Ten shook his head. “I don’t. I didn’t even know Fitz and Jude were coming over.” Not that Ten had been focused on them. His mind had been on Brooke since they’d gotten home.
The doorbell chimed, and Ronan was off to answer it. A few seconds later, Fitz and Jude came into the kitchen, with Ronan, who was carrying Everly, bringing up the rear.
“How are things with Cope and Lizbet?” Ten asked.
“They’re both worn-out like used dishrags. I gave both of them some Pedialyte and dry crackers. Neither of them were interested. I can’t blame them after what they went through last night. Thankfully, Wolf is fine. He fell asleep on his bed with one leg in and one leg out of his shorts. I tucked him in and headed over here. I think these late sleepover nights have all of our batteries running on low.”
“I completely agree,” Fitz said. “Jace was on his way home when Aurora got sick. He’s with her now, thank goodness. I was a wreck when she was getting sick. I was crying and doing everything in my power not to barf in solidarity with her.”
Ronan snorted. “I know the feeling.” He looked around the table. “So, what do you guys have on Brighthouse.”
Jude angled his head at Everly, as if to ask if Ronan wanted him to talk in front of his daughter.
Ronan nodded.
“Fitz was able to get the employee roster from Mary Lou Conrad. Ten was right that she was the one to ask for that information. Fitz sent the list to me, and there were ten members of the staff who have gun permits issued by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Five of them have concealed carry permits. There are also seven other members of staff who had permits issued in different states. Of the seventeen people listed, six are dead, which doesn’t take them off the suspect list, but speaking to them might be a bit harder than the others.” Jude shrugged, but his eyes were on Everly.
“Is that all you’ve got?” Ronan was impressed with the amount of research Jude had been able to get done with a sick husband and baby.
“Nope.” Jude waggled his eyebrows. “Four of those people have registered Tasers.”
“Is one of their names Walt Waxton?” Everly asked, sitting up straighter in her seat.
Jude looked down at his phone. A small grin curved his lips. “No, honey, but there is a Walt Claxton.”
“Damn,” Ronan shook his head in obvious disbelief. “How did you know that?”
“Mr. Copter told me. He came to visit when I woke up this morning. He said the name and then vanished.” Everly smiled at Ronan. “Did I do good, Dad?”
“You sure did, honey.” Ronan held out a fist for Everly to bump.
Everly yawned loudly. “I’m gonna take a little nap. Tell Aurora I hope she feels better, Uncle Fitz.”
“You got it, chicken wing. Have a good sleep.” Fitz grinned at his niece.
Everly giggled and went around the table, hugging everyone.
“We need to write this down somewhere,” Ronan said with a laugh.
“What, that Uncle Fitz called Everly a chicken wing?” Ten laughed.
“No, that Everlyvolunteeredto take a nap. When she was younger, she fought so hard not to fall asleep. There were times she’d drift off with an angry look on her face. Like sleep was her enemy.” Ronan shook his head.
“Okay, so, our next step is to find out all we can on Walt Claxton. I’ve never heard of him before. Have you?” Fitz looked around the table. Everyone shook their heads.
“I’ll handle it,” Ronan offered. “With both kids sleeping, that should give me some quiet time to get some work done. We’ll regroup in the morning and go from there. It looks like we all could use naps and early nights.”
“I hear that.” Jude got up from his seat. “Later.” He headed out the door with Fitz hot on his heels.
Ten sat for a moment with the name Everly revealed. There was something about Walt Claxton that Ten couldn’t put his finger on. Maybe if he weren’t so tired and worn down, he’d be able to figure it out.
Yawning, Ten headed upstairs for a nap of his own. He hoped things would be clearer after a little shut-eye.
19
Ronan
Ronan felt relaxed and refreshed after a good night’s sleep. Neither Everly nor Ezra caught the puking bug, so it had been a light dinner and an early bedtime for the entire family. It was nice to have everyone back under the same roof. Ronan had missed Everly when she’d been off to sleepovers at Kaye, Fitz, and Jude’s houses.
