C306 Tomorrow Let's Open This Place

Alicia remained quiet for several seconds after Quinton's question. She looked toward the television, where the images of the Maguire family were still being displayed. Then she slowly turned back toward her grandfather. "Yes," she said firmly. "It is worth it."

Quinton frowned. "Alicia..." She interrupted gently. "Grandpa, remember what we discussed before." "They still haven't been able to reach you." Peter nodded slowly. "That's true." "They came out of hiding on their own. They wouldn't have done that without a reason." Alicia folded her arms. "Exactly. If they were simply trying to remain hidden, they wouldn't suddenly become so active again." "They must have made preparations." Peter leaned back in his chair, thinking carefully. "Mark told me he had already made some progress with the police." "Perhaps that's what forced them to act."

I looked at everyone. "Then we need to prepare even more." Alicia nodded. "That's what I was thinking." She then looked at me and smiled. "Husband, let's go and see how the renovations are going." I smiled. "But I'll drive." Alicia raised an eyebrow. "You're driving?" "Yes." She shrugged. "Fine. I don't mind." Mary immediately opposed. "Child, you just said you're tired. If you're tired, why are you going anywhere?"

Alicia smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry, Mom. I'll be back soon." Mary still looked concerned. "You promise?" Alicia nodded. "I promise." As we walked toward the door, Georgia called after us. "Be careful!" We both turned. "We will," I answered. Alicia nodded before we finally left the house. Once we were inside the car, I started the engine. Alicia relaxed in the passenger seat and looked out the window.

For a few minutes, she said nothing. Then she noticed that I wasn't taking the usual route toward Lucia Goods Headquarters. She turned toward me. "Husband..." "Yes?" "Where exactly are we going?" I smiled. "Why?" "Because this isn't the road to the headquarters." I kept driving. She narrowed her eyes playfully. "Is this why you insisted on driving?" I laughed. "Maybe." "Husband." I looked at her briefly. "Let's go get some fresh air." She looked confused. "Fresh air?" "Yes." "I don't like seeing you stressed all the time." Alicia's expression softened.

For a moment, she simply looked at me. Then she smiled. "You really planned this?" "I did." She looked ahead again. "Where are we going, then?" I didn't answer. She waited. After a few seconds, she turned toward me again. "Tell me." I laughed. "You'll see." "Husband..." "I said you'll see." She shook her head. "You're becoming more stubborn." "That's impossible." She laughed. "Yesterday we already went out with Chris and Sarah. Why would I need to go out again today?" "Because yesterday wasn't enough."

She looked at me curiously. "What makes today different?" "You'll find out." Alicia sighed dramatically. "You really enjoy keeping me guessing." "I do." She smiled and leaned back against the seat. Eventually, the road opened up ahead of us. The sound of waves became faintly noticeable as we approached the coast. Alicia looked outside. Then her eyes widened. "The beach?" I nodded. She laughed. "We're going to the beach?" "It's Sunday." "So?" "So you're going to relax."

She looked down at herself. "But we didn't bring swimming clothes." I pointed toward a row of small street vendors nearby. "Why would we bring them when we can buy them?" Alicia laughed. "You planned everything." "Of course." We parked nearby and walked toward the vendors. After buying suitable clothes, we headed toward the beach. Thankfully, it wasn't particularly crowded. Alicia seemed to completely forget about the Harris family.

She smiled as the waves touched her feet. "This feels nice." I smiled. "That's the point." She looked at me. "Thank you." "For what?" "For reminding me that life isn't only about preparing for war." I smiled. "You're welcome." We spent most of the afternoon there. We swam. We laughed. We teased each other. For several hours, there were no discussions about the Harris family, weapons, security, or the future. There was only Alicia and me.

By late afternoon, we changed back into our clothes and returned to the car. As we drove toward Lucia Goods Headquarters, Alicia looked much more relaxed. When we finally arrived, however, both of us stopped in surprise. The transformation was incredible. I stared at the new training hall. "Wow." Alicia's mouth opened slightly. "They actually finished?" The entire training hall had been transformed. On the left side stood a fully constructed boxing ring.

The center had been cleared for martial arts and physical training. On the right side was the designated shooting-range area. The renovation had been completed far faster than either of us expected. Alicia immediately took out her phone to take pictures. After taking a few she realised that the was a message from the renovation company. "Miss, we have completed the renovation as requested. We are now waiting for the final payment." She smiled. "They really did an excellent job."

She immediately transferred the remaining balance. After confirming the payment, she slipped her phone back into her pocket. Then she looked around again. "Now we have another problem." "What problem?" "What happens if nobody joins?" She looked at the empty training hall. "We have the facility, but we don't have the people." "How are we going to convince people to join voluntarily?" I smiled. "We'll cross that bridge when we get there."

She frowned. "That's not an answer." "It's the only answer I have right now." She sighed. "Then what are you thinking?" I looked around the hall. "Tomorrow." "What about tomorrow?" "Let's open this place." Alicia's eyes widened. "Tomorrow?" "Yes." "But we haven't ordered all the equipment." "And we don't have coaches yet." I nodded. "That's why tomorrow won't be the full launch." "It'll be an opening and introduction."

She thought about it. "People will come and see what we're offering?" "Exactly." "If they understand what we're building, some may become interested." Alicia remained silent. I continued. "Just organize some time tomorrow morning." "We'll hold a meeting." "I'll explain everything." She looked at me. "Everything?" I nodded. "Everything." "What exactly are you planning?" I smiled. "You trust me, don't you?"

Alicia stared at me for a few seconds before finally smiling. "I do." "Then leave this part to me." She nodded. "Fine." "But I'm still going to think about it tonight." I laughed. "I expected nothing less." We looked around the completed training hall one more time before leaving. Neither of us knew how many people would eventually walk through those doors. But tomorrow would be the beginning.

At the Wood residence, the atmosphere remained heavy. After everyone eventually returned to their rooms, Tracy remained downstairs with Kelvin. She sat quietly, her thoughts racing. Everything had changed so quickly. Ben's friendship with Jack... The Harris family... Natalie's death... The possibility of the police becoming involved... And the danger that could eventually reach their family.

Tracy slowly looked toward Kelvin. "Husband..." Kelvin turned toward her. "Yes?" "I think I need to personally speak to Ben." Kelvin frowned. "Now?" Tracy nodded. "Alone." He studied her expression. "Are you sure?" "I am." Kelvin sighed. "Fine but Don't harsh on him." Tracy stood up. "I know." She walked toward the stairs. Kelvin watched her disappear down the hallway. For several moments, he remained seated. He couldn't help wondering what his wife planned to say to their son.

Eventually, Tracy reached Ben's bedroom. She stood outside for a moment, gathering her thoughts. Then she raised her hand and knocked softly. A few seconds passed. "Come in." Tracy opened the door. Ben was sitting quietly inside. He looked up and immediately noticed the seriousness on his mother's face. "Mom?" Tracy closed the door behind her. "Ben..." She took a slow breath. "We need to talk."