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L eo met Knight at the door. He turned and headed toward the kitchen. “How’s Gabby?” the leader asked as he poured a cup of coffee for himself and one for Knight. He took them to the table and nodded for Knight to sit in the chair across from him.

Knight scanned the table. Usually the leader sat on the end, yet Leo sat across from him, making them equal.

“She finally fell asleep. Her nerves appear shot and they kept the fetal monitor on her,” he reported nervously.

Leo nodded. “Understandable. I spoke with Julio’s men. They plan on raiding soon. Another player’s due to come in and they want to catch him. Hopefully, it’ll happen any day now.”

He breathed a sigh of relief. He’d sleep better knowing Gabby and his child remained safe. “Good.”

“I’m assuming you didn’t come here to drink this mud. Do you have something on your mind?”

“Yes. I came to talk to you about a position on the team. My actions during the first interview were inexcusable. Claire and I meet daily and I’m working on myself. I don’t want an answer from you tonight. With Gabby expecting a baby, I want time off to help her. My marriage isn’t stable and my head’s not in the right place. Recently, a house went up for sale here in Serenity and I’m considering it if it turns out halfway decent. Bryanna lives nearby, and I hope Gabby will stay here.” Knight placed his hands around the hot cup, gripping it while Leo mulled over his babbled request.

“You seemed focused today. I still have some concerns and no one joins this team without a consensus. I may lead my men, but they have a say on who they work with. You don’t get any points for having Saint as a brother-in-law. Your actions determine your place on this team. Before I can answer, I’ll expect a report from Claire on your ability to work with others and if you have any triggers.”

“Consider it done,” Knight agreed.

“Not so fast. You’ll continue seeing Claire or the other doctors, meet here for PT, attend meetings, and then we’ll vote. Patch joined us while still attending therapy. It’s an option if I get a green light from Doc.”

“I won’t let you down this time. This is important to me,” Knight stressed.

Leo nodded. “Then I’ll see you at 0500.”

Knight rose at the dismissal, put his cup in the dishwasher, and walked down the hallway and exited the building. When he returned to the cabin, Patch barely glanced up as he walked in.

“She’s asleep. I suggest you get some,” his friend ordered.

“Got it, thanks, asshole,” Knight said as he walked toward his bedroom. Brushing his teeth, he shed his clothes except his boxers and took his meds. For once, he didn’t hesitate to open the bottle. Patch guarded them and promised to wake him if she showed any signs of distress. Thinking about the house and working with the team, his body relaxed. As he fell asleep, he smiled. The mountain brought him something he never knew he needed to heal and for once, he let the peace fill him.