Kid Chaos (SEAL Team Alpha Book 2)

by Zoe Dawson

  She smiled and said, “Daddy.”

  Kid stood and backed away as her family crowded in. Her father, lean and tough, the boys, Leo, Knox, and Atticus each with concern and love shining in their eyes. She’d raised these guys and he couldn’t be prouder of her. But now she was in good hands and he could leave, prolonging the inevitable would only hurt more. Better a clean break.

  A hand landed on his shoulder and he turned to find Cowboy. He and the other guys milling around outside had been taking turns checking up on her, but they were more worried about him. Even her boss had been here, a big man with a shock of dark hair.

  The NCIS team had been able to waylay the truck carrying the crates of weapons after another firefight with the rebels who had been killed down to the last man. He grimly told Kid that the warheads hadn’t been among the crates.

  He was sick that they got away with them, but this wasn’t over and the SEALs would recover what belonged to the United States Navy.

  His eyes felt gritty and heavy, but every time he closed them, he saw her on the ground, her plea for him to tell her family that she loved them. He was still adamant that she would tell them herself.

  Now she could.

  “Hey, man. What are you still doing here? Don’t you have that wedding to get to? Michelle is your favorite cousin. I’m sure you don’t want to miss it.”

  “If you need me—”

  “I don’t need you and that ragtag bunch out there to wait any longer. I have things to do. So get out of here. Kiss the bride for me.”

  Cowboy looked to the bed where Paige had gone back to sleep. The doctor came in and started to talk to her family. They were nodding and taking in the information. He retreated and ended up bumping into Blue. He turned and Blue said, “The prognosis looks good for her. She’ll have to be in the hospital for a few days. I think they’re moving her to the States tomorrow. She’ll have a chest tube for a bit and that’ll work to re-inflate the lung in about a month.”

  “Thanks, man, for saving her life.”

  He nodded in his modest Blue way. “You and her?”

  “It’s over. She just wanted something temporary.”

  “Aw, man. I’m sorry. Some things last as long as they last.”

  “True that. I’ll see you back in Coronado. I’m heading out.”

  “We are, too. I’ll see you back there.”

  Kid walked to the nurses’ station and asked for a piece of paper. He wrote Paige a note, keeping it light. He handed it to the nurse and asked her to make sure she got it, then he was in the elevator, then out of the hospital.

  He got a ride back to Paige’s place and packed up his belongings, avoiding looking at the bed, then he left her key in the tray on her foyer table, locking the door on his way out.

  He took a cab to Cris’s house and after knocking, the door opened.

  Ariane didn’t say a word, just wrapped her arms around him and hugged him hard. Jhosselin yelled, “Ashe with an ‘e’!” and flew like a pink missile to him, latching onto his leg. Riky was more conservative and held up his hand for a knuckle bump. Then Cris materialized out of the kitchen, his face mottled with bruises, stitched gashes and scrapes. But his eyes were shining with happiness and welcome.

  “Will you let the man in the house, you three. I think we owe him some breakfast.”

  After Ashe ate and was kissed and hugged some more, Ariane shooed the kids away from him and off to school.

  “I can never repay you for what you have done for us. My company, my livelihood, and my heart you have given them all back to me. Know that any time you want to mountain bike here, it will be on the house and there is a guest room reserved for you and the lovely Paige. I hope that you and she will be very happy.”

  His heart heavy, Ashe just nodded. He couldn’t talk about Paige, not even to Cris. He was still raw from leaving her. At the door, he went to shake Cris’s hand, but the older man pulled him into an embrace. God bless you, Ashe, your country, and your warriors. I am forever grateful.”

  He took a cab to the airport and booked a flight to DC. He slept all the way, his dreams filled with Paige. When he woke, he made his way to the Pentagon, then to Lieutenant Colonel Tom Davis’s office. When he reached the aide’s desk, the man said, “Do you have an appointment?”

  Kid shook his head. “Tell him it’s Pete Wilder’s son.”

  The man relayed the information and the door immediately opened. “Ashe, what a surprise! Come in.”

  Ashe followed Tom into his office and closed the door. They made small talk about his mom and his sister and nieces. Finally, Tom said, “I get the feeling this isn’t about catching up.”

  “No, it’s about my dad.” Kid outlined briefly what had happened and who he had met.

  Tom’s lips thinned. “I don’t know if what Anderson says is true, Ashe. But, I commanded your father’s unit, and I can vouch for his character just as I did when I talked to the Medal of Honor Committee. He embodied values that can’t be taught. He was selfless, fearless, and a damn fine SEAL. Brave to a fault. I personally can’t believe he was ever involved with anything illegal or dishonorable.”

  Ashe swallowed hard. He realized that he was going to have to go on faith here. Decide that his father was a good man who gave his life for those family members, just as Ashe would have done for Cris’s family. “In my opinion, the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.” Tom smiled. “You’re a lot like him, Ashe, a large, loud personality who makes everyone laugh. But when it comes time to get down to business, you are a consummate professional. Hold that tight in your heart for your dad, and I know that he’s looking down, and is so damn proud of the man and the SEAL you’ve become.”

  He rose and held out his hand, and Tom shook it. Then Ashe saluted him, turned and left. He walked to the subway and traveled to Virginia where he caught a cab and was soon on his mom’s doorstep.

  He knocked and when she opened the door, she wrapped her arms around him. “Oh, Ashe, it’s so good to have you home.”

  She brought him inside and Emma, his sister rushed to him, throwing her arms around him, his nieces, Sofia and Grace each wrapped their arms around his legs. “Wow,” he said, looking into Jay Marlowe’s eyes. “There’s a lot of estrogen going on here? Save me, man.”

  His brother-in-law laughed and shook his head. “Come between you and your admirers? No way, man. You’re on your own.”

  Hours later, after his gifts had been handed out, his mom had examined the cuts to his face and his sister’s worried eyes had made him feel guilty about upsetting them both. He’d retired to the back porch and the sultry summer night. His mom came out with a piece of apple pie with ice cream on top and handed it to him.

  “How are you, Ashe?”

  “I’m doing good, Mom.”

  “And your vacation riding a mountain bike down a death road. Was that fun and exciting?”

  “It was,” his tone was subdued. He freaking missed Paige so much he thought his heart was going to collapse.

  “Doesn’t sound like it.” His mom gave him a skeptical look.

  After a moment, he gave her just the briefest information about meeting Bryant Anderson and what he’d said about his dad.

  Her eyes flashed. “I don’t care what he said,” she snapped. “He obviously never knew Pete. He was a wonderful man, faultless to a T. You can be assured that he would never betray his country. That would be like betraying us, and that is something that would never happen. He was dedicated to the Navy, the SEALs, and us. I swear, Ashe. I wouldn’t lie to you.”

  “I know that, Mom.” He set down the plate and wrapped his arms around her quivering body. She was so angry, he could feel the waves washing over him.

  After he let her go, she cupped his face. “What else happened in the highest capital city in the world? There’s a sadness to your eyes I recognize that often has to do with the opposite sex.”

  He heaved a sigh and picked up the plate taking a bite of the cinnamony apples and ice crea
m. “I met a woman a strong, amazing woman, and she turned my life around, but relationships between a SEAL and an NCIS agent can be complicated. So, I’m here and she’s there.”

  “I’m sorry. I do want you to be happy.”

  He nodded. “I know. It’s all fine. Things work out the way they’re supposed to.” He took another bite, the crickets loud in the silence, the moon bright in the sky. “Mom? How did you really feel when I told you I wanted to be a Navy SEAL like dad?”

  “I was proud and freaking terrified. But I knew you. I knew you had to do what was important to you, regardless of anyone else’s feelings. Your dad would be proud of you whatever you chose to do. You didn’t have to prove anything to anyone, Medal of Honor or not. It was nothing but a hunk of metal and the honor didn’t come from bestowing the medal, but from your dad’s sacrifice.” She pulled a box out of her shorts pocket and pressed it into his hand. Ashe opened it and stared at the medal nestled in blue velvet. She curled her hands around his and squeezed. “Never forget that. The apple didn’t fall far from the tree.”

  She smiled, kissed his cheek and left him with his pie and his dad’s medal.

  Two weeks later, he was deep in Mexico rescuing a high-level banker and his wife from a bunch of kidnappers. They were in the back country and the LZ was miles away.

  “Kid! For the love of God! Donkeys?” Ruckus shouted.

  The first in the string hee-hawed like he was offended. Kid rubbed his forehead and said, “Hey, he didn’t mean it. He doesn’t know you like I do.” He heard Ruckus growl. He faced his LT. “They’re fast and they’re sturdy. You said to find some transportation.” He looked as innocent as a child.

  Scarecrow laughed, doubling over. Hollywood dissolved against one of the donkey’s flanks. It was just the four of them this time out. But it had been enough to free the married couple and take care of the pathetic kidnappers. Well, that was until they stumbled on some drug runners, then all hell had broken loose. But with his rifle and scope Kid had done his job.

  Long story short, they had subdued the bad guys, and Kid had found their donkeys. No Jeep in sight.

  Scarecrow, wiping his eyes, said. “You did tell him to find transportation, LT. Beggars can’t be choosers. This is transportation, just the four-legged kind.”

  Ruckus ran his hand over his face, working hard not to crack a smile and lose some of his hard-ass reputation. “Dana is going to love this newest Kid story.”

  Kid grinned. “I’m working up a whole repertoire. I’m a legend, LT.”

  “You’re something all right,” he said under his breath. “Jackass comes to mind.”

  Hollywood wheezed, “He should fit right in.”

  Ruckus looked at the donkeys, the exhausted and bewildered civilians begging him for a reprieve. He sighed. “All right, mount up. We’re getting out of here.”

  Kid rubbed the donkey’s soft nose. “See, I told you he’d come around.”

  Hollywood couldn’t stop laughing all the way down the trail.

  Scarecrow leaned over and said, “Man, you always have us covered. You’re the bomb.” He tapped fists with Kid.

  “High ho, Silver,” Kid called out and tapped his steed with his heels and held on when the placid animal took off like a shot.

  The apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Those words flowed through his mind, mimicking his mom’s and his dad’s commanding officer’s. Tom and Mom were right. He would hold the memory of his dad as he always had. Finally getting it that he was worthy of not only his father, but strong enough to step out of his shadow and walk his own path, knowing that being a Navy SEAL was all he’d ever want. His commitment to his team was solid, his commitment to the Navy was strong and his commitment to himself was unbreakable.

  Now if only he could get Paige back. His life would be complete.

  Cowboy stood at the curb and watched his cousin drive off with her husband. He was tired and rubbed the back of his neck. His sister came up alongside him. “I truly didn’t think you’d show up for the wedding.”

  “I almost didn’t, Erin,” he said.

  “It was a long time ago, Wes. Can’t you forgive him and let it go? Mom and I miss you so much.” She clasped his arm, and he turned to look into her blue eyes. “No, I can’t. He betrayed us.” He clenched his jaw. He ruined everything! He ruined my reputation and took away everything I wanted!

  “Are you going to at least stay for a few days?”

  “No,” he said flatly. “My plane leaves in three hours.”

  She sighed, her voice teary, and he clenched his jaw even harder. “Darlin’, don’t.”

  He pulled her against him, his arms wrapping around her as she pressed her face into his chest. “Your high school reunion is in a few months. Why don’t you come home then? Stay for a while and attend.”

  He thought immediately of Kia and the temptation to find out what was up with her was overwhelming, but where could that possibly lead? He lived in San Diego and she lived here in this community where he would always be known as ‘that coward’s kid.’ He wondered what she thought about him.

  There was nothing he could do about what people gossiped about. It had been ten years, and he missed his family. “Please, Wes. You barely know your niece and nephew. They ask about you all the time. Mom is not getting any younger. The reunion if over a weekend, a few days.”

  He gritted his teeth, hating that he had disappointed his family and hurt them. Her tears were tearing him up inside. She looked up at him, more tears welling. He swore softly. “All right a few days,” he said gruffly. It would give him a chance to put this Kia business behind him. He’d find out she was married and off limits, or the fantasy of the past years didn’t hold up in the light of day.

  “All right. I’ll come back for the reunion. I can’t say how long I’ll stay,” he said without committing.

  On his way out of town after leaving his teary family, Cowboy couldn’t help himself as he drove where his heart resided. Parking at the ranch gate, a pole arch with Sweetwater carved into the crossbar was now a fancy sign with flowing, wavy lines underneath iron black letters. Those wavy lines had been their brand, the ranch that should have been his birthright, that he had planned to take over and run when he’d finished college. His throat tightened when he saw the sunflowers swaying against the wooden fence posts, they were particular favorites of his mom—“a dollop of sunshine,” she’d always said.

  He remembered planting them so long ago with his dad, who made sure she had some every day to place in a watering can she set on the hand-hewn kitchen table where both the hired hands and the family took their meals. The memory hurt so much he turned away from them.

  He vaulted the fence with ease, not much stood in his six-five way. He walked, knowing he was trespassing, but unable to help himself. This walk down memory lane would only open up old wounds that had never really healed up like they were supposed to. He saw a group of buildings off to the right and gazed at the spread that used to be his playground. Everything was so familiar, his throat closed and his breath hitched. Nothing…not a thing had changed.

  The lane curved down into an open area, branching of to the big white arena where he’d trained horses. He felt a rush of warmth as the house and other buildings filled his view. The huge old-fashioned house, which faced the gravel driveway looked recently painted, it’s green trim—their colors—standing out sharply from sparkling white. A veranda stretched across the front, old rockers that had been crafted by his grandfather still sat as if beckoning him for a rock and beer that had been his routine at the end of the day.

  He’d been born there, and he’d spent all his young life there, rooted in this ranching country. In fact, the McGraws had been one of the original settlers in these parts, one of the American families who had been given huge land rights when the nation had been new. His ancestors had been running huge herds of cattle when this part of Galveston was still a territory. But that had ended in the study on the east side of the house.
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  Ended their roots, ended their legacy, robbed him of his birthright, destroyed their honor. His chest filled with a volatile mix of regret, anger, and sorrow.

  It had been his dad’s responsibility to all those gone before him to keep it running. But he’d failed his ancestors, his family, and his son.

  He looked down and kicked a clod of dirt. Then raised his head again. Off to the right were the barns and corrals filled with horses. The cattle—Brangus and UltraBlack, their glossy coats glinting against the rays of the sun—were grazing off in the distant pastureland, and beyond he could see the ocean sparkling beneath the stark blue sky.

  He saw a man trotting on a palomino, it’s glowing coat like liquid gold, his white mane long and thick on his neck, and his tail swishing. He wondered fleetingly if it was Sunshine, his horse, but he would be too old to work the ranch now and must have either been sold, passed, or had been put out to pasture.

  The man spied him, and Cowboy withdrew, heading back to his vehicle, putting it in gear. He’d better skedaddle, or he was going to miss his flight. His cell rang, Kid on the other end of the line. He started to talk, and Cowboy’s heart sank. He’d had high hopes for him and Paige. It seemed like Kid had finally realized that he was picking the wrong women. He said nothing and listened.

  After he hung up, he regretted promising his sister that he would come back. He would most likely be as disappointed as Kid was. In a few months, he’d have to endure the gossip and the condemning looks. Conversations held behind hands and in whispers.

  That’s Jack McGraw’s son. He took the coward’s way out when he committed suicide ten years ago and his family lost everything…including their dignity, pride, and honor. How can you ever recover from that?

  Paige sat on the patio and wanted to scream. For the last thirty minutes, she had four grown men at her beck and call. They had just removed the tube from her chest, and it was good to get the damn thing out, to breathe normally. But she felt she hadn’t done that since Ashe had left the hospital, nothing but a lame-ass note to explain his absence. It’s been fun, babe. Later.