Page 59 of Unfettered

Tennant takes a seat next to Jude after grabbing his lunch. He seems more amused than anything, and I wonder if he already knows what’s coming. Still, one of the reasons he excels as a Daddy is his ability to use silence to his advantage. And he’s using that patience now.

Breaking the silence, Carter directs his attention toward Tennant. “We called you in here because we’d like to offer you a position as a Voice. You’re knowledgeable and we need the extra help. That being said, it does come with caveats.”

Carter’s gaze flicks to me, and I have to suppress a groan, because he must think I have the best chance of reasoning with Tennant on this. Well, since Roman is lucky enough to deal with Leandro, I guess I can take this one.

“We’ve found that the work is simply too much. That’s why every Voice, and the technology department, will all be given PAs. We want the support staff to provide assistance so nobody is overrun. That way, mistakes aren’t made again.” I struggle not to let my voice harden, or look at Jude, but the anger inside me still swirls at the fact he knew Cristian and Master were facing bullying and he did nothing.

“Interesting. I’ll let you take that up with the rest of the Boys…”

I wince, suddenly realizing I’m screwed. Tennant just won that match, because I’m positive Benjamin, Master, and I are all going to be difficult to please when it comes to selecting a PA for our Daddy. Fuck.

I send an apologetic look toward Carter, who merely sighs and shakes his head, scratching something onto the sheet. Wincing, I have a feeling I’m in for a lecture. Well. Shit. Roman appears to be struggling not to laugh, and I scowl at my love. Like he’d be any better…

Carter tries to put us back on track by asking, “Does that mean you’ll accept the position?”

“Sounds like…fun. I’m in.” The shark-like grin should probably worry me, but all it does is make me shift uncomfortably, my pants becoming slightly too tight. Roman snickers as he looks at me, and I blush immediately.

This time, Carter actually groans, and I grab my cup of coffee. Sanity is needed. At least, the meeting won’t be boring anymore.

“I believe all that’s left is the update with the doctors?” Roman asks, and Carter nods gratefully.

“I’ll call them in. They should be about ready to present to us.”

My heart hammers, as I know there will be an update on Hollis. Roman touches my shoulder in concern, but I give him a shaky smile. Trying to reassure him, even if nothing inside me feels alright. Still, when I meet Daddy’s concerned stare, the band around my chest that seems to be restricting my breathing eases. Feelings are fucking exhausting, but at least I have people in my corner.

Carter types out a message, and then we all wait. I take the extra time to devour my lunch and pour myself another coffee, despite how much Roman is side-eyeing me. This is my emotional support cup.

We also fill Tennant in on offering a job to Master, with the cheerful statement that he’s been nominated to handle it. Considering his response was merely a snort, I’d say we chose well for our third Voice. Carter gets to take point on Cristian, which, uh, no, thank you.

At the knock on the door, Keegan gets up and lets the doctors in. While I’m sad to see that Sarah’s not with them, I understand that they’re all working too hard, and someone needs to stay with the patients.

Still, I’m alarmed at Javi’s state. He’s…disheveled. And wearing all black. Jude studies him with concern, and I mentally agree. This is not right at all. Doc’s distressed look at his friend does nothing to ease my worry.

“Thank you for being here. I know you have several updates to give,” Carter states, his eyes wide as he takes in our resident serial killer.

Yeah, psychopath serial killer that is a ticking bomb… This meeting just got longer. Fuck. How the hell do you solve that?

“I think it is best for Javi to go first, so that he can get back to work. I’ll stay behind and give the operational update.” Doc’s open fretting is enough to raise everyone’s eyebrows. The fact Javi doesn’t respond to it at all is disturbing on so many levels.

“Very well.” Javi is subdued as he takes over, and it’s like looking at someone I don’t even know. He’s wearing the face of Javi, but his emotions are completely different. “First, let me say that everyone seems to be making solid progress. The only two people who remain in the hospital wing, for my field, are Roman and Hollis. I do not believe it will take much longer before both are discharged fully.

“We do feel it’s time to start working on interpersonal relationships. All the therapists agree with that. I’ll have a list to give you later with the suggestions.”

He doesn’t look up from whatever paperwork he’s holding in front of him. The blankness… Fuck. Is there an option to check him into a hospital bed?

“Alright,” I say gently, and then decide to test him a bit, to see if I can at least trigger some interest. “By chance, can you make us a list of potential targets?”

“What do you mean?” he asks, a flicker of something in his eyes.

Biting my lip, I exchange a glance with Carter, and at his go-ahead, I explain, “We need PAs. For the Voices, and for the technology department, including Leandro. However, finding people willing to work for the mafia…”

He lets out a laugh that startles us all, but my heart rejoices at it. Sure, it’s an evil laugh, but that’s completely acceptable.

“Oh, this is going to be good. Yes, I’ll get started on that now. I believe we’ll need to screen for certain…skillsets. Problematic personalities can be helpful…” he mutters as he gets up and leaves without saying a word, or being excused.

Jude’s lips purse as his eyes follow Javi out, and I silently wish the Voice good luck. At least, he’ll deal with it. Hopefully.

“I trust I don’t need to point out the obvious?” Doc’s dry voice makes me wince.