Page 120 of Tank’s Weakness

We weave through the town, the night air cooling down now that it’s not midsummer anymore. It’s what I love most about the panhandle of Florida. It actually gets cold for part of the year. It reminds me of Boston without all the snow that comes with it. Even if we have gotten some light snow the last two years.

I nod to the new prospect as he opens the gate to the compound. I pull in next to the two bikes already here. I shouldn’t be surprised Jagger is here. He is likely helping Kelly sort everything out.

“Is he in his office?” Delaney asks.

“Most likely. He already knows we are here.” I nod to the camera.

She waves at it, smiling as she heads inside. I trail behind her, knowing she wants to do this for herself.

I stay in the hall as she knocks on Fox’s office door. He tells her to come in. I nod to her with my head, indicating that I will be down the hall.

She smiles and steps inside.

I leave her to her mission and head to find Jagger. I’m not surprised to find him in the kitchen with the girls.

“You look good in an apron,” I joke.

“It keeps your clothes clean. Don’t be weird about it,” he gripes back at me.

“He’s a big help. Maybe he’s more like you than we think. He takes orders well.” Sloane smiles innocently at Jagger.

He growls. “No. No offense, brother, but I’m the one making the demands in the bedroom.”

Sloane shrugs, but it’s Jane who speaks up.

“If you are trying to get with Bertha, then you will be taking orders. The woman commands a room. I once saw her dress down a big, bad trucker with just her words. Trust me, Jagger. She’s a ballbuster.”

I chuckle as Jagger opens and closes his mouth. He isn’t sure what to say.

“Hey, can I help with anything?” Delaney says as she steps in to the room.

“Yeah, come take my place. I’m leaving.” Jagger pulls off his apron and throws it at Delaney. She catches it, looking at his retreating back as he leaves the room.

“What’s wrong with him?” she asks.

“I think he just realized the girl he wants is tougher than he thought,” Kelly says, laughing.

“Come on. We need help with the biscuits,” Jane adds.

Delaney goes to step away, but I grab her hand.

“We all good?” I raise a brow.

She nods. “Yeah. Everything is great.”

EPILOGUE

Delaney

“All right, who wants to read today’s fun fact?” I ask, loving how every single child’s hand is in the air.

I keep track of who I pick so I don’t pick anyone back-to-back, but mix it up so they can’t guess the order.

“Connor,” I call out.

He excitedly comes up to the front of the class, which makes me happy.

When the lawsuit was settled, Principal Marshall had lost his job. So did Mrs. Lynch. Two new people were hired who were happy to have me back on staff. I guess my reputation as a teacher shone through all the bullshit Blaine pulled.