Delta Force: Crow (Wayward Souls)

by Kris Norris

  Coen closed his eyes, ran a hand through his hair. “Well, fuck. Hold on a second.”

  Then, he was on his cell, talking quietly before nodding. Ending the call. “There’s a clinic not far from here. Completely off-the-books. They treat a lot of vets who can’t afford to wait months to get help. People who don’t have the right papers. The medical staff are top notch. Donate their time. All the resources. I called in a few favors. Got your buddy—”

  “Vale. Ethan Vale, though we all just call him Phoenix.”

  “Right. Well, I got Vale a spot. Gonna cost me a long weekend of volunteering, not to mention my best damn bottle of Glenfiddich, but I’ll make Gib buy me more. Fucker owes me. If Vale survives the trip and the surgery, he can recover in my mobile unit until you figure out how deep he’s in. But, for now, Ice, you’re with me. Six, you and Kameron get the door then follow us there, just in case. I don’t want that asshole, Slader, driving me off the road. And Six… Speed is crucial if your teammate’s gonna make it.”

  Six was already grabbing keys—escorting Kameron to the door, palm on the small of her back. Nodding at Cannon after Brady and Ice had carried Phoenix out. There was a moment of silence, of everyone holding their breath, then movement. Ryker standing, Cannon grabbing Phoenix’s guns as Colt and Ellis rounded the counter, not that Devlyn had seen Ellis or known she was there, either.

  “I am officially done with Slader and this CIA bullshit. Colt…” Cannon nodded toward the door. “There’s no way Phoenix walked here from that warehouse site. Not busted up as bad as he was. Find his damn truck and bring back every freaking thing inside it. Papers. Weapons. Fucking wrappers. Don’t leave anything and keep your head on a damn swivel.”

  He turned to Ellis. “Follow Colt, but make a larger sweep. You see anything that looks like a tail, you document it. I want license plates. Photos. What fucking coffee shop they stopped at before hunkering down. And don’t let them see you.”

  She scoffed checking her weapons as she followed Colt to the door. “I’ll let that last bit slide because one of your men just left in a bloody mess. But, don’t let it happen, again, big guy.”

  He chuckled. “Sorry. My mistake.” He waited until they’d left, then faced her and Ryker. Just the three of them standing there. A clock ticking in the background. “I’ll call Priest. See what the hell Phoenix has been up to since we all buggered off. If he knows anyone named Anna. Devlyn? I was hoping you might have an IT friend who could do some discrete poking around for us? Keep this removed from our crew since we’re obviously being targeted, and the last thing we need is Ellis or Kam back in the crosshairs.” He looked pointedly at Ryker. “You’ve got a serious mole problem, Crow.”

  “Tell me something I don’t know.” He looked at the door, mouth pinched tight. Eyes narrowed. “If what Vale said is true…”

  “Then, it’s on whoever was pulling his strings. Unless you already know who Anna is? Pulled the trigger, yourself?”

  “Of course not, but… Shit, Cannon. He stayed on top of that building in order to help us escape.” He tapped his chest. “To save me! Long past when he knew it was safe. Had enough time to bug out. And apparently at the expense of the woman he loves. Because we all know there’s only one reason Vale would ever break ranks, and it’s not for some two-bit mission or to beat the world record on sniper hits.”

  Cannon settled one massive hand on Ryker’s shoulder. “We’ll figure it out. Whoever’s behind this obviously didn’t dig deep enough into Vale’s past because if they had, they’d have known he’d never turn his back on his brothers. That saving them is the only way to quiet the demons hiding inside his head.”

  Another pat, then Cannon was moving back. “The kid’s family. If there’s retribution to be had, we’ll see he gets it. But we can’t do that if we don’t know who the hell we’re fighting. So, Devlyn, you got a friend? Someone you trust, and who won’t mind bending some laws? Fuck, breaking them?”

  “The perfect person. She’s like Ellis, only, not as lethal.”

  “Finally, a lady who might not want to shoot us on sight. Okay, we’ll bring her in once we have some intel. Until then, hang tight. And, for god’s sake, stay inside. At least until Colt and Ellis let us know it’s clear. We don’t need you running headlong into an ambush.”

  Ryker opened his mouth, most likely to protest, knowing him, but Cannon was already walking away. Phone in hand. His finger swiping through what had to be contacts. Devlyn stepped in front, placed a palm on his chest, and he didn’t hesitate. Just opened his arms, gathered her close. Tucked her head into his shoulder as he cupped her neck and waist. Enveloped her in his scent. His heat.

  She gave herself over to the moment. To the beat of his heart. The sound of his breath. How he made her feel safe without saying a word. And she would have stood there all night if possible. But he eased back—brushed some hair behind her ear.

  “For a moment there, I thought you were gonna take a shot at Vale.”

  She shrugged. “He had you in his crosshairs. I wanted to be able to back you up. Would you expect anything less?”

  “No. Doesn’t mean I have to like it. Especially when the man in question is hands down the best damn shooter in the world. Never seen anyone draw faster. Well, other than Six, but he’s got that weird Jedi mind thing going on, so it doesn’t really count.”

  “But you knew he wouldn’t actually shoot, didn’t you.” It hadn’t been a question.

  “The kid I knew never would have let his brothers down. Not after losing his own after enlisting. Phoenix never really said much, but we all knew he’d already lived through hell. That he’d hoped to save enough money to give his little brother a real home. Or that a part of Vale died when it all went for shit.” He glanced at the door. “Not sure that was the same man, though. Never seen him that…agitated.”

  “Yet, none of you took advantage of his mistakes. Like when he coughed. Or got upset and started banging on his head. You were all willing to let it play out.”

  “Like Cannon said. He’s family. I just hope what he said isn’t true. That we aren’t the reason this Anna woman might be dead because…”

  Because he’d never get over the guilt. That his friend had sacrificed the woman he loved in order to save Ryker—especially when Ice had claimed Ryker would break ranks to save her. Even if it meant going against his brothers. Not that he admitted it. Would admit it. But it was written in the lines of his face. The shadows beneath his eyes.

  And she knew nothing she said would help. Would lessen the tension bunching his muscles. Instead, she nodded. “Then, let’s finish this. I’ll grab one of Gibson’s burner cells and call Becca. Bring her up to speed. And, once we know what ghosts we’re chasing, we’ll bring the fight to them. Hoo-yah.”

  He laughed. “You are something special, Dev. Okay. Let’s end this. And, this time, Slader’s not slinking away or calling in chits. He’s going down, one way or another.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  “Finally.” Crow pushed to his feet, running a hand through his hair as Colt and Ellis quietly entered the loft. “You two have been gone for over an hour. That better mean you found Phoenix’s truck.”

  Colt glanced at Ellis, then sighed, placing a case, a ripped blanket and a small folder on the table. “Other than his rifle, there wasn’t much worth salvaging from his truck.” Colt held up the piece of blanket. “Looks as if whoever hired him provided some new tech, because there’s no way this thermal blanket is standard issue. More likely a prototype. Which explains why Phoenix grabbed what was left of it. I can only assume he was trying to prevent it from implicating him in the shootings or having it traced back to his contact. Not that there’s any information on who that is. Or, a way of tracking the bastard.”

  Colt huffed, tapping on the folder. “Vale also had the coordinates for the warehouse, a photo of Slader and some aerial shots of the surrounding buildings. There were a few stubs for food and gas that aren’t anything special, but we brought everyt
hing. And we were gone that long because he parked seven blocks away.”

  “Seven? Phoenix walked seven blocks while bleeding internally? After a fucking building fell on top of him?”

  Colt shrugged. “The kid always was hardcore. Guess we kind of took that for granted. How intense he was. Unstable, really. Never thought he’d actually pull a gun on us, though.”

  “You mean me.”

  “I seem to recall staring down that barrel, too, Crow.”

  Cannon’s voice filled the room before he appeared in the hallway. He’d been on the phone the entire time, though, Crow wasn’t sure if it had only been to Priest or if he’d called more members of Alpha’s other squad. Had maybe rallied Jericho.

  Crow crossed his arms. “You weren’t the one who got his girlfriend killed.”

  “We don’t know if she’s dead or what her relationship is to Phoenix. Either way, you didn’t kill her. Don’t start carrying around blame that isn’t yours. God knows, we all have more than enough of our own to juggle.”

  “And if I’m indirectly responsible? If not killing me was the cause?”

  Cannon sighed, glancing at the door when Jericho walked through. And, damn if the man’s face didn’t soften. All the tension creasing his brow gone. As if just seeing her quieted his demons.

  He welcomed the woman into his arms, giving her a chaste kiss before focusing on Crow. “Then, we do whatever it takes to make it right. And yeah, I know we won’t ever achieve that, but, damn it, we’ll see that the person responsible pays. And, now that we’re all here…”

  “Not quite.” Devlyn pursed her lips when everyone turned to face her, some of the color blanching out of her cheeks.

  And Crow hated that she still didn’t feel as if she belonged. Sure, she’d wasn’t as uptight as she had been at first, but he saw the nuances she tried to hide. The tight press of her mouth. The slight narrowing of her eyes. The way she fisted her hands on top of the table as if fighting not to clench them together—give her nervousness away.

  He reached over—took one of her hands in his as he reclaimed his seat. It wasn’t much. Not as telling as Cannon’s face had been or the kiss he and Jericho had shared. But Dev got the message. Gave Crow a hint of a smile before clearing her throat. Continuing.

  “I…I called Becca. She’ll be here any minute.”

  Colt looked at Cannon then Crow. “Not to sound like an ass, but… You’re sure she can’t be bought, right?”

  “If I could be bought, I wouldn’t be wasting my time working for the NSA at a fraction of the wage I could make hacking.”

  Colt turned. Looked as if he’d thought about drawing his gun before he chuckled at the curvy redhead standing inside the hallway. Computer bag in one hand. Other on her hip.

  He arched a brow. “You learn how to bypass codes at the NSA?”

  “Nah. I learned that from growing up in the system. Learned a lot from that, actually. But Dev gave me the codes. Said it would be more impressive if I snuck into the room the way you guys do. And she was right. If you could see your face. Thought you were gonna go for that gun stashed in your holster.” The woman continued over to the table, placing the bag down beside Devlyn and claiming one of the empty seats. “The name’s Becca…Becca Tate. The fifth person on your away team.”

  Devlyn snorted. “Shut up. You’re not disposable.” She looked at Colt. “And, no, Colt, she can’t be bought.”

  Colt held up his hands, grinning at Becca before pulling out Ellis’ chair. Waiting until she was seated then taking his own. And, damn if he didn’t have the same dopey expression Cannon had sported a few minutes prior. Looked as hopelessly in love as the other man, and Crow prayed he wasn’t like his buddies. Didn’t have his love for Devlyn tattooed across his forehead. Not that he wanted to hide it. But somehow having everyone know Devlyn was his weakness didn’t sound like a viable strategy. Especially, when they hadn’t come close to ending the threat against her.

  Crow grinned as Devlyn introduced everyone to Becca, still trying to remember the woman. Devlyn had claimed they’d met—had gone out for drinks or dinner—but for the life of him, he couldn’t place her. And Crow prided himself in never forgetting a face. Especially, a pretty one, though, compared to Devlyn...

  Becca gave him the stink eye when Devlyn motioned to him, politely nodding before rummaging through her bag and removing a laptop and a few tech items Crow wasn’t familiar with.

  Then, she was tapping on the keys, obviously doing something before looking at the gathering of people. “All ready.”

  Cannon walked over to the table and looked at Becca. “Devlyn did mention that this is off-the-books, right? And that we’re not exactly worried about staying this side of the law if it means helping our teammates. Getting Slader.”

  Becca smiled. “She did. She also knows that I was recruited by the NSA after hacking through their firewall… When I was eighteen. So, I’m familiar with all sides of the law.”

  “Sounds like you and Ellis have a lot in common.” Cannon took his seat. “Okay, let’s start with some background intel. I managed to get ahold of Priest…” He looked at Devlyn and Becca. “His real name’s Aaron West. He’s the lieutenant of the other alpha team. Top-notch soldier. Hell of a guy.”

  “Wait.” Crow arched a brow. “Lieutenant?”

  Cannon chuckled. “Strange how things keep going even after we leave, isn’t it? I always thought Delta would fall apart after I left. It’s humbling when that’s not the case. Especially, after all the shit we went through. And, yeah, you heard me right. Though, Priest didn’t sound too happy. In fact, he mentioned there was talk about switching up all the teams. Making new ones. I believe he used the term ‘diversifying’.”

  “Shit. Dungeon and Relic will go apeshit. No way they’ll stay if they mess with their team.”

  “Dungeon’s already heading stateside for some time off. Wants a change of scenery to consider his options. Might actually be able to give us a hand—off the record, of course—but…that’s a discussion for another time. If we have a mission he can even help out on.

  “Anyway, according to Priest, Phoenix was involved in a helicopter crash about two and a half months ago.” Cannon looked pointedly at Crow. “The timing sound at all familiar?”

  Crow cursed under his breath. “Right around the time McCormick sent Slader after Kam. All that shit went down in Vegas, then, here.”

  “I suppose there’s a chance the two aren’t connected, but…”

  “But you don’t really believe that.”

  Cannon’s right eye twitched. “Call me crazy, but I don’t like coincidences. The fact Phoenix was the only survivor out of a four-man squad, including his recon partner, also sours my gut. None of the others had any connection to us.”

  Crow nodded. “Does Priest know what happened?”

  “Official story is that it was a mechanical malfunction, but Priest suspects the crew were on a mission on the wrong side of a very volatile border—one they weren’t approved for. Had to downplay the truth or admit someone had sent them on an unsanctioned op.”

  “Makes me wonder who was giving the orders? No way Phoenix went rogue. Kid was honorable to a fault. Wanted to die a hero’s death. Did Priest have any idea who Anna is?”

  Cannon huffed. “I’m getting there, Crow. Damn, you spooks are impatient.”

  “That’s temporary spook to you, Cannon.”

  “Right. And, yeah, I asked him about this mysterious Anna. All Priest knew was that Phoenix had been seeing one of the pilots. Cute brunette who’d transferred in about seven months ago. That timing also sets off my spider sense. Smells too much like what happened with Kam’s unit. Slader inserting himself in it so he could watch her—take her out if necessary. Priest didn’t know the woman’s first name, but thought her last was Carmichael. Though, he couldn’t swear by it. Never had direct contact with her or Phoenix over the past several months, and he said the kid kept his relationship on the down low.”

  “
Can we check the DoD against that last name?”

  Ellis shook her head. “I could eventually hack my way in, but they’ve greatly improved their firewalls over the past several months, which is why you went to the NSA office with Kam and Six when we needed inside their system last time. We’d save a lot of headaches by asking someone inside. Maybe Priest—”

  “I can check.” Becca tapped on the keys. “It’ll take a few minutes to run the tracker.” She glanced up, smiling at the collection of wide eyes. “Right, so, I might have a backdoor into the NSA side of things that Smithers isn’t aware of. And I might be able to get direct access into the Department of Defense through a sublink I inserted during one of my joint operations with them.” She pursed her lips at the utter silence in the room. “But I only use it when it’s really important.”

  Cannon coughed, gave Crow a quick side-eyed glance. “Well, when you phrase it that way…”

  “Hey, I’m one of the good guys, and I guarantee you the men we’re after are not the ones wearing the white hats so...” She frowned. “Weren’t you the one who said that the laws were somewhat fluid if it meant getting Slader? Helping your friend, not to mention my best friend, who’s had to put up with Crow for far too long, already?”

  Cannon chuckled. “Point taken.” He arched a brow. “Any luck?”

  “It’s still searching so… Whoa.” She focused on the screen when it pinged, typing in a few more commands. “Looks like there’s been some type of catastrophic failure that took out a number of files, hers included, but I think I can recover some of it.”

  More key tapping, then she was hooking up one of the other units—inserting a small SD card. The laptop whirled, then a page lit up Becca’s face, outlining the deep green in her eyes. Which Crow would have found attractive if he could see anything past the mesmerizing blue of Devlyn’s. But, all it took was one glance at Dev, and that color eclipsed everything else in the room. Turned it into a murky gray.

  “Got it.” Becca scrolled through whatever was on the screen. “Carmichael. Anna Elizabeth. Captain. Joined the Air Force seven years ago after graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree from Berkeley.” More scrolling, more key inputs. “Hmm, it doesn’t specify a degree just that she got one. Seems she already was a pilot prior to joining. Graduated flight school at the top of her class. Chose to fly helicopters, and it looks like she’s been flying combat missions overseas for the past two years, though I can’t find any station postings prior to several months ago. Which, I suppose, could have been lost in this failure…”