Forever Devoted

by Kathleen Brooks

  “That’s brilliant.” Walker was kind of shocked it had taken them this long to do it. “And I knew you all were in too good of shape to not still be active.”

  “You did?” Miles asked.

  “Yeah. It’s pretty obvious. I’m surprised your wives haven’t figured it out. Anyway, I don’t know how it was when you went through training, but we have contracted civilians to teach us some things, especially close combat fighting in different martial arts styles and boxing. And I know lots of guys who went to private pre-training to be prepared for BUD/S selection and training. And many in DEVGRU take private classes all the time in different areas. With all of your specialties, you’d have a wait list a mile long.” Hell, why did they think Walker worked out with them every day? He’d learned so much just hanging out and working out with them.

  “We don’t have a SEAL,” Marshall whispered, but Walker heard them anyway.

  “Let’s see if he lives through this week before we offer him a job,” Cade responded.

  A job? Walker looked to Nash who shrugged his shoulders indicating it would be possible. Walker was highly trained. He wouldn’t be able to be undercover anymore after the PR campaign by Morgan. He would need a job—a job that would keep him close to Layne. And he had the contacts in DEVGRU to get them to put this training facility at the top of their list. As Walker headed back to the house, his mind was reeling with possibilities of a future in Keeneston with Layne.

  * * *

  “How’s Tinsley?” Layne asked Gavin over the phone as she cleaned the new gun Sophie had given her this morning after their workout. Walker wasn’t the only person who needed his skills sharp. She had no intention of sitting on the sidelines when Jud came to town.

  “Healing. We haven’t seen anything suspicious here since Edie was taken. And trust me when I tell you, we’re looking for clues everywhere. Edie is like part of the family.”

  “We think Jud will strike this weekend. Hopefully, Edie will be safely back to us in a couple of days,” Layne said. Three to be exact.

  “Do you have a plan? Are the police involved?” Gavin asked.

  “We have a plan. My cousin is the FBI agent in charge of the area, so he’s on it. And my cousin-in-law is the sheriff. That’s all the law enforcement we will use.”

  “Don’t you need more to take down someone like Jud?”

  Layne set down the gun. “The family will take care of it. Look, someone’s knocking. I’ll call you again soon. And thanks for speaking with my grandma the other night. She hasn’t stopped talking about what a nice young man you are.”

  “I’m glad. She’s a very sweet woman. We’re all looking forward to meeting her. Goodbye, Layne. Stay safe and call if you need any more family to help.”

  “I will. Bye.” Layne hung up and answered the door. Zain and Mila stood smiling at her as she wrapped them each in a hug.

  “When did you get back?” Layne asked.

  “Just now,” Mila Ali Rahman smiled. “But we’ve been keeping up on all the news during the conference.”

  Since Zain Ali Rahman had become the spare heir to the Rahmi kingdom, Zain and Mila had been traveling a lot on diplomatic missions and meeting regularly with Zain’s uncle, the king of Rahmi.

  “We came by to see if you needed anything,” Zain said as they came into the kitchen.

  “And to meet Walker,” Mila laughed.

  “Well, here I am,” Walker said, coming in from yet another workout. He was a man possessed. Layne had been worried he would be pushing himself too hard, but he and Nash had gotten into a rhythm of working out and his leg was improving every day.

  “Oh my gosh, Layne,” Mila whispered with wide eyes before turning back to Walker. “I’m Mila Ali Rahman, and this is my husband, Zain.”

  Walker reached out and shook their hands. “The diplomats, right? I still need to meet your brother and sister.”

  Zain nodded. “Gabe and his new bride are touring the world before she starts as the new high school counselor next month. My sister, Ariana, is in DC for the summer. So, if you’re still around come next month . . .”

  “Zain,” Layne groaned as she smacked her friend’s arm. “Stop angling for inside information to place a bet.”

  Zain winked at Layne and Mila rolled her eyes. “You should have let me do the talking. I told you I would be able to get more information than you. Anyway, we just wanted to say hello and offer our help in anyway.”

  “Thank you,” Walker said, “but I think we’re stuck in a waiting game for now.”

  “Well, it was nice meeting you. I’m sure we’ll see you around the farm and town. With Gabe’s wife, Sloane, and now you, we Keeneston transplants gotta stick together,” Mila laughed. “It increases our betting odds.”

  Walker chuckled as they walked Zain and Mila to the door. The second the door closed, Walker had her in his arms. “I missed you,” he whispered in her ear between kisses.

  “You were gone for two hours,” Layne said, laughing.

  “Like I said, I missed you.” Walker ran his hand up her leg and it disappeared under her skirt. As time counted down to Jud’s appearance, their lovemaking became more desperate. The night before had been sweet, but that morning had been anything but. And by the way Walker was angling her against the living room wall and kicking off his athletic shorts, she knew he was going to be as frantic as she felt. It was like they both knew their time was coming to an end. Or at least a potential end—the kind death created.

  Layne clawed his shirt off over his head and sunk her nails into his back as Walker pulled down the straps of her dress, exposing her breasts to him. “I need you now,” he gasped, sliding on a condom before placing two hands on her ass and lifting her to him. She didn’t need to tell him she needed him just as much. She needed the reminder that they were alive, and she needed every chance to show him how much she loved him before time ran out.

  23

  Layne bounced her knee and wrung her hands together as Walker sat next to her on her parents’ couch. Jud looked ready to explode during his TV interview. His face was red, his mouth pressed into a tight, thin line, and his eyes narrowed into daggers. The reporter pressed Jud as a picture of his battered ex-girlfriend came onto the screen.

  This was his last interview. It was Friday. He was on a prime time news show at what was supposed to be the height of his popularity. But due to the work Gemma and Morgan had done, each interview had only gotten worse for Jud. Questions were now being asked about his drug use, his connection to Darrel Snyder, his abuse of women, and what had really happened on the ship before the drone focused in on him. The pedestal he was on was slowly eroding.

  “The communication system you had on your uniforms went down, so the last bit of video and audio footage is of you charging into the bridge. Here at BBN news, we’ve learned it wasn’t only your communication device and video feed that was cut, but the entire team’s. Is that normal?” the reporter asked, staring right back at Jud.

  Miles turned to Walker with a thoughtful expression. “You had a body cam on?”

  Walker nodded. “A helmet cam. My communications pack was shot to smithereens so I couldn’t call for help.”

  “Where’s your camera?” Miles asked.

  “It’s at the house with what remains of my uniform. I tossed the coms pack to swim, and I haven’t been able to get the camera to work.”

  Layne looked back at the television as her father sat in silent thought. “You had previously told us that you lay injured on the bridge as the pirates killed your team, isn’t that correct?” the reporter asked.

  “Yes, that’s correct. I’m not wearing this sling for fashion,” Jud said tensely, looking down to his bandaged arm.

  “Yet you knew the hero of the night, Walker Greene, had jumped from the bridge and into the water one hundred twenty feet below?”

  “Yes,” Jud answered tightly. “I was crawling toward Walker to try to save him. I couldn’t get to him in time. It was then I propped myself
up and took out the pirates and signaled for help.”

  “Walker Greene’s body has never been found.”

  Jud didn’t answer. He stared at the reporter.

  “Isn’t it true you pushed for his funeral for closure and the government granted you that request? Strange that you wouldn’t be out there looking for someone, who by all our research, is shown to be a survivor. Walker Greene has been heralded as a hero, an expert in survival, top of his class in BUD/S, and was rumored to have been promoted to senior chief petty officer of your group until your father, Admiral Thomas Rudy, stepped in and put pressure on to promote you ahead of him. Do you have a response to that?”

  Jud snapped. His nose flared, his face flushed, and he stood up so quickly the reporter jumped back. He ripped off his microphone and looked down at her. “I’m the hero, not Walker Greene!”

  Layne had grasped Walker’s hand when Jud snapped and didn’t breathe again until Jud had stormed from the stage. Her mother’s gleeful chuckle broke Layne’s focus on the reporter, now talking to the camera.

  “You did all of this?” Layne asked.

  “Of course I didn’t. Gemma did quite a bit as well. But the reporter, Rebecca, is a friend of mine from college. She was all too happy to be promised the interview that brought down a fake hero.”

  Layne jumped up and hugged her mother. “Thank you.”

  “Yes, thank you, Morgan,” Walker said, kissing her cheek. “I have a chance to tell my story now.”

  “I’d like to see that camera of yours, son,” Miles said. It wasn’t lost to Layne that her father had begun to call Walker son more and more often. It warmed her heart to see the two men she loved most in the world working together.

  “Do you think we can get something off it?” Walker asked.

  “I don’t know. But first let’s see if I can find a camera expert.” Miles sent out a text and looked over at them. “Where’s the camera?”

  “In the bedroom in a small duffle bag in the closet, why?” Walker asked.

  “Nabi is grabbing it. Cody Gray, the deputy sheriff, is coming over to get it. He said he could look at it,” Miles explained. “But now we need to prepare. Jud is mad, and he’s coming for you, Walker. Are you ready to handle him?”

  “You bet I am.”

  Layne sat back as Walker and her father talked. Jud would be coming the next day. No more taunting from a distance. He would be upon them with revenge and murder on his mind. There was no way he’d let Walker live, and he wouldn’t let Edie live either. Not after she’d been held that long. There had to be something she could do to help.

  * * *

  Two hours later, as Walker was ensconced with her father, uncles, and cousins finalizing their plans, Layne sat at the Blossom Café with her mother, Aunt Gemma, and Reagan. Chocolate was the only answer now.

  “What are you thinking?” Morgan asked her. Her mother always did know when Layne was up to something.

  “I need to think of a way to find Edie. If Walker kills Jud instead of capturing him, we may never find her,” Layne said before scooping up a spoonful of bread pudding smothered in chocolate sauce.

  “When do you think Jud will come after Walker?” Reagan asked.

  “Since your mom and my mom’s bang-up media campaign, I’m guessing tomorrow. He’ll want to get his stuff together, stash Edie someplace he can easily get to her, and then come after Walker.”

  Reagan pursed he lips in concentration. “Is there anything I can do to help?”

  “There’s something I can do,” Piper said from behind Layne. Layne turned and saw Piper holding a large bag. “I know you’re not the target, but I’d feel better if you wore one anyway.”

  Piper pulled out what looked like a windbreaker and handed it to her. “Thank you.” Layne smiled, pulling it on over her head. It looked like any other coat, but it was actually bullet- and stab-proof.

  “I have one for Walker, too. I just went off Dylan’s measurements, so it should fit.”

  “Oh, gift time!” Sophie smirked as she pulled up a chair next to Layne. “I also have come bearing gifts.” Only this time it was a briefcase that she placed on the table instead of a bag. Layne looked at the metal case that was protected by a fingerprint and code lock. Sophie pressed her finger against the reader and then entered a code and the case unlocked.

  “Wow,” Layne whispered, looking at the array of weapons.

  “Now my gift seems puny,” Piper teased, sitting down next to Reagan.

  “These are two of my newest inventions,” Sophie explained, picking up a very compact little gun. “It’s made out of plastic—very strong plastic that isn’t available to the public yet. It makes the gun undetectable at all metal detectors. Plus, its small size allows it to be concealed easier. But don’t let the size fool you. It’s just as strong as a 9mm.”

  “Dad is going to be so jealous,” Reagan joked as her mother nodded her agreement. Cy always liked to play with whatever weapons Sophie developed after she’d shown her father, Cade.

  “This is also made from the same plastic, so it’s undetectable,” Sophie said, pulling out a folding knife. She unfolded it and the blade was more needlelike than swordlike. “This thin blade can slip between ribs, puncture the heart, the neck, or whatever and the person may not even realize it until they fall down dead seconds later. Plus the side is serrated, so you can cut things as well.”

  “Won’t it break?” Layne asked, holding the ultra lightweight knife gently.

  “Shouldn’t. This plastic is crazy. It has a super-high melting point, is undetectable, sharp as metal, and very durable. That’s why I began crafting some weapons out of it,” Sophie explained. “Go ahead, put them on. You won’t even know you’re carrying them.”

  Layne reached down her shirt and hooked the knife to the underside of her front bra strap and then looked at the gun, trying to decide where to put it.

  “You can put it between your breasts and attach it to your bra, or you can put it on the inside of your waistband. Hell, you can hide it in your underwear,” Sophie said, handing her a small leather holster for it.

  The gun was small, and it would be undetectable hidden in the small of her back. Using the holster, Layne secured the weapon and already felt better being armed with Sophie’s weapons and protected by Piper’s jacket.

  “Thank you both. And now I’m going home in a sugar-induced coma to find a way to sleep. I know tomorrow I won’t get any.”

  Layne stood up and her mother, Gemma, and Reagan joined her as Sophie and Piper took their table and began to pass the word that everyone needed to be hyper aware tomorrow.

  Layne pushed open the door to the café and stepped out onto the sidewalk. The night air was warm as it danced around her. She looked into the night sky at the twinkling stars. She felt small and useless in that moment. She was a pawn in a massive game going on all around her.

  “I’ll drive you home, dear,” her mother said, sensing her mood. Layne hugged and thanked Aunt Gemma and Reagan before turning and meeting her mother.

  “Where are you parked?” Layne asked as Morgan put her arm around her shoulder and pulled Layne to her side.

  “Just down here,” she said as they began to walk past the alleyway leading behind the café. “I see you have a lot on your mind. Would you like to . . . aah!”

  Morgan was thrown forward, her arm ripped from Layne’s shoulder as a man emerged from the shadows behind them. “Dr. Layne Davies, a pleasure to finally meet you.”

  “Layne!” She heard Reagan yell as footsteps pounded behind her. Layne stared into Jud’s evil twisted face and decided then and there what her plan was.

  “Don’t hurt me, please!” Layne begged. Her mother’s eyes widened in surprise from the ground as he pulled her hand from her head. Layne saw blood covering it as her mother staggered to stand.

  “Let go of my daughter.” Her mother managed to stand on wobbly legs as she lunged for Jud. Jud smashed his fist into Morgan’s stomach, sending her to her
knees, gasping for breath. Layne saw red but kept her cool as she leapt between them.

  “I’m sorry, Mom, but little Layne is needed elsewhere.” Jud snatched Layne’s arm painfully as Reagan closed in on them. Her mother lunged, but Layne blocked her.

  “It’s okay, Mom. I love you,” Layne said, only this time the tears were real. “Tell my sister I’ll see her soon,” were the last words she got out before Jud yanked her into the alley and into the trunk of a waiting car she hadn’t seen before.

  Layne went willingly as gunfire erupted. Sophie must have had some others following her. It was likely half the café were packing guns. Layne heard her mother’s screams as the car took off into the night. She tried not to think about her mother’s cries or her cousins’ desperation. She had protected them by going. And if she was right, she’d be able to protect Edie as well.

  24

  “Why the hell didn’t she fight back?” Reagan yelled as she and Sophie hurried to her car. Morgan and Gemma were trying to find the car that took her while Piper was calling in the troops—literally and figuratively.

  “I don’t know, but hurry up,” Sophie said with desperation to her voice. She hadn’t gotten there in time. She’d let her cousin be taken by a madman. How could she live with herself if something happened?

  “Tell my sister I’ll see her soon. What does that even mean?” Reagan asked as she pressed the gas pedal to the floor. For anyone else, it would be dangerous to drive those back roads at ninety miles per hour. But Reagan and her cousins grew up on these roads and knew every inch of them.

  “Oh my God. I got it!” Sophie screamed as she told Reagan her theory.

  Reagan’s car didn’t slow for the gates of Desert Sun Farm. They were expecting her and would be open. “You tell the others,” Reagan ordered as she slammed on the brakes. The car skidded through the grass and came to a rocking stop yards from the helicopter. Nabi stepped from the cockpit, his dark hair reflecting the lights from the landing pad.