“How are you holding up?” he asked.
“Quite well. Your family is lovely. Not at all the intimidating bunch you alluded to.”
“They aren’t all here yet.”
“Your sisters,” Merrigan murmured, remembering he had two, but not their names.
Skye arrived first, along with her husband, who Kade introduced as Mac, and two children as beautiful as Peyton’s Kismet.
“This is Spencer,” Kade said, hoisting the little girl up in his arms. “Spencer, this is Merrigan.”
She held her hand out to the little girl, who shrunk back into her uncle’s arms.
“She’s shy,” said Skye. “Although she doesn’t seem to have any issues with Uncle Kade.”
“That’s Kade,” said Spencer, motioning to her baby brother. “You’re not Kade.” She put her palm on his face. “Tell me your real name.”
“Well, it is Kade, just like your baby brother. But some people call me Doc.”
“Hmm. Okay, Uncle Doc. Is Merry your wife?”
“No, sweet girl, I’m his friend.”
“You sound like G’ma Sorcha.” Spencer wriggled free from Kade and slid to the ground, taking Merrigan’s hand and leading her to her grandmother.
“Grandma, I think Merry is a Scot.”
“Aye, lass. I believe you’re right about that, but her name is Merrigan. Try again, Spencer. Say ‘Merr-i-gan.’”
“But I like Merry.”
“I do too,” said Kade, putting his hand on Merrigan’s waist. “Very much,” he whispered.
“I think Uncle Doc should marry Merry,” said Spencer, bursting into a fit of giggles. “Marry, Merry, marry, Merry,” she twirled around the room, singing.
“How’s that for real?” he said.
“She’s precious.”
“Mo thruaigh mise,” cried Sorcha. “Càite bheil Quinn?”
“She and Eighty…uh…Mercer are on their way.”
His mother clapped her hands as she went to take baby Kade out of Skye’s arms.
“I didn’t realize you spoke Gaelic,” Merrigan said.
“I don’t, and neither does she. Not really. Every once in a while, a few words and phrases slip out, usually without her realizing it. My brothers and I pay more attention to her tone than the words she’s speaking.”
“So, Quinn…” Kade had told Merrigan a little about her on the drive. She’d sensed hesitancy and hadn’t push when he didn’t elaborate.
“I’m afraid she’s going to be more overwhelmed than you are.”
“Maybe so, but your family is very welcoming.”
“She’ll be…”
“What? Finish your thought.”
“I was going to say she’ll be under more scrutiny than you are, but I don’t believe that’s possible.”
The front door opened, and a whirling dervish that Merrigan could only guess was Ainsley flew into her brother’s arms.
Merrigan walked away, not wanting to intrude on their emotional reunion. When she stood off to the side, Alex approached her.
“You’re good for him,” she said, nudging Merrigan with her elbow. “I’ve known Kade my whole life, and I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you. That includes Peyton.”
“We’re friends—”
“Right.” Alex laughed. “Maddox and I used to be friends too.”
A man walked up and kissed Alex’s cheek. “Hey, baby sister. Who’s this?”
“This is Merrigan Shaw, Kade’s date…I mean friend.” She smirked. “This is my brother Cristobal. He’s engaged to Ainsley.”
“Oh,” slipped out before she could stop herself.
“Yep, nothing like a little Paso Robles inbreeding to make the grapes grow.”
“She doesn’t know what she’s spouting off about,” Cris said when Alex left in search of Maddox. “How are you holding up?”
“Me? Goodness, I’m fine. I feel a bit like an interloper however.”
“Nah. The Butlers are one big happy family, and if you’re here, you’re an official member.”
“That is overwhelming.”
A few minutes later, Kade and his sister joined her and Cris.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I can’t stop crying. I’m Ainsley.” Instead of shaking hands, she pulled Merrigan into an embrace. She hugged her tight and then took a step back. “Damn, Kade. She’s gorgeous. Isn’t she, Cris?”
“Yes, Ains,” he said, wrapping his arms around her slight waist. “But I think you may be embarrassing Merrigan.”
“I’m fine,” she said, noticing Kade studying his phone.
He looked up and into her eyes. “They’re here,” he said, squeezing her hand.
4
Merrigan was surprised to see Paps and Razor walk in behind the people she guessed were Quinn and Mercer, but they were a welcome sight amongst all these Butlers. It wasn’t as though they weren’t very nice, and exceedingly welcoming, but Kade had been right; the scrutiny was intense.
Now, though, all eyes were on Quinn, and she looked as though she felt every one of them. Kade approached, tentative at first, but quickly swept her into a hug, which seemed to calm her. All the while, Mercer kept his hand first on her shoulder, and then when she backed away from Kade, he rested it on the small of her back.
Like Merrigan, Mercer’s eyes scanned the room, taking in every reaction, poised to act if needed. Paps and Razor were no different. It didn’t matter that they were with Kade’s family; the instinct was innate.
When Kade motioned to her, Merrigan walked over to where he stood with Quinn. After introducing them, Kade and Mercer stepped away.
“Are you okay?” Merrigan asked, noticing how her hands shook.
“I have no idea,” answered Quinn.
“They’re very happy you’re here,” she murmured.
Sorcha and Ainsley were the first to join them, and soon pulled Quinn into the midst of their family.
Kade startled her when he put his arm around her shoulders.
“I’ve dreamed of this day,” he said, resting his head against hers. “She’s finally safe.”
At the same time Paps and Razor came out of the kitchen, each holding a bottle of beer, Naughton and Bradley approached with five glasses and an opened, unmarked bottle of wine.
“This is one of Bradley’s vintages,” Naught explained.
“I want to thank you for saving my life,” Bradley said to Mercer, pouring him the first glass.
Merrigan watched Kade’s teammate struggle with a response. In their line of work, they got the job done, and then the “bridges were burned,” so all links to a particular operative were broken. It was what Laird Butler was renowned for, and where he’d gotten the code name Burns.
“You’re welcome, and thanks,” Mercer murmured, holding up the glass of wine and appearing so anxious to Merrigan that she was relieved when Kade clapped his hand on the man’s shoulder.
“We don’t do what we do for recognition,” he said to his brother and Bradley. “Which is why Eighty-eight here looks so uncomfortable.”
“May I?” Mercer asked, pointing to the bottle and an empty glass. “Quinn might like a taste.”
“Of course,” said Naughton, reaching out to shake Mercer’s hand. “I don’t want to put you on the spot, but I have to thank you too. If you hadn’t killed Jason Calder the night he abducted Bradley, I might’ve lost the love of my life,” he said, putting his arm around his wife’s shoulders and pulling her closer to him.
“You’re welcome,” he said and then poured a small amount of wine in a glass. “Be right back.”
Both Merrigan and Kade watched as Mercer handed Quinn the wine but didn’t interrupt her conversation with Maddox and Alex. If there were two people who could make the poor lass feel more at ease, Merrigan believed they could.
Kade pulled her closer to him and kissed her forehead.
“So,” Razor began after Naughton and Bradley walked away. “What’s up with you two?”
“I’m just sayin’, you’re the only Butler either not engaged or married.”
“He’s divorced. That counts,” said Paps, scowling.
“What’s up your ass tonight?” Razor nudged him. “Oh, wait. I know what it is. Barbie’s comin’ back tomorrow.”
Kade shook his head. “She hates being called that. Can’t you two cut her a break and call her Lena for God’s sake?”
“Got a minute?” asked Paps.
“Sure,” answered Kade. “Who?”
“All of you.”
Kade led them out to the front porch and closed the front door behind them.
“I have an update on Leech,” Paps began.
“What’s happened?” Merrigan asked, not liking the look on his face.
“His condition has taken a turn for the worse.”
“Dammit,” said Kade. “How bad?”
“Bad enough that Lena should be made aware, and instead of coming here, she should go to Ramstein.”
“When’s her flight?” Kade asked.
“Eleven hundred hours.”
“I’ll meet her, and we’ll fly over together.” Kade walked back in the house, leaving Merrigan outside with Paps and Razor.
“You okay?” asked Razor.
“Of course. Um, by any chance, did Doc ask either of you to bring my rental by?”
Razor raised his hand and then dug in his pocket for the fob. “Here you go. It’s parked behind the winery.” He pointed to a building that looked more like a barn.
“Thanks, and goodnight, gentlemen.”
“Wait,” said Paps. “Where are you going?”
“Back to the beach. I’ve had a very long day, as I’m sure both of you have as well.”
—:—
Kade felt sick to his stomach with worry over Leech. The man had been a part of his life since the day he stepped off the bus at boot camp almost twenty-five years ago.
Joining the Marines was something he’d always aspired to, but it was only the first step in achieving his ultimate goal of working for the United States’ Central Intelligence Agency, just like his father had before him.
The Recruit Training Depot in San Diego wasn’t too far from home for Kade, considering other recruits were traveling from every part of the country west of the Mississippi. Yet the drive was one of the longest of his life. The nightmares that usually only plagued him when he slept, played over and over in his mind on the five-hour bus ride.
Could he do it? When faced with things he knew nothing of, could he be brave enough to accept those challenges? Would he be able to live up to the man his father was? Or would his worst fear come true, and he’d be too much of a coward?
From the moment he stepped off the bus, he realized he’d have no time to wallow in self-doubt, and even less energy. The mental and physical challenges of Boot Camp began immediately and wouldn’t offer a break longer than four hours to even sleep, for thirteen weeks.
He’d noticed the man who seemed to show up at every one of Kade’s exercises right after he got off the bus. He wore civilian attire, but there was no mistaking the power the man yielded. Even the sergeant major, the second highest ranking officer at the recruit depot, deferred to him. Only the brigadier general commanded more respect than this man did.
It wasn’t until Family Day, the day before graduation from recruit training, that Kade learned who he was.
The man approached him as he was coming out of the Squad Bay. “Hey, Boot.”
Kade, unsure of how to respond to a civilian who clearly had once been a high-ranking officer, stood at modified attention. “Yes, sir?”
“At ease, son. Let’s take a walk.”
Kade looked in the direction of his platoon and met the eye of his drill instructor, who waved him off.
“Is your family here today, son?” the man asked.
“Yes, my parents are here, sir,” Kade responded.
“We’ll chat with them as well.”
The man led Kade to an office in a building he’d never been in. Shortly after, his parents joined them.
“Burns, it’s good to see you,” the man stood and said when Kade’s father walked in. “You as well, Sorcha. You’re as beautiful as ever.”
Kade looked back and forth between his parents and the man. The connection was obvious; this was someone his father had worked with at the agency.
The man turned to Kade. “I’m John Hess, Executive Deputy, Training and Education Command here at the base,” he told him.
He went on to explain that he’d served with the US Marine Corp for over thirty years and retired as a general officer in 1988.
Knowing the man’s background made Kade all the more curious why a man with a minimum rank of brigadier general had any interest in a recruit.
“Your son has exhibited exceptional leadership skills, as well as an aptitude for, let’s say, accelerated learning. You should be very proud of him,” he said to Kade’s parents.
Twenty minutes later, Kade knew his life would irrevocably change. Rather than heading to either the School of Infantry or Military Occupational Specialty training, he was being sent to North Carolina to complete nine months of special forces training.
“Thank you, Mr. Hess,” Kade said as they were leaving.
“Call me Leech, son,” he said to Kade and then turned to his father. “Again, Burns, you and Sorcha should be proud of this fine young man.”
Leech told him there’d be special transport arranged for him on the day before he was scheduled to report for duty and added, “Enjoy your leave, it’ll be a long time before you see another one.” He shook Kade’s hand and his father’s before hugging his mother.
“I need to talk to you,” Kade said to his father. “Ma too.”
Laird motioned toward the kitchen, and Kade followed his mother in.
“Leech has taken a turn.”
“Oh, dear God,” gasped his mother, closing her eyes with her hands clasped.
“I’ll arrange for transport and meet Lena at the airfield tomorrow,” he told them.
“I’ll go too,” said his father.
His mother opened her eyes and looked between the two men.
“What is it, Sorcha?”
“Quinn.”
“What of Quinn?” his father asked.
“She should go too.”
Kade nodded and went back out to the main room of the house, wondering how she’d feel about going. He saw Paps and Razor head-to-head with Mercer, but didn’t see Merrigan.
Quinn was holding baby Kade on her lap and talking with Skye and Ainsley when he approached. “I’m sorry to interrupt,” he began.
“What’s wrong?” Ainsley asked.
“I need to talk with Quinn for a moment.”
Skye took the baby and followed Ainsley to the other side of the room.
“What’s wrong?” Quinn repeated Ainsley’s question.
“It’s your grandfather.”
Her eyes filled with tears.
“He’s in a hospital in Germany. My father and I will be meeting your mother at the airfield in San Luis Obispo in the morning. I’ll arrange for transport to Germany.”
“Okay,” she whispered.
“Would you like to go with us?”
Her eyes opened wide, and she looked beyond him. “Um, have you seen Mercer?” she asked.
Kade turned and caught the man’s eye, motioning him over. “I’ve asked Quinn if she’d like to fly to Ramstein with us tomorrow.”
Mercer nodded and took Quinn’s hands in his. “What do you think, precious?”
“I’m not sure. My mother…” Her eyes filled with tears again, and Mercer put his arms around her.
“It’s okay,” he murmured.
“What if she…”
“Say it, Quinn,” Mercer encouraged her.
“She might not want me there.”
“May I?” Kade asked.
“Of course,” answered Merce
r, stepping aside.
Kade took her hands in his, the same way Mercer had, and looked into her eyes. “Listen to me. Your mother is returning here to see you. I know this is hard to take in, but her estrangement from you was always to protect you, not because she didn’t want to be with you.”
She looked over his shoulder at Mercer and then back at him.
“Okay. I’ll go,” she said.
Kade turned around. “What about you?”
“Your call, sir,” Mercer answered.
“We’ll leave for the airfield at zero nine hundred hours.”
Mercer nodded.
Kade walked back into the main room. “I’m sorry to have to tell you this tonight, but I have to return to Germany. Leech Hess is in critical condition…” He couldn’t go on. He felt the same way he would if he were telling his siblings that their father or mother were dying, and that Leech meant that much to him, was something they’d never understand.
“I’m going too,” Laird said. “We’ll leave first thing in the morning.”
One by one, his brothers, sisters, and their spouses came to him to say goodbye. “I’ll be home in a few days,” he repeated to each of them. All the while, though, his eyes scanned the room. It had been at least twenty minutes since he’d seen Merrigan.
“Excuse me for just a moment,” he said to Ainsley, who waited with Cris Avila. “Where is she?” he mouthed to Razor.
“She left.”
Kade turned back to his youngest sister, told her how much he loved her, and kissed her goodbye. Once she and Cris left, he stalked over to where Paps and Razor were talking with his parents.
“What do you mean ‘she left’?”
“She said she’d had a long day and was going back to the beach.”
“Goddammit,” he said under his breath, hoping his mother didn’t hear. “Goodnight, Ma.” He leaned down to kiss her cheek, and then turned to his father. “I’ll see you at the airfield in the morning.”
The Return (Butler Ranch Book 6) Page 4
