Untamed (Eternal Brethren Military Romantic Suspense Book 4) Page 4

  What had seemed the perfect place and time to have the most crucial conversation of her life now felt wrong. She glanced over at Jamie, her heart melting. Handsome, inquisitive, smart, and so much like Quinn.

  Slowing her red Chevy sedan, she pulled to the side of the road and stopped.

  “Why are we stopping, Mom?”

  Letting go of her death grip on the steering wheel, she wiped damp hands down her jeans. Before she could reply, two things happened. Her phone rang, and a group of motorcycles approached from the opposite direction.

  Gaze locked on the riders, she grabbed her phone. “Hello?”

  “Wow, Mom. Look at that!” Jamie sat up, pointing at the bikes. Nodding, she held the phone closer to her ear.

  “Becca, it’s Cara. The barbecue has been postponed. Wrath got a call, rounded up the guys, and they left about five minutes ago. We’re all supposed to head home and wait for someone to contact us.”

  Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

  “That’s too bad.”

  Spotting Quinn in the middle of the group, she shifted toward the passenger side, glad for the tinted windows. They rode past, not sparing her a look.

  “It may still happen later today, but more likely, it’ll be tomorrow. Can you still come?”

  Panic subsiding, Becca slumped against the seat. “Unfortunately, no. We’ve got plans to head down to Phoenix to visit a friend. She used to take care of Jamie for me.”

  “I’m sorry today won’t work out for the talk you planned.”

  “It’s all right, Cara. Trying to explain around a large group of Quinn’s friends might not be the best idea.” She glanced at Jamie, his wide eyes following the riders as the bikes disappeared down the road. “I’ll figure something out.”

  “So you still plan to tell him?”

  She looked at her son again, relieved his attention was still focused behind them. “Yes.”

  “Well, if you need someone to watch Jamie while you two meet, let me know. I’ll do whatever I can for you.”

  Closing her eyes, she let out a ragged breath, thankful to have a friend like Cara. “I might take you up on that. I’ll have to think about what to do next.”

  “I’m here if you need me. See you Monday.”

  “See you, Cara.”

  Sliding her phone into her purse, Becca stared straight ahead, her mind racing.

  “Are you all right, Mom?”

  “I’m fine, but I have some bad news. The barbecue has been postponed.”

  Face falling, he crumpled down into the seat. “Oh.”

  “There will be other parties.”

  Crossing his arms, he stared out the window. “I know.”

  “Tell you what. Let’s go to the pizza place you like that has the arcade.”

  Perking up, he turned toward her. “Can we go to the skateboard park afterward?”

  “Sure. It’s Saturday. We can do anything we want.”

  “We’re all here, Admiral.” Wrath shot a look at Ghost, Rock, Raider, and Wrangler sitting across the desk, faces grim.

  “Gentlemen, we have a situation. A little over an hour ago, two young women were abducted getting into their car at the university in Flagstaff.”

  “A prank, sir?” Wrath asked. They’d seen it on college campuses before. Students nabbing other students for fun.

  “Not this time. One of the girls is Admiral Cutler’s daughter.”

  Ghost leaned forward. “The admiral commanding the Pacific Fleet, sir?”

  “The same. I expect Cutler to arrive from Pearl Harbor this afternoon.”

  “Isn’t this a job for local authorities or the FBI, sir?” Rock asked.

  “Normally, yes. There’s video surveillance of the kidnapping. Four men, all wearing ski masks. The girls were thrown into an older model white van registered to Stan White.”

  The men looked at each other, shaking their heads. “We don’t recognize the name, sir.”

  “Probably because he now goes by Abdul-Bari Zahir.”

  “Sonofabitch.” Ghost shot out of the chair, leaning down to rest his hands on the desk. “He’s the leader of the western New Mexico cell. The one who worked with Rex Barnes to bomb WETC.”

  A few months before, a series of explosions had rocked the elite training center while Ghost, Rock, and Raider were students. Raider had suffered first and second degree burns, and was not yet back to full active duty. Dani, now Ghost’s wife, was still one of the instructors.

  “We expect Zahir to hold them for ransom or a trade of some kind.”

  “What do you want us to do, Admiral?” Wrath glanced at Ghost, a warning in his eyes.

  “I’m sending your orders now. There is some good news. The admiral had tracking devices installed in his daughter’s purses, shoes, some clothing, and her car. The car is still at the lot, but whatever she’s wearing includes a GPS.”

  Opening his secure transmission, Wrath studied the orders. “According to this, they’re coming right at us.”

  “So far, a straight line toward the Mexican border. We estimate them to hit your area in less than an hour. Fast deployment is critical on this, Commander.”

  “We’re already moving, sir.”

  “I don’t need to tell you it’s essential to keep your identities secret. No one can learn about your connection to Eternal Brethren.”

  A grim smile tugged at Wrath’s lips. “They’ll never have a clue, sir.”

  “I’ve got my team working to allow you access to the tracker she’s carrying.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Wrath lifted a brow. “Raider?”

  “Already on it, Prez.” Heading to a hidden door in Wrath’s office, he took the steps downstairs to their state of the art communications center.

  “Ghost, you’re the team lead on this. Rock and Wrangler will be with you, plus Tracker, Moses, Fargo, and Gunner. Take the van and the truck.”

  “Roger, Prez. We’re already out the door.” Ghost gave a chin lift, indicating the others should head outside to the club’s arsenal and tactical gear storage. “I’ll get the others.”

  Rock and Wrangler jogged to the large building in the back, laying out the gear needed for the mission. By the time the men arrived, everything was set.

  “Rock, you have the truck with Gunner and Fargo. I’ll be in the van with Wrangler, Tracker, and Moses.”

  “Roger.”

  “Wrangler, do a vehicle check.”

  “On my way, Ghost.”

  Walking to a large map on the wall, Ghost saw Wrath join them. Getting a nod, he explained his plan.

  “Raider will provide us with their location. Rock, you’ll pull in front of their van and slow down, letting my team force them off the road. You’ll trap their vehicle in the front. We’ll pin them from the back. Gunner and Fargo, you have the driver and anyone in the passenger seat. Wrangler, Moses, and I will move in to take those in the back. Rock and Tracker, you’ll provide cover. We have to use the element of surprise, men. It’s the only way we’ll get those girls back alive.”

  Rock’s jaw worked as he mentally went through the options. “Once they spot us, they’ll use the girls for cover.”

  “Not if we move fast enough, use their surprise to our advantage. We have to convince them it’s in their best interest to let the girls go.”

  Wrangler joined them. “The vehicles are ready, Ghost.”

  Ghost looked at each man. “Comm check, gentlemen.” After they confirmed, he grabbed his M4. “This mission’s a go.”

  Chapter Five

  “They’re heading straight toward you, Ghost. Estimated ETA ten minutes, assuming they don’t turn off.”

  “Roger that, Raider. We’re in position. You got that, Rock?”

  “Sure thing, Ghost.”

  Time ticked by, seconds feeling like minutes until the white van appeared in Rock’s rearview mirror. “Here we go, boys.”

  Pulling the truck onto the almost deserted road, he didn’t accelerate, allowing the van to catch t
hem. Another glance confirmed Ghost and his team were on the van’s tail. Ignoring the sound of their horn urging him to go faster, Rock slowed, then pulled to the left to thwart the kidnapper’s attempt to go around him. Scanning the road ahead, his focus locked on a spot a hundred yards in front.

  “One minute, Ghost. Are you ready?” Rock slowed further, smirking when their horn sounded again. They attempted to pass him once more. Again, he stopped the maneuver, slowing until they were going less than five miles an hour.

  In an orchestrated move, Ghost’s team shot forward beside the white van. A couple quick twists of the wheel nudged the kidnappers onto the shoulder and a wide, dirt road. Coming to a stop, Rock’s team burst from the truck, Gunner and Fargo rushing to the van windows, their M4s aimed at the driver and passenger.

  Before the kidnappers had time to regroup, Ghost slid open the side door of the van and stepped back, Wrangler and Moses next to him, M4s aimed at the last of the men.

  “Drop your weapons.” Ghost’s shouted words had barely left his mouth when a burst of gunfire peppered the ground around them. Moving out of the way, they didn’t have time to return fire before another burst flashed through the van.

  “Shooter down.” Gunner’s voice came across clear and calm, no indication he’d taken out the tango.

  Peering inside, guns to their shoulders, Ghost and Wrangler checked for anyone else in the back of the van while Moses kept his gun trained on the man huddled next to the two frightened young women.

  “You, get outside.” Ghost ignored the tears streaming down the scared faces, motioning with his gun for the tango to exit the van. Gunner and Fargo did the same with the driver and passenger. Shoving the three to the ground, they secured them with zip ties.

  “Wrangler, Moses, Fargo, secure the van.”

  Sweeping the vehicle, they removed a satellite phone and checked the body for identification, ignoring the pleading eyes of the two hostages. It wasn’t their job to release their bonds.

  That would come later.

  “The van is clear, Ghost.” Wrangler stilled at the sound of sirens.

  “Right on time.” Rock shot a look at Ghost, who nodded.

  Leaving the young women, his men returned to their vehicles, taking a quick look behind them. Confirming who approached, they returned to the road seconds before Ethan and his deputies surrounded the van.

  Becca sat on the cold cement step built for spectators to view the skateboard park, a grin tugging at her mouth as Jamie maneuvered his board up and down the halfpipe with the ease of a more experienced rider. If she remembered right, today he wanted to practice several tricks the older boys had shown him.

  Stopping, he flipped the board into his hands, taking the steps to sit down next to her. “Did you see that, Mom?”

  She understood what he asked. “I believe you did a 50-50 and a disaster.” Becca mentioned two tricks Jamie had been working on.

  “No, Mom. I did a rock ‘n roll to fakie.” Standing, he tucked the board under his arm. “I’ll do it again so you can see.”

  Before she could stop him, Jamie ran to the quarter pipe, setting the board on the ground. Taking a couple breaths, he shoved off, riding up the ramp. At the top edge, he stopped, rocking a little before going back down the ramp and skating away in the opposite direction. Flipping the board into his hands, he waved, excitement flowing off him.

  Swallowing the lump of pride, Becca waved back. This was his fifth board since receiving his first one on his sixth birthday. Each one costing more, digging into their moderate budget. Other women in the law firm where she worked warned her against it. They’d talk of broken arms, twisted ankles, sprained wrists. Becca thanked them but did what she thought best for her son.

  An active boy who preferred the outdoors to video games, she’d enrolled him in tee-ball, then soccer and peewee baseball before moving to Liberty Lake. None of them claimed all his energy. Skateboarding had been the answer.

  Running up the steps, he stopped in front of her. “Can we go to the Burger Palace for dinner?”

  Reaching out, she swiped a strand of dark brown hair off his forehead. “Aren’t you still full from all the pizza you ate at lunch?”

  His guileless, deep blue eyes widened. “That was hours ago, Mom. A boy has to keep up his strength.”

  Laughing, she grabbed her purse and stood, loving how he threw her words back at her. “All right, but we aren’t stopping at the ice cream shop.”

  “That’s okay. We still have some at home.”

  Jumping down the steps, he hurried to the car, tossing the skateboard into the back seat before climbing into the front. Waiting for his mother to settle into the driver’s seat, he watched the older kids practice their tricks.

  “I’m going to be as good as they are someday.”

  “I don’t doubt it. If you want something bad enough, you’ll work hard to get it.”

  Jamie’s features tensed, his gaze focusing on one of the better skaters. “When I make a lot of money, the first thing I’m going to do is buy us a house, Mom. It’ll have a back yard, and we can get a dog. Maybe two.” He didn’t look at her, his attention locked on those in the park.

  Hands tightening on the wheel, her chest squeezed. She’d never realized how much he wanted a home, a yard, a dog. He’d mention them once in a while, usually after visiting a friend who had all three, but not as if they were important. Obviously, she’d missed the signs, the longing of a young boy for a permanent place, not a continuous stream of apartments.

  No matter how nice the apartment, it wasn’t the same as being able to dash out the back door into your own private playground. Or owning a dog of your own.

  Becca watched Jamie and another boy play foosball in the corner of the Burger Palace. Before that, they’d faced off for a few games of air hockey. She’d been able to salvage the disappointment of the canceled barbeque with pizza, the skate park, burgers, and the promise of foosball and air hockey.

  Popping another fry into her mouth, she picked up her soda, taking a large sip. It was hard work keeping up with an active nine-year-old. When they got home, she knew he’d plop in front of the TV and play one of his video games. Once in a while, he’d ask her to join him. Tonight, she wanted to slip into sleep pants and a loose top, make a cup of tea, and watch him play.

  “Hello, Becca.”

  Her heart stilled at the familiar voice that hadn’t changed in ten years. Without an invitation, Quinn sat down across from her, setting his burger, fries, and drink onto the table.

  Panic rushed through her. He couldn’t be here, not with Jamie twenty feet away and her unprepared to explain a son he’d never met. A tight knot of dread formed in her chest, throat constricting to a point she couldn’t draw a full breath.

  She had to think, find a way to get Jamie out of there without Quinn noticing. It wouldn’t be long before he tired of the games and returned, wondering about the man at their table.

  “You’re not going to speak to me?”

  Her gaze snapped to Quinn. “What are you doing here?”

  Brow lifting, a cocky smile curved his lips before he bit into the animal-style burger. Grabbing his drink, he swallowed, his gaze never leaving hers. “Eating.”

  “I mean, why are you sitting at my table?”

  “Easy.” Licking his lips, he grabbed several fries. “You’re alone, and I needed a place to sit. Nothing nefarious, Bec.”

  A flash of pain ripped through her at his use of the old nickname. No one else had ever shortened her name to those three letters. A word she’d always loved to hear coming from his lips. Now, she couldn’t bear the sound of it.

  Setting the burger down, he leaned back, studying her. Wrangler hadn’t missed the taut lines appearing around her mouth or the hurt in her eyes. The fact he’d been there a few short minutes and had already upset her caused his stomach to churn with regret.

  “All I want is some time with you, Becca.”

  Shooting a look at Jamie, she prayed he�
��d continue to play and not return to their table. “Why, Quinn?”

  “Why?”

  She speared him with an incredulous gaze. “Yes. Why now? You obviously had no intention of ever contacting me again. I showed up at Robbie’s, and all of a sudden, you want to spend time with me, as if we’re old friends who’ve fallen out of touch. Well, that isn’t how it works. Not for me anyway.”

  “You have every right to hate me. What I did was inexcusable.”

  “And cruel.” The words were clipped, devoid of emotion.

  “Yes, it was.” Shoving the half-eaten burger aside, he rested his arms on the table. “I was an ass. You meant everything to me.”

  Mouth twisting, she shook her head, refusing to accept his words. “That’s a lie, Quinn.” Her hands lifted to grip the edge of the table.

  Jaw clenching, he didn’t respond.

  “You made a conscious decision to never see or talk to me again. It took weeks of calling the base public affairs office to realize you never had any intention of coming back. I wasn’t even included on your emergency contact list.”

  She leaned toward him, her voice trembling. “You didn’t even have the decency to tell me we were over. Instead, you acted as if you still planned to be a part of my life. It was all a lie.”

  Sitting back, she swallowed the bile building in her throat. “How long before you left did you make the decision, Quinn? A day, a week, a month?”

  Blinking to stop the pool of tears, she steeled herself, keeping her voice low. “You have no right to expect anything from me. Not my time, and certainly not my friendship.”

  Reaching to grab her purse, she meant to leave before her gaze caught on Jamie. She couldn’t head outside without him, hoping Quinn would leave. All she could do was wait it out and hope Jamie continued to play with his companion, unaware of the turmoil at the front of the restaurant.

  Becca felt trapped, caught in the same nightmare she’d had many times over the years. She and Jamie sat on the floor in a closed room, hunched over something she’d never been able to make out. Slowly, the door to the room opened. Quinn filled the opening, shock, confusion, and anger clear on his face.