Justice for Gwen (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha): Guardian Elite series novella #2

Home > Other > Justice for Gwen (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha): Guardian Elite series novella #2 > Page 11
Justice for Gwen (Police and Fire: Operation Alpha): Guardian Elite series novella #2 Page 11

by Cooper, KaLyn


  Jonathan smiled. “Then who better to be with than a trained professional in personal protection? Besides, Guardian has ten offices, we can move.”

  “That might be a good idea,” she suggested.

  “And we’ll need to change your name,” he continued.

  “Do I get to pick it?” She brightened at that idea.

  “No. I do.” He bent and kissed her temple so as not to disturb the oxygen mask. “How about Gwendolyn O’Neil?” he whispered in her ear.

  “I like the sound of that.”

  So did he.

  Epilogue

  The following evening, Jonathan and Gwen stood hand in hand in front of the charred remains of the diner and home that had been hers for a short few months.

  She wanted to cry. Again. Her aunt and uncle had entrusted their life’s savings to her and she’d caused it to burn to the ground. Luis was out a job and a home. She’d spent hours on the phone with other restaurants getting her employees new jobs, most with better pay than they’d been able to afford.

  The real kicker was the headline in both the Dallas and Fort Worth newspapers: Up In Smoke Lives Up to Its Name. A picture of her over the fireman’s shoulder on the ladder was the lead story. At least she wasn’t flashing her lady bits. Not a word, though, about the brave Guardian men who stopped a terrorist attack on the American Airlines towers.

  Another gray SUV parked in the side lot, next to its twin. Alex, Griffin, and Quin sauntered over.

  “We were on our way out, and I wanted to say how sorry I am about your restaurant, the building, everything.” Alex looked beyond tired.

  “Thank you,” Gwen managed to get out before she started coughing again. The doctors have told her that may happen for several days, maybe even weeks. Somehow, she had missed the very tall man with short black hair approach the group.

  “It doesn’t look like you going to buy me a drink at this establishment.”

  A broad smile crossed Jonathan’s face. “Cruz. You son of a bitch.” Jonathan embraced the taller man with the one arm, back pounding bro hug. “You have time for that drink?”

  “No, I need to get on the road. I want to get back to my Mickie, but I couldn’t leave Dallas without at least saying hello and reminding you we have a guestroom in San Antonio.”

  As though he just realized other people were standing around watching the two of them, Jonathan turned to Gwen. “Sweetheart, I want to introduce you to an old friend, Cruz Livingston. Cruz, I’d like you to meet Gwen Shaw.” After a brief shake, he introduced Alex, Griffin, and Quin. “Cruz and I met at Quantico. He was going through the FBI Academy and I was back on base for some additional training.”

  Alex was suddenly interested. “You’re FBI? I ran the tactical operation here on the ground for USSOCOM.”

  Cruz’s eyebrows raised then he glanced at Jonathan. “You weren’t kidding when you said you were right in the middle of everything.”

  Jonathan gave Gwen a hug as he pulled her closer to him. “You have no idea just how close.”

  “Word has it you destroyed the local cell,” Alex claimed.

  “We finally captured the Dallas cell leader, Aqil Faris, who gave himself that Arabic name of Intelligent Knight. I guess he thought of himself as a knight of ISIS.” Cruz chuckled. “By the way, his real name was Tyrone Jackson. That’s what took you so long to find him.”

  Griffin shook his head. “We heard he was one of the subcontractors for the dry wall in the towers and placed over two hundred pounds of explosives inside the walls attached to throwaway phones.”

  Cruz nodded. “Your intel is correct.”

  “Why did he do it?” Gwen asked.

  “He did what he was instructed to do,” Alex explained. “While in college, he became a Muslim, not that he had any religious affiliation while a youth. He was recruited into the Dallas cell, even went to Iraq to study directly under Caliph Ibrahim.”

  “Believe it or not, that’s how a lot of American young men are being influenced into terrorism,” Cruz noted.

  The breeze changed directions and Gwen was assaulted with the smell of garbage and char. “What am I going to tell my aunt and uncle. My family is going to disown me.”

  “Actually, that was another reason we stopped.” Alex held out a slip of paper. “This was an act of terrorism just as much as the bombs in the American Airlines towers. This woman will help you get the money you deserve to rebuild, regardless of what the insurance company pays.”

  Quin stepped forward. “Do you think they’ll rebuild the restaurant?”

  “No, they want to retire and travel more in their motorhome.” Gwen sighed. “They’d talked about selling the land. Someone offered them a good price so he could build condos here. It is a good location.”

  “That’s why I built in this area.” Alex checked his watch.

  “Can I get Luis’s phone number?” Quin asked. “I’d like to hire him to cook for us when we move into the new building.”

  “Now I wish we were staying here,” Jonathan retorted.

  “I need you in San Francisco,” Alex reminded him.

  “Good thing I got to see you now,” Cruz said. “Looks like you’re leaving Texas.”

  Jonathan pulled her in close and kissed her temple. “Yes. It looks like were moving to the West Coast.”

  Cruz looked at his watch. “Well, I’m sorry we are not going to be able to have that drink. I really need to get on the road. It’s a long drive back to San Antonio.” He stepped up to Jonathan and gave him another hug. “Let me know if you find a few days to visit us down south before you head west. Mickie and I would love to show you around the area.”

  Jonathan looked at her questioningly.

  “I haven’t been to San Antonio in years.” She leaned in and gave him a quick kiss. “I think we can work that into our travel plans.”

  “We need to leave, too,” Alex announced. He glanced up from his phone with a soft smile. “Katlin will be touching down just about the same time we will.”

  “Before you leave,” Gwen hurriedly asked, “I haven’t seen Kane since…”

  Quin smiled at her. “He’s now working in our operations center, and I have him set up to see one of the top endocrinologists in the state. The VA hospital is good, but this doctor is better.”

  Gwen threw her arms around Quin, careful of his stitches. After a brief hug, she moved to Griffin. He was next in line, so, why not.

  Alex welcomed her with open arms. “If there is ever anything I can ever do for you, you have my personal number. Don’t hesitate to call. Once you two are settled in San Francisco, we’ll talk about job opportunities for you.”

  “Thank you, Alex.” She didn’t expect him to help her find a job, but it was sweet of him to offer.

  “Hey, that’s my woman you’re holding,” Jonathan challenged his boss.

  With Jonathan’s arm around her, she felt safe as they waved goodbye.

  “You ready to go diamond ring shopping?” He encircled her and just held her.

  She started to giggle. “I was thinking smoky topaz would be more appropriate.”

  “I happen to know they have black diamonds.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Would that be close enough?”

  The End

  If you’ve enjoyed Justice for Gwen, please tell others about the Guardian Elite Series crossover with Susan Stoker’s Badge of Honor World by leaving a review on your retailer’s site or Goodreads.

  Consider other books by KaLyn Cooper:

  About the Author

  KaLyn Cooper writes sensual romantic suspense. Twenty-two years as a military wife has shown her the world and the men and women who protect it every day. Thirty years in PR taught her fact can be stranger than fiction, but leaves it up to the reader to separate truth from imagination. She and her husband live in Tennessee on their micro-plantation filled with gardens, cattle, and a puppy. When she’s not writing, she’s at the shooting range or on the river.

  www.KaLynCooper.com

/>   More by author KaLyn Cooper

  Black Swan Series

  Military active duty women secretly trained in Special Operations

  and the men who dare to capture the heart of a Woman Warrior.

  Unconventional Beginnings: Prequel (Black Swan Novella # 0.5)

  He’s dead. But they can’t allow it to affect her. She’s too important.

  Unrelenting Love: Lady Hawk (Katlin) & Alex (Black Swan Book #1)

  Women in Special Operations? Never…Until he sleeps with the most lethal woman in the world.

  Noel’s Puppy Power: Bailey & Tanner (A Sweet Christmas Black Swan Novella #1.5)

  He’s better at communicating with animals than women, but as an amputee she knows firsthand, it’s the internal scars that can be the most difficult to heal.

  Uncaged Love: Harper & Rafe (Black Swan Book #2)

  The jungle isn’t the only thing that’s hot while escaping a Colombian cartel.

  Unexpected Love: Lady Eagle (Grace) & Griffin (Black Swan Book #3)

  He never believed in love, but he never expected to find her.

  Challenging Love: Katlin & Alex (A Black Swan Novella #3.5)

  A new relationship can be fragile when outsiders are determined to challenge that love.

  Unguarded Love: Lady Harrier (Nita) & Daniel (Black Swan Book #4)

  She couldn’t lose another sick baby…then he brought her his dying daughter.

  Choosing Love: Grace & Griffin (A Black Swan Novella #4.5)

  Hard choices have to be made when parents interfere in a growing relationship.

  Guardian Elite Series

  Former special operators,

  these men work for Guardian Security (from the Black Swan Series)

  protecting families in their homes and executives on the road,

  but they can’t always protect their hearts.

  Double Jeopardy (Novella #1 Guardian Elite series crossover with Hildie McQueen’s Indulgences series)

  Guarding a billionaire and his wife isn’t easy when you can’t keep your eyes off your bikini wearing, gun carrying partner who is lethal in stilettos.

  Justice for Gwen (Novella #2 Guardian Elite series crossover with Susan Stoker’s Delta Force Heroes series)

  She’s not what she seems. Neither is he. But the terrorist threat is real. So is the desire that smolders between them.

  Rescuing Melina (Novella #3 Guardian Elite series crossover with Susan Stoker’s Delta Force Heroes series)

  When Jacin awoke stateside, he remembered nothing about his escape from the Colombian cartel or his torture. He was sure of only one thing, his love of Melina, his handler. When she disappears, neither bruises nor the CIA will keep him from rescuing her.

  Snow SEAL (Novella #4 Guardian Elite series crossover with Elle James Brotherhood Protectors World)

  Terrorists want her…but so does he. The chase isn’t the only thing that heats up when the flint of the former SEAL strikes against the steel of the woman warrior.

  Cancun Series

  Follow the Girard family

  —along with their friends, former SEALs and active duty female Navy pilots—

  as they hunt Mayan antiquities, terrorists and Mexican cartels in what most would call paradise.

  Tropical nights aren’t the only thing HOT in Cancun.

  Christmas in Cancun (Cancun Series Book #1)

  Can the former SEAL keep his libido in check and his family safe when the quest for ancient Mayan idols turns murderous?

  Conquered in Cancun (Cancun Series Novella #1.5)

  A helicopter pilot’s second chance at love walks into a Cancun nightclub, but she’s a jet fighter pilot with reinforced walls around her heart.

  Captivated in Cancun (Cancun Series Book #2)

  His job is tracking down terrorists so he’s not interested in a family. She wants him short-term then needs him when their worlds collide.

  Claimed by a SEAL (Cancun Series crossover Novella #2.5 with Cat Johnson’s Hot SEALs)

  How far will the Homeland Security agent go to assure mission success when forced undercover for a second time with an irresistible SEAL?

  For the latest on works in progress and future releases, check out KaLyn Cooper’s website

  www.KaLynCooper.com

  http://www.kalyncooper.com/

  Follow KaLyn Cooper on Facebook for promotions and giveaways

  https://www.facebook.com/kalyn.cooper.52

  Sign up for exclusive promotions and special offers only available in KaLyn’s newsletter http://www.kalyncooper.com/newsletter.html

  More Books in the Special Forces: Operation Alpha World!

  See all the books at www.AcesPress.com

  Denise Agnew: Dangerous to Hold

  Shauna Allen: Awakening Aubrey

  Shauna Allen: Defending Danielle

  Shauna Allen: Rescuing Rebekah

  Shauna Allen: Saving Scarlett

  Shauna Allen: Saving Grace

  Brynne Asher: Blackburn

  Jennifer Becker: Hiding Catherine

  Julia Bright: Saving Lorelei

  Victoria Bright: Surviving Savage

  Victoria Bright: Going Ghost

  Victoria Bright: Jostling Joker

  Kendra Mei Chailyn: Beast

  Kendra Mei Chailyn: Barbie

  Kendra Mei Chailyn : Pitbull

  Melissa Kay Clarke: Rescuing Annabeth

  Melissa Kay Clarke: Safeguarding Miley

  Samantha A. Cole: Handling Haven

  Samantha A. Cole: Cheating the Devil

  Sue Coletta: Hacked

  KaLyn Cooper: Rescuing Melina

  Liz Crowe: Marking Mariah

  Jordan Dane: Redemption for Avery

  Jordan Dane: Fiona’s Salvation

  Riley Edwards: Protecting Olivia

  Riley Edwards: Redeeming Violet

  Nicole Flockton: Protecting Maria

  Nicole Flockton: Guarding Erin

  Nicole Flockton: Guarding Suzie

  Nicole Flockton: Guarding Brielle

  Casey Hagen: Shielding Nebraska

  Casey Hagen: Shielding Harlow

  Casey Hagen: Shielding Josie

  Desiree Holt: Protecting Maddie

  Kathy Ivan: Saving Sarah

  Kathy Ivan: Saving Savannah

  Kathy Ivan: Saving Stephanie

  Jesse Jacobson: Protecting Honor

  Jesse Jacobson: Fighting for Honor

  Jesse Jacobson: Defending Honor

  Jesse Jacobson: Summer Breeze

  Silver James: Rescue Moon

  Silver James: SEAL Moon

  Silver James: Assassin’s Moon

  Becca Jameson: Saving Sofia

  Kate Kinsley: Protecting Ava

  Heather Long: Securing Arizona

  Heather Long: Guarding Gertrude

  Heather Long: Protecting Pilar

  Heather Long: Covering Coco

  Gennita Low: No Protection

  Kirsten Lynn: Joining Forces for Jesse

  Margaret Madigan: Bang for the Buck

  Margaret Madigan: Buck the System

  Margaret Madigan: Jungle Buck

  Margaret Madigan: December Chill

  Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Baby

  Rachel McNeely: The SEAL’s Surprise Bride

  KD Michaels: Saving Laura

  KD Michaels: Protecting Shane

  Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound

  Wren Michaels: The Fox & The Hound 2

  Wren Michaels: Shadow of Doubt

  Wren Michaels: Shift of Fate

  Wren Michaels: Steeling His Heart

  Kat Mizera: Protecting Bobbi

  Mary B Moore: Force Protection

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Butterfly

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Goddess

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Vixen

  LeTeisha Newton: Protecting Heartbeat

  MJ Nightingale: Protecting Beauty

  MJ Nightingale: Betting on Benny

&nbs
p; MJ Nightingale: Protecting Secrets

  Sarah O’Rourke: Saving Liberty

  Debra Parmley: Protecting Pippa

  Lainey Reese: Protecting New York

  Jenika Snow: Protecting Lily

  Jen Talty: Burning Desire

  Jen Talty: Burning Kiss

  Jen Talty: Burning Skies

  Jen Talty: Burning Lies

  Megan Vernon: Protecting Us

  Megan Vernon: Protecting Earth

  As you know, this book included at least one character from Susan Stoker’s books. To check out more, see below.

  Delta Force Heroes Series

  Rescuing Rayne (FREE!)

  Rescuing Aimee (novella)

  Rescuing Emily

  Rescuing Harley

  Marrying Emily

  Rescuing Kassie

  Rescuing Bryn

  Rescuing Casey

  Rescuing Sadie

  Rescuing Wendy

  Rescuing Mary (Oct 2018)

  Rescuing Macie (April 2019)

  Badge of Honor: Texas Heroes Series

  Justice for Mackenzie (FREE!)

  Justice for Mickie

  Justice for Corrie

  Justice for Laine (novella)

  Shelter for Elizabeth

  Justice for Boone

  Shelter for Adeline

  Shelter for Sophie

  Justice for Erin

  Justice for Milena

  Shelter for Blythe

  Justice for Hope (Sept 2018)

  Shelter for Quinn (Feb 2019)

  Shelter for Koren (June 2019)

  Shelter for Penelope (Oct 2019)

  SEAL of Protection Series

  Protecting Caroline (FREE!)

  Protecting Alabama

  Protecting Fiona

  Marrying Caroline (novella)

 

‹ Prev