Alexander eventually can have the meeting he’s been pursuing.  Jamie has been a great help for him and his cause.  Alexander has always had his eyes on the last Walker family line.  He has learned about the family and the town and he knows Jamie is his best chance among the other family founders.  He’s at the same age as Alexander, open minded, welcoming and cooperative.

“We can’t proceed.  This sounds like nonsense that we’d be wasting our budget and time for.” One of the founder family representations objects. 

Another one raises her hand, a council member. “How do we know we can’t trust you Mr. Milano? Giving you a full access to our resources and data and manpower means that we have to be ready to risk it all.  Not to mention that you are a newcomer.”

Alexander just sighs and tries to look calm.  He glances at Jamie who sits at the seat closest to where he’s standing.  Jamie gives a nod and a look of assurance to calm him.  After a few seconds of silence, Jamie stands up and touches Alexander’s arm asking Alexander to let him respond. 

“Alexander Milano came to this town, willing to risk himself and all he has, to help solve cases that we never even touch.  We’ve been at blank with this entire situation and now that we may get the chance to figure out what’s out there messing with our town, are we really going to throw possibly the only chance we have at solving the cases?” Jamie pauses to take a look at everyone in the room. “Have anyone here read anything about Alexander background?” 

A woman, who has been quiet and paying attention from the very beginning, raises her hand.  She smiles slightly before talks. “Alexander Milano has been working for social causes his entire life.  He was a consultant in New Orleans police department.  He’s skilled in weapons and hand combat.” She exhales. “The point is he knows what he’s doing.  But what matter is does any of us here have better solution? We can’t keep go on like this, closing cases without trying to get justice or even just a slight relief of knowing of who has done it and why.”

“Thank you, Mrs. Ford.” Alexander nods at her.

An old man suddenly responds. “How do we know you’re not one of them? You may be the one bringing them here.”   

Jamie can’t help but responding right away. “If you don’t trust him, trust me.  I will be responsible if anything happens.”

“Let me clear a few things here.  I will make the Walker asset available for this cause.  Alexander and I don’t really need your permissions but we respect you as the elders and important people in this town.  Also we will recruit ones from the inner circle, which is, your son and daughters above 18 who are capable, dedicated and willing.  We can actually ask them right away, they are young blood with passion and energy and they don’t need your permission to make that decision.  However, we respect you as their parents and guardian, we want you to know and support this.” Jamie closes his eyes for a while and takes a deep breath then sits on his seat. 

“Let’s take a vote now.” Another old man in his 50s wearing a complete suit and coat takes over the meeting.  He’s Mason Lockey, the mayor of Afton.    
-----

Alexander doesn’t normally spend his time at the grill or any public places where there are many people and loud voices and music.  He likes to enjoy his alone time.  Tonight he stops by the grill.  He orders espresso but he doesn’t take a sip of it yet since it was served almost 30 minutes ago.  He looks like he’s waiting for someone.

“Brother! I thought the world would fall apart if you take a day off to enjoy yourself.” Freya taps Alexander back hard.  She sits on the stool next to him.  Jamie makes presence right away every time she comes by almost every night.  

Jamie says. “He’s been looking for you.”

She makes a click sound with her tongue. “Been busy.  You know, college projects and stuff.” She nudges Alexander arm.  She turns to Jamie. “Hey Walker I don’t take the usual tonight.  Makes me something real good.” 

“Behave yourself.  Go home every day and night.  I need you to be focus.  You’re going to help me with the team.  Reduce your intake of alcohol, you’re risking of spiraling.  We cannot afford our dose more than I can get for the two of us.” He says in whisper. “I guess I’ll talk to you more at home.”

Alexander drinks his espresso and gets up. “Keep an eye on my sister, Jamie.  Always remind her to go home.”

“I will.” Jamie says simply and grabs Alexander extended hand to shake him.

Jamie puts his hands on the counter and leans in closer to Freya. “Was he talking to you?” when a customer comes, he raises a hand and waves to a girl giving her a gesture to serve that other customer.

“Yeah he likes talking in whisper.”  

“Did you get what he told you?” Jamie pushes a glass of drink with the back of his hand softly to Freya. 

She takes the drink and says. “I think so.  Anyway why are we talking about my boring brother? Let me try your new booze idea for me.” She drinks it slowly all at once.  From the look in her eyes, she likes it. “I should have you as my bartender in our home.  I’m bored with the usual booze.” She taps her hand on the counter. “Why are you even working at your own place though?”

“I’ve been doing it since I was 23.  It used to be my escape.” Jamie smiles at seeing her satisfied with what he made. “Now it’s just family business I need to keep up.  What’s your escape place Freya? The place or something or someone maybe that makes me feel at peace.”

That question gets Freya to think for a while.  Her lips become a thin line.  Running is what she does.  She escapes from everything.  That’s how her life has always been. “Nowhere.  Everywhere.” She shrugs. “I’m not having this heart to heart talk with you, Walker.  I’m here for the entertainment.” She looks annoyed now.

“Okay.” He’d like to talk more but he can see that she’s losing the mood to talk.  He makes her booze of the same he just made her. “Drink this.  It’s on me tonight.” 

She drinks that in an instant then gets up. “I think I should go home before Al freaks out and flips.  Goodnight Walker.”

“Goodnight Freya.” He says after she leaves a few steps.
*****

How do like this chapter!?

What did Alexander plan for the town?
And how's it the little heart to heart moment between Freya and Jamie?
Do you ship them yet!? Lol

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Anjaa