Code Name: Luminous

by Natasza Waters

  “Searching that now, sir,” Ditz said.

  Nathan and Ed brought in a table, and Fox flattened a map on it. Tony had moved away from her and concentrated on the map. He wouldn’t look at her and Lumin knew her suspicions were correct.

  Ed stepped to her side and gave a comforting smile as he wrapped his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder. “It’s not your fault, Miss Lumin,” he whispered.

  Tony looked toward them, but nothing registered in his eyes. Tears threatened, but she held them back.

  “Before I question our scientist out there, and Ghost goes to town on that bastard Azeel, where is the lab, Kayla?” Fox asked.

  Kayla’s gaze snapped to the map on the table. “Ditz, does Dafoe own property in Nevada?”

  Ditz sat back and nodded. “Found it. Lots of it,” he answered. “Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and he has a residence in Los Angeles.”

  Kayla ran a slow hand through her curls. “I still believe the Nevada lab must be in the northern part of the state. Azeel didn’t give us anything on the location. They would keep the scientists and the others sequestered to avoid leaks.” She blinked and looked to her husband. “I’ve got an idea, but it’s going to take time. I’ll call Base Command and tell them what I’m looking for.”

  “We’re out of time,” Tony said. “They are too far ahead of us. The only reason Dr. Carmichael is dead is because he finished his part of the puzzle. I think the deployment of the Plague is imminent.”

  “Time to find out,” Ghost said. “I’m going to have a little talk with Azeel.” Kayla moved as if going with him. “No, Kayla.”

  “Nina is my best friend. You need me in there while you talk with him. Call it therapy.”

  He jerked his head in approval. “Fox, put your teams into position before you question Billings. We need to find Dafoe.”

  “Aye, aye, Admiral.” Fox stretched his neck and flexed his fingers. On Nina’s behalf, Fox would seek justice as well as information from Billings.

  Tony said, “Ed, Nathan, Stitch, question the other prisoners.”

  They all nodded, but Ed didn’t leave her side. Cobbs joined Stitch, and they departed.

  “Find a corner and get some rest, Lumin,” Tony said, and turned his attention back to the map. The room emptied except for her, Ed, and Tony.

  “I’m sorry,” she said weakly. “I know it’s not enough in light of what Nina is about to face. I never imagined this. I’d take it back if I could.”

  Tony kept his attention on the map. “We lose people in our line of work,” his voice gravelly with emotion.

  Ed remained beside her. “This is not your fault, sweetheart,” he said.

  Tony’s head snapped up and his gaze popped between them.

  “I don’t know Nina all that well myself,” Ed continued. “But I know she’s a brave lady, and so are y’all.”

  Tony watched silently.

  “Nina isn’t just people. You love her,” she said to Tony.

  Tony’s brow flexed, his gaze riveted on the table. “I do. We all do. She’s part of our family.”

  Lumin heard the words he didn’t say, But you’re not. “Maybe the vaccines we received will slow it down.”

  “I doubt it. They want people to die. They’ve re-engineered it to be immune. If we don’t find the antiserum, Nina won’t make it.” A harsh line of worry crossed his forehead.

  Lumin removed the space between them and clutched his arm. “I’ll help you.” Tony held her with a vacant stare. There was no warmth in his eyes, and she couldn’t blame him. “Use me again.”

  “No, Lumin. When Billings doesn’t return, Dafoe will know we’ve captured him. You dying, as well as Nina, won’t stop the virus,” Ed said from behind her.

  Tony walked away from her, and so did hope. What could she do? A man screaming made her nearly jump out of her skin. The Admiral had to be talking with Azeel, but she knew they didn’t have the time for the Admiral to wear a man like him down. Azeel’s hate ran too deep, and he’d die before giving up any information.

  She and Ed watched Tony walk toward the door without another word. “I don’t know what to do.” she said, hoping Ed would.

  “Hey, you’ve done enough.” He drew his arms around her. “You’re a brave lady, you know that.”

  She wasn’t brave. She wasn’t a warrior, and she felt alone even though Ed was obviously trying to comfort her. Her heart fell when Tony halted at the door and said, “Cracker. Outside. Question the prisoners.” It came out harsh and cold.

  Ed faced Tony and nobody could miss his agitation. “You really are an asshole.” Tony took a threatening step into the room. “Stand down, Bale. I’m going to get her some water first.”

  Tony seemed to draw back and nodded. “Fine.”

  “I’ll be right back, Miss Lumin.” Ed walked past Tony and their gazes were locked on each other in some kind of silent combat.

  “Tell me what to do, Tony. I’m out of my element,” she said, when Ed had left the room and Tony stood there as if undecided to stay or go.

  He shook his head. “Nothing. Stay away from the prisoners. I’ll arrange transport to get you back to San Diego.”

  “San Diego isn’t my home.” She swallowed deeply, digging for some bravery that Ed thought she had. No way was she going to crumble in front of Tony. “I don’t know anyone there.”

  Tony’s jaw flexed. “You can stay at the base. You’ll be safe there.”

  She straightened her shoulders and wiped every emotion from her face. If he could do it, so could she. Not that many hours ago he wanted her to stay at his apartment, now it was the base. Although the rising sun heated the roof making it crack as it expanded, her heart shriveled with the knowledge Tony’s concern was all wrapped up around Nina. She couldn’t blame him. Love had eyes of its own, and it always looked up when danger threatened someone you loved.

  “Thanks, but I don’t belong there.” She gripped her hands together for her own security. “I’m sorry, Tony, but I know you’ll find the vaccine, and Nina will be okay. She has to be.”

  He gave her a short nod, and left her alone.

  Chapter Nine

  Minutes turned into two hours. Nina was quarantined to one of the rooms they’d been held in, and Lumin slid down to the floor with her back to the door. “Nina, how are you feeling?”

  “Fine,” Nina’s voice drifted back. She must have been sitting on the other side of the door.

  Lumin folded her hands into a tight ball. “Are you lying?”

  “Yes.”

  “What is it?”

  “Fever and my muscles ache. Lymph nodes are starting to swell.”

  “I can’t believe this is happening.” She heard Nina shift her position.

  “Considering I was sunning my ass a couple days ago in Mexico and just married the most handsome man in the world, I’d have to agree.”

  “Why did you do this if you were pregnant?”

  “Couldn’t let Kayla have all the fun now could I? Kayla is pregnant as well. She’s expecting a little girl.”

  Lumin’s eyes welled and everything blurred. “Tony’s really upset this happened to you.”

  “Tony looks like he’s kinda smitten. I’d do anything for that man. I’m so happy he’s going to settle down.”

  “He’s really scared for you.”

  Kayla appeared, sat down beside her and covered her hand, giving it a squeeze. “Some stinkin’ virus isn’t going to hurt Nina,” she said.

  “Hey, boss,” Nina greeted.

  “How ya doin’, ya old married boot?”

  “Feel like shit,” Nina said and chuckled.

  Lumin found comfort in Kayla’s warm hands. They were dainty, but the woman exerted some kind of powerful field. Lumin felt safer when she was around. “She’s got a fever and aching muscles.”

  “It’s blistering hot outside and after kickin’ Azeel in the face, I’d say that earns aching muscles,” Kayla responded.

  “Thanks for the lie, bo
ss.”

  Kayla turned her head and winked at Lumin.

  “How’s the search going?” Nina asked.

  “I’ve got Gord looking for routine movements in northern Nevada on the satellite. He’ll find it.”

  “What are you looking for?” Nina asked weakly.

  “Supplies. We humans are animals of habit. If the Tangos have a group of people sequestered, they have to feed them.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Nina sighed. “How’s Mace?”

  “Fucked up,” Kayla said. “But he hasn’t known you as long as I have. He knows you’re ornery. I know you’re undefeatable.”

  Nina choked out a laugh. “Not sure I can win this one.” She paused, then said, “Kayla, I have a will, and I changed it and named you guardian for Gabbs. I know you and Mace can work it out, but if he wants to keep Gabbs, then—”

  “Stop, Nina. I hear you, but I don’t want you thinking about this shit. It’s negative crap.”

  “It’s reality, Kayla. I’ve got ten hours and the symptoms are coming on fast.”

  “I wish you wouldn’t have come,” Lumin said, more tears spilling.

  “Shit happens,” Nina said. “You wouldn’t have made it by yourself. We spread the love around and gave ’em a run for their money. We have more information. That’s how this works. If someone falls in the process, it’s part of the job.”

  “You’re not a SEAL. I blame myself and I think Tony does too.”

  “Say what?” Kayla and Nina said at the same time.

  She stared into Kayla’s questioning gaze. “I’m pretty sure he loves Nina.”

  “Oh, bullshit,” Nina spit from the other side. “Listen, little sister. Tony’s a big, old, bad man-whore, but I think that might have changed recently. Even when we were in Las Vegas, Tinman kept sneaking looks at you. From the way he acted when Ghost wanted to use you as a guinea pig, I’d say he’s got a bit of a heart palpation for you.”

  Kayla nodded at her. “Think she’s right. Tony’s just like the other guys. Their jobs leave them restless when they get home. Women flock to them, and what guy is going to say no to sex? Tony has always been a love ’em and leave ’em kind of guy. If he didn’t care about you, he wouldn’t have put up the stink he did when Thane wanted to use you to find the Tangos.”

  Lumin hiccupped through her tears. “I suppose.”

  “No supposing about it,” Nina said. “Those big lugs all have heart, even though they have to stash it when they’re out on a mission. Tony’s one of the harder cases, but I think even he’s starting to settle down and look into the future. You came along and he’s got that glazed puppy dog look in his eyes.”

  “Tony’s—different.”

  “Oooh, would ya listen to this,” Nina sung out, followed by a whistle. “Sounds like the new girl has a bit of a crush on our Tony. What d’ya think, boss?”

  “Think she’s exactly what he needs,” Kayla said, swiping Lumin’s hair over her shoulder.

  Lumin liked both Kayla and Nina. Not having a big sister, something she’d always wanted, she felt like she’d been adopted by them. “I did something stupid.”

  “Do tell,” Nina spurred her on. “It might make me feel better, since I’m holding a first place position in stupid today.”

  “I kind of, well—I kind of asked Tony to take my virginity. He didn’t want to. Maybe that was a mistake.”

  Kayla tried to resist a laugh, but it came out anyway. “You had to seduce Tony? Is…is that what you just said?”

  Nina chuckled from the other side of the door. “See, miracles do happen.”

  “I think my age bothered him. We’re seven years apart.”

  Kayla grinned at her, and Lumin was surprised at how beautiful she was when she smiled. “If Tony had reservations about taking your innocence, I guarantee he’s got a serious crush on you.”

  “But he looked like he hated me after Nina was injected with the virus.”

  “That’s not hate, Lumin.” Nina sighed. “That’s Tony finding Tony, and what you saw was him connecting with the fear of losing you. He and Mace are like bookends. Brothers of war. He feels what my husband feels, and it scared him. He’s never let himself get close to a woman before.”

  Kayla nodded. “These men don’t do anything halfway, Lumin. That’s your first lesson in falling for a SEAL. They live hard. Fight hard. And when they fall in love, they fall hard.”

  “Tony told me your story, Kayla. What happened to you and how the Admiral saved you.”

  “Pfft, Kayla saved Ghost, not the other way around.”

  Kayla looked into her lap and wore a haunting smile. “No. He did save me. In many ways. I thought I’d healed myself.” She eyed Lumin. “Thane shook up everything and helped me rebuild all the trust I’d lost in men. He never quit on me, even though I put him through hell.” Kayla offered her a warm smile. “They say still waters run deep. These SEALS, who live their lives in sea and sand, never give in.”

  “Look at the cost. Nina’s sick because you tried to help me.”

  “Not going to argue that sucks. Just wish I could have kicked Azeel in the nuts again. It might’ve made me feel better,” Nina joked.

  All of them laughed.

  “The guys will find the antiserum,” Kayla said, when the seriousness of the moment threatened to probe at them.

  “I really wanted to see that movie too,” Nina joked. “We’ll have to catch it when we finish saving the world, and for the love of God stop crying, Lumin.”

  Lumin swiped at her eyes. “I can’t help it. I wish our places were reversed.”

  “Don’t sweat it,” Kayla said, twisting on her hip and repositioning herself on the floor. “Nina likes being a martyr.”

  “Fuck you,” wafted through the door.

  “Bite me,” Kayla growled back and they both laughed.

  “My throat is screaming at me right now. Think I’ll try to get a cat nap,” Nina said.

  Kayla rested a flattened palm on the door. “Rest. Everything is going to work out. Even if the clock runs out, I know you’ll hang in there. You have to. No giving up,” Kayla said to the door. She blinked away a tear. “We made a promise, remember?”

  Nina let out a high-pitched sigh. “Yeah.”

  Lumin didn’t ask what that promise was, but she could see it was one made by best friends who would do anything for each other. Kayla nodded and brushed her cheeks, then stood. “I’m going to check in with Base Command. You okay?”

  Lumin nodded. “I think I’ll take a walk outside.” She watched Kayla disappear into a circle of SEALs as she pushed herself to her feet. The sunlight made her wince when she stepped outside. A few of the SEALs were grouped together, Nathan being one of them. He wandered toward her.

  “How ya doing?” he asked, rearranging his weapon to his side.

  How did they stand in the heat with all the clothes and gear? She’d be a puddle of melted goo by now. “Just talked with Nina.”

  He nodded. “She’s sick, isn’t she?”

  She nodded and bit back her guilt. “Yes. What’s going to happen to her?”

  “Areomedical techs are on their way.” He turned his head and looked toward the long empty road that led to the factory.

  “Are they doctors?”

  “No, they’re a transportation team. Ghost had already spoken with USAMRIID before we started the mission. They were on standby. The C-130 is waiting at Luke AFB.”

  “Where are they going to take her?”

  “To an institute in Maryland. They have a containment facility.”

  Lumin swiped away the sweat beading on her brow with an arm. “That doesn’t sound very good.”

  “It’s a specialized team that’s coming to get her. The doctors in Maryland will be working double-time to save her.”

  Far in the distance, Lumin saw dust rising in the air. “That looks like a vehicle,” she said.

  Nathan turned and spoke into a small mic on the end of a wire. “Admiral, incoming. Looks like
Nina’s ride.”

  Every head in the group of SEALs turned. It wasn’t just one vehicle, it was five. One was a large military truck, the others were SUVs, a jeep, and one panel truck for the prisoners. Several men came out of the building, and one was Tony. She could pick him out easily, even though they all looked the same in their fatigues. The Admiral and Captain Cobbs appeared and the Admiral ordered something to the men who nodded and moved away from the entrance. Lumin wanted to be there when they took Nina away, but Nathan stopped her.

  “Admiral has given orders that we all remain clear until Nina is placed in the containment stretcher.”

  “What’s that?”

  “You’ll see,” was all he said, his expression severe.

  A commotion and shouting came from inside the factory, and Lumin recognized it as Mace’s voice. The Admiral immediately headed inside. Lumin’s heart squeezed tight. Mace must be going out of his mind with worry, and yet he had to stay with the squad. She waited with the rest of them and watched as four men in biohazard suits emerged from the truck. They carried a stretcher that had a square plastic container with inverted sleeves for working on the patient. Lumin covered her mouth to restrain a cry. This is how Nina would have to be transported. Mace wouldn’t even be able to hold her when he said goodbye.

  The minutes ticked on until they finally appeared. Lumin choked back a moan. Nina lay encased in the bubble, and Mace walked beside her. His hand stuffed in one of the many sleeves. The Admiral and Kayla escorted them on the other side. Tony ran to them, and so did she. They reached Nina at the same time.

  The men in the suits lifted the stretcher into the back of the truck.

  “Baby, I’ll see you soon,” Mace said, his words shaky with emotion.

  “I love you, hot stuff,” Nina’s words were muffled from inside of her small plastic prison.

  “Don’t give up.” Mace stuffed his other hand in one of the sleeves and gripped hers tightly. “Say it.”

  Nina tried to smile, and then her brow furrowed, and tears finally came from the brave woman’s eyes. “I don’t regret anything, Mace. Not a second.”

  She turned her head away to hide her tears from her husband. “Tony?”