Page 53 of Sleeping with the Dark (The Righteous 3)
“May I?”
“Of course, but I can’t lift you right now.”
J.J. cocked a hip and placed his small fist against it just like Renee would. “I’m a big boy. I don’t need you to lift me.”
Cody glanced at Ray, who’d been quiet, and held back the laugh that wanted to burst out. His mouth was hanging open as he watched the exchange. J.J. loved Arek, but he had an undeniable bond with Trev. He was slowly turning into his mini-me, and Cody figured that by the time he went back to school, he’d show up in a tailor-made suit with a small briefcase.
Instead of sitting on the seat with Trev or in his lap, J.J. made his way up the wide armrest until he could sit with his back against the cushion and his feet stretched out. He crossed his ankles and his arms over his chest like a pint-sized bouncer as he resumed his glare at Ray.
Cody cleared his throat to cover the chuckle. “Ray, this is Arek and Trev.” He held out his arm to indicate who was who. “Guys, this is my best friend, Ray.”
Arek held out his knuckles for Ray to hit. “Nice to meet you, man.”
“Likewise.”
“So why is Ray here?” Trev asked, getting straight to the point. His eyes never left Ray’s face, but Cody knew the question was directed at him.
“Ray is helping me reassemble what is left of the CV’s and a few of the stragglers from the SK’s to be my…” Cody’s eyes flicked to J.J. “Team.” All eyes turned his way, and Cody swallowed hard. “Fake team, I just need things to seem real when we talk to Spike.”
“Ah, I see.” Arek nodded cluing into the coded conversation.
“And how do we know we can trust what Ray is telling us about the teams?” Again, the question was directed at himself, but Trev had already turned his head to watch Ray’s reaction. His friend looked very uncomfortable under the intense stare as he wiped his hands on his jeans and fidgeted on the fancy leather couch.
“The people in this room are the only people in the world that I trust.” Cody returned to the assembled group and waited for Trev to meet his gaze before continuing. “I know you don’t have any reason to believe Ray, but believe me when I tell you that he will not stab us in the back.”
Trev’s eyes broke their connection to give Ray his scrutiny. Those cool blue depths could make anyone shiver and Ray wiggled in his seat under the fierce look. “He better not.” Trev didn’t elaborate, but he didn’t have to. It was clear that if Ray did anything to jeopardize anyone here, he would pay with his life. “Tell me then, why are you here, Ray? This information could have been given over a phone call.”
“I invited him.” Cody once more found his throat dry as Trev looked his way. “I also told him about the larger team and how you are like a captain, and I made him swear not to say a word.” It was subtle, but the slight narrowing of Trev’s eyes and lift of his brow was as loud as being screamed at by him. “Ray can be a real asset, and…I was hoping we could make it a regular gig.”
“Do you want to become part of–the team?” Trev asked Ray, and the room was so quiet Cody could hear him swallow. Cody opened his mouth to jump in for his friend, but Trev held up his hand, freezing the words in his throat. “Do you, Ray?”
“Cody told me a little of what you do, and yeah, I think I can help,” Ray said.
“Are you sure you’re up for that kind of commitment? We are a dedicated and very loyal group.” Trev relaxed into the seat, his arms resting on the arm rest.
“Yeah, I can do this, I’m like a worm I hear all the dirt. Plus, I have a very sick sister that I need to make bank for, and Cody said this could pay better than my nine to five and the few runs I have to do currently. Bonus is I’ve never been inside the pen, so no record.”
“You do understand this is a secret team? You can’t go telling people what you do when they start to ask how you suddenly have more money?”
“Yeah I get it, and I promise. Listen, I’m sorry if Cody jumped the gun, said more than he should. We’ve been friends since almost diapers, I’d always have his back.”
“Yes, well, it has become a theme of late around this house, and although you are not the first, I will make sure you are the last.”
“Coffee is made,” Sally said, walking in and breaking the building tension like a pin to a balloon. “I also made fresh muffins.”
“Muffins,” J.J. jumped off the arm of Trev’s chair and bounced around as Sally placed the tray of cups and coffee on the low table. “I’ll be right back with the muffins. Come on J.J., you can help me, and I’ll let you pick the biggest one out of the pile first.”
“Yes! Sally did you hear? We’re making a team! I hope it’s basketball, I like basketball.”
Cody smacked his forehead and shook his head even though he couldn’t stop grinning.
Once J.J. was out of ear shot, Trev continued. “Next time make sure he is out of the room before we discuss business.” Trev said, flicking a glance his way. “Ray, I cannot put your name forward to work directly for The Righteous. You must have been part of some branch of the military or able to go for training for that. With your sister’s illness, I will assume that is not a possibility.” Ray’s face fell, his shoulders sagging slightly. “But what I can do is have you work for me. We can sort out your job title and responsibilities later, but in the meantime, you will move your family in here with us. This is non-negotiable. Those that work for me, from now on, will remain safe under my roof, is that understood?”
“Are you serious?” Ray piped up, looking around the enormous penthouse.
“I’m not much of a kidder, Ray. So yes, I am serious. Also, all of your sisters’ medical bills will be handed over immediately. No more odd jobs where you can be arrested. We cannot have you in the system if you are going to work for me, is that understood?”
“Yes, Sir.”
