by Bella Juarez
The FBI was expecting him to make some inroads into this case that he had been working on for almost three years now. There was also some intelligence that terrorists were starting to funnel into the country by coming through the border illegally. That had caught the attention of the Department of Homeland Security. So attending this gala would be a good way to look around.
Gavin left the chief’s office and went to his own tiny office in the middle of a large room where his guys surrounded him. In a small department like this, they didn’t have the luxury of just SWAT duty. Everyone pulled double duty, sometimes triple duty. Gavin operated differently. Being a former SEAL he operated under the teamwork concept. His team had been handpicked and they stayed together. So Gavin had his guys work and sit together in the same office space regardless of their duties.
Gavin had dumped the SWAT team the city had prepared and started over. It had caused a little ruffle in a department rich in traditional police structure. Chief Ortiz had taken a lot of heat over that little maneuver and as a result threw a tantrum about Gavin’s way of doing business. Ortiz could fight his little turf war with the city council and the other politicians that ran Victoria. Gavin wasn’t about to let Ortiz fuck up his mission.
“That’s why you’re in the shit you’re in and that’s why the feds sent my ass here,” Gavin recalled telling Ortiz.
The War on Terror was creating some unholy alliances between organized crime and terrorists. As Gavin flipped through the folder, he noticed that was exactly what was about to happen here. Jorge Rivera was probably hoping to make some serious cash playing underground railroad for terrorists wanting to get into the country undetected. He frowned as he saw another name in the folder. It was an operative from a cyberterrorism organization out of Panama. Mara Veintidós, or M-22.
Gavin took out his personal cell phone and made a call to Randolph Air Force Base.
“Mac? It’s Walsh,” Gavin said.
“Badass? How the hell are you, boy?” the man on the other end answered.
“Doing good. You?”
“Pretty fair. You ever get through that pansy-ass FBI school?”
“Yeah, I did. It was more like summer camp,” Gavin scoffed.
Mac started laughing. “What’s on your mind?”
“You guys still working the M-22 thing?”
“Maybe, why?”
“Talk to me about a guy by the name of Esteban Ramirez-Merles.”
“He’s a computer hacker, why?”
“Ran across his name in a case I’m working. As a matter of fact I’ve seen it a couple of times. I remembered it from that cartel thing. I worked with O’Connor and your twin over at Little Creek. Fucking Switchblade practically sent me to live down in Panama. And last year I worked a case where he used an alias. I was able to get Rock’s help with tracking the guy while he was at Dam Neck with Dixie,” Gavin said.
“Where the hell are you?”
“I’m down the road, Victoria, Texas, about an hour and a half northeast of Corpus Christi,” Gavin answered.
“No shit! That was fast!” Mac exclaimed.
“What?” Gavin asked, furrowing his eyebrows
“You pissing someone off so fast that they’ve already got you reassigned to BFE!” Mac howled as he fell out laughing.
“Fuck you, Mac. Believe it or not I actually volunteered for this duty.” Gavin chuckled.
“Yeah and I volunteered for Greenland!” Mac howled once more.
One of Gavin’s men stood at the doorway. Gavin waved him in and motioned for him to sit down. The man entered and sat.
“So? Can you tell me anything? Have you heard from him again?” Gavin asked.
“I believe Rock might have something on that one. Captain’s gone to Coronado on a TAD…” Mac started.
“Captain? Rock? What the hell? They run out of commanders to promote? Was Rock the last one left? Did they make JJ Command Master Chief?” Gavin exclaimed.
“Dixie promoted Rock about six months ago. He pinned it on after we got here. And shit for brains has to get out of the brig before they make him Command Master Chief. Anywho, about your boy, Rock should be back Thursday, want to come by then?”
“Yeah, I’ll be there early. Should be there around eight thirty. See you then, Mac.” Gavin hung up the call. “What’s up Jimmy?”
The officer in front of Gavin was a young K-9 officer. Jimmy was fresh out of the Marines and the police academy. Out of all of his hand-picked team, he had gotten lucky with Jimmy Sanchez. Officer Sanchez had been Marine Recon, the Corps version of special ops. Jimmy had been wounded in Afghanistan, and as part of his psychological and physical rehabilitation he had been given a dog for therapy. He discovered during his rehabilitation he had a knack for training dogs. While he was recovering, Jimmy requested to be given security police duties and was given a short term with the K-9 units before he got out of the Corps altogether. They had the instant bond of the special operations fraternity.
“Just to let you know, sir, I ran all the dogs and none of them will meet our requirements. Maybe one could get there, but really, we should look at getting our own dog,” Jimmy said.
“We’ll need to ramp up. I’ve got a case that may require a dog. How long will it take you to work with the dog you think might qualify?” Gavin asked as he rubbed his scruffy chin.
“At least six to eight weeks, and that’s if he lives with me. His handler isn’t too keen on giving him up to me.”
“Give me the name of the handler and I’ll see what I can do. If not, let me check on funds. I’m going to San Antonio on Thursday. Do you think the facilities at Lackland might have what we need?” Gavin asked.
“Hell, yeah! Lackland’s one of the best facilities around.”
“Let me see what I can arrange between now and Wednesday. Be prepared to go with me on Thursday,” Gavin said.
“Yes, sir,” Jimmy said as he left.
Gavin studied the folder for the better part of three hours before calling the San Antonio field office. The special agent in charge wasn’t in on Saturday but would return the call on Monday, he was told. He decided to do some snooping on his own.
Chapter 2
1818 Meade, #1502
Victoria, Texas
November 14, 2007/2303 Zulu
Gavin straightened his tie and took one more look before walking out the door. Life was much easier when he wore a uniform to events like this. As he drove to the Victoria Country Club, his mind worked on his new lead in the case. Jorge Rivera was one bad dude. He was indeed in the upper ranks of the Mexican Mafia. Rivera’s rap sheet was inked all over his body, right down to the tear-drop tattoos near his eye indicating he had murdered someone. Gavin had spent three days doing research and some surveillance of his own. He and his men had started planning their tactics when they had caught a break.
Apparently Rivera was still in the Beaumont federal prison. He was due to be released in one week.
Gavin had arranged a meeting in San Antonio with Captain Jack “Rock” O’Malley. There was a connection between Esteban Ramirez-Merles the hacker and Jorge Rivera. Gavin suspected it involved the diversion of money. That’s what Ramirez-Merles had been known for. He was thinking about that meeting when the country club came into view. He walked inside and handed his ticket to the lady at the front table.
When Gavin stepped into the hall, he had to keep from rolling his eyes. Seriously? This wasn’t his scene. These sorts of affairs were better left to people who could deal with being nice to people they didn’t like. The fake decorations were gaudy and too bright for him. He knew he was scowling at all the fake smiles he was seeing. The attire was just over the top. Even in a suit, he felt underdressed around some of the women in the room. Fucking really? Gavin could feel himself grinding his teeth. If one person speaks to me, I’m going to shoot them.
As he scanned the room, he honed in on the table where beer and wine was being served. He made a beeline for the table, figuring he would need
a drink to get through this evening. In the sea of people he had spotted his boss. Chief Ortiz was standing near the tables reserved for the police department, talking with two women. He took a deep breath as he drew near Chief Ortiz. One of the women laughed as he approached.
“Of course! David, I would be happy to help,” she said.
Gavin stopped dead in his tracks because he recognized that sultry voice. Hell, he heard that voice in his dreams! It was his chocolate-haired hottie!
“Oh my God,” Gavin whispered out loud.
Feeling rather stupid for stopping in the middle of the room, he started walking once more. Chief Ortiz turned and smiled as he greeted Gavin.
“Gavin! Glad you could make it,” Ortiz said, heartily shaking his hand.
“Wouldn’t miss it, sir,” Gavin said.
“Honey, this is Lieutenant Gavin Walsh. He’s the head of our SWAT team. My wife, Irene,” Ortiz said to a plump woman in a blue dress.
“Mrs. Ortiz, pleasure to finally meet you, ma’am.” Gavin shook her hand.
“Nice to finally meet you, Gavin. David talks about you all the time,” Irene said with a twinkle in her eye.
“None of it is true.” Gavin smiled.
“Yeah, it’s all true.” Ortiz snorted.
Ortiz turned to the other woman and continued with the introductions.
“And this is the lady that runs our library system for the City of Victoria, Dr. Amy Livingston. She’s also my niece,” Ortiz said.
She is a librarian? Holy fuck! Her heat rating just went off the charts! Gavin would absolutely be getting that library card he promised his boss! Amy. He said her name to himself. The effect on him was instantaneous as he felt his mouth start to water. Amy was positively beautiful in her black dress that hung to midcalf of those beautiful legs. Her long hair was up and small tendrils fell down around her neck. Gavin had to fight the urge to physically touch and trace the pearl choker she wore. He looked into her eyes and the shock wave threatened to flatten him. Amy was blushing. He wanted to moan out loud as he watched her turn a beautiful shade of pink. Amy had recognized him as the police officer that had stopped at her house on Friday night.
“Amy is one of our success stories. She’s from Victoria and she graduated first in her class, went off and got a doctorate. Came home and has been here for the last five years running our library,” David said.
Gavin knew he shouldn’t torture himself, but he didn’t want to seem rude and he certainly didn’t want her to be any more embarrassed than she was.
“Dr. Livingston, it’s nice to meet you.” Gavin held out his hand.
Amy cleared her throat and smiled politely.
“Lieutenant.” Amy shook his hand.
“The pleasure is mine,” Gavin said with a smile.
“I think I’m going to get a glass of wine. Excuse me,” Amy said, starting to turn away.
“No worries, I’ll get it. Red or white?” Gavin asked before she could leave.
“White. Thank you, Lieutenant,” Amy said without looking at him.
* * * *
Amy wanted to melt into the floor. She couldn’t believe she had just run into the police officer who came to her house on Friday night. She kicked herself mentally for the thousandth time. She had to do a speech in a few minutes and wondered how she would ever get through it with him sitting in the audience.
Amy barely heard Irene excuse herself and David as they turned to greet the deputy police chief. She smiled and exchanged pleasantries as she watched Lieutenant Walsh return with her glass of wine. She had no idea what she would say to this man. After he handed her the glass, she took a long sip and a deep breath. David and Irene were talking to David’s deputy chief of police.
“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Amy said stiffly.
“You’re welcome, Amy. May I call you Amy?” Gavin asked.
“Of course,” Amy said. Why not? We ought to at least be on a first-name basis after the show you got Friday night! “Lieutenant, about the other night…”
“Please, call me Gavin. Other night?” he asked with a confused look.
“Yes, Friday night,” Amy said.
Gavin looked at her as if she were from another planet. “Did something happen Friday night?” he asked, concerned.
“Uh…” Amy faltered. Do I have the wrong cop?
Amy was sure Lieutenant Walsh was the police officer who had come to her house. That man had been striking and unforgettable. Those steel-gray eyes haunted her. The only difference between this man and the one that had been at the house on Friday was his face and what he was wearing. He had shaved and Lieutenant Walsh was wearing a suit.
“Let me see, Friday night. I got off work about seven twenty and went home. Friday was a pretty uneventful day for me.” Gavin shrugged.
Amy was speechless.
“Is there something I should know about Friday night?” Gavin asked politely.
“N–No. M–My mistake,” Amy said quickly.
Thankfully, the deputy chief of police turned and noticed Gavin.
“Gavin!” the man exclaimed.
“Chief,” Gavin said, grasping his hand in a robust shake.
“I didn’t know you were so community minded!” the deputy chief said.
“Serve and protect, isn’t that what we do, sir?” Gavin said.
“Well then, you can help us with the food drive and distribution next week for Thanksgiving. It’s our charity. It kicks off Blue Santa.” The deputy chief laughed.
“I’ve already recruited Amy for that duty, Chuck,” David said.
“Be happy to do whatever I can, sir. Where do I need to show up?” Gavin asked.
“I’ll make sure you get the e-mail. Again,” the deputy chief said with a grin.
Gavin smiled sheepishly and glanced at Amy.
A nasal man announced the festivities at the podium.
Irene turned to Amy. “I gave your seat to the mayor, since he was the first speaker. We forgot to seat him at the head table. And I really don’t want to move Frank. You know how he’ll whine.”
“Of course. It really doesn’t matter where I sit,” Amy said.
“Thank you, Amy, I really screwed up,” Irene said.
Gavin started to take a seat next to his boss when Irene stopped him.
“Gavin, do you mind sitting on the other side of David?” Irene asked.
“No problem.”
Amy hadn’t taken her seat and there was no other empty seat at the table other than the one next to Gavin. She started to sit when Gavin stood and pulled out her chair.
As the evening’s festivities started, Chief Ortiz leaned over and she heard David comment to Gavin.
“You do have manners, huh? Badass,” Ortiz chided.
Gavin smiled and said nothing. Amy kept trying not to look at Lieutenant Walsh, but she noticed that he glanced over at the head table. A confused look crossed his face as he looked at her and then turned and looked at her aunt. Irene winked at him and turned away. She looked at the head table. She found it odd that Irene had been wrong. There was an empty seat. In fact it was the place where Irene had instructed Amy to sit initially.
* * * *
Toward end of the program, Amy was introduced and stood to give her speech. Gavin was grateful. Amy was short and to the point. The president of the Library Foundation Board went way over time and this thing seemed to be dragging. Finally the gala opened up its annual casino night. He took a seat at the table where he had been earlier, halfway listening to a conversation between the chief and the mayor. He had lost sight of Amy and was no longer interested in the evening. Mrs. Ortiz found him sitting alone.
“Gavin! Aren’t you going to join in the casino night? Did you get your chips?” Irene asked
“Yes, ma’am,” Gavin said.
“I hear the blackjack table is pretty empty,” Irene said, turning away.
Gavin wanted to make his escape. Maybe blowing all of his play money would be his ticket out of here. He walk
ed toward the back of the hall and looked around. There were all kinds of tables and slots available. He glanced at the blackjack table and noticed Amy was sitting there. He smiled. Irene Ortiz was playing matchmaker. He took the empty chair next to her and was dealt into the game. Irene won’t have to work very hard to get me to look that way.
About three hands into the game, Amy wasn’t doing well and was almost out of chips. Gavin noticed she was going over almost every hand. He, on the other hand, was doing pretty damn good. He handed her some chips.
“Here you go,” Gavin said.
Amy smiled weakly and took the chips that Gavin offered. He was a little puzzled by her expression.
“Thank you, Lieutenant,” Amy replied.
After four hands, she was running pretty low, again. Gavin was surprised at how bad she was at this game. This game wasn’t rocket science! She just had to stay below twenty-one. Amy was busting almost every hand. The dealer took a momentary break to change out the deck. He turned and looked at her.
“Maybe you should try another game?” Gavin suggested, handing her more chips.
“No, I like this one. Are you enjoying the gala?” Amy asked, making polite small talk.
“I should’ve eaten before I came,” Gavin retorted.
Amy giggled at the dig. Gavin looked at her and smiled. That giggle had the power to turn him liquid.
“Yeah, that’s why I’m trying to get rid of these chips. I want to go home, too,” Amy said quietly.
“I’ve been helping you right out, huh?” Gavin chuckled.
“Thank you.” Amy giggled again.
“How about we go get a real dinner? Right now,” Gavin suggested.
A hand was dealt and Amy got twenty-one with five cards, despite her best efforts.
“Um, I don’t know. I came with Irene and David and I was thinking about asking David to drop me off. Irene has to stay,” Amy said in an uncertain tone.
