Six Minutes to Midnight

by Elle James

  T-Mac jerked her back to the surface. “Breathe,” he said. “We’ll worry about who it was when we’re out of the water.”

  “But I know who it was. It was that contractor working on the improvements to the camp.”

  “Which contractor?” the commander asked.

  “Toland. William Toland.” A gate opened in Kinsley’s mind and all the memories flooded in. She pushed through the pain in her knee, relying on one leg and her arms to keep her head above water.

  The roar of rotor blades sounded, coming from the direction of Camp Lemonnier.

  Joyful relief filled Kinsley. Not only would they survive a crash, she remembered who’d shot her.

  “Toland has to be the one responsible for the gun trading and the information leaks,” T-Mac said. “Wasn’t he involved in renovating the command center?”

  “He was,” Commander Ward said. “He could have bugged the room with electronic devices.”

  “Look, when we’re taken back to the camp, let everyone believe Specialist Anderson didn’t make it. We’ll have her delivered directly to the medical facility, but have the doctors announce that she’s dead.”

  “Why?”

  “We want Toland to think he’s in the clear,” Harm said. “The only eyewitness to him being in that Al-Shabaab camp will be dead. He might get careless. At the very least, we’ll be able to catch him before he tries to make a run for it.”

  “Are you game to play dead?” T-Mac asked Kinsley.

  “I’d rather be in on the action. That man tried to kill me.” She treaded water for a few seconds before adding, “But I have to be realistic. Something’s wrong with my knee. I’ll play dead, but you have to promise me you’ll get him.”

  “Are you sure it was him?” Harm asked.

  “Absolutely,” Kinsley said, her arm getting weaker as her strength waned. “I remember seeing his shock of gray hair before he pulled the trigger.” Her eyes narrowed. Yeah, she’d like to be there at his takedown. He’d tried to kill her.

  “We’ll take care of him,” T-Mac said, his face dark and hardened into stone.

  When the Black Hawk arrived, Kinsley and Agar went up first on the hoist as the chopper hovered over the water. One by one, the rest of the men were reeled in. Buck stabilized her leg by applying a temporary splint. The pain was so bad, Kinsley passed out several times en route back to land.

  By the time they returned to camp, it was late.

  Nevertheless, Kinsley was loaded onto a stretcher and into an ambulance to be delivered to the medical facility. She was sequestered in a room at the back of the building, along with Agar. No one was allowed to enter but the doctor and Commander Ward. The doctor suspected she’d torn her ACL or her meniscus. They’d have to send her back to the States to have an MRI. Fortunately, a C-130 airplane was scheduled to leave the next day. She would be on it. They discussed the plan to declare her dead. The doctor set her up with an IV and pain meds before leaving her and Agar alone.

  The commander called in the veterinarian to perform a house call and check Agar over. The dog had been limping so badly, he’d been brought into the medical facility on a stretcher as well. He lay on a bed that had been pushed up to the side of Kinsley’s.

  When the veterinarian came, he gave Agar pain meds and recommended he be airlifted out along with Kinsley and taken to a veterinarian surgical clinic, where they would have the equipment to better treat the animal.

  Kinsley couldn’t tell how much time had passed. She floated in and out of a cloud of pain, the morphine the doctor had given her barely taking the edge off.

  Kinsley lay on the hospital bed and waited for someone to come tell her that Toland had been captured and locked in the brig. At the very least, she wanted to shower the salt water off her skin. A nurse had helped her out of her uniform and into a hospital gown under strict instructions to keep quiet about Kinsley being alive.

  Alone in the hospital bed with Agar in drug-induced sleep, whining every time he moved, Kinsley could only imagine what was happening. Every scenario she came up with ended badly. When she heard footsteps in the hallway, she held her breath and prayed it was T-Mac coming to tell her they’d caught Toland.

  The pain medication finally took its toll and claimed Kinsley in sleep.

  * * *

  THE GRAY LIGHT of morning edged its way around the shades over the window when Kinsley opened her eyes.

  She stared up at the ceiling for a moment, trying to remember where she was and what had happened. Her skin felt sticky, and that’s when she recalled all that had happened the night before and all that she’d forgotten from when she’d been shot. She turned her head to see dark red hair lying on the sheet beside her, a big hand holding hers in its grip.

  “T-Mac,” she whispered, and reached over to smooth her hand through his auburn hair. It wouldn’t be so bad to have red-haired children. As long as they looked like the navy SEAL who’d stolen her heart.

  He raised his head and stared into her eyes. “Hey, beautiful.”

  She snorted softly. “Hardly. I’m sure I look like I’ve been dunked in the ocean and put up wet.”

  “Which is beautiful to me.”

  “Did they get Toland?”

  “They did. And he confessed to trading the weapons. He was also working with a guy in the motor pool to transport the goods.”

  “The guy who died?” Kinsley asked.

  T-Mac nodded. “Toland killed him to shut him up.”

  “He admitted to the murder?”

  His brows dipping lower, T-Mac pressed his lips together in a tight line. “Toland was more afraid of us than of going to jail. He spilled his guts.”

  Kinsley sighed. “Good. He’ll get what he deserves. The man is a traitor.”

  “Yes, he is.” He leaned across her and pressed his lips to hers. “But all that is done. How are you feeling?”

  “Better, now that you’re here.” She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him down to return that kiss with all of her heart.

  When they broke away for air, she smiled up at him. “Aren’t you afraid we’ll get in trouble?”

  “I don’t really care.”

  She chuckled. “Me either.”

  “They should be in soon to load you up into the plane and take you back to the States.”

  She touched his cheek. “I don’t want this to end.”

  He cupped her hand and pressed a kiss to her palm. “Me either.”

  “It might not have to.” She glanced down at her leg. “I might be medically boarded out.”

  “The doc thinks you tore your ACL or meniscus.”

  She nodded.

  “And if they medically retire you?” T-Mac looked at her. “What then?”

  Her hand slid across the sheet to smooth over Agar’s head. The dog whined and tried to lick her fingers.

  “I’ll probably go on and get that college degree I joined the military for.” She met his gaze with a direct one of her own. “If Agar is retired as well, I want to give him a forever home with a yard to run in.”

  “There are some great colleges in Virginia,” T-Mac offered.

  “Yeah?” Kinsley smiled, tears welling in her eyes. “Will you want to date a gimpy girl?”

  “I’ll want you no matter what, my sweet, brave dog handler.” He slid onto the bed beside her and carefully gathered her into his arms. “You’re amazing, and I want to spend a lot more time getting to know you. Like the rest of my life. Baby, you’re the one.”

  She shook her head. “How do you know I’m the one? We haven’t known each other very long.”

  “A wise old friend of mine told me you don’t have to know a person very long to know she’s the one for you.” He pushed a strand of her hair out of her face. “I didn’t believe him, until I met the one person who convinced me.”

  �
�And who was that?” Kinsley whispered.

  “I think you know.”

  “Hmm. Maybe I do. You better kiss me before my chariot arrives to take me away. This kiss will have to last me until I see you again.” She brushed her lips across his. “Because when you know he’s the right one, you just know.”

  Epilogue

  Three months later...

  “Need help bringing out that platter of marinated steaks?” T-Mac called out.

  “No, I can manage.” Kinsley limped out to the patio of the house they’d purchased together in the Little Creek area.

  T-Mac smiled at her, his heart so full he couldn’t believe how lucky he was to have found the love of his life.

  “The gang will be here any minute. Should I put the steaks on right now, or wait to make sure they arrive on time?”

  “Wait. The guys like them practically raw.” She set the tray of steaks next to the grill.

  T-Mac captured her around the waist and pulled her into his arms, kissing her soundly. “I’m the luckiest man alive.”

  “Oh, yeah, how’s that?” She leaned back against his arms around her middle and smiled up at him.

  “I have you, don’t I?”

  “That makes me the luckiest woman alive.”

  “Even though you had to give up the army?” He kissed the tip of her nose. “Do you miss it?”

  She shrugged. “I do miss helping keep our guys safe. But since Agar and I were both injured and retired, it worked out for the best. I can be around to see to Agar’s needs, and you and I get to be together.”

  A damp nose pushed between T-Mac and Kinsley’s legs.

  “That’s right, Agar. You’re loved, too.” Kinsley reached down and patted the dog’s head.

  He would walk with a limp for the rest of his life, but he was retired from active duty and would lead the good life with a big backyard to run in and a soft bed to sleep on.

  “Hello! Anyone home?” a voice called out. “The gang’s all here.” Big Jake stepped through the patio doors with Alexandria Parker at his side.

  Behind them were Buck and the love of his life, Dr. Angela Vega.

  Diesel came out on the patio with Reese Brantley, the former army bodyguard with the fiery auburn hair and mad fighting skills that served her well in her chosen profession.

  Pitbull held hands with Marly Simpson, the bush pilot he’d fallen in love with during a vacation in Africa. She’d relocated to the States and was flying for a charter company.

  Harm followed Talia Ryan, the former owner of an African resort.

  Talia carried a bottle of wine. “I hope you like red. I thought it would go well with the steak.”

  Kinsley smiled and took the offering. “I’ll save it for later.”

  T-Mac circled her waist with his arms and grinned at Harm. “Nine months later.”

  “What?” Harm’s jaw dropped. “Nine months? Are you saying what I think you’re saying?”

  “No kidding?” Buck grinned. “Kinsley’s got a bun in the oven?”

  Angela frowned. “Do people really say that anymore?” She hugged Kinsley. “I’m so happy for you two.”

  “When’s the wedding?” Big Jake asked. “You have to make an honest woman of her now.”

  “Next weekend. If you all can make it,” T-Mac announced.

  “Oh, wow!” Marly exclaimed. “That’s great. I’m pretty sure I don’t have anything on my schedule that can’t be pushed off.”

  “Where’s it going to be?” Talia asked.

  Kinsley laughed. “We’re having a JP perform the ceremony on Virginia Beach. Someplace Agar can be a part of the ceremony.”

  “Do you need help with the preparations?” Alexandria asked. “I’m really good with decorations and flower arrangements.”

  “I’d love some help.”

  “Have you bought your wedding gown?” Talia asked.

  Kinsley’s cheeks flushed pink. “No, I haven’t.”

  “Oh, sweetie, we have to get on that,” Talia said. “I can help you there. How many bridesmaids and groomsmen?”

  “None,” T-Mac said. “It’s just going to be Kinsley, me, Agar and all of our friends.”

  “Oh, and your parents and sister are coming,” Kinsley added.

  “What?” T-Mac frowned. “I haven’t even told them I’m getting married.”

  “They know,” she said, her face smug. “And they’re so delighted you wanted them here to celebrate.”

  He laughed and pulled her into his arms. “You are the right one for me. Are they happy about their new grandson?”

  “I’ll let you share that news with them after the wedding.” Kinsley lifted her chin. “But I’m sure they’ll be ecstatic about their granddaughter.”

  Reese laughed. “Too early to know whether you’re having a girl or boy?”

  T-Mac nodded. “Yeah, and we won’t until the baby’s born.”

  “Oh, that’s not fair. We want to know what it is,” Buck complained.

  “And you will.” T-Mac said. “When the baby comes.”

  Harm shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re getting married before the rest of us.” He pulled Talia into the circle of his arms. “I just got Talia to agree to marry me.”

  “Seriously?” T-Mac shook his friend’s hand and then hugged his fiancée. “I’m really happy for you two.” He turned to Talia. “You’re getting a great guy.”

  “I know.” She smiled up into Harm’s eyes. “He’s been patient with me through my move back to the States. I wasn’t sure I wanted to get married again. I loved my first husband so much. But I’ve learned I can love again, and Harm’s the man who showed me how.”

  The others all gathered around to congratulate Harm and Talia, T-Mac and Kinsley.

  “Anyone else holding out on us?” T-Mac asked. “Speak now before I put the steaks on the grill.”

  “Alex got a job teaching at the elementary school around the corner from our apartment,” Jake said. “The kids all love her. And so do I.” He hugged Alex and gave her a big kiss.

  “I have an announcement,” Buck said.

  “That you’re getting off active duty and going back to medical school?” Diesel guessed.

  Buck frowned. “Hey, I was supposed to say that. How did you know? But yes, I was accepted into medical school. I start next spring.”

  Diesel opened the cooler he’d brought with him and tossed Buck a can of beer. “It’s about damned time. You’re going to make a great doctor. You and Angela can open your own practice when you’re done.”

  “Anyone else?” T-Mac asked.

  “I’m giving up my gig as a bodyguard,” Reese announced.

  Diesel frowned. “That’s news to me. I thought you liked it.”

  “I did, but it’s not really conducive to pregnant women.” A smile spread across Reese’s face.

  “Pregnant?” Diesel’s face went from shocked to joyous. “Are you kidding?” He lifted her off the ground and spun her around. “Really?” He lowered her to her feet and stared down into her eyes. “Sweetheart, I love you so much.” He dropped to his knee and held her hand in his. “Will you marry me?”

  Reese laughed. “You don’t have to ask me if you don’t want to marry me. I like things the way they are now. Why ruin it by getting married?”

  Diesel straightened and gathered Reese in his arms. “Because I love you and would be honored if you’d be my partner, my lover and my friend in marriage.”

  “To love, honor and swing from tree to tree?” Pitbull joked.

  “I’d do it, if she said yes,” Diesel said, his gaze never leaving Reese’s. “Will you marry me, Reese Brantley?”

  She smiled up at him and nodded. “I will.”

  “Next week? Can we make it a double wedding on the beach?”

  Reese gave T-M
ac and Kinsley a nervous smile. “They might want to have a wedding all to themselves. I don’t want to butt in.”

  “The more the merrier,” T-Mac said.

  “It’s a great idea,” Kinsley agreed. “And our babies will grow up together. How wonderful.”

  “Well, damn,” Pitbull said. “We’re not keeping up with the rest of them.” He started to bend down on one knee, but Marly beat him to it.

  Marly held up her hand. “Before you start, let me say something.”

  Pitbull frowned.

  “Will you marry me?” she asked, and grinned. “Beat you to it.”

  “Damn woman. Is this how it’s going to be?” He pulled her into his arms and kissed her on the lips. “Because if it is, I’m in. Yes. I will.”

  More congratulations were offered.

  T-Mac finally got the steaks on the grill, and he stood back with an arm around Kinsley, Agar lying at their feet and surrounded by the men and women who were so much a part of his life, they were like family.

  “I’m truly the luckiest man alive,” he said.

  Kinsley leaned into him and smiled. “I love you, Trace McGuire. I’m glad you didn’t give up on me.”

  * * *

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