had been instrumental in getting first responders in place in a timely manner, thereby ensuring the best possible outcome.

And saving Valentina and Ren’s life.

And for that, Beau would always be grateful to the man.

“Oh, you poor baby,” Tristan said, laughing. “Will you be okay without Irina?”

Ry raised his hands, smiling. “Hey. Irina and I are just good friends. We were very clear with each other from the start.”

“Okay, so at least it’s got nothing to do with them.” Alex relaxed, but still looked unconvinced.

“The mayor just needs somebody he can trust, Alex.”

“You’re trying to manipulate me, and it’s not one of your fortes, Commandant.”

Beau shrugged.

Guilty as charged.

“Maybe somebody found the mayor’s digital porn stash,” Ry suggested, “and he’s trying to get it back.”

“Great. What a wonderful use of my talents that’s going to be.”

“I’m going to stop you right there. We haven’t been asked to investigate. Let me remind you, we’re not investigators. All we’ve been asked for is your time and expertise, Alex, for a few days.”

“Okay,” Alex finally conceded. “I’ll do it. A few days, though. That’s it.”

Beau nodded, relieved. He caught sight of a slight figure making her way towards them.

“Okay, I’m off to lunch with Ren. Behave until I get back, will you?”

He picked up his jacket and walked out to meet the girl.