Chapter 14
Lucy spent the morning with Hank touring several work areas of the DeLane Industries facility. Her earlier suspicion had been correct- the site was mainly devoted to research and development. She had very few, if any, concerns with what she had seen so far from an environmental standpoint. This made her job even easier.
She was disappointed to not even catch a glimpse of Jackson all morning. Emma and Tyson invited her to join them again for lunch. Apparently Jackson was still in meetings and couldn't tear himself away. She sighed and picked at her food as the three sat in the same room off of the cafeteria.
"So," Emma said excitedly to Lucy. "Find out anything
interesting
last night?"
Tyson shot her a disapproving stare.
"What? I just thought he would have shown her by now! She deserves to know..." Emma shot back at him.
"Shown me what?" Lucy said, suddenly very interested in the conversation.
"Nothing. This is not for us to tell." Tyson said sharply to both women. Emma and Tyson simultaneously winced and glanced at each other.
"Shit. Um. Shit. Sorry Lucy, but we have to go. I'm sorry. I just thought-" Emma said quickly as the pair got up to head for the door.
"I tried to warn you, mate. Save the apology for the Alpha." Tyson said quietly as he placed a hand on Emma's back and led her out of the door.
What the fuck?
They acted like they had been summoned but neither of their phones rang. She didn't see earpieces on either of them. Lucy could tell she was missing a big piece of information, but couldn't comprehend what it was.
"Alpha"?
Was that some sort of military-style code word?
Lucy looked at the clock and saw that it was time for her to rejoin Hank to resume the tour. This time, as they walked around Lucy paid close attention to the interaction between Hank and the staff. The staff tipped their heads to both she and Hank as they approached the work stations. Answers to her questions were short and almost always ended with "Ma'am".
Jackson and Hank must run a really tight ship.
They had to walk across the expansive building to reach the next area, so Lucy took the opportunity to ask Hank a few, more personal, questions. "So, how did you start working for DeLane Industries?"
"My family has been close with the DeLanes for many years. Mr. DeLane's father and I grew up together. You could say I was his right-hand man." A smile formed at Hank's lips.
"Oh. And where is his father now, if I may ask?"
"You may. Paul passed away a few years ago."
"I'm so sorry to hear that. That must have been difficult." Lucy said, genuinely saddened for Hank's, and Jackson's, loss.
"Thank you. Yes, it was quite a blow to our entire community. His death was devastating for many in Pine Creek. But Jackson stepped up and assumed his responsibilities quickly. He's a lot like Paul that way. Always ready for the next challenge. We're all very lucky to have him." Hank looked down at Lucy knowingly. He clearly was including her in that group.
"Yes. We are." Lucy agreed softly.
As they made their way through another section of the site, Lucy was again met with the clear sense of respect and order in all aspects of the operation. Each person seemed to have a distinct job that in some way contributed to the task as a whole. Even the people she saw handling general housekeeping and janitorial jobs appeared to take great care and pride in their work.
If only every place was run like this.
She thought she recognized one or two of the staff from Jackson's kitchen this morning, but she couldn't be sure.
Well, Tyson did say the community is very close-knit...
She couldn't get over the level of professionalism shown by each staff member as she put together her daily report back in her temporary office. She was starting to wonder why she was even there. DeLane Industries seemed to have a handle on all facets of the business.
And it's owner certainly has a handle on all facets of my body.
Images of their incredibly hot night (and morning) together flashed in her mind. He played her body like an instrument. He had driven her so wild, she almost couldn't believe they hadn't even had more than oral sex yet.
If he can work that dick half as good as his tongue, I'm the luckiest bitch alive.