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“Loosen the stuffy jacket. That will send a better message.” I point at the big guard hovering behind Gabriel. “I’m here to guard my buddy, but I’m chill with it kind of vibe.”

The woman’s expression gets bewildered as the men spread out and listen, loosening up their stances. The easing of the watchful expressions helps a ton.

“Much better.” I clap my hands and turn to Poe.

He’s watching me with amusement.

“Now,” I face him and adjust his tie. “You play nice and use more than one word to respond to people.”

“No,” he raises a brow, bringing out my mock scowl.

“You especially can’t use yourfavoriteword. It’s all yeses today. Go for a record,” I boop Racer’s nose. “Racer is keeping an eye on you. This is the only warning you’re getting, yappy.”

“Yes, siren,” he breaks into his teasing grin, finally peeking out of his shell.

“That’s better.” I give him a quick kiss and walk away before he can turn it into the lip-lock we both want.

“Oh, I forgot,” I exclaim with a sly grin as I turn around and smack his butt. “Good luck out there, champ.”

He stiffens up but doesn’t turn around. I take the opportunity to hurry away with maniacal laughter. I’m sure he’s uncomfortable as hell. It makes the win sweeter. He needs to be a person for five seconds without me as a buffer. He can do it.

I use my time to walk around, checking out the various booths with their specialties. Some are for different types of therapy, and a few are for different anger management classes. There are psychologists handing out cards and offering free consultations. It’s a busy hive of people seeing each other vulnerable and taking the time to boost each other up.

The walk helps me relax in the environment. Everyone is reacting differently to this expo, and I don’t need to feel so tense about my doubts. I’m not the only one who has them. I might be strolling alone, but I’m in a crowd of understanding individuals.

Poe

I stare at Gabriel with a furrowed brow.

What he’s proposing is something I’ve never thought of. It has a lot of risks and pitfalls. Not to mention, I’d need a building and security.

“An apartment complex for survivors,” I manage to mutter as I try to picture it.

“I was informed that it will make the adjustment to civilian life easier with normal interactions.” His tone is dry, almost mocking as he says it. He’s quoting someone.

Would security even help in that situation? He’s talking about putting individuals with military trauma in with civilians. Then, adding survivors from the rumored sex trafficking ring. I’m not even going to ask how he’s caught up in that. I have way too many clues standing in front of me that would probably kill me after the first question.

That’s a lot of unstable factors blending together under one roof, though. There would have to be clear-cut rules for no weaponry in the complex. No unnecessary physical contact or overly aggressive friendliness. Among a million other things.

His assistant, Jake, smiles at me hopefully and starts nodding. My eyebrow rises at the motion. The subtle manipulation to say yes to everything Gabriel is proposing is noted.

“Problems,” I turn back to Gabriel. “Building. Security. No weapons. Monitors.”

“I have a building and security ready to go. I’m not sure how they’ll feel about no weapons.” Gabriel gives me a cold look. “Spending a lifetime ready to defend yourself isn’t an easy habit to break. And a survivor might find comfort in having one handy.”

“What kind of monitor?” Cade asks with a frown.

“An SoT monitor is a group member that has graduated from their specified programs. They’ve decided to take on helping others with their unique outlooks and training as a boost. Think of them as experts who know signs to watch for. Like Thomas,” I gesture to the man glaring at everyone. I chose him because he stands out from the rest like a beacon with his neon pink hair.

“What’s the highlighter’s specialty?” Amanda smirks.

“Anger management,” I tell her flatly.

“He doesn’t look like he graduated from hisspecified program,” Jake says with a light laugh.

“Directly after he graduated, he caught a kidnapper and almost beat him to death.” I turn to Jake with a blank expression. “The fact that he stopped is a testament to how far he’s come.”

“You say that like it’s a good thing.” Cade glares at me.