Keeping You: KJ Elite Inc.

by Kracek, L. K.

  I was silently watching the guy from Mike’s team who walked in with the bowl Noah had requested. Without anyone asking or giving the directive, he began cleaning up the rocks and tried to scoop several fish in the bowl that were still flopping with the signs of life. The much larger rock followed to give the turtles a place to sit out of the water and then the turtles themselves. He was around my height and four times my size looking like a competitive weight lifter. Yet despite his size and rough demeanor, he was delicately scooping fish and baby turtles to rescue them.

  “Thank you.” I say to him quietly.

  He turned to me and nodded solemnly before walking out.

  “You okay, Jamie?” He asked me, kindly. Or, at least he was going for kindly.

  Mike was no-nonsense and rough around the edges. Not bad boy but lethal. You could easily discern that he wasn’t criminal, but incredibly dangerous nonetheless.

  We hadn’t had much interaction with one another so our relationship if you will, is shaky and awkward at best.

  I nod at him and follow behind Noah who is once again clothed and holding my hand. A gun sat in his waistband at the base of his back, over his shirt. Easy access?

  “We’re going to get you over to Betty. If it’s alright with you, Baby, Candace or even I can come back and pack you up a few things.”

  Upon mention of him coming back without me, my grip tightened on his hand. He returned it and continued, moving us downstairs.

  “Everyone is going to be shacking up. Tonight goes to show we are dealing with more than one delusional male with a crush.”

  “Or two.” Mike grunted.

  Clearly he was still upset about the security breach under all their noses. He had everyone fooled.

  Noah maneuvered like Gumby on steroids to pick me up in a bridal carry as we were all walking down the stairs. Me more unsteadily than the others.

  “Noah!” I chided quietly. “Are you okay? Am I too heavy?”

  He scoffed and rolled his eyes at me.

  “You’re far too light still, sugar. Just let me hold you.”

  I stopped my half-hearted struggling. We were in the car in ten second and entering “Betty” in thirty.

  Entering the command center was a feat in itself with its three step verification process for entry. The command center was on what looked like its own compound, what with the large lights surrounding the building and twelve foot high electric fence, barbed wire on top like a cherry. The door to the command center was exactly what you would expect; large, metal, bulletproof and security measured up the wahoo. In order to get inside “Betty”, you had to have an I.D. badge, pass a vascular biometric scan of the back of your hand and just to be safe, a periodically changed password.

  There were four doors on the far wall and four more on the opposite. To the right was two doors for a kitchen area and sitting room with the intent of providing some sort of privacy and comfort to the people who came in to discuss their situations or reunite with loved ones rescued. The opposite wall to the left was a heavily armored door that led to their armory. Bank vault doors had nothing on this bad boy. With intricate locks and puzzles all over it, there was no simple entry about the door. Only the brothers had access to it and it would stay that way, likely forever. The building was quite expansive with much more that wasn’t shown above ground, but that was the brothers’ secret. It was easy to keep so much hidden when they were the ones who built it from the ground up, literally, with no outside help.

  To the right past the kitchen doorway was a long hall that housed the group offices for Alpha, Bravo and Charlie teams as well as their meeting room. The halls made a horseshoe effect with a second hall to the left side of the building that led to interrogation rooms and the elevator which led to a separate lower level which housed, well, housing. There were rooms for each employee of KJ Elite Inc. at double occupancy per room. We’ve built up a little, or down rather, clearing some storage rooms and an extra gym Mike had put in underground to make extra bedrooms for the family. Those rooms were much more comfortable and located separate from the employee’s barracks.

  Everyone had their own place outside of the compound but during times like these, it was essential to have. In addition, we were following up with plans to expand and add larger units for the guys with families. If they’re in lockdown, their families should have a safe place too. For now, they stayed in the smaller rooms, taking up two or three.

  The underground levels are information only few know – as in, employees and family only. We don’t advertise but just in case our family suites are separate. Shit has happened in the past so it’s not about trust, it’s about safety. It’s also located about two or three levels lower than the employee quarters and pushed out farther, rather than directly under the building. It requires an elevator that only the brothers have access to.

  Arguing raised voices greeted us as we neared their meeting room.

  “Good, Noah’s finally here. Maybe you can keep her from murdering the dickhead.” Charlie said when we entered. Noah let me down but tucked me into his side before answering.

  “I don’t really think I’d help with that considering I’m all for it.” He said, his chest rumbling under my cheek. His statement should have terrified me paired with his ice cold tone but I knew he had given the order that this man was to stay alive. Baby knew it too and they were good people who didn’t kill unless it was absolutely necessary. At least I think I know that. Roughing up was a different story.

  Charlie however, was in a mood and obviously coming off of a very long shift judging by his dirtied and wrinkled uniform and the sleep deprivation coloring his face.

  “I’d really rather avoid the paperwork. I know yall think it is all rainbows and lollipops in my office, but I’m left cleaning up all the local shit yall blow up. In case you hadn’t noticed, my broom handles broken and my rug looks like a mountain – all the shit’s been swept under it.”

  He mumbled the last bit, foretelling how annoyed he really is.

  “Lowlife threw her kid in foster care and skipped town with every single thing she had. If she lived in a mobile home he probably would have driven it away.” Noah argued.

  Okay, color me clueless. I thought we were talking about the guy she “pinned”.

  Even still, I wasn’t off put by his white-hot anger. Baby and Louisa meant so much to him.

  “Listen, I’m not saying he doesn’t deserve it. I’m just saying maybe might could you take it to another county?”

  “Where are they?”

  “Peyton took Baby downstairs to cool off and collect herself while Candace sits in interrogation 2 with dipstick.” Luke answered from the corner.

  “That may not have been a wise choice.” Noah remarked.

  Mike made a weird sound but without his facial features I can’t tell if it’s a laugh or something else.

  “No offense Jamie, but you women are all crazy.” Charlie huffed, walking in circles.

  That man needs to seriously relax.

  Hah! Look who’s talking. Or… well, thinking.

  “Figure it out, Kane. She’s one of yours.” Mike clapped him on the back roughly before raking a seat.

  We left the room and headed for the “interrogation” rooms. A girlish scream rang out causing us to run forward, rounding the corner at break neck speeds. The door to the room swings open before we reach it. Candace strolls out seemingly unharmed, whistling, “I’m walking on sunshine.”

  “What the hell?” Noah shouted, agitated.

  Boots came clomping up the hall behind us. Mike’s red face came into view, glowing like molten lava.

  “Sorry, we had a misunderstanding.” Candace said, shrugging her shoulders.

  “Such as?” Mike barked. Maybe that was just his voice…

  “He laughed and made some comment about how I didn’t look like much. Something about me being a kitty cat and how I could be his pussy any day. Then my knee may have connected with key body parts.” She shrugged
again, bored, surveying her nails.

  Noah turned to Mike a Cheshire grin. “Figure it out, Kane. She’s one of yours.”

  With that he steered us back to the elevator, which led down into mother earth, headed for the family quarters.

  * * *

  “You have everything you need here. We wanted kitchenettes but ma and Vicki insisted on one large kitchen so we would have to eat together. There are tons of movies, satellite television and a cd collection over there.” I point over to the area near the door that’s been set up as a small living room.

  The walls had been painted a light sage green with a tan border three quarters of the way up the wall and a brown filigree stenciled in the tan. A brown micro-suede couch, love seat and recliner close off the living area facing a long brown entertainment center.

  We head towards the bedroom/bathroom area which is also in neutrals. The whole feel of the room, ironically, was Earthy. Ironic because, well, we’re underground. Diesel was waiting there for us, sprawled out on the bed. Little sneak.

  “There are towels and all the necessary products for being a woman, in the bathroom as supplied by Taylor. You’ll be staying here for the foreseeable future so make yourself at home.”

  Jamie eyed me, cautious and unsure.

  “What’s on your mind, sugar?”

  “Will you be staying here with me?”

  I closed the gap between us, pulling her hips into mine.

  “I’ve got business to take care of but this is our room, yes.”

  “Okay.” She said, nodding her head.

  “Do you need anything?”

  “I’m fine. Just tired.” Her lips turn up in a shy smile.

  “If you get hungry I keep some snacks under the bed in a sealed container. Lock combination is 5327. Snacks down here are like cigarettes in prison when we’re on lockdown. When someone makes a run into town it looks like a strip club with all the bills flying around.” I told her, making her laugh.

  “I’d bet you aren’t even joking.”

  She shook her head and then stood on tip toe to kiss my cheek. She’s like my oxygen so I turn my face and take her lips at the last second.

  “Sneaky.” Jamie whispers against my lips.

  “Cheek kisses aren’t allowed. New law.”

  She laughed, kissed me again and pulled back.

  “Go do your work.”

  It’s a fight to let go of her. Regardless of how much I hate myself, I am too selfish to let her go. Now or ever. She’s it for me. I’m stupid in love with her.

  “Mighty eager to get rid of me.”

  I narrow my eyes.

  “The sooner you leave, the sooner you return. So, go!”

  I’ve been reduced to a thirteen year old girl who has just fallen in love.

  Another kiss and I turn to go.

  If God himself stood before me, I wouldn’t be as surprised as I am right now.

  Jamie just smacked my ass.

  Jamie.

  Jamie just smacked my ass!

  Her raucous laughter shines a little more sunshine in the darkest of my corners.

  If I turn around, I ain’t leaving.

  “I’ll get you back. When you least expect it, sugar.”

  Keeping my body on course for the door, I turn my head to wink at her. I shouldn’t have looked.

  She already ditched my sweats.

  As I register this fact I run shin first, square into the coffee table. I proceed to tumble over it and knock my head into the door. Diesel lopes over and sits almost right on top of my head. Just sits.

  “Thanks, boy.”

  If you ignore the fact that Jamie has just seen me make a total fool of myself, don’t forget that there are eyes everywhere. The door which my head is currently slammed up against, at the most awkward position mind you, swings open nearly decapitating me. The force behind the door moves me with the swing and not one, not two, but all three of my brothers are standing over me. They’re not even bothering to hide their laughter.

  “Bastards.”

  Their laughter only grows.

  Jamie rushes over to me but I throw an arm out to stop her.

  “Pants, sugar!” I tell her before I upset her.

  She’s likely worried I’ve knocked my memory clean or that my prosthetic was across the room.

  Luckily, I’d hit my real leg – shin – and whenever coming around the compound I always tucked my pants into my boots. Actually, I usually had my pants tucked in, period. Since Jamie and Tay’s case hit our desks I’d become careless with my own issues; something I can’t afford.

  No one here can afford.

  “Need a hand there, baby brother?” Mike cackled.

  Few times did he let loose or show people his face worked, but whenever I kicked myself in the ass, he was always there with bells on.

  “Eat me.”

  Luke wrapped an arm around my shoulders and pulled up.

  “Thanks.” I grumbled.

  He was laughing too but at least he’d wait to heckle me in private.

  Yes, I know. It is surprising that Luke knows what privacy is.

  I looked to Jamie who was fretting with the hem of a throw blanket on the back of the sofa.

  Other than my mother, no one has ever worried over me like this. Especially over something so silly. But it’s a big deal to her.

  “Come here, sugar.”

  She didn’t argue or hesitate. I wrap her up in my arms, shielding her from my brothers, and inhaled her scent.

  “I’m fine.”

  Releasing a deep breath, she shook her head into my chest and gave me an extra squeeze.

  I kissed her crown and walked out.

  I’ll never hear the end of any of this. Honestly though, I have a single fuck to give. She could walk me around on a leash and I’d go.

  “Stay with, her, Diesel.”

  “He’s dumber than he looks.” Tommy grunted, sitting to the right of me.

  We’re locked up in our once a broom closet turned office. There’s a small round table for four and two medium sized desks. Since we’ve got offices upstairs this is mainly for lockdown purposes. The walls are that stark white that blinds you, desks and table all black and six high back chairs in red. No wheels – blame Luke. It’s not the coziest spot, but it works for what we need it for.

  “What did he say?” Mike asked, leaning up against the small counter space in the corner, getting coffee.

  Luke gave the room a play by play.

  “He got the upper hand, that’s for sure but do we believe him?”

  I sit stoking my chin, re-analyzing the whole situation. It’s been bugging me all night and I’ve got a raging migraine.

  “Yes.” I say.

  “How do you figure?” Tommy asks.

  “He’s not smarter but I believe him. There’s no reason he’d have taken out a whole squad if he had a mole. They would have been able to avoid casualties. Bryant might be a mercenary now but he never pulled the trigger for a kill shot unless it was absolutely necessary. He was warning us of something. I just can’t figure out why or what.”

  “A warning?” Mike’s brows meet as he stares at me like I’ve grown a second head before him.

  “Think about it. Really think about it. He could have brought a larger team with him, he should have, but he brought just enough to get in and out. He knew where to go and who he’d find. Satellite images could have easily given him what he needed.”

  “That could have been dumb luck and blind hope though, too.” Luke noted.

  “Could have been, but it’s not. Bryant doesn’t work for himself – he takes orders. Someone sent him for Jamie. He knew he’d never even get within one hundred feet of her so he came when she was ensconced in our house where he would be able to get himself in and out, but never her. I’m a creature of habit despite our job description. I’ve always been predictable to those I’ve served with. It wouldn’t be hard for anyone to track me down but to know how to get to me? That takes someo
ne with skills and knowledge. If he’s got an insider, it’s me.”

  “Alright, so we need to figure out who he’s working for and then what his plan is.” Mike said, writing out notes.

  This meeting was owners only until we hashed it all out. If he’s keeping damn meeting minutes, I’m going to throw his notebook in the elevator shaft.

  “And keep Baby far away.” Luke suggested.

  “I can’t. She’s one of my best. As my sniper, and right hand, she’s got to know.”

  “Chances are though, if she saw him she’d shoot on sight.” He laughed.

  “I’d bet that’s why he brought the mask and the backup. While Baby isn’t a creature of habit, she’s the best at what she does with the eyes of an eagle. He knows that and he knows her. Where’s Lou Lou set up?”

  “She and Baby have been set up in the room between you and me.” Tommy said, shuffling his papers.

  Good.

  “Alright, now that we’ve got a working theory, are we ready to take this to the table?”

  “Yeah. Let’s go. They’re all in the war room.” Luke answered.

  “Perfect! Let’s go plan war, boys!” Mike was practically giddy. As giddy as a 6’6 Viking King could get. A fitting description, he craved the blood to be spilt for sins committed.

  We all get up and file out of the room, myself last. Baby is emerging from her room, alone, heading our way.

  “Baby. Just the woman I wanted to see.” I throw my arm around her shoulders and push us forward.

  “Well, you sure know how to sweet talk a woman, Hap!” She cooed seductively and rubbed into my side playfully.

  “You got a knife on you?” I asked out of self-preservation. One day I’d like to have kids with Jamie.

  “Feeling kinky huh? You know I’m not into that stuff but if you ask real nicely, maybe we could figure something out.”

  Okay, no knife. Good.

  “Glock?”

  “Nope. Goody two shoes Sheriff made me give it up before I saw assbutt earlier.” She huffed, tucking a long platinum strand behind her ear.

  I laugh at her using “Goody two shoes” to describe Charlie.