TIFFIN 3

52

"My dears," Ezekiel's mother began as we entered a high-tech facility that took my breath away, "You must have all been so terrified! With all those weapons pointed at you!"

Much, to everyone's surprise, I responded to this statement. 

"Been through worse."

When they all sent questioning looks my way, I sighed in exasperation. 

"I was nearly kidnapped twice. The time at the cafe you know about, but when I was out at the market, a few days after Hero had left, some greasy man tried grabbing at me."

E's mother immediately gathered me in her arms, taking me aback. 

"Oh, my dear! The trials you've been through. Please, call me Aurora. My husband likes to be called Tim. You must be Kristina Tiffin."

I wanted to question her on how she knew this fact, but I figured Ezekiel would have caught them up on everything .

"Speaking of which," Tim continued on for his wife, "This swat tactic is no place for a new mother-"

Before he could go on, E shook his head adamantly. 

"Dad, don't bother. Unless you want your head ripped off, I suggest you let it be."

Fury erupted within me. How dare he insinuate I would act so out of character.

Then again, hadn't I attacked all the men with my vicious words, where my safety was concerned. 

Damn. 

"We will be included," I said through gritted teeth, "unless you have any objections with that captain?"

Captain Willard held both his hands up, clearly scared of my outburst.

Funny. He seemed more tough. 

"I have a wife," he stated, "I understand completely. I'll include you in on what I consider legal."

"Can we get on with this, then?" Ezekiel demanded. "My girl is out there worried out of her damn mind." 

"Of course," Willard went on, "you, of course, know the plan of action for the sting. Your... friends..."

E eyed all the men suffocating the computer room. 

"These are all men that want to protect the woman in our group. We're aware that we cannot be there for the actual sting, but we will all be outside the warehouse, keeping an eye out." 

The captain nodded. 

"Of course." 

"And us?" Brendan demanded, causing Darrien to pat him on the back. 

"You will have the most important duty of all." Captain Willard responded sounding wary. "You will be in this very room a few days from now, keeping an eye on the computers. We have surveillance on the entire perimeter. If you see anything suspicious, you are to alert your um... men." 

After a long silence, Brendan, Jo, Rose and I jumped up and down in glee.  

"Deal!" We all shouted in unison.