by Dale Mayer
Dave sat down beside Stone. Bullard spoke into the sudden silence. “Speaking of which, what the hell happened to your prisoners?”
“Mike let the five yokels off with a warning,” Levi explained. “After he showed them proof that we knew exactly where they all lived with their families and where they worked, they were only too happy to be on their way, knowing we could come after them any time if they messed with us again.” He gave Bullard a smile, adding, “I wanted to make sure they got the message loud and clear.”
“Mike, the Texas Ranger?”
Levi nodded.
“Nice but tough.” Bullard smiled.
“Damn right,” Levi said. “This close to home you need allies, not enemies.”
“I did also mention there might be employment for some people willing to keep an eye out for troublemakers.” Levi’s grin grew a little wider.
Bullard raised an eyebrow. “Do you think any of them are trustworthy?”
Levi dropped his gaze to his hands, remembering the fear on the men’s faces. “Yeah, I think so. Even if it’s just a heads-up when a rumor starts.”
“Rumors are often the best thing.” Bullard studied his friend’s face. “And the last man?”
Levi raised his gaze and stared at Bullard. With a lopsided tilt to his lips, Levi said, “He’s been handed over for questioning.”
A sudden silence overtook the room as Bullard and his men surely were contemplating what that meant, since Levi deliberately hadn’t specified to whom. “Sounds like you’ve got yourself a whole new life again.” Bullard nodded. “I approve.”
After that, things got to a more businesslike atmosphere. Pretty quickly they split up and headed out to discuss improvements. Ice wanted to go, but, at the same time, she didn’t.
Stone and Dave worked themselves free of the group and headed off to the garage or what should be called the R&D room. Stone was a hell of a weapons specialist, and he loved to build prototypes. He and Dave were two peas in a pod.
And just like that Ice found herself all alone in the kitchen. She sat there, studying her coffee cup. It was full—she’d barely sipped it. She hated this sense of disconnection from the others, but, without a doubt, it was there.
When at the top of her field, she had known pressure, stress, knowing one day she might never come home. She’d been lucky in that she always had. And then Levi and his crew had been injured, and she’d been there for him. Kept him safe while he healed.
Then he’d left to take care of business alone, knowing she’d been against him going after his enemies. And she’d been lost until he came back. She hadn’t even waited that long, choosing to do the extraction herself.
He’d asked her to join him in this venture, and she’d followed him, with no doubt they’d hit a turning point and that this was a great step for the entire team. Only she didn’t have a relationship with Levi anymore. Not the kind she wanted. Just as friends. Both of them so damn loyal to each other it was almost painful to be a part of it without the intimacy …
Bullard’s arrival had just pinpointed how far apart she and Levi really were. And yet how close in other ways.
Unbidden tears came to her eyes. She brushed them aside. It would never do her any good for the men to see her so vulnerable. She dropped her hands to the table and studied her nails absently. So much of her world had changed, shifted. And so much more had fallen away. She was lost. Adrift.
Still she’d gotten herself into this mess. If she didn’t like it, she could just pull out. She couldn’t go back to the navy. She could fly helicopters anywhere though, if that’s what she wanted. Flying was definitely in her blood, but, as she got older, it became less of a necessity. Other issues called to her. The wish for a family was one. She wasn’t ready yet, but she’d like to think she would be in a few years, as long as the possibility of children was still on the table. But Levi had made it clear he didn’t want any. Ever. Because of his mean, abusive father.
She’d gone through a lot to get to where she was. But it seemed like she was a hell of a long ways from where she really wanted to be.
Even worse, she had no idea where she was going.
Because she couldn’t see a future without Levi.
How much longer could she keep this up, waiting for him?
*
“What the hell’s going on between you and Ice?” Bullard asked Levi. “You’ve still got the cold war happening. What’s the deal?”
“You tell me. The only reason you and I are still friends is because you know she’s mine.” Levi’s voice was calm and quiet, but there was no mistaking the coldness behind the words.
“I’ll keep my hands off unless I find out you’re not treating that girl right. I expected to see her happy and she’s not,” Bullard snapped. “You better fix it and fast.”
Levi did not want to discuss this with Bullard. He was a good man, but he also wanted Ice. So far he’d respected Ice’s relationship with Levi but for how long? Particularly if she wasn’t happy. “Not that easy.”
“Hell, yes, it is. Drag her to bed. Most of the problems get solved that way anyway. So much shit that was a big deal before you get into bed is no longer one by the time you get out. You should have solved this a long time ago.”
Levi didn’t answer. Was Bullard right? Was Ice really sad? Was she so unhappy with Levi? Did she regret leaving the military? He’d known he was asking a lot when he wanted her to come with the team. He had made no promises about their future, but they both knew they belonged together. He didn’t know how hard it would be to cross this divide, but, if Bullard was right, if Levi didn’t find a way, then it could be over for him and Ice.
And, if it came to that, if he lost her again, that would be one blow he’d never recover from. She’d been the reason he came home after every mission. If she wasn’t here anymore …
He gave himself a mental shake. She’d followed him. She hadn’t argued. She hadn’t fought. She hadn’t made any conditions. She’d walked away from her career and followed him.
Damn. She’d given up everything. He’d given up nothing.
“You figure out how to fix the two of you,” Bullard said. “It damn-near breaks my heart to see her like this, without her spark. With that cold and cross temper of hers, the laser gaze that would shut you out, she’s the most beautiful woman I know. That edge of hers makes her very special.”
“She’s no longer in active service, so of course she doesn’t have that same edge. None of us do.” Levi glanced over at his friend. “Neither do you.”
“No, that’s very true, but none of us look like we lost our best friend either.” With that Bullard walked ahead, and Levi forced his thoughts to the defense system on the outer perimeter. Bullard pointed to where one of the exits from the house itself came out of the tunnel. “Boost the electricity here for communications while traveling in and out of that tunnel.”
Levi added that to the notes. So far he had five pages’ worth. How long would this take?
“You should get this done in a few days, a week on the outside,” Bullard said. “This is a priority. It needs to be done now.”
Bullard walked back toward the compound and pointed out how to build supports for the extra thick wiring to electrify the fence. Bullard was a specialist in his field. He knew his job, and Levi was smart enough to listen. He might know how to get into enemy territory, take out the unfriendlies, rescue a hostage, get back out and to home ground in the blink of an eye, but, when it came to making a compound secure, well, that was Bullard’s specialty, he was all about tech toys and Levi needed to learn fast.
And Levi wanted what was his to be secure. Everything—and everyone. So far he’d done a hell of a job. That much he knew. He’d put his heart and soul—and every last penny—into this project. Now he had to keep it protected, out of harm’s way.
Levi had two men back from a fact-finding mission in Mexico, seeing if any whispers confirmed Rodriguez was still alive. They’d found nothing. But, as s
oon as the two had landed here, Levi had sent them straight to town to keep an eye on the hardware store. They were suited up with the latest surveillance equipment, compliments of Bullard. They checked in regularly, but, so far, the small town looked normal.
Levi didn’t believe that—not for a second.
While Logan and Harrison kept watch, Levi was here with Bullard, planning the modifications to ensure the compound was as impenetrable as he could make it.
He and Bullard walked the ridge on the north side, staring down at the main buildings. From here it was easy to see everything. Something white caught his eye. Several cigarette butts had been tossed and dug into the ground. Unless the culprit was a chain smoker, he, or they, had stood watching the compound for hours.
If he and his people were under surveillance, it could mean a lot of things, and not one of them was good.
He called Bullard over. The two of them studied the debris.
“We didn’t see him from here or down below,” Bullard said. “So he’s been watching and picking his timing.” Bullard immediately made plans. “We can attach the crossbeams on the left here to that one there and support cameras up on the side. Maybe mount them at the base of floodlights, and nobody would know they’re wired.”
That sounded good to Levi. The last thing he wanted to do was think of anybody keeping track of what he was doing, not when it was Levi and his team’s job to keep track of what other people were doing.
“My men can start on this right now,” Bullard said. “Some of the equipment will need to be ordered, but we can get a lot of this done while we’re here.”
Levi smiled. Now that was his kind of time frame.
And sure enough, with them all working together, under Bullard’s direction, they got the bulk of the job done in three days. At that point they ran out of supplies, and someone had to go to town.
So far, no other discarded cigarettes had showed up. Nothing of interest turned up in town either. And Levi had to ask himself if he’d missed something major.
Chapter 7
Ice had been deemed errand runner, so she took the Suburban and headed into town for needed supplies. She didn’t mind. She had a lot to think about. Levi, for one, to switch up their relationship. Tossing an idea around for days, which still percolated inside her head, Ice wondered at the sanity of taking such a step.
Yet it was a great idea.
But could she end what she had with Levi? Or would it be the beginning of the rest of their lives? Forcing his hand would at least let her know where she stood.
Going to town gave her time to contemplate. The to-do list was long, and she was going alone as every man was needed for the modifications going on within the compound. Not that she couldn’t hold a drill as well as the rest—because she could—but she also welcomed the break from all the testosterone. Security was being beefed up; parts were being flown in from all over the world, and Bullard was in his element.
Levi was scrambling to catch up. He’d been the man at the top of the military world, but, in the private sector, things were different. She loved the changes happening to them professionally. She just didn’t know what to do about their personal lives, being stuck in one place. Before he’d asked her to join them, she’d been petrified he would take off and leave her behind. Now it felt like their lives were on hold, when they should be sharing one life together.
She parked outside the grocery store and sat in the driver’s seat for a moment.
At this point in her life she’d expected to be wearing a ring and discussing a family down the road. Instead she was this well-honed military pilot, born and bred for action. But, since Levi’s accident, something else had happened to her. It had been all she could do just to protect the man, and now he didn’t need protecting. She wasn’t sure he needed her at all.
And that hurt. They’d always been partners, and they still worked well together. The dynamics of their relationship had changed though. She’d never been part of his team before. She’d always been there in the periphery, a specialist in her own area. She’d been the one in command when he’d gone down. She’d made sure he’d stayed safe, had arranged for the new medical facility when they’d been attacked. And then, when he was finally capable, he’d taken off. Not for long though. He received the inheritance. Then, realizing it was perfect for their needs, he’d asked her to come with him. For a month things had been good. Their relationship getting back on its feet. Until the intel had arrived on Herrara.
Levi hadn’t walked; but ran after the man who had turned his world upside down. Even though he’d asked her to go with him, she’d been devastated. It had taken her days to pull herself together. Terkel, Merk’s brother, had contacted her and told her how Levi would get his ass kicked once more. And she’d stepped in yet again to fly him to safety. If anyone kicked his ass, it would be her. But, of course, she’d flown in and rescued him instead. No way could she leave Levi’s life in the hands of another pilot.
He’d never said a word. Just hugged her tight.
At that point she’d figured they’d be fine. But she’d been shocked and hurt when he’d shown her to her own suite. And never once came knocking …
Instead of grabbing a buggy at the store, she snagged a big flat cart. No point in buying groceries for a day or two; she needed to stock up to feed a near army. Alfred had sent her with a huge list.
One to get the job done as fast as she could, she found an employee to help. Within an hour she was outside again, loading the back of the Suburban. That had gone great, but she had several more stops, which would take a while, plus she had packages to pick up. By the time she was done, she was more than ready to go home.
Ice pulled into Wildon, more truck stop than town, but good enough for her current needs.
After filling the tank, she walked inside to pick up a coffee. Ice was almost home, but she could feel the shakes coming on. She’d skipped lunch, having overeaten Alfred’s and Dave’s big breakfast.
On her way back to the Suburban, Ice spotted a young woman sitting under a tree. With bright red hair, the woman was hard to miss. Beside her sat a backpack of sorts and some kind of a carry bag. A look of such sadness on her young face damn-near broke Ice’s heart.
Making a sudden decision, she walked over, holding the coffee in her hands. As she got closer, she could see the woman was in her late twenties. Her red hair plaited down her back was a bright spot to her appearance.
“Hello,” Ice said.
The woman looked over at her. “Hi.”
“Are you lost?”
The woman gave a half laugh. “In more ways than one.”
Ice smiled; she knew the feeling. “I can relate.”
The woman switched her gaze to the Suburban. “You might’ve been lost at some point in time, but you appear to have found your way now.”
Ice shook her head. “Appearances can be deceiving. Do you need a hand?”
The young woman’s eyes widened. “Don’t we all at some time?”
“Maybe. But I don’t right now. My problems have to do with something else.”
At that the woman bounded to her feet with a bitter laugh. “Man troubles then. And I’ve had my full share of those too.”
The two studied each other across a three-foot divide.
“I can give you a little money if that would help you get somewhere,” Ice offered. She’d never been in this young girl’s position, but something about her made Ice’s heart ache. The girl looked soft, gentle, innocent.
And Ice was feeling hard, worn down … and old.
The other woman’s back straightened, and Ice knew she’d hit a nerve. This woman didn’t need or want charity. Before she could respond, Ice added, “Or a job?”
The young woman’s mouth opened and closed. She studied Ice curiously. “What kind of job?”
“What skills do you have?”
“Secretarial, accounting.” The woman shrugged. “Any kind of office work. I have experience cleaning hotel
rooms. I’ve even done a stint fueling vehicles at a gas station. For the last few years there have been a whole lot of jobs—none of them for very long and none of them paid very well.”
“How are you on computers?” Ice couldn’t help wondering if maybe they could find a spot for her at the compound. Granted, not a home for waifs, but that didn’t mean it wasn’t a shelter for those caught in the storm of life. And they did need somebody to help clean and cook, and, if this girl could do office work, that would be a big help. Only the security clearance would be an issue.
“I’m very good with computers. I was working for a company doing forensic accounting.” She turned to stare at a point behind Ice’s shoulder. “Until something went wrong of course.” Her voice ended on a bitter note. “And it’s been a downhill slide since.”
If she could do that type of work, it would definitely be a plus. What had gone wrong in her life that she was sitting at this crossroad? It could be anything, but some things they couldn’t take the chance on. “What happened?”
The woman’s gaze flipped back to Ice’s face and narrowed as if to say, Not your business.
Ice held up a hand. “First, you need to realize I do potentially have a position. But, second, I won’t tolerate anything criminal in any way, shape, or form.” With a sense of amusement she watched the woman in front of her stiffen in offense.
The redhead snapped, glaring icicles. “I might be in a tough spot right now, but I do know right from wrong, and I choose to walk on the right side.”
“My name is Ice. Currently eleven men are back home, five who live there regularly and six visiting right now, although they should be gone in another few days.”
“My name is Sienna, and I was raised with four brothers.” She spoke drily. “So your men don’t scare me.”
Ice laughed. “Fine. They are all good men, but they are on the extreme side for males—except Alfred. Of course that’s because the military breeds them that way.”
