“That’s what family’s for. We’ve got each other’s backs.” He eyed her. “You’ve had a bad stretch, hon. Don’t let it haunt your life.” He grinned. “Plus now you can just go wherever you want. I know you’ve been wanting to travel. You always were the adventurous one.”
“Yeah. In my own mind,” she replied with a chortle and an eye roll. “You ended up with the more adventurous job.”
“Sometimes it is.” He chuckled back. “But you’ve got more flexibility and time freedom with yours now. And nothing tying you anywhere. You’ve been setting yourself up just for this, to be more mobile with your work. Just go and do it.”
Alex shrugged. “I know. I should.” She reflected a moment. “I do kinda feel like I’m right on the edge of something. I just can’t quite… It’s strange, you know? Like something big is about to happen? Maybe that’s my cue. Maybe I should just book some random long vacation when we get back and see where that leads me.”
“Do it. Be bold.” Jimmy gave her a nudge with his shoulder. “Go find your adventure. You’ve got more courage in you than you give yourself credit for, little sis. You’ll step into it, then look out, world!”
“Very funny.” She gave her brother a quick hug. His encouragement meant a lot to her, but she couldn’t help feeling that it came off as a bit over the top now.
Always the protective big brother, wanting to keep her safe when they were growing up, holding her back from the risky ventures she’d been prone to in her headstrong youth. You never let me do anything! she’d screamed at him on too many occasions when he acted like she was too delicate for her tomboy ways. Was pushing her now his way of trying to make up for overprotecting her then?
Though she’d held fast to her daring ways at heart, it would be a lie to say that her spirit hadn’t been dampened by those quashing experiences. She’d chosen safety one too many times over what she really wanted. Let go of dreams that others told her were too fanciful, that she’d get hurt if she tried. No more. Her newfound alone time was bringing back that venturesome girl and transforming her into a fearless woman. She hoped. She never wanted to settle again.
“Thanks for the pep talk. And you never know. Might surprise you. I just might.”
He chuckled at her again, his knowing eyes warm. “I got faith in you.” He winked at her and added, “And don’t worry. You’ll find somebody too. Somebody who’s actually right for you, and you for them. I know you will. You know… maybe on your travels?”
“Will you stop trying so hard?” She giggled at his persistent teasing but offered an acute stare to accompany her bold insinuation and now forced laughter. He’d just had to add that in. He liked to pick at times, but this was beginning to get tiresome. Was he trying to get her married off as another “safe” option?
She sighed. Maybe she was overreacting. Her friends and family just wanted to help, and she had to keep that in mind. But they also needed to understand it would be on her terms. And her timeline.
“Geez, I keep telling you, not exactly looking right now.”
He grinned at her and turned his attention to his charts to jot a couple of notes. After some quick scribbles, he tucked his pen behind his ear and picked up his coffee mug.
ELLA’S VANGUARD. Alex read the name engraved into the polished teak wood that adorned the space above the instrumentation panel, just below the forward viewing windows. The ship was named for the wife of the founder of the university’s oceanographic studies division—Ella Winston’s boundless support of the exploration and protection of the world’s oceans had become the matriarch’s cause. This ship would reflect her vibrant spirit and curiosity of the unknown. That brief history lesson, conveyed to Alex earlier, reminded her a great deal of her own sister-in-law. Six years now since the accident, the woman’s twinkling brown eyes and infectious laugh came to her mind’s eye as if she’d just spoken with her the day before.
Alex rested her arm across her brother’s shoulders and gazed out the window at the endless gray-blue of the ocean surrounding them. Hundreds of miles from the nearest landmass, their ship’s current position was classified, though she’d been told it was roughly in the middle of the mid-Atlantic, northwest of the Cape Verde Basin. She was officially farther away from home now than she’d ever been. Sunlit sparkles danced atop small rippling waves like a million shimmering camera flashes. “Molly would’ve loved this trip too.”
“Yeah, she would have. You two would’ve had a great time.” He paused, clearly reminiscing. “She always loved the ocean. And she loved it out here on assignments too before Will was born.” Jimmy smiled. “She’d be quite happy he’s now getting some of this open-sea experience too, you know? She always wanted that for him.”
“I know he sure loves when you take him out on the sailboat.”
“Yeah, he does. But this is one of Daddy’s big work ships. He’s really excited about that.”
Alex gave Jimmy’s shoulders a comforting squeeze and turned to go. As she reached the hatch, she caught sight of the three men who stood conversing near the bow. A slight frown crinkled her forehead, and she paused in the opening. “I still don’t know quite why you had to hire mercs for this.” She moved back closer to her brother, who’d resumed his study of the digital maps. “Was that necessary? What do you really know about them?”
Jimmy glanced up from his charts and toward the bow, back to his work again. Having stressed to her the importance of discretion for this mission and the fact that he and their captain had handpicked their entire crew for it, her unease should be understandable at the seemingly unusual aspect of them taking on veritable strangers.
“Yeah, they’re cool. They come highly recommended by Lee. He knows guys who’ve worked with them before.” He looked up at her, reached over, and put a hand on her arm. “Really. And just because they’re independent, don’t think of them as mercenaries. They’re not. They’re our protection detail. I want the best to protect us. Remember, we are close to pirate waters. Even most of the crew are armed. We shouldn’t have any trouble, but I’d rather be as safe as I possibly can on this. Especially with Will and you here.”
“True,” she said after a moment. Though she was still conflicted, she broke into a reserved grin. “And if Lee recommended them, that’s good enough for me. He won’t work with anybody he can’t trust.”
“Yep. Exactly why I’m good with it. Honestly, I wouldn’t have considered having them on if it weren’t for him. But after he and I talked the other day? His advice means a lot.” Jimmy paused and studied her, combing nimble fingers through his dark hair. “We’ve only been out a couple of days. You should talk with them more. Might ease your mind a bit. They won’t bite. Will seems to really like the sniper, Care Bear, I think.”
Care Bear. The man her brother spoke of had impressed her with his mindfulness in explaining his weapon and himself to the eight-year-old boy. Will’s eyes had been fixed and attentive as he’d studied the companionable sniper, hanging on every word in complete awe, enthralled by the large rifle and its operator. That recollection brought a smile to her lips, and with a nod to her brother, she headed below toward the dining quarters.
Still, unease remained. Why have hired guns on board when they had a perfectly able and experienced, not to mention armed, crew?
She herself had some weapons in tow, though she’d not made it known. Her brother would not be pleased about that. She’d been the one to take after their father in that pursuit, her dad’s encouragement and teachings at her curiosity bringing her confidence and a skill level at shooting that would rival many a marksman. Even though she’d continued her training and practice over the years, Jimmy carried a more “let the professionals handle it” attitude when it came to weapons. He’d never been enthusiastic concerning her interest in firearms. Too dangerous, he’d always said.
Jimmy and this crew had spent time in the region on research assignments several times before with no incident. However, in the past year, reports of attacks had see
n a dramatic increase. It concerned her too that Lee counseled they have extra backup. In addition to serving in the military, their friend possessed an extra-keen sense about possible trouble and always stressed the importance of being prepared. Plus, friends of Lee’s or not, these guys wouldn’t come cheap. If her brother was being paid enough to afford them? That spoke even more profoundly to the actual object of the search.
She had to admit she’d not given the three a real chance yet. Beyond their initial acquainting at the brief security meeting the team conducted explaining their presence on board, she’d kept her distance. Her usual approach to meeting new people was more open and accepting. They presented as professional and kind. So why did she feel so conflicted this time? It was as if there was an equal attraction and repulsion concerning them. A strange alluring appeal, yet something off that shouldn’t be. But this whole experience was far different from her norm, and she had spent most of her time so far in keeping her active young nephew corralled. And in familiarizing herself with their new temporary home.
She pushed the troubling thoughts out of her mind. It would be fine. She would take her brother’s advice and engage more. And stop overthinking. Additionally, judging by Captain Mac’s weather report, the immediate future foretold of many beautiful sunny days ahead. Alex intended to enjoy them all.
Scents of various cooked breakfast meats wafted from an open hatch, a yummy approach to her destination. Her mood lightened more as she entered the galley. Her blond-haired nephew, Will, stood laughing with Mario, the ship’s cook. Sporting a classic pompadour of jet-black hair, the stocky, golden-bronzed Mario took nearly as much pride in his deft sense of humor as he did his culinary skills, and he and Will had taken an immediate liking to each other upon introduction. They’d also commenced straightaway into a game of Will guessing Mario’s home country. Will munched his last piece of bacon as he watched his new friend chop onions and peppers and add them to a large pot for the evening meal. Still immersed in their mirth, they both continued with hilarity as she walked up to greet them.
“So… think we’ll see any action this trip?”
Les LeBeau’s casual tone and British accent matched his relaxed stance as he checked over his weapon. The Barrett M82, fitted with custom scope and stock, his own retrofitted design, rarely left his side. More than proficient with said rifle, the tall, wiry, dark-haired man’s service as medic had gained him the offbeat moniker of Care Bear. Piercing blue eyes squinted against the sun’s glare, and he glanced over to the man next to him.
“Mmmm… don’t know. Hope not.” Standing just a couple of inches shorter than his lanky associate, trim athletic frame resting against the ship’s rail, Aaron Donovan made a meticulous scan around the area as he peered out at the surrounding horizon. High-powered binoculars showed only turquoise sky melting into blue-gray ocean. Endless. A drop of sweat tickled its way down the length of his backbone. The cloudless day and a black T-shirt were not proving the best combination. “Doesn’t look like much. Absolutely nothing out there.” He gave the horizon another scan. “But… you know that can change in a shake.”
“Yep.” Care Bear raised his rifle and sighted out over calm water through the scope. “Nothin’ now can turn into all bloody hell breakin’ loose in an hour.”
“Boyeez!” The third member of the group strode up and dropped a large arm across each of their shoulders. “What’s the verdict today?”
A broad, muscular hulk of a man, Shane Harrison would transform to all business when it came to warfare. When not in combat mode, however, he delighted in his habitual persona of self-proclaimed ladies’ man and all-around goof. He craned his neck, looking from one to the other and back, bright blue eyes flashing. “Well? Hey, no reason to be so serious till it’s time to be serious.” He stepped back, pulled out a cigar and lit it.
Aaron lowered the binoculars and gave Shane a sidelong squint. A smirk touched his lips. He shook his head before turning his blue-green gaze back through the lenses.
“Aww, c’mon, my Psycho brother. Ya gotta lighten up ’n’ enjoy!”
“In a minute.”
Psycho. Two reasons had earned Aaron that namesake years prior. First, his deeply observant nature and extensive studies of behavior and the human condition. Those coupled with a natural propensity and curiosity provided him the ability to establish a swift, accurate read on most personalities and intentions. The second? A long history of taking extreme chances in battle. Many others, even the well trained and seasoned, considered him unhinged in his daring. Weapons expert. Lethal marksman. Hand-to-hand combat skills that bordered an unsettling side of effective. All those qualities made for deadly efficiency. Time had now honed the brash self-sacrificing to shrewd intensity. A more discerning courageousness. And so far, he remained alive and well, no matter if others considered him psychotic. It worked.
Shane, or Loverboy, a nickname that he embodied with zeal, spread his arms open. “A gorgeous day, a ship on the water, and a potential date in sight.” A toothy grin flashed, and he inclined his head up to the upper deck. Alex had just appeared there next to the captain as their skipper took a break from his post. Shane’s eager inspection lingered over her willowy form, which was covered by white capri pants and a mint-green tank top. “What more could a man ask for? Ha!”
Satisfied that no threat was imminent, except maybe from his jolly companion, Aaron stowed the binoculars and ran both hands through his tousled brown hair. He turned to rest his back against the railing and folded his arms.
Les, the consummate master, decent, professional, calm and cool in most any situation thrown at him, always presented a positive example. Having worked alongside the man for many years and countless missions, were Aaron to have a best friend, Les LeBeau would be it.
On the other hand, Shane could be a hothead. A scattered and unpredictable personality. Never their first choice for this job, he had been available last minute, though with only two prior assignments worked together to judge him on. But Shane had proved his worth during those as a strong and skilled combatant. The man just needed to exercise some self-control and keep his head in the game.
Dark blue-green gaze narrowed and intense, Aaron’s eyes warned Shane: Don’t cause problems.
Les reproved Shane too. “You know, we are here to do a job, not hit on the only chick on the boat. Plus you do remember the dollar aspect and just how much we’re getting paid, don’t you? And that it is her brother who is doing the paying?”
“Well of course!” Shane’s retort faked injury. Playing up hurt feelings, he continued in an exaggerated wistful tone and hung his head. “You can’t blame a guy for tryin’ though.” He perked back up with a hearty guffaw and turned to Aaron. “Speakin’ of which, whatever happened to that last chick you were with, that hot brunette… You screw that up too?”
Les laughed at Shane. “Damn, man. I know we ain’t pulled a job together in a while, but that’s been a bloody long time ago. Keep up.”
“Whatever.” Shane sniffed and eyed Les before turning marked attention back to Aaron. “So? What about it?”
Aaron sighed. “It just didn’t work.”
“What, this lifestyle not her cup of tea?” Shane’s lips twisted up as he persisted, continuing his dig, his payback for Aaron’s silent reprimand. “Or was it just you?”
“You could say that.” To either point. Whether in jest or not, his companion liked to bait and push, sometimes too far. And Shane well knew Aaron was not one to discuss his personal life. Or maybe the man had forgotten. His expression didn’t change, but Aaron’s jaw clenched and his shoulders tightened along with a growing pit in his stomach. That ending was not something he cared to bring to mind again.
Shane had struck the correct nerve. At the sudden tension, he puffed up his chest, took up a defensive stance, and arched an eyebrow. “Ya wanna try me? Could be fun.”
Was the man actually serious? Aaron considered this as he noted the other’s expression and subtle body language.
That certainly wouldn’t go well, though he could sense Shane was ready should he decide to vent any frustration. But Shane was dragging up old news. And Shane liked to play.
Shane’s bluff of an attempt at intimidation left his face veined and ruddy, a sharp contrast to his buzz-cut blond hair. The platinum spikes caught the midmorning sun and caused Aaron to picture a sputtering volcano capped with snow. One corner of his mouth twitched upward. Irritation checked, he kept his gaze fixed on Shane, a look that still said back the hell off.
“Okay, okay. Geez! Not that big a deal! Damn, you guys are no fun at all!” Shane shook his head but laughed, turning more amiable. “Think I’ll go find me some prettier company.” He slapped Aaron on the arm and walked off to the nearest hatch.
“Boy doesn’t have a chance.” Les glanced over to Aaron. “Wanna take a bet on how far he gets?”
“No.”
Aaron’s short, matter-of-fact answer and mischievous expression made Les crack up. “Yeah, I know. Bloody crap bet.”
Shane appeared several minutes later on the upper deck next to Alex and Captain Mac. His usual animated self, he smarted off, a little too loud, trying to make an impression. After a few more minutes, Alex laughed and walked away, leaving Loverboy to stand with the captain. Looking confounded. Typical.
“You know,” Les observed in a low but humorous tone, “she is cute. You should…” He trailed off and backed away a step, feigning fear.
Quiet amusement laced Aaron’s voice. “You guys really need to get lives.”
Les laughed. “Just lookin’ out for ya, mate.”
Aaron gave Les a sly smile before turning more reflective. “Yeah, I know. It’s just… not a good idea.”
They stood in silence, Les tinkering with his rifle, Aaron lost in thought and staring at the deck.
After a time, Alex walked up. “You guys may want to come see this,” she said, her voice conveying dread. She turned and walked back to the hatch.
Off the Deep End Page 2
