Total pages in book: 155
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 157672 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 788(@200wpm)___ 631(@250wpm)___ 526(@300wpm)
“Guess I’m hitting a drag show tonight?”
“Whitman there?”
“Yeah, but Hollywood threatened to cut him off ‘til the wedding if he showed his face.”
Robbie smirks, knowing these women’s threats usually don’t hold out too long.
“We carpooling to the show? I get off in thirty.”
“Actually, we need to talk. You got a clean room?”
Every nerve in my body strings tight, and I’m on my feet heading toward the back conference room.
Our engagement with Hayes Security wasn’t public knowledge, but most within the department figured it out. The city’s recent seizures of illegal weapons and drugs made national news. It wasn’t a coincidence we were out on a special assignment when it all went down.
Which is why I’m not surprised about the curious eyes that follow our departure.
Robbie cuts straight to the chase when I close the door.
“My contacts tell me Max is in place. His assignment in San Diego had him reconning on chatter from the Middle East. Players involved hiding across the globe. No one confirmed, but I suspect he’s at an embassy just south of the border.”
“Fuck.” Memories of our mission in Columbia replay in my brain.
“I’m not worried about him. He handpicked his team for this.”
“Then what’s the issue?”
“Two of the men have gone no-contact.”
“Jesus. Any chance they went AWOL?”
“Always a chance, but Max wouldn’t put his ass on the line for flakes. He vetted these guys with the finest acuity. My gut says we have a hostage situation.”
“How many on the team?”
“Six.”
Six is a solid number, but with two NOCON, that means they have four left to cover the mission and a possible rescue mission. Not ideal.
“You need us?”
“Not yet. This information is still highly confidential. Pendleton has a team prepping now. Dad, Finn, and I thought it best to lay low until we know more.”
“Why bring this to me tonight?”
“Because if we need to get involved, I want you four on my team again.”
“Ford’s getting married in two weeks. A wedding that Max is in.”
“And Ace has a newborn at home. Major has two boys now.”
“That leaves me.”
“I’m not questioning those men’s dedication or ability. But this thing goes down, I need a man on the ground. Dad’s intel is solid but we’re in the waiting game. Wanted to give you a head’s up.”
“The other guys need to be read in.”
“Figured, I’m not trying to keep this from your crew.”
I blow out a breath, Willow’s face flashing in my mind.
The video she sent earlier of all the girls in the limo, her face flushed from laughing. The skintight red dress, her dark hair falling in waves, the happiness in her eyes.
Full of life.
So goddamned beautiful.
“I know the battle you’re waging, Talon. You’ve left this life behind. No shade if this escalates and you’re not interested. I can use you behind the scenes just as well as on the ground.”
“There’s a crew in MARSOC. I’d trust them at my side. The time comes, you get in touch with them.”
“You gonna forego your team?”
“Not by choice, but if we’re walking into a hostile situation, I’ll do what I have to.”
“Don’t see them accepting that.”
“Let’s hope like hell it doesn’t come to them making a choice.”
The door swings open and Capt. Boyd stands there with a stony glare. “Rumor that you were in my department.”
Robbie shoots him a lopsided grin. “Yo.”
“Yo? You prance your ass through my station, causing all sorts of distraction, and say ‘Yo’?”
“Not my fault I catch the attention. It’s a gift.”
Boyd looks between us with a fiery gaze. “Do they train you Marines to be egotistical sons of bitches?”
“It’s a course in boot camp, right in line with sand pits and The Crucible.” I wiggle my eyebrows.
“Cocky ass,” he grumbles, aiming at Robbie. “Why are you here at this hour on a Saturday night? Don’t bullshit me.”
“Sorry, man. You know the rules.”
We all know the closer we get to transferring to SWAT, the closer Boyd is to retiring and joining Hayes Security.
“This about Max Roberts and his team?”
Robbie nor I move, neither confirming or denying, giving him his answer.
“James read me in on the basics. You taking my men again?”
More silence.
Boyd’s gruff attitude morphs to resignment. “I’m in on this one, Robbie. These are my men until they transfer. James will agree.”
Robbie tips his chin in agreement.
“We done here? I have a drag show to crash.”
“Jesus, you rookies are killing me.” Boyd shakes his head in disappointment. “Drag show? Ford know about his woman’s bachelorette?”
“What do you think?”
“I think it’s a miracle you fools found women who put up with you.”
“For once, I agree with that.”
“You going to hitch the PT to you permanently before she sees the light?”
“Working on it.”
Robbie’s phone chimes and he grunts when he checks the screen. “Gotta go, Ember’s on stage.”
“Right behind you,” I call to his back on the way out the door.