Page 33 of Dark Medicine (Strange Gifts #2)

As they returned to the compound in Wyoming, it was clear that the number of people was far greater than the capacity of the cabin.

“All of our things are still back home,” said Aislinn. “We have to go back sooner or later. Do you think it’s safe now?”

“I think we have to get our things,” said Kane, looking at the team. “Let’s send a team back to pack things up and have it shipped out.”

“Shipped out where?” asked Fiona. “No disrespect intended, Kane, but where exactly is everything going to be shipped to?”

“Here,” said Uri resolutely. “I have plenty of land to build here. Bring everything here, and we’ll start building some outer cabins. I own more than sixty-five acres. We can parcel out land to have homes built on each tract, say two acres each.”

“Uri, we can’t take your land,” said Adam.

“You aren’t taking it. I’m giving it. You gave me back my life and my family. I have this land, and I can provide a safe environment for all of us and for those to come. I think it’s a pretty minor thing I’m doing, and Melanie agrees.” Melanie smiled at the group, holding her husband’s hand.

“Okay, so we send a team back to pack up the houses and come out here. I recommend we send a few to ensure we’re not still being watched. Flip? You can drive yours back out here. I guess you get to decide whether you like the camping lifestyle or you want four walls again, brother,” grinned Kane.

“I’ll think about it,” he said quietly, watching Nat.

“What about me?” she asked. “I mean, you brought me here, and I’m grateful and all, but I don’t have a home. I have basically everything I own in my backpack.”

“Then you’ll be our guest,” said Uri. She started to speak, and he held up his hand. “You’ll be our guest until we can get your own place built.” She eyed the man warily and then nodded her head.

“How are we paying for this?” asked Aislinn. “I mean, I have some money in trust, and so does Fiona, but that will only last for so long. I like the idea of providing a service to people who need us, but can we really charge for that?”

“I’ve got that covered,” said Spook, smiling. “When I got into the mainframe at the ranch, I was able to access accounts as well. One of them was clearly a slush fund to help divert money from illegal corporations. I’ve deposited that money into a brand-new account at First National. It’s under the name of the Gifted, and Kane, Adam, Flip, and I are legal executors.”

“You sly, sneaky bastard,” said Flip, grinning. “Just how much are we talking about?”

“Four hundred and eighty million, give or take a few dollars,” he said, smiling.

“Wh-what?” gasped Fiona.

“That was just the slush fund. The other funds he had were massive. I suspect that when I’m able to tap into those accounts again, they’ll be emptied.”

“Great job, Spook,” said Kane. “I’m not a fan of stealing, but I’ll consider this payment for our maladies. Alright, we have our plan. Let’s get a team to scope out the area around our current residences, then get in and get out. Uri? We’ll be back here within two weeks.”

“I’ll start getting contractors up here to begin excavation and planning,” he said, heading back into the house.

Flip nervously shifted from one foot to the other, staring at Nat. She was listening intently and seemed as though she would join their team.

“So,” he said carefully, “do think you’ll be here when I get back? I mean, do you think you’ll stay with us… with the team?”

She looked up at the big man’s tanned face, his black hair touching his shoulders, his dark eyes filled with affection and curiosity. Nat never gave a lot of thought to dating or spending time with a man. The whole ‘my hands catch on fire and burn things to the ground thing’ sort of made it difficult to date. This man, though, this man was someone who might actually understand.

“Yes. Yes, I want to stay. But,” she said quickly. He raised his eyebrows and stepped closer.

“But?”

“I want to go with you. I want to help you bring back your camper. I’m up for a relaxing adventure and getting to know all of you.” Flip’s face filled with the biggest smile anyone had ever seen. His eyes filled with light and possibilities.

“I think that can be arranged,” he said, taking her hand in his. “Let’s go for a drive.”