Papa simply smiled and splayed his hands. “It will be useful soon.”
The family members looked at each other or shifted in their chairs, but nobody questioned Papa.
“I don’t want her doing this,” Chandler protested again.
“I understand,” Papa said kindly. He looked to Kylee. “It’s up to you. Nobody will blame you if you say no.”
Kylee looked around the room. They were all impressive and qualified. They’d trusted her with secrets, included her in their family circle, and they needed her. She wanted to help; she had to at least try, especially because her grandparents were responsible for this mess.
“I’ll do it.”
Chandler’s jaw tightened and so did his grip on her hand. He studied her, begging her to change her mind, but she could see that he would let her choose.
“A tailor will come tomorrow,” Papa interrupted her from staring at Chandler, “and fit Kylee for formal wear. I will teach you how to use your mic, earpiece, and camera, and how to extract the hair most effectively. Chandler will teach you some effective self-defense moves in case Frederick or anyone else tries to restrain you. I apologize that you or Bailey will have to flirt with and get close enough to Frederick to retrieve the hair.”
Kylee shuddered, but shrugged. She met Bailey’s gaze and could see the lady was nervous as well, but Bailey said confidently, “It’s okay. I already knew self-defense before I met Colt and I figure if I can take my tough boyfriend down, King Frederick is no match for me.”
Everyone laughed at that. All these men were unreal tough, but Colton was the oldest cousin, more serious than most, and probably had combat training military special ops teams would envy.
Colt grinned and gestured to Bailey. “She’s telling the truth. Took me down when I tried to kiss her the first time.”
“I know how to stop the handsy ones,” Bailey said.
They all laughed louder, and it looked like Colt was actually blushing. Kylee really appreciated the break in tension.
Papa stood as the laughter settled. “I’ll have assignments for those who are going by the morning. We will leave for the airport Saturday at eight a.m. Thank you all.” His gaze focused on Bailey and Kylee. “Especially both of you.”
Others in the room seconded Papa’s thanks. Kylee’s cheeks burned, and she tried to smile and show that she was accepting their gratitude, but it was pretty overwhelming. No one but her could waltz into that party like they belonged. Sadly, she was the least qualified of the group for special ops and she had no idea if her grandmother would pretend all was well for the sake of the party or order her killed for the party’s entertainment. Could Bailey, Reed, and Klein really spirit her out of there, or would Mimi’s men intercept them?
Thor, Esther, and Reed took off first, and then the rest of the group slowly dispersed.
Colt and Bailey made their way over to them. Bailey held out her hand. “Chicago chicks unite.”
Kylee smiled and took her hand.
Bailey squeezed it tight. “We’re going to rock this mission. Klein and Reed are super tough and will watch out for us. But I have to tell you, my friend, I really can kick any man’s butt, so if you have any trouble you just say into the earpiece and I’m there. Nobody will suspect a thing.” She released Kylee’s hand and gestured to herself. “They get distracted by the pretty face and before they know it, they’ve lost an eye.”
Kylee reared back. “That escalated quickly.”
Bailey smiled, looking innocent and beautiful. Was she really some tough and confident weapon? “If some idiot is going to hurt you, I’ll take him out any way I see fit. Then I’ll write a disparaging story about them. This is great research, actually.” She winked, then sobered. “Seriously, friend. I’m so impressed with your bravery and we will keep you safe.” She gave her an impulsive hug, and then she and Colt walked away.
Kylee drew in a breath and looked at Chandler.
“You all right?” he asked.
“Hmm.” She shrugged.
“This is too much to ask of you. I’ll tell Papa to come up with a new plan.” His jaw was tight and his blue eyes determined.
“No, Chandler.” Kylee shook her head. “I have to do this.”
He studied her, and something in her eyes must’ve convinced him as he finally nodded, looking miserable but resigned. He would stand up for her, but she had to do this.
“My grandparents are straight-up evil,” she continued, “and your family not only trusts me but is protecting me, and the world, and some secret weapon. All you’re asking of me is to flirt with some loser and steal his hair.” She tried for brave, but her voice was shaky. “I can do this.”
He looked over her and said, “You are extremely brave like Bailey said. I’m so impressed with you, Kylee.”
“Thank you,” she managed, going under the power of those blue eyes again and forgetting about everything else.