Glancing around the room at all the new faces Gabriel tried to commit as many to memory as possible. He wasn't too worried they were all hand-picked by Drake and so he knew they were trusted.
"So, this is where we stand so far. Julian has put in the order with the fleet company for twelve cars and they should be arriving on Thursday morning. I don't see this being a problem until after hours when the guests are wanting to go into the city. If scheduling conflicts come up, we will use a few of my vehicles and we have six extra security guards on standby in case of the need. Any questions about any of this?" Gabriel asked, looking around the room.
"Ok, so the next issue is that I've gone back and forth about telling the residents about the details of the murders and I really see no way around not telling them. If they are not aware of problem, then how can they protect themselves and their clients? I will spare them the gory details and I don't think it's imperative that they are aware of where it took place but they need to be vigilant and we can't expect that just telling them to do so will make them safer.
"I think that is a really bad idea Gabriel. I think them knowing is just going to make them afraid to do their job and hurt the bottom line," said Drake. "Why don't we just tell them they died in an accident or something until we can get a handle on who is responsible."
"I would never lie to any of them, I don't like lying to anyone and especially the residents. I look at it this way Drake, they have just as much at stake here. I mean this is their home and their livelihood and they want to be safe just as much as we want them to be. They are here because of the safety factor and right now we can't guarantee their safety."
"I agree with Gabriel," Julian added. "I think it would be in bad taste to not disclose the murders. What happens when the family is ready to bury them and all the residents attend the funeral? The family is aware of how they died and it will look bad for our residents to find out from someone outside."
"What you don't know Newbie is that the corner is going to hold those bodies for possibly another two weeks while autopsy are completed. So no funeral is happening anytime soon. This will buy us some time to put somethings together."
"So what do we tell them until then? Where are Robbie and Cade?" Julian asked, looking confused. "We have to tell them."
Drake frowned and clenched his jaw but remained quiet. He could see there was no need in arguing with the Gabriel's new pet. He would just have to wait until they were alone and persuade him.
"I've asked Neal and Willis to let them all know that an emergency meeting is being held here tonight. I'm expecting them in about thirty minutes."
"What?" Drake growled. "I think we need to talk about this some more Gabriel. This guy has no idea what he's talking about," he said pointing at Julian. "He's new to all of this and it would be foolish for you to listen to him."
Julian and Gabriel both looked at him in shock. "Why are you so angry?" Julian asked. "This was Gabriel's decision not mine. I'm just agreeing with him.
"Well, that's a shocker that you would do that," Drake said not hiding his disgust while rolling his eyes. "You to do what you want I'm out of here," he added standing.
"No, you're not going anywhere. This meeting is not over and I want you here to introduce the guys when everyone arrives. I also need for you create a list matching security guards to units so the same drivers aren't getting the same calls. Look, Drake I need for you to calm down, this is not us against them, this is their lives at stake here and we all need to work together."
Drake fell back into the chair and said nothing. He was visibly pissed and if he kept talking it would become more and more evident.
Julian walked the room handing out Kleenex to residents. He was not shocked to hear that Robbie and Cade were here at the beginning of starting the business. They were the third couple recruited by Neal and Willis. They also had an impressive list of clients that returned to the ranch often. The more Julian learned the more involved he realized this whole thing was going to be. Someone had to let their clients know and cancel any scheduled reservations. He realized that someone was going to be him.
