Total pages in book: 56
Estimated words: 53081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 53081 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 265(@200wpm)___ 212(@250wpm)___ 177(@300wpm)
“Now, it would seem all six of you have completed your tasks and repaid your markers. I’m grateful to each of you for staying together as a team and helping each of the others accomplish their missions. You can consider your debts paid in full. You are all free to go about your lives.”
Silence filled the room as they all glanced around at each other.
Caesar was the first one to break the silence. “Sir, it would seem Danger Bluff is our life now. We’re a family. I don’t think anything could break us apart. If you require us to leave the resort so you can bring a new team in, we’ll understand, but make no mistake, we will remain together as a unit while we find our place in the world.”
Isla grabbed her Daddy’s hand, tearing up as everyone nodded in agreement.
After a moment, Kingsley responded, “I thought that might be the case, and I’d hoped you all might agree to stay on at Danger Bluff. I would never insist on continuing as your boss, but I’d be beyond pleased if you all stayed. The Bluff is an amazing vacation spot that will bring in a huge profit as it continues to grow. If you’re all amenable to the idea, I’d like to propose that you accept my offer of permanent residence in exchange for running Danger Bluff like the well-oiled machine it has become under your care. I will send over salary packages as well as stock options, retirement plans, and medical insurance. How does that sound?”
Seeing everyone’s faces light up made Isla’s heart pound.
“Hello?” Kingsley said after a long pause.
Kestrel cleared his throat. “We’d be thrilled to accept your offer, sir.”
Magnus nodded. “I dare you to find a better computer team than me and Juniper,” he joked.
“Who would lead the rock-climbing tours?” Rocco asked rhetorically.
“Or the helicopter excursions?” Kestrel added.
Hawking grunted. “Security would be shit without me.”
Phoenix laughed. “So would maintenance.”
They all turned to look at Caesar, who was grinning wide. “I’m going to need a few days off from scuba excursions, but then I’m in.”
“Good. Good,” Kingsley said. “Isla, I’ll work on getting your paperwork straightened out so you can become the resident nurse at the resort if that’s amenable to you…?”
Isla sat taller. “Yes, sir. Thank you.”
“Then it’s settled. Consider yourselves permanent residents of Danger Bluff. I hope you find years of happiness and laughter. You’ve all earned it. I do have one other item to suggest to you. Each of you still holds a coin. I have teams scattered all over the world. It is likely that others in trouble could use the team’s help. I do not have one situated in New Zealand. Well, other than you,” Kingsley shared.
“We could rescue people just like we were saved from danger,” Rocco noted.
“And pass along our coins so that others have a second chance as well,” Magnus said, pushing the bill up on his cap uncharacteristically to meet the men’s gazes.
To Isla, it appeared that each man was gauging the others’ reactions. Knowing them all, even for a short time, she was not surprised when each nodded. Their decision was made.
“We’d just get bored being hotel employees. Count us in, Kingsley,” Ceasar informed him.
“I’ll be in touch,” Kingsley promised.
The phone went silent so fast it startled Isla. No one else seemed shocked by Kingsley’s abrupt end to the conversation.
For long seconds, they all stared at each other before everyone jumped to their feet and ran around hugging.
Isla joined the excitement, hugging her Daddy first before turning to wrap her arms around Lyra. Soon, all six women were in a huddle, jumping up and down, screaming with laughter, a hint of apprehension written in the tension lines on their foreheads but overwhelming happiness that they could stay together. Isla guessed they all felt like she did—scared about the dangers their Daddies could face while saving others but sure that the team would never be happy simply sitting on the sidelines when others needed help. The Littles would support each other in an equally strong team as their Daddies did.
When the women finally settled and turned to face the Daddies, they found all the men grinning from ear to ear, arms out, waiting to be filled.
Isla ran toward her Daddy and threw herself into his embrace, trying not to scold him when he lifted her off the floor to rain kisses all over her face. His leg would be fine.
Everything would be fine. Better than fine. Perfect.