True Blue SEALs: Zak (True Navy Blue #1)

by Sharon Hamilton

  “Go ahead. I’m ready,” Dobson said.

  “The good news is that we’ve identified what could have triggered your heart attack.” He hesitated. “And the blood test confirms it was a heart attack.”

  “The bad news?”

  “We aren’t sure how much damage was done. It’s way too soon to make any specific treatment plans. We’ll have you here for several days while we evaluate your system and come up with something that will hopefully prolong your life.” He held up the purple bottle. “But these will not be going home with you, and you should never take another one again. Do I make myself perfectly clear?”

  Her dad’s eyes locked with Marlene’s. She gave him a warm smile and answered for him. “Of course. We’d rather have him alive as long as possible, doctor. That won’t be a problem.” Marlene scooted her chair closer to the bedside and took his hand, giving him a soft kiss. “You are so foolish, Ali. I feel like part of this is my fault.”

  “Okay, kids. Now I have to do my job. I’m sending you both outside while I take a good look at him. I’ll be out shortly. Agreed?”

  Amy and Marlene exited the room slowly. Marlene glanced back at her dad with a long, sober face. Amy could see she really loved her dad. Taking Marlene’s hand, she led them to the little waiting room where Rich Wilson was still waiting.

  “Oh my gosh, Rich. I didn’t realize you were still here.” Amy gave him a hug. “Thanks.”

  “How is he?”

  “Well, he hasn’t had another one, which is good. It’s wait and see,” Marlene offered. “Did he say when he could return to work?”

  Amy didn’t want to have the discussion about retirement in front of one of her father’s men, so shook her head. “Sorry, no.” She stepped closer to Rich, slipping her palm over his upper arm gently. “I’ll have Marlene drop me off at Dad’s house. I’ll be fine. You should go. Let everyone know down at the station it appears he’s out of danger for now, and we promise to keep them apprised, okay?”

  Rich nodded, biting his lower lip. “You let me know if you need anything, Amy. Anything at all.”

  She watched his muscled form amble down the hallway. Rich was a good man and would make a caring and wonderful husband and father. As if he sensed she was watching him, he turned. His cute expression of surprise and crooked smile made her jump at being caught.

  “Oh, by the way, congratulations. Happy for you, Amy.”

  “Thanks.” It was all she could say. Her heart was missing Zak so bad. She needed his arms around her. She needed him telling her everything would be okay. She wanted to call him, but they had agreed to let him do the calling, due to the nature of the mission.

  “Where is he, though?” Rich asked.

  “Overseas. I think its North Africa.”

  He considered saying something. She could see it in his profile. He finally gave her a good-bye smile and added, “Well, you need anything, I’m here. And thank him for his service, will you?”

  “I will most certainly do that, Rich. Thank you for your help.”

  Amy and Marlene sat in the waiting alcove. The cardiac unit had no windows, but she knew it was way past sunset.

  “Marlene? I think we wait until the doctor comes back, and then we both go home to get a good night’s rest.”

  “That sounds like a plan. You want to get a late supper?”

  “I’m just not hungry. I think I could sleep, though.”

  “Well, let’s find out, and then we’ll do that.” Marlene took her hand in hers. “Thank you, Amy, for that wonderful weekend at your place in San Francisco and the shopping we did.” Her grey eyes had tiny flecks of brown at the centers. “Thanks for allowing me to be part of your family. I know you must have feelings about your dad dating again after such a short period of time, but—”

  “It’s all right, Marlene. I want him to be happy. Everything about his house reminded him of my mother. That wasn’t any way to live. He’s a nicer person now, honest.”

  “You think so?”

  “I think it’s good for him to spend time with you.”

  “Really?” Marlene blushed, putting her hand over her mouth. “Oh. My. God. I had not hoped you’d feel this way. Thank you, Amy!”

  “It’s the truth. You’re good for him. I want what’s best for him.”

  “Well, thank you.” She squeezed Amy’s hand again.

  Amy decided it was time to bring up what the doctor had told her. “Marlene, I think you should also plan that perhaps he’ll be forced to retire.”

  “No! Really?”

  “For my dad, that’s going to be very difficult. It’s way more than a job to him. It’s a calling. Something that defines him. He sees our little city as the kingdom he’s tasked with protecting. What does a man do when he can’t do that anymore?”

  “Very good question.” Marlene was lost in thought. Amy could see she’d not considered this before. “I guess I was naïve to think he could go back to work. Did the doctor tell you this?”

  “He suggested we consider it. I’m hoping he’s talking to him now about it.”

  Just then Dr. Nijjar popped his head around the corner. “Ladies? He’s all yours. And I’ve lifted the restriction on having two visitors. But don’t stay long. We need to keep him quiet and rested. Nothing to upset him. No drama, please. Let’s get through the next twenty-four hours and then make a plan for his healthy future.”

  “Sounds good to me. I think I’ll just say good night and let him get some rest,” said Amy.

  “Me, too. I’m taking her home, so it will be a quick visit.”

  “Thank you, ladies. I’ll have more information for you tomorrow.”

  Chapter 10

  Youssef Amir walked into the villa like a king. His dark hair, greying at the temples, was professionally straightened and styled. His coffee brown skin was nearly as flawless as a woman’s, though the man was almost forty years of age. He was fit and twenty years younger than his childhood friend, Secretary Harrison.

  Zak noticed even his nails were buffed. He had an en camera appearance at all times, his head tilted back and peering out through half-lidded eyes. He held his driving gloves in one hand and slapped them nervously against the palm in his other. An attendant was parking his red Maserati.

  “Porter!” he called out in his slight Moroccan accent. “Or should I call you Mr. Secretary?”

  Zak saw his fluid movements beneath his cashmere sweater and dress slacks, which definitely seemed out of place on the island. Underneath it all, however, was the body of a fighter. He had the eyes of an eagle, all the while appearing casual and unconcerned. Zak guessed the man possessed a photographic memory and a keen intellect.

  After they shook hands, Secretary Harrison addressed the SEALs present.

  “These are my boys, Youssef. Highly trained. And just as you instructed, unarmed at the moment.”

  The comment seemed to delight Amir. “Very good.” From a distance, he examined each of the men, one by one, thoroughly. “So you are the legendary U.S. Navy SEALs? What team are you and who is your team leader?”

  Zak felt the sweat run down his spine. Kyle didn’t move a muscle. Neither did Cooper or T.J., which told him they were on red alert to something that didn’t add up. Even Lyman straightened up, adding a couple of inches onto his already considerable frame. He kept his focus on Amir, but Zak knew he was using his peripheral vision.

  The Secretary’s head whipped around in a movement that suggested he hadn’t heard the man correctly the first time. He stuttered his words. “Youssef, I didn’t mention these men were SEALs. They are part of our State Department private security detail.” Harrison’s calm demeanor was beginning to shatter. The look he gave Amir was almost a plea for mercy.

  Amir gave a wide smile after eyeing the team again one more time, slowly. To Harrison, he added too coolly, “I’m just making a little joke, Porter. No reason to be concerned.” He walked to the Secretary and draped his arm around his shoulder. “Come. It has been too long sin
ce we sat and shared our pictures. It’s time for a bit to eat and for two old friends to just be that, old friends.”

  Harrison found it inside himself to make a joke. “Watch it. Who’s saying I’m old?”

  Amir’s laugh was hearty. Harrison’s was a mere croak. Zak could tell he was not feeling comfortable.

  “Sir, you want us all here, or are you going to be okay tonight?” asked Lyman.

  “We’ll be fine,” Harrison answered.

  “So I’ll leave Coop here and Fredo. We’ll retire to the perimeter for the night,” said the former SEAL.

  “Perfect.”

  The Secretary and Amir sat across from each other, the small square marble coffee table between them.

  Kyle stepped forward and addressed Harrison. “Sir, we had a request of you, if you will remember. We’d like to address that request now, if you don’t mind. Then we’ll retire.”

  “Oh. Right. I promised.” Porter scrunched up his face in a sour look. “My boys here would like you to reverse your prohibition on them carrying weapons. They feel they can better protect us—both of us, Amir—if they are armed.”

  The Moroccan seemed to take forever to turn around to address Kyle, who had been standing at his back. “That’s a fair question. I’m going to sleep on it tonight and will let you know in the morning.” He turned back to the Secretary. “We got our guys watching the compound tonight, and they’re very thorough. But tomorrow, the security will be on you, so perhaps that makes sense. But not for tonight. Tonight, no one knows I’m here or that we’re meeting. Let’s have a little pomegranate juice, some dates and figs, and some goat cheese. Get some rest. All of you.”

  The silence was awkward. Zak wondered why Harrison didn’t protest this change in protocol. He knew why Kyle didn’t say anything further. He was going to grill Lyman until he got satisfactory answers.

  “Let me get them situated in their rooms, and then I’ll return,” said Pat Lyman. “I’ll ask the cook to come in and serve you.”

  A full moon lit up the mountaintop, giving them good visibility along the stone pathway to the bungalows. The Secretary’s other men were outside, walking the perimeter. The stars were bright, too, as if trying to outshine the moon. Carter had started to ask a question.

  “Zip it,” said Lyman in a terse whisper. He nodded to one of his detail, who was carrying an automatic weapon, pacing between the front entrance and the parking garage.

  Lyman unlocked his bungalow, and all the SEALs threaded inside. A split second after Coop closed the door behind them, Kyle pulled Lyman up by his shirt collar, slamming him against the wall.

  “Just what the fuck was that? I find out you had anything to do with any of those decisions about this fuckin’ meeting, I’ll see to it you spend the rest of your days so tied up with paperwork and government attorneys you’ll wish you worked at Taco Hell.”

  Lyman was bigger than Kyle, but not by much. “I had nothing to do with it. I swear. This is all fucked up. I agree with you one hundred percent.” Lyman pulled Kyle’s arms down, readjusted his shirt, and walked to the bedroom.

  “Hey, what the fuck?”

  From the bedroom, they could hear Lyman say, “Fuck this. I’m getting you guys your sidearm.”

  “That’s more like it,” T.J. muttered under his breath.

  Zak heard the heavy metal squeak of Lyman’s gun safe opening. One by one, each man was handed their weapon back, along with extra clips.

  “So far so good. Now you want to tell me how come the Secretary of the United States needs to meet with this asshole and wants to do it without proper protection or his security team even being armed?” asked Kyle.

  “I’m as shocked as you are. Actually, I think the Secretary knows he screwed up. I’m guessing he wants me to give you these, just didn’t want to say it in front of Amir.”

  “Lyman, aren’t you tasked with keeping him safe? How can you do that when he’s tying everyone’s hands behind their back? He have some sort of death wish or something?”

  “He’s put a lot on the line. He’s risking some political skin. But I agree; I’ve never seen him so unconcerned for his own safety. It’s like he’s willing to take risks he wouldn’t have taken before.”

  “Who is this Amir fellow? Because, right now, he’s not looking like a friend.”

  “Kyle, I’ll tell you what I know, or what I’ve been told. The two of them were extremely close in their younger years and then rekindled their friendship as they both began their political careers. I think he’s a friend all right. Lately, they’ve been corresponding with each other nearly daily. He told you their story. What he didn’t tell you is something he brought to the security team. There’s going to be a coup in Morocco. And this time, the king, the royal family might be vulnerable. The U.S. is informally charged with protecting the monarchy. But if the king goes, it could destabilize the whole region. Right now, the king picks the Prime Minister. If there were a coup, there might not be a Prime Minister.”

  “What’s the uprising about?”

  “Corruption, which is always a charge leveled. But there’s help from the outside. I’m not sure who all the players are, but he wanted to get our foot in the door. He’s using his friendship to forge a back door safety net alliance between Morocco and the U.S. Something that will hopefully protect our interests should a coup actually happen.”

  “For the purposes of what?” asked Kyle. “What do we need them for?”

  “They have a fledgling tech industry here, sort of like a tiny silicon valley. Amir’s family is involved in several electronics components companies—they make things for drones and satellites.” Lyman had finished locking the safe. “And there is tons of equipment somewhere in Morocco. We’d like to help control a little bit where it’s being sold off to. Someone is making big bucks doing that. We don’t want it going into the wrong hands. You do remember Benghazi, right?”

  “Holy shit,” said Fredo.

  “Look, I’m going to have to get back to him. I need to bring one of you with me. Your choice, Kyle.”

  “And if we’re to get any sleep, I’d like to post three outside, to work alongside your guys.”

  Lyman agreed. “Pick who you want. Let’s get going ASAP.”

  “Um, just so you know, I brought backup,” T.J. said.

  “I did, too. I got an AR-15,” said Coop. “I can wear it so no one will know.”

  “Holy shit. Me, too. Brought my H&K,” said Armando. Fredo indicated he’d brought some small explosive devices. A couple of the others confessed to bringing extra weapons as well.

  Fredo produced several Invisios, letting Kyle hand them out. He gave one to Zak.

  “You didn’t really expect us to come unprepared?” Armando told Lyman, who had been standing with his hands on his hips. “We’d never do that. Neither would you.”

  “Understandable. I’m sort of glad you guys took that initiative to disobey,” Lyman returned. “Hindsight and all, right?”

  “I snuck in an extra Glock, but man, we were lucky we didn’t have to fly commercial and go through customs,” said Kyle. “You guys get your gear, and Fredo and Coop, you two will come with me and take the first shift outside. We spell each other every six hours, you copy?”

  The team nodded.

  “Zak, I’m sending you in here with Lyman. I want you wearing Kevlar, but don’t show your weapon. Everyone else, get your stuff together, but try to get some sleep. Armani, I want you to stay wired. Anything goes wrong, I want you guys in contact. I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”

  T.J., Armando, and six others headed to the second bungalow while Kyle, Zak, Lyman, Fredo, and Coop moved toward the main house. Lyman introduced the SEALs to two former Rangers who were on his security detail.

  “Come on. And don’t show that Sig Sauer, okay?”

  Zak showed him his ankle holster. He didn’t tell him about the Ruger he had in his waistband.

  Amir and the Secretary were still sitting in the same
positions they were left in.

  “Sorry, sir. It took a little longer,” Lyman said to his boss. “Everything’s set.”

  Harrison had a brief flash of recognition that he quickly quelled. Amir seemed not to notice.

  “I’ll be staying up here with you two tonight, and I brought—”

  “Zak.”

  “Zak is going to stay here, too. And we added extra outside security. But most of the detail are getting caught up on some rest.”

  “Fine,” the Secretary said.

  Amir didn’t say a word, which surprised Zak. His eyes studied him, appearing to look for evidence he was carrying. Without a body search, Zak didn’t think he’d find anything.

  Lyman picked up a tray of dishes on the table between them, handing it to Zak. “You guys want anything else?”

  “I’ll take another juice,” said Amir.

  “Make it two,” added Harrison.

  In the kitchen, Lyman pulled Zak aside. “You take a little time in here, rinse the dishes, and tell Kyle we’re in, no objections. Then I want you to make an obvious check of all the doors and windows. You find anything that looks funny, you scratch your head and we make eye contact, got it?”

  “Yup.”

  Lyman left with two chilled bottles of pomegranate juice and two glasses.

  Zak instructed Kyle and promised to get back to him on the hour.

  “Got it. Everything cool so far out here.” Kyle signed off, and Zak returned to the living room.

  Lyman stood in the corner away from any of the windows or doors, nearly in the shadows. Zak nodded to him and began his house search. He listened to parts of the muffled conversation between the Secretary and Amir.

  “So I guess we should start getting down to details,” said Harrison.

  Amir looked at Zak, who was checking the lock on French doors at the far end of the living room, which led out onto a patio. The blue light of the pool blanketed an eerie azure glow over the gardens below. He noticed a cat’s wet footprints leading away from the balcony and around the corner.