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Lethal Intent
An Omega Team/MacKay Destiny Crossover
By
L.J. Garland
Lethal Intent
The Omega Team / MacKay Destiny Crossover
Drone pilot Jamie MacKay parts ways with the US Air Force to come home to Cedar Valley and take ownership of a bakery. His aunt passed away, leaving him Desserts du Jour. Now he must decide whether to keep the business or sell it. Thing is, he’s been in the Air Force for so long he’s not sure what he should do next in his life. Then he sees a sexy blonde….
The Omega Team sends Lily Vaughn on assignments around the world, helping people in need as well as executing off-the-books work for the government. She’s faced down mob leaders, murders, and drug lords, never flinching once. Her latest assignment takes her to Cedar Valley, California, and into the most dangerous mission of her life—one no amount of training or experience could’ve prepared her for. She must not only protect Jamie MacKay but her heart from his tantalizing kisses.
When a terrorist steps on US soil, The Omega Team is called into action. Lives hang in the balance as Jamie and Lily uncover secrets, unravel misinformation, and try to stop a deadly agenda. And, with nothing what it seems, it will take them both to survive a terrorist’s lethal intent.
Table of Contents
Lethal Intent
A Note from L.J. Garland
Dedication
Chapter One
Chapter Two
Chapter Three
Chapter Four
Chapter Five
Chapter Six
Chapter Seven
Chapter Eight
Chapter Nine
Chapter Ten
Chapter Eleven
Chapter Twelve
Epilogue
Bear Claws
About the Author
Also by L.J. Garland
A Note from L.J. Garland
Dear Reader~
When I was invited to write for The Omega Team Kindle World, plots immediately began whirling around in my brain. I love writing thriller/suspense romances. A story with gunfire and explosions going off while two people fall in love? Absolutely! And so Lily and Jamie were put into play, destined to fall in love…but they will have to earn their happy ever after.
I’d like to thank Desire Holt for inviting me to write for The Omega Team. I’m honored. And your friendship means the world to me.
Thanks to Kate Richards for your expert knowledge, support, and friendship. And for all the other wonderful things you do. Hugs!
Thanks to Christy Murray, Jaime King, and Sandra Reed for beta reading. Your input made a huge difference!
To my parents for believing in me. Thank you for standing behind me and loving me. I’m truly blessed!
To my family for…well, everything. To my boys for being understanding and giving Mom some “quiet time.” And to my amazing husband, Jeff. Without you, this whole “writing thing” would’ve never happened. You’re my rock, my soul mate, best friend, and the love of my life. Always and forever.
And to my readers for going on this journey with me. Thank you! I hope you get wrapped up with Lily and Jamie’s adventure as much as I did.
I love to hear from my readers. You can write to me at [email protected].
You can also find me here:
http://lj-garland.blogspot.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LJGarland/
Twitter: @ LJ_Garland1
L.J. Garland
♥ XOXO ♥
Dedication
To my readers…
Thank you
♥
Chapter One
Cedar Valley, California….
“I sure am sorry for your loss.”
Jamie nodded at the tall older man who stood in the doorway of his corner store, broom idly clasped in his hand.
“Your aunt Bethany’s passing hit Cedar Valley hard. That woman could whip up baked goods so tasty they’d just melt in your mouth. Pies, cookies, cakes. You name it. And now….” The man adjusted his wire-rim glasses on his nose, sadness adding creases to his weathered face. “I knew your aunt for years. Everyone loved her. I reckon the whole town turned out for her funeral.”
Jamie nodded again. “Thank you, Mr. Penny. I wish I could’ve been here.”
“Well.” He raised a gnarled hand, giving a quick wave to a couple who strolled past on the sidewalk. “Your parents were here. Stayed for the will reading then headed back to San Antonio. They looked good. Said you were off in the Air Force somewhere.”
“Yes, sir, I was. Afghanistan.” And because he’d been deployed, he hadn’t been able to come home for the funeral. “But I’m out now.” With the toe of his boot, he tapped the large duffel he’d dropped next to him, careful not to knock the black medium-size plastic case he’d set on top. “Finished my last tour and flew home.”
“Thank you for your service.”
He’d flown drones for the military—an intense job, but one he’d loved. And one he’d been very good at. Most of the time, he sat behind his bank of computer screens and gathered intel, remotely guiding his drone over Iraq, Libya, Pakistan, and wherever else suspected ISIS cells might’ve taken root. On occasion, after confirmation—and reconfirmation—that known terrorists had been located, he’d be ordered to launch a missile on a site. Those days were tough. But since ISIS had slithered into so many nations to rain terror on the masses, he’d performed his duty skillfully and accurately by compartmentalizing and hoping, in the end, he’d saved more lives than he’d ended.
“I guess your parents told you since your aunt never married, she left you her shop and, well, pretty much everything.”
“They did.”
“I guess you’d like to see the place, then.” He set the broom aside and swiped his palms down the front of his grass-green store apron, which across the top read Buy Fresh. Buy Green. Penny’s Greengrocer. “Your mom called and said you were coming, so I’ve got the keys right here.” He dug in his pocket then drew his hand out with a jingle. “Here they are.”
Jamie picked up his black case then hefted the duffel bag’s strap over his shoulder. By the time he turned, Mr. Penny had covered over half the block ahead of him. The guy sure could move. Jogging, Jamie caught him at the corner, and, after crossing the side street, continued another half block or so.
“Here it is.” Mr. Penny went to the door, keys jingling as he unlocked it.
Jamie paused to take in the front of his deceased aunt’s bakery. The apple-red awning jutted out boldly from the building’s brick façade, blocking the sun from the huge window where she’d no doubt displayed fresh breads and desserts to draw passersby inside. Desserts du Jour lay scrawled in sweeping cursive strokes on the glass.
Jangle-jing!
The bell above the door announced Mr. Penny’s entrance into the building. Jamie followed him inside, the other man leading the way, flipping switches as he went and illuminating the interior. Scents of vanilla and yeast hung in the air, and he half expected his aunt to appear from the b
ack of the shop.
“This is it.” Mr. Penny strolled behind the serving counter, leaning his hip against the thick slab of granite top. “Your aunt had four employees who all graciously cleaned everything and stored the equipment after she passed. Since then, they’ve all left Cedar Valley to follow other pursuits. Except for Clyde. I think he ended up at Dan’s Garage, doing inventory or something.”
Jamie raised a brow. “That’s quite a change.”
“Yeah, well, Clyde’s mama is ill, so he stayed here while the other three went off to pursue their dreams. He tried to get on with the other restaurants and such in town, but no one was hiring. So, being responsible, he took what he could get.” He straightened and waved for him to follow. “Back here is the kitchen.”
Jamie trailed after the guy, taking care not to scrape the walls with his duffel or scuff his boots on the tile floor. They passed through a swinging door, and the other side opened up onto an enormous area loaded with double ovens, sinks, a stove top, and dishwasher. Along one wall, a dozen steel cooling racks stood guard. In the center of the room, two huge stainless steel tables waited for someone to put them to good use. He could easily imagine his aunt creating delicious confections here while her staff assisted.
“That hallway leads to the storage room, the walk-in cooler, and an employee bathroom.” Mr. Penny gestured to another door. “That leads to the upstairs apartment.”
“Apartment?”
“Yes, your aunt lived here. Said, with the early hours she had to keep, it was easier to just come downstairs and get to work.” He opened the door and flipped yet another switch, lighting a broad staircase. “The place has been cleaned out. All the furniture sold. Her belongings boxed and shipped to your parents per her instructions.” He moved to lean against one of the steel prep tables. “Do you know what your plans are?”
The old guy gets right down to it, doesn’t he? “No, sir, can’t say as I do.”
“Well, if you want to sell the place, I can let Mary Corbin know. She works for the Cedar Valley Gazette and can get the word out, help you find a buyer. Or you could just put a big ole For Sale sign on the door.” He chuckled then shrugged. “Up to you. You’d get a good price for the place. She also had a nice retirement nest egg in the bank she didn’t get to use, and the proceeds from the sale of all her furniture and belongings her sister, your mother, didn’t want went into that account as well. And then there are the profits still in the bakery account. Either way, everything together should take care of you for quite a while.”
“I appreciate that.” Bank accounts? Mom and Dad didn’t say anything about that.
“In the meantime, the place is yours.” He handed Jamie a set of keys.
“Thanks.” He curled his fingers around the jagged pieces of metal. How many times had Aunt Bethany used these keys?
“Since your mama told me you were coming, I got this ready for you.” The old guy’s face grew maudlin as he drew a folded manila envelope from his grocer’s apron pocket. “Here’s a copy of your aunt’s will. I drew it up myself, so it’s straightforward. But, if you have any questions, I’m just down the street.”
Jamie took the envelope. “So, you were my aunt’s lawyer?”
“I was Cedar Valley’s only lawyer for a whole lotta years.” Pride filled his voice, and then he grinned, twenty years fleeing from his face. “But the minute my grandson came home from So Cal, I handed over the reins.” He patted his chest where it said Penny’s. “Always thought this town needed a green grocer.”
“And now it has one.”
“Yes, it does.” He beamed. “Well, I’ll leave you to it. You know where to find me if you need anything.”
After Mr. Penny left, Jamie headed upstairs to the apartment. He wasn’t sure what he’d expected, but, even empty, the place beat the crap out of the military Qs and every single damn tent he’d had to stay in while in the desert. He set his duffel bag on the floor then laid the black case on top of it.
Jangle-jing!
Jamie spun to where the sound of the bell on the front door floated up the stairway. Yeah, if I stay here long, that will have to change. Set up a surveillance camera. Motion detector, too. He tromped down the stairs, through the kitchen. He pushed through the swinging door, expecting to find Mr. Penny had returned to tell him one last detail he’d forgotten to mention.
A woman with long dark hair swung toward him, her bright-blue eyes lighting as her gaze landed on him. She elbowed the woman next to her. “Kat.”
Kat faced him, the same brilliant blues finding him. A huge smile filled her face. “Jamie? Jamie MacKay?” She took a step toward him. “It is you!”
“Uhh.” A hint of familiarity washed over him, but he couldn’t place her. Confused, he frowned.
“We’re your cousins. Kat and Brigit MacKay.” She laughed. “Don’t tell me you forgot about all those summers Mom and Dad took us to visit you in San Antonio.”
Wait. Yes, he did remember. “And your brother…Alex, Adam…?”
“Aiden,” Brigit supplied.
Both women scurried to him, giving him a big hug.
“It’s so good to see you!” Kat smiled up at him.
“But we’re sorry about the circumstances,” Brigit added. “Bethany was an amazing woman.”
“Thank you.”
“Gosh.” Kat walked toward the front window then spun toward him. “I think I came in here every day when she was here.”
“I know I did.” Her sister jerked her thumb over her shoulder. “Granddad loved the bear claws she made.”
“You remember him, right?” Kat jumped in. “He took the three of us in after Mom and Dad died when our house burned down.”
He nodded. “I do.”
“Anyway, he insisted everyone at the firehouse have some of Bethany’s bear claws for breakfast. Though, I’ll admit to sneaking in a few of her cherry turnovers.” She held a finger to her lips. “Shhh. Don’t tell.”
“Oh my God.” Kat’s voice sounded almost orgasmic—which bothered the hell out of him, considering she was his cousin and they’d built forts and played in the mud and raced bikes as kids. “Don’t say cherry turnovers. Those things literally melted in your mouth. Oh! And the cream cheese coffeecakes?”
“God!” Brigit shook her head. “I think I gained ten pounds just talking about it.”
Jamie chuckled. The two were exactly as he remembered—high energy, playing off one another’s thoughts…and daredevils, the both of them. One time, after some huge hurricane had flooded the streets in front of his house down in San Antonio, they built a makeshift ramp that never should have worked. The two of them, zipping off that ramp on their bikes, grinning, black pigtails flying as they sailed through the air and splash-landed in the overflowing ditch, had been a sight he’d never forget.
“So, what’s new with you two?” he asked.
They moved toward him, the back of their hands extended. A ring glittered for each of them.
He arched an eyebrow. “Married?”
“Not yet.” Kat grinned. “Next month.”
“June.” Brigit beamed. “We thought we’d save Granddad the stress and have a double wedding.”
“Which is why we came in here when we saw the lights on.”
Brigit nodded. “We need wedding cakes.”
He frowned. “Wedding cakes?”
“Yes,” Kat said. “And since you’re here, taking up where your aunt left off, we were hoping you’d make them.”
Brigit folded her hands in prayer beneath her chin. “Please, please, please.”
He looked from one to the other, totally taken aback. “Umm…”
“We know you just got here.” Kat glanced around. “So you’ll need time to set things up again.”
Brigit scanned the shop, too, and frowned. “Yeah. It does look a little empty.”
The older MacKay sister nodded. “So, how does next Wednesday sound to you?”
He frowned, not following. “Wednesday?”
“For the cake tasting.” The words sprang from Brigit’s mouth as though they should make sense to him. They didn’t.
“Four or five different kinds should be plenty,” Kat offered.
“Make it a half dozen,” Brigit said. “Red velvet with cream cheese icing would be amazing.”
“And a chocolate would be great, too.”
Brigit whirled on her sister. “Chocolate? Nobody has a chocolate wedding cake.”
Kat rolled her eyes. “For the groom’s cake?”
“Oh, right. Okay, then a rich chocolate fudge sounds perfect.” She set her hands on her waist. “I swear, I can feel my hips getting bigger by the second. What if I don’t fit into my wedding dress?”
“You’ll fit.” Kat linked arms with her sister and herded her toward the door. “It’s so good to see you again, Jamie.”
“Yes, it is.” Brigit waved at him over her shoulder.
Kat waved, too. “See you next Wednesday at three!”
Jangle-jing!
And they were gone. Jamie stared at the door they’d exited.
Cake tasting. Next Wednesday. What the hell just happened?
Chapter Two
Hot, humid air swamped Lily Vaughn as she descended the steps of The Omega Team’s company jet, and, by the time she’d crossed the dozen steps to the limousine idling on the tarmac, perspiration dotted her face. April in Tampa, Florida, could be brutal. And this was just the beginning of summer in the bay area.
“Welcome back to the States, Ms. Vaughn.” The chauffer held the door, and she slipped into the rear of the vehicle.
“Thank you.” The back door closed, and she settled in while the chauffer stowed her luggage in the trunk. Thank God for air conditioning.
After three months out of the country, she more than ready to go home to her tiny apartment in Manhattan and sleep for a week, but that would have to wait. When Grey Holden called, she answered.
The Omega Team: Lethal Intent (Kindle Worlds Novella) (MacKay Destiny Book 7) Page 1
