Page 161 of Stealth Mission
Marshall nudges it closer. “Open it.”
Marianna reaches out, and it’s a good thing because I am frozen stiff.
En…gage…ment?
A loaded silence fills the office as she opens the envelope.
Her mouth slides open. “What is this?”
When she jolts, all the color drains from her face.
I lift the document from her hand and frown as I scan the text. “This is a deed.”
“Tothisfarm,” Marianna says in disbelief.
Luke drums his fingers on the table in a fast rhythm. His smile is broad now. “I bought the place and I’m giving it back to you.”
She’s staring at Luke as her fingers dig into my arm. “How did this happen?”
“Crazy coincidence, really.” He relaxes back into his chair. “I’ve been keeping an eye on real estate in Vandemora for a while. This area would be a great staging ground for us for Central and South America. Anyway, my contact called me last week and told me that he found something interesting—a huge property with a house and eight cabinas on it.”
I feel like I’m in one of those pranked reality shows as Marianna squeals and jumps out of the chair. “Oh my god. You bought this farm? This farm? My farm and you’re giving it to me?”
He nods solemnly. “I know how much it has to mean to you.”
She’s glowing. “I don’t know if I will ever be able to pay you back, but I’m hoping to start a line of tequila in the U.S., and if I do, that will help.”
Marshall laughs and claps his hands together. “You can sponsor the holiday party.”
But then he suddenly frowns. “Wait, no. I take that back. No tequila. This crew is hard enough to deal with already. We’d end up with people needing stitches.”
I grab her hand and pull her back to the table, this time, making her sit on my lap. “Seriously, Luke, how can we repay you for this?”
“That’s where the stipulation in the deed comes in.” His brows draw together, creasing his forehead. “Well, it’s actually a few stipulations, but I don’t think you’ll mind. Agile Security& Rescue gets domain over the cabinas. We’ll also build a helicopter pad, and a small airstrip. I’m sure there will be a few garages and a hanger built too.”
I realize I haven’t blinked in a very long time. My eyes feel like the Sahara.
Marshall sees my expression and laughs. “Evan, you’re gonna catch flies if you don’t shut your mouth.”
When Luke turns his attention to me, he reaches out and grips my shoulder. “I hope you’ll stay on the team.”
“Fuck, yes.” I hold his gaze, showing how serious I am. “I sure as hell will.”
He gives me a little shake. “Good, that pleases the hell out of me. But I hear you have urgent business in Alabama.”
I close my eyes as I shake my head. My laugh is more of a snort. “Let me guess Lana called you?”
Marshall grumbles something, finishing with, “You sure do grow some bossy women down South.”
I kiss Marianna’s hand. “Don’t worry, Marshall’s only allowed to say that because he married a Georgia peach.”
Luke confirms my suspicion about his conversation with Lana. “Let’s just say your sister read me the riot act and then some. She’s going to come down here and drag you two home if you don’t show up soon.”
Lana cares. She loves hard. She’s one of the reasons I’m still alive today.
My voice is rough with emotion now. “But the mission?”
“You’re on leave.” Marshall stands up and moves toward the door. “And I’ll make sure Beast doesn’t let these hoodlums destroy your house while you’re gone.”