The SEAL's Surprise Bride_Special Forces_Operation Alpha

by Rachel McNeely

  “If you have something besides that fluffy, flavored stuff.”

  “Ah, you are a real man and need the boldest flavor, which I happen to have.”

  “You do?” He frowned. “Who drinks it?”

  “Some of my other male visitors, who have your taste.”

  “Hmmm. How many others?”

  “It’s for me to know and you to wonder.” She loved to tease him. He was much too intense most of the time she’d known him. He’d never guess it was for Bear when he and Kayla occasionally came for a visit.

  When they sat at the table for two in her kitchen, he sipped his coffee and studied her.

  “What?”

  “I’m wondering about your nightmare. You appeared to have a good time yesterday and last night. Nothing to bring on a screaming nightmare. Have you made a decision?”

  “You won’t like it, but, yes, I’m going to take the case. I can’t chicken out and leave it to someone else.”

  “You could.”

  “How would I ever sleep at night if something happened to the person who took my place?”

  “So, you plan to sacrifice yourself under a sense of duty and possibly a promotion when it’s over. If you’re alive.”

  “Stop that. You’re the one who’s keeping me upset.”

  “Good. Then you will accept protection.”

  “No. I’ll be fine.”

  Heath’s temper flew to ten as he stood and leaned over her. “Damn it, woman. You are the stupidest person I know to be so smart. Or do you think somehow you’re invincible?” He paced the floor around her.

  “Sit down. I’m sure my neighbors heard you.”

  He leaned over her. “I don’t care.”

  “You don’t own me. I make my decisions and whatever happens is on me. Someone must put these awful men in jail. Think of how many people they’ve hurt or killed.”

  “So, it’s your job to stop this gang?”

  “If I can get them in jail, yes.” She stood and pushed him back. “I’m going to get dressed. I’m due in my office in forty-five minutes. Luckily, my workplace isn’t far.”

  Cheryl watched as he went to the windows and looked out over the hills at the homes and the taller buildings of downtown. Shrugging, she went to her bedroom and pulled out a black skirt, green blouse, and black and white jacket. After she dressed, she slipped on low-slung black heels. It didn’t take long to apply the light make-up she wore, and then spritz some perfume on and grab her purse.

  “Are you staying here all day until I get home?”

  “No. I called Captain Buchanan, and he’s agreed I can stay with you at your workplace.”

  “I don’t want your protection,” she said, ignoring her body’s reaction. Her muscles were less tense, and she’d stopped grinding her teeth. “We’ll see. I’m certain my boss will order you out.”

  He chuckled. He already knew Mr. Putnam would be glad to see him. After the Captain agreed for Heath to have the day off, Heath had looked up the number for her boss and talked with him.

  “Well, let’s go. I’m going to be late. I’ll take my car so you can leave when you are told to go.”

  “Won’t happen.”

  She ground her teeth again.

  “That’s a bad habit. You’ll ruin your teeth and your beautiful smile.”

  “Oh, you!” She stamped her foot and headed out the door. He put his hand out for the key and locked her door.

  At the bottom of the staircase, she turned. “You are a bully.”

  Heath grinned. “And you are cute when you’re mad.”

  As Heath expected, Mr. Putnam, the District Attorney, was pleased to see him. “She doesn’t feel she needs anyone watching out for her,” Heath explained. “I’m pushing myself on her.”

  “Good. Since Cheryl’s agreed to take this case, she needs to be aware of the danger.” Putnam nodded at her.

  “Is there a hearing this morning?” Cheryl asked, to stop all the manly agreement going on about what she ought to do.

  “No, it’s at one. We’ll notify the court you’ll be the assigned lead in this case. The lawyer for Lucas Zaiden will be the same as his brother’s. If the attorney for Lucas loses this case, he may be in more danger than you.”

  “Thanks, that makes me feel so much better. I’ll look at the police reports and catch myself up before I meet with Judge Hayes. He’s not the same judge and,” she glanced up at Heath, “he believes women shouldn’t be lawyers, but stay home and have babies and keep the home front warm and ready for their husbands’ arrival.”

  Heath looked down at his shoes and bit his lip to keep from bursting out in laughter. “How old is he?” Heath finally managed to ask.

  “Seventy-two, an old seventy-two. They ought to make him retire. He sleeps half the time after his lunch.”

  “Is that right?” Heath asked Putnam.

  “Pretty much. But the Judge has a lot of higher-up support, so no one mentions retirement to him.”

  “I’ll be in my office,” Cheryl said and hurried across the hall, shutting her door with finality.

  “Guess she doesn’t want me inside.”

  “I’m worried about her,” Putnam said. “Come into my office for a minute. And call me Darrell. I hope we may be seeing a lot of each other.”

  Heath sat and leaned forward. “I can’t be here all the time. I’m in the Navy, and I’m not always home.”

  “Then what do I do about her?” Putnam nodded to the closed door across the hall.

  “I tried all weekend to talk her into hiring someone. I don’t think it’s the money stopping her.”

  “It isn’t. I can’t explain without revealing personal information. Cheryl said she’d tell me whether she’d accept the case today. There was never any doubt in my mind that she’d take it. No way would she risk Hank, who has a family, or me, when I’m a year or two away from retirement. She sees herself as already in the bull’s eye. Why would she endanger her colleagues?”

  “She explained the situation to me. But why not protect herself? She’s a smart woman. It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Has she ever talked about her uncle? Charles was her ideal. He was a defense attorney, and she adored him. Ask her about him.”

  “I will. Right now, I’m going to the courthouse to look around.”

  “Let me give you a pass. Otherwise, you won’t get very far.”

  “Thanks.” Heath strolled across the hallway and knocked on Cheryl’s door.

  “Come in.”

  “You need a plate of bullet-proof glass in this door, and you’d see the person wanting to enter.”

  “Do you never give up? You’re like an old hound dog with a bone.”

  He started laughing. “I can’t remember laughing this much in my whole life.”

  “I’m glad I’ve brought your laughter out—not,” she said.

  “Just wanted to let you know I’m leaving and going across the street to the courthouse. Call when you’re ready to come over.”

  “Surely they won’t try to run me down.”

  “They might.”

  “Get out of here and go play murder and mayhem.”

  “I’m going, but don’t tease. None of this is a game. It’s your life.”

  Chapter 6

  Cheryl sank back in her chair as the door closed. Heath was making her more nervous.

  Am I too stubborn? What would Uncle Charles say? He’d worked as an attorney in New Orleans. He’d moved away from Washington and fell in love with the city and its culture. He did well and became the best defense attorney New Orleans had—until he died.

  I planned to join Uncle Charles. One more year and I’d have finished law school. But when I went down South to see what happened to him, it changed all my career plans. I returned determined to put the worst of the criminals in jail.

  She rubbed her hand across her face and realized tears were running down her cheeks. “I thought I’d shed my last tear for you, Uncle Charles, but I guess I was wrong.”r />
  “Are you talking to yourself?” Putnam asked as he stepped into her office. “I knocked, but you didn’t answer.” He walked closer and leaned toward her.

  “You’re crying.”

  “I’m silly.” She pointed to the date. “Ten years ago, I got the news about my uncle over my cell phone.”

  “Look, I think we ought to give this case to someone out of this office. We’ve taken enough risks.”

  “You know the Judge would have a fit, and then lecture us for a half-hour regarding weak women being lawyers. I’ll be all right.”

  Putnam frowned. “I have a bad feeling about all of this.” He stomped out of her office and slammed the door.

  “Good thing I don’t have glass in my door,” she muttered as she gathered her papers for her new case, and then went to the ladies’ room to fix her makeup.

  Starting down the stairs, Cheryl took out her phone and called Heath. “I’m on my way,” she said when he answered. Then she ended the call, took a deep breath, and looked both ways before crossing the street toward where Heath stood.

  “I’m going to start calling you Blaze. You start a firestorm where ever you go.”

  “Why, thanks. I like the name.” He put his arm around her waist as they entered the courthouse.

  Cheryl didn’t want to admit how much safer she felt with his arm there.

  Blaze had walked all around the courthouse. Whoever the district attorney had spoken with had agreed to give him a pass that opened almost all the doors. Security appeared to be tight. But in Blaze’s experience, too often public buildings had a flaw no one had considered.

  He glanced at Cheryl. Her face was pale, and although others might not notice, her eyes were red.

  “Why have you been crying?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about.” She glared up at him.

  “I can tell. You might fool others, but I’m more observant than most people.”

  “It was nothing. I noticed the calendar. My favorite uncle died on this date.”

  “Ah.”

  “What does that mean?” Cheryl wrinkled her forehead.

  Blaze tightened his grip on her waist. “If you keep frowning you’ll have deep lines on your forehead.”

  “Let go of me. What will people think if they notice you holding me so tight?”

  Blaze shrugged and let her go. “Sorry, you’re right. They might get the idea that you have a lover.” When her mouth fell open, he had to laugh. “I’ve never met such an entertaining woman who makes me smile so much.”

  “You make me want to growl.”

  When she stopped at Courtroom Four and opened the door, he asked, “Is this where the trial will take place?”

  “Yes. Judge Hayes always uses this courtroom. He has the seniority to choose.”

  Blaze glanced around the empty room. “Okay, I’ll check it out before anyone else gets here.”

  “Be careful. Judge Hayes will throw you out if he sees you snooping around.”

  “Don’t worry. I know how to do my job. You do yours.”

  “Then you accept the inevitable that I’m going to be the attorney for this trial?”

  “Yes, but there’s some reason why you’re so stubborn about this, and I plan to find out why.”

  “I told you my reasons.”

  “Not all of them. You’ll tell me someday, or I’ll get another person who knows your secret to tell me.”

  She stamped her foot. “Stop harassing me. My life is none of your business.”

  He smiled down at her. “You are cute when you get mad.” Then he deliberately walked off toward a side door and felt her glare on his back.

  Judge Hayes leaned forward and frowned at Cheryl. “We meet again, Miss Buckley. I thought by now some young man would have convinced you to marry him and settle down. But then, most men prefer more docile ladies.”

  “Judge Hayes, your words are not appropriate in a courtroom. My personal life is none of your business.”

  “Ah, yes, I shall have my hands slapped again,” he joked.

  The old man knew he’d face no repercussions for his overt sexism and enjoyed this type of exchange with her. Cheryl bit her tongue and then jumped when a male voice behind her spoke up.

  “Your Honor, may I speak?”

  Judge Hayes put on his glasses and looked toward the back of the courtroom. For a second, Cheryl closed her eyes. Blaze, the epitome of his very appropriate nickname, stood tall and looked strong and gorgeous facing the old man.

  “What’s your name?” the Judge asked.

  “I’m Lieutenant Heath Kenyon, a Navy officer, and Miss Buckley’s fiancée.”

  The Judge glanced down at Cheryl. “You didn’t tell me.” He nodded to Blaze. “What do you want to say?”

  “My fiancée is a very good attorney. I’m fascinated with her work, and I’d never ask her to change her profession. She’d certainly not ask me to change what I do.”

  “Humph! You young men are so different from my day. The world has changed, and I don’t approve,” he snapped.

  “There are always changes. The smartest older people accept that or at least adapt.”

  The courtroom guards audibly gasped and tried to hold back grins. Cheryl tightened her fist and glared at him.

  “Whoever you are, get out of my courtroom.”

  “I have a pass, Your Honor.”

  “Pass, my ass.” He turned to the guards. “Take him out.”

  The guards glanced at Blaze, no doubt noticing his broad shoulders and wide leg stance. They looked at each other. “We saw his pass earlier, Your Honor. He’s allowed to remain here.” The taller guard’s face flushed red after he spoke.

  “I don’t like your choice of a husband at all, Miss Buckley. Let’s get this business finished. I’m going to report this behavior to the head judge, and you’re your Lieutenant will not be allowed in my courtroom ever again.”

  Once the business of the court started, it didn’t take as long as usual. The trial was set to start in a month, although Cheryl argued it was too soon to prepare her case.

  She gathered her papers together as the guards took the prisoner out of the room. His attorney walked up to her.

  “Your fiancé has helped my case. Judge Hayes will be more agreeable to me because he’s annoyed with you. Thanks for the help.”

  “I put your client’s brother away, and I’ll send Lucas Zaiden to prison, too. Watch and see.”

  “Be careful. You’ve made a lot of dangerous people mad.”

  “Are you threatening me?”

  “No, just a friendly warning. I’d hate to see you hurt. Or worse.”

  Cheryl leaned forward and lifted her chin. “You are threatening me. Be careful, or I’ll have you in jail next.”

  She didn’t realize Blaze was behind her until he spoke. “In the heat of the moment, my fiancée tends to say things she doesn’t mean. I appreciate you warning her to be careful. But”-his voice hardened-”you don’t need to worry about her being safe. I’m making certain she will be protected at all times.”

  “Good.” The man pulled at his collar, and his face reddened. He walked briskly out of the courtroom.

  Blaze leaned forward and whispered in Cheryl’s ear, “You do have a talent for making enemies.”

  Cheryl turned to face him and pushed against his chest. He didn’t move. “You are a liar. I am not your fiancé.”

  “Later, we’ll talk privately. I have a suggestion I only thought of this morning. I’ll bring you to my house tonight and cook dinner for us.”

  “I’ll only agree because I have a few instructions for you, too.”

  He looked deep into her eyes, and Cheryl felt her heart flutter. The man is much too handsome.

  “I’ll escort you to your office, and then I have a few phone calls to make.”

  “When we get there, stay out of my way. I’m going to be very busy, especially since I won’t get any work done this evening.”

  “Will do. I’m su
re Mr. Putnam will let me use an empty office.”

  “Whatever.” She gathered her papers and stalked briskly out of the courthouse. But she felt Blaze’s stare as he followed her all the way back.

  Once in her office, she took a deep breath. Blaze, as she liked to think of him now, definitely started a fire in the courtroom. She had to be especially nice to the judge from now on. Maybe he’d forget what happened today.

  There isn’t much chance of that. The Judge never forgets anything.

  She flopped into her chair and rubbed her forehead. She had to relax a moment, or she’d have a migraine before dinner. Whatever idea, my fiancé, has come up with, I want to hear it before he springs it on me in front of others. Cheryl chuckled to herself. Wait until I tell Kayla about this morning. She’ll have a good laugh.

  After eating a late lunch at the insistence of Blaze and her boss, her headache went away. She studied the papers about the case and marked places where she needed to do further investigation. She’d get in touch with Pete, the detective who helped her, and assign him some work. When she glanced at the clock, the time surprised her. Five o’clock. The afternoon had passed fast, but she had made some headway. A knock on the door had her leaning back in her chair, certain it was her nemesis, the one making her life more difficult.

  “Ready to go to my house for dinner, or do you want to stop at your place first and change?” Blaze stepped inside her office. He seemed to fill the space and take her breath away. I admit he’s a handsome devil, but I will not let myself get close to him. He’s too big and too bossy.

  “My condo is close. I’d rather change and be more comfortable.”

  “I intend to do the same at home.”

  “It will be interesting to see where you live and what it looks like.”

  He put his hand on her lower back as they left the office. “You might be surprised.”

  Blaze entered her condo in front of her. “Stay at the door until I look in all the rooms.” He checked her windows, closets, one bedroom, which she’d made into a home office—and bathrooms. Her scent surrounded him in the bathroom connected to the hall and a closed door, which must go into her bedroom. He hadn’t gone in there yet. Then he looked closer and stepped out into the hall.