by Piper Stone
“He’s back!” Sawyer howled.
“She means it too,” Landen teased.
“You bet I do.” Shannon eased the tray down on the table. “Have you heard anything from the captain?”
“Not a word,” Riker snarked. “Not a damn word.”
Stoker exhaled. “He’ll come when he has some news.”
“Maybe we should call him,” Boone suggested.
Garcia looked over his shoulder, willing the entrance door to open. “It was tense in there today. I just don’t know what’s going to go on.”
“What do you mean in there today?” Riker rose to his feet.
“I went to the council meeting and spoke, trying to convince them to keep the team together,” Garcia admitted. He felt awkward, as if he’d be criticized.
The men remained quiet until Stoker broke into a grin. “You are the man. If anyone could help us, that would be your puppy dog face.”
“We’ll have to see.” Garcia rubbed his forehead. “Where’s Antonio?”
Stoker looked at Landen who looked at Riker. Finally, Stoker spoke. “I don’t think he wants to be around us right now.”
“He’ll come around. His pride is just hurt,” Cooper said.
“I hope so. He’s not a bad guy. We’re all responsible in a way.” Garcia kept looking at the door until he saw a face and allowed a huge smile to cross his face. “I’ll be right back.” He couldn’t help but swagger as he approached her, a huge grin on his face.
Laney approached, shaking her head as she laughed. “You look like the cat who ate the canary. Have you heard anything after your impassioned speech?”
He wrapped his arm around her waist, swinging her in a full circle, making a few dance moves before leaning down until their foreheads touched. “No. We still don’t know. How was your day?” Very slowly, he licked around her mouth before pulling her in for a kiss.
Laney stood on her toes and rubbed her hands up and around his shoulders, a slight moan floating between them. She moaned when he slid his lips down to her chin then to her neck, licking just under her earlobe. “Mmm… Much better now. You keep doing that and we’re leaving.”
“And that would bother me exactly why?” Garcia took her hand, twisting around and pulling her behind him. “Might as well be grilled by the team.”
She yanked his arm, forcing him to stop. “Does that mean?”
He tilted his head, this time his expression somber. “I couldn’t leave. I would be lost without my career, without the guys.”
Her eyes lighting up, she let out a long breath. “I’m proud of you.”
“I just hope I have a team to go back to. Come on. We’re all waiting together.”
“I have a good feeling,” she said then rubbed the small of his back.
Her gentle touch, the lightest brush of her fingers or her lips left him tingling all over. Garcia pulled her into the room and cleared his throat. “For any of you who don’t know, this is Laney Cavanaugh and yes, she’s my girlfriend. Get it? All. Mine.”
“Whoa!” Tyler said as he winked.
“You’re really going to put up with this guy?” Stoker chided.
“Do we ever have some stories to tell you!” Riker teased.
Shannon shook her head, a mama bear kind of look on her face. “If you boys aren’t nice to her, you’ll have my wrath to deal with.”
Laney squeezed Garcia’s arm. “I think I’m going to teach him a thing or two.”
“I like this girl already,” Landen exclaimed.
Garcia watched as his team fawned over her, showering her with attention. He remained in the background, relishing the way she opened up, a beautiful flower bud finding the light. Unfortunately, he remained troubled but refused to add fear to concern by discussing it with Laney. She was much happier, laughing and able to be herself. He suspected she’d never really known who she was. He only hoped this could be a night of celebration.
“Drinks all the way around,” Riker’s voice boomed over the others.
Shannon winked as she handed Garcia a beer. “She’s lovely.”
“She’s very special.”
“I’ve never seen you so happy. I think she’ll plug that hole you have.”
He gave her a wry look. “What hole are you talking about, oh, wise one?”
She folded her arms and leaned against his arm. “The one you drop into every now and then, losing yourself.”
“I guess you’re right.”
“Just go slow and easy. My only piece of sage advice.”
“And what about you and Landen? Are we going to have a double wedding in a couple of weeks?” Garcia couldn’t help but tease.
Shivering visibly, Shannon waved her hand up and down, as if burning up alive. “After watching Jessica go through this wedding crap, not a chance in hell!”
“That’s our girl.”
“Uh-oh.”
Boone’s voice was hushed but startled and Garcia knew who was walking through the restaurant. He turned and backed further into the room, nodding as Captain Phillips came in. The aging man’s eyes were full of exhaustion, the lines on his face deeper, his shoulders slumped.
“We’re done,” Stoker said under his breath.
When the man they most respected walked into the room, nodding to each of them, every man stood at attention. “Gentlemen. Ladies. I figured I’d find all of you here.”
“Not all of us, sir,” Landen stated.
The captain looked pained. “Antonio will be all right. I have faith in all of you as men. You’ve never ceased to amaze me with how fearless and compassionate every one of you is. You look danger in the eye every time you go out on a call, pushing the boundaries of common sense. What you’ve been able to accomplish as a team you should be very proud of.”
Sweat beaded along the back of Garcia’s neck, sliding past his shirt collar. He managed to find Laney’s hand and clasped theirs together.
“You’re killing us, Cap’n,” Sawyer huffed.
The captain held up his hand. “I’m not finished yet.” He waited until everyone was dead quiet. “I know I’ve been distant, even surly the last few weeks, but I’ve had my reasons and only some have to do with whether or not our team was going to survive the budget cuts.”
“Is something wrong?” Stoker dared to break the silence.
“My wife has been very ill,” Captain Phillips said, his eyes misting over.
“Oh, Jesus. Is she going to be okay?” Boone walked closer.
“Cancer, but the doctors think they got everything in time. As you can imagine, I’ve been…” Captain Phillips closed his eyes. “It’s been tough but she’s a fighter and in truth, she’d kick my ass if she knew I was here, telling anything about her condition.”
“How can we help?” Garcia asked, numb as he thought about his dad.
Captain Phillips finally smiled. “We have to go through some chemo, but the prognosis has been good. I’m sorry if I seemed preoccupied. I just... Well, she’s my life. While I know you boys think that smokejumping is the most important aspect of your life, I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong. If I lost Brenda, you might as well put me six feet under.” The words rang in the air. “Anyway, I’m damn proud of you. You might have heard that Garcia made a surprise visit to the council meeting today. I have to say, his heartfelt words had a solid effect on everyone in that room, including the mayor.”
Garcia and Stoker both leaned forward.
“To that end, and after a significant amount of deliberation, the vote was six to one to keep the Jackals alive.”
A collective series of whoops and hollers filtered about into the main dining room, making Shannon cringe.
“Yes!” Garcia pumped his fist.
“You did it, brother!” Stoker gave him a bear hug.
“The Jackals live!” Landen screeched.
Garcia could see another look in the captain’s eye. “Let me guess. There’s a ‘but’ to this. Isn’t there?”
Captain P
hillips grinned and walked closer. “Shannon, my dear. Do you mind getting an old man a scotch on the rocks, the best you got?”
“I’d be honored and it’s on the house,” Shannon grasped his arm before kissing Landen quickly and walking out of the room.
All the men encircled the captain. “So, what’s going to happen?” Riker had an edge to his voice.
“Cuts in our salary?” Sawyer asked as he shook his head.
“No, everyone has a small increase, which might have shocked me more than anything.” Captain Phillips exhaled, but a smile remained.
“Then, what’s the catch?” Tyler challenged.
“Well, we also have new warm bodies to fill our team.” The captain’s face held a look of amusement.
“I don’t think I like where this is going,” Stoker said under his breath.
“Rattlesnakes. Right?” Riker folded his arms, his eyes narrowing.
“Three from the team. That takes away the top-heavy portion of that group and fills ours out, at least for now.” Captain Phillips took a step forward as the men started to groan. “You will treat them with respect and work with them as your new brothers. Is that understood?”
“Please tell me they’re females,” Boone laughed.
“Nope. The council didn’t think the dynamics would work. As if they have any freaking clue,” the captain said as he slapped his hands on his hips.
“Don’t leave us in suspense, Cap’n. Come on.”
The captain held his breath for a few seconds before answering. “Zane Grey, Steel Frost and Matt Washington.”
“You have fuckin’ got to be kidding me?” Riker snarled.
Landen grabbed Riker’s shoulder. “You don’t have to like them.”
“Landen’s right. I don’t care if you’re buddy, buddy with them, but you will work with them. You will save their asses if need be. Got it?” The captain kept his hard glare on Riker.
Riker snorted and stepped away from the group. “If I don’t kill ‘em first.”
Garcia looked at Stoker. “This is a celebration. Right?”
“You bet your ass it is!” Sawyer howled. “Jackals. Jackals.”
Garcia could tell how disgusted Riker remained. The dynamics would never be the same but at least they had a job and he’d never been prouder in his entire life.”
“Thank you for what you did,” Captain Phillips said quietly as everyone grabbed their drinks.
“It was important to me, sir. I realized just how much when I thought I was going to lose the team,” Garcia half whispered.
“No sir or captain tonight. Just Scully. Okay?”
“Yes, sir. I mean Scully.” Garcia smiled as the captain gripped his shoulder.
“They are not going to become members of Burnout. Period.”
Garcia grinned hearing Riker’s continued demands.
“Does anyone want to explain this Burnout thing to me?” Laney asked to no one in particular.
Jessica flanked her side. “I’ll fill you in on everything. A woman’s point of view is so much more important.”
“Watch out, my sweet fiancée.” Stoker gave her an admonishing look.
“I’m just as good as gold,” she countered.
“What about the parachutes?” Landen asked casually.
Captain Phillips looked over his shoulder, as if worrying others would hear. “The mayor promised a full investigation. Unfortunately, the decision to purchase the parachutes wasn’t one on her plate.”
“Do you believe her?” Garcia asked.
“You know. I do. She’s a tenacious woman.” Captain Phillips held a grin. “I actually respect the woman. She’s doing a tough job.”
“Tell that to Jimmy Martin’s family. If he has one.”
Riker’s words rang out again.
Captain Phillips nodded several times. “Either way, we’re still going to be scrutinized so everyone has to be on top of their game.”
“We will, Cap’n,” Sawyer said for everyone. “My leg is just fine so I’m back on regular duty.”
“You, are going to take it easy,” the captain ordered.
“Sure, he is,” Stoker laughed.
“Have another drink, dude. As we said, this is a celebration.” Boone rolled his eyes and handed Riker a shot of tequila.
Garcia polished off his beer and for the first time in perhaps his entire life, he’d never felt more alive. Things were coming together and no matter the hardships or the tough decisions, they were still a team. As he turned to go back toward the group, a flash caught his eye. He walked out of the room and pushed his way through the crowd. When he got to within a foot of the bar, he hissed.
He could have sworn Troy Bruester was sitting on a bar stool, studying everything they were doing. Watching. Planning.
Plotting.
The day dawned gray and cold, flurries mixing with ice. Laney stood at the window, huddling in her coat as she waited for Garcia. Topper remained by her side, hungry for attention. “I know, baby. Strange place.”
“Not so strange I hope?” Garcia walked in from the bedroom.
She turned and drank in the man she barely knew yet one she absolutely adored. “You look very handsome.”
“I wish wearing this was for another reason.”
“I know. I’ve never been to a funeral for a hero.”
He stopped, breathing in as if her words caught in his throat. “You know what? Neither have I. I just wish…” He shook his head and walked closer until he could reach out, taking her hands into his. “You’re shivering.”
“A lot of memories. The funeral my parents were forced to have for me.” She rested her head on his shoulder then said the words she’d been afraid to say to him. “I talked with my mother.”
“What? Is that wise? I mean, did this detective tell you it was okay?”
She gazed into his eyes, sniffing as tears threatened to come yet again. “He did. She was… She didn’t believe it was me at first then she said something so comforting. That she knew I was alive in her heart.”
He held her close, holding the back of her head. “You can see her now.”
“Maybe. Dad is sick, and she wasn’t going to tell him yet.”
“Maybe that’s exactly what he needs,” Garcia whispered.
“Maybe. I told her I’d call her later today.” Laney eased back, planting a brush of a kiss on his lips. “She doesn’t know about you. Yet.”
He laughed and glanced outside. “Tell her when you’re ready. If you want to.”
“You say that like I’m going to run away.”
Shrugging, he looked down at Topper. “Things change when you least expect them to.”
“Hey,” she said as she cupped his chin. “I’m not going anywhere. That I promise you.”
He gave her a half smile. “I hope not. Kinda gotten used to you.”
She rubbed his cheek, wishing the tears hadn’t settled in her eyes. “I think we should go.”
“Yeah, I know. A tough day.” He walked toward the kitchen counter, grabbing his keys. “Going to be harder than I expected.”
“You have your team and you have me,” she said brightly but the words seemed strangled.
Garcia nodded, a haunted look remaining on his face. “I know.” After a few seconds, he inhaled and walked toward the door. “Let’s go.”
They remained silent as he drove, and she leaned her head against the passenger window, her mind reeling from thoughts of her past, her friends and family, missing so many aspects of a life she’d been forced to leave. This was a new life, a new start. Then why wasn’t she jumping for joy? “You’ve changed me.”
“How?” Garcia asked as he gripped the steering wheel.
“You reminded me to live, to continue on a path that I wanted.”
“Does that include me?”
She could hear such sadness in his voice. Reaching over, she grasped his hand, pulling his fingers to her thigh. “Without you, I could never get through all of this. You are a sp
ecial man.”
“I’m just a guy who’s lived life to its fullest without having anyone I needed to really care about. That changed me I guess.”
“Everything happens for a reason.”
He nodded several times. “You’re right. After this, I want to take you on a ride.”
“A ride?”
Cocking his head, he grinned. “On a horse.”
She shuddered on purpose. “You ask a lot of me.”
He leaned his head closer. “Because you obey me.”
Bursting into laughter, she thought about what he was saying. “Yeah, I guess I do. So, tell me about Burnout.”
It was his turn to laugh. “That’s for a glass of wine and a roaring fire, maybe a hard spanking or two.”
She shifted in her seat on purpose. “I still feel the last one.”
“Just wait.” His eyes twinkled for a few seconds then dulled, as if the memories of what they were doing on this frigid day slithered into his mind, yanking away the pieces of happiness. “I don’t know anything about this man who died. Nothing other than his reputation. I don’t think he has any family.”
She took his hand into hers, squeezing. “He has a huge family, just like you do. Men and women who would die for each other. There is nothing more special than a family like that.”
“You’re right.”
“As always.”
He chuckled and pushed down on the accelerator. “Not much further.”
Laney kept her hand wrapped around his as he drove into a parking lot. The funeral home gave her the jitters. She could see herself lying in a casket, the few people who cared about her staring at her lifeless body. Swallowing, she tried to put on a brave front, but this was the last place she wanted to be. Still, Garcia needed her strength as well as her love.
After parking, he cut the engine then glared out of the windshield. “Everyone is here.”
“They are your friends. Never forget that.”
“And yours too. They will protect your life as they do mine. That’s what being a team is all about.” He inhaled and closed his eyes. “I think the worst part is not knowing when one of us might not come back from even a routine mission. We face danger almost every time, but we’re just doing our jobs, what we’ve been trained to do. The thought of never coming home is…” Fisting his mouth, a strangled moan filled the dense space. “I have more reason to live than I ever have before.”
