Forged in Fire (Delos Series Book 3)

by Lindsay McKenna

  Dara released his hand and poured herself some coffee. “Are you here to help Matt?”

  “Well, sort of,” he hedged, redness coming to his cheeks.

  Matt came around and grinned. “He’s also here to see Callie.”

  The cup was halfway to her mouth. “Oh! Was she expecting you?”

  Beau had the good grace to flush. “No, ma’am, I just kinda dropped in spur-of-the-moment. Matt here told me she was real busy, so I thought I’d stay out from underfoot until we could get a momentary lull.” He looked out the door as an Afghan widow silently walked by, two babies in her arms. “I never realized how busy an orphanage got.”

  Raising her eyebrows, Dara murmured, “It’s certainly been crazy, especially in the last day. The market bombing has unsettled everyone. The babies and children are all frazzled nerves.”

  Beau gave a somber nod. “Yes, ma’am, I can’t imagine how tough it is on the little ones. Good thing they have you ladies and this orphanage here to help them.”

  Matt moved around to stand near her. “Beau saw you and Callie dance at the chow hall.” He shot her a meaningful grin.

  “Oh …” Dara saw the glint in Matt’s eyes. “How did you find us?”

  “It wasn’t easy, ma’am, believe me. Aslan here”—he jerked a thumb in Matt’s direction—“was a little smarter and faster on the draw than I was.”

  Dara looked over at Matt. “Aslan? Is that your operator name? Callie said a lot of operators had nicknames.”

  “No. It’s my middle name. My mother gave each of us kids a Turkish middle name.”

  She was intrigued. “Really! What does it mean?”

  “It means ‘lion.’”

  “That seems to fit you,” Dara said, holding his warm look. Matt hadn’t touched her, but he didn’t need to. Their connection was almost palpable.

  “If you like it, I’ll answer to it,” he said in a low growl, giving her a teasing look.

  “Oh! Excuse me!” Callie nearly collided with Beau Gardner, who had moved toward the door. She stumbled and caught herself instead of crashing into him.

  Beau’s hand shot out, gripping her arm to steady her.

  With a slight, embarrassed laugh, Callie righted herself, smiling up at him. “Sorry, I almost killed you. I’m Callie. Who are you?”

  Beau released her arm. “Beau Gardner, ma’am. Nice to meet you.” He took his hat off, giving her a slight, courtly nod.

  Dara looked at Matt, who gave her a merry look. Sliding his hand beneath her elbow, he told the two of them, “We’ll be in the kitchen if you need us.”

  Callie frowned, pushing her red hair out of her face, and said, “Are you a friend of Matt’s?” She hurried over to the coffeepot, pouring the last cup into a nearby mug.

  “Yes, ma’am. We work together.”

  “Oh, that’s nice. Are you here to help him? You heard about the market being bombed a block down the street?” Callie turned, noticing a flush in the man’s cheeks. He had large gray eyes that reminded her of a predator, but not in a bad way. More like an eagle perched in a tree, looking around for a meal.

  She liked his mouth and the way he smiled. His nicely trimmed beard made him look softer than she knew he was. Looks could be deceiving, but she felt his restrained energy, the way he stood on one boot, the other resting slightly.

  “Well,” Beau admitted, hesitant, “to tell you the truth, I actually came by to meet you.”

  Callie grimaced. “Oh, the belly dancing …”

  “Yes, ma’am. I’ve got to say, I’d never seen it before, and I can tell you, I was knocked onto my butt by your performance.”

  She laughed a little. “Are you Southern, Beau?”

  “I’m from Black Mountain, West Virginia, ma’am. It’s in the Allegheny Mountains.”

  “You have a very calming voice,” Callie noted. “I’ll bet you’re good with kids and animals.”

  He shrugged a little. “I was raised with a milk cow, two really stubborn mules, and untold chickens. My ma, Laurel May, has about three hundred of ’em. She sells eggs to the folks who live on Black Mountain.”

  Callie liked his humble quality and his manners. And his voice was soothing. Right now, she was running full bore and hadn’t been able to have any downtime today. The orphanage was crowded and she knew a lot of these mothers with babies were upset that their market had just been destroyed. They were jumpy, and so was she.

  Dara was the only person at the orphanage who was a bit more relaxed today. Maggie and Callie knew it was possible that the Taliban would come back to hit the area again, but Matt had asked them not to tell Dara because it would only make her more anxious than she already was.

  “You grew up in the mountains, Beau?” Callie watched him moving the baseball cap slowly around between his long, spare fingers. His shyness was actually refreshing, and she had to grin whenever he called her “ma’am.”

  Usually, men who hunted her down after a belly dance were aggressive and a bit full of themselves. This man, probably in his late twenties, around her age, seemed to be the exact opposite.

  “Yes, ma’am, I was.”

  “Bet you learned to shoot straight at a very early age,” she said, a slight smile tipping her lips.

  “My pa was taking me out with him from the time I was six,” he confirmed.

  Matt sauntered over with two steaming cups of coffee in his hands. “Sorry to interrupt,” he said, putting them on the table. “Beau, we need to make a round.”

  “Right,” his buddy agreed, throwing the cap on his head. “Might I see you later, ma’am?”

  “You might,” she said, drinking the last of the coffee, placing the cup on the table, and hurrying out of the room. “Nice meeting you …”

  Matt turned to him. “Well? Did you get to first base?”

  “Not sure,” Beau drawled. “But she hasn’t kicked me to the curb yet!”

  “Did she find out you run around barefoot like you did as a kid whenever you get the chance?” Matt liked to tease his friend unmercifully, enjoying how he blushed red to the roots of his brown hair.

  “Shucks, no. Not a chance, Aslan. And you aren’t gonna tell her, either. Right?”

  Matt crossed his heart. “Nope. I ain’t speaking a word about your barefoot fetish, Gardner. Come on, we’ve got to hustle.”

  *

  Dara was glad the day was at an end. She sat down on her examination table as Matt, Callie, Maggie, and lastly Beau trailed in. Maggie wanted to meet with them and asked them to the room. The place was quiet. She was exhausted, and she saw Matt was wiped, too. She hadn’t even been able to ask how much sleep he’d gotten last night. He was staying here again tonight to guard the orphanage.

  He caught her eye, and she patted the gurney next to her. He quickly came over, easily lifting himself onto the piece of equipment.

  “What a day,” Maggie said, smiling tiredly at everyone, giving them a silent look of thanks. “Dara? How are you holding up, dear?”

  “Okay,” Dara lied. She wondered if Maggie helped keep watch with Matt, but hadn’t had time to ask.

  “I’m staying tonight,” Matt told everyone. He turned to Dara and then pinned Callie with a look. “Mohammed will drive you to the base. I want Beau here, who’s on my team, to ride shotgun with you back to the base. Tomorrow morning, he’ll escort you here as well.”

  “And how long will this last?” Callie asked, her mouth set, giving him and Beau a concerned look. “Usually, when there’s a bombing in Kabul, we get no protection from anyone. This is nice of you, Matt, and we really appreciate it. And, Beau, thanks for riding with us. But you two will be going back to your black ops mission pretty shortly. Then what?”

  “You know there are kids around here,” Matt said, holding her gaze, “who act as lookouts for the Taliban. I’m doing this because that market was close to Maggie’s orphanage. If we can fool those kids and make them think you brought in American contractors for security, they’ll think twice about trying to br
eak in and rob you blind.”

  Dara frowned. “Do charities hire security contractors?”

  “Yes, all the time, if they can afford them,” Matt said. “But most small charities like Maggie’s can’t afford a hundred thousand dollars a year to pay for a man with a rifle.”

  Gasping, Dara repeated, “A hundred thousand dollars?”

  Matt shot her a grim look. “If you’re attacked, it will be money well spent. That contractor more than likely has five to ten years of black ops experience behind him. He can help create a safe room and produce an egress plan and will also be able to call for backup, if it’s available. His presence can mean the difference between living and dying, Dara.”

  Dara blinked. She looked over at Callie, who had her arms across her chest. “Did you know this?”

  “Yes.”

  “What rock have I been living under?” Dara wondered.

  Matt grinned. “It’s a dirty little secret within the charity community, Dara. Don’t stress yourself about it. If you worked at a charity, you’d know this kind of thing exists, especially if you’re overseas in a third-world, unstable country.”

  “But why do you want Beau to be with us?” Callie demanded.

  “Because we want to send a clear message to the Taliban,” Matt told her. “Those lookouts see two men with rifles and get the message that we know which end of it to use. The Taliban wants to pick on soft targets with no security. When we’re around, we send a silent message not to screw with you or think of robbing you—or they’ll answer to us.”

  Callie turned to Dara. “Stealing is our biggest problem. We house medications, food, and clothing here. And so many of the families in Kabul and the surrounding area are pitifully poor.”

  “Small charities are always a target,” Maggie agreed tiredly. “And we don’t get enough donations to be able to afford a security contractor.” She gave Matt a grateful look. “And you know how appreciative I am that you’re here for us. Thank you.” She reached out, touching his lower right arm.

  “You can thank Dara for that,” Matt said, giving her a warm look.

  Beau cleared his throat, his voice humble. “Ladies? I’d be honored to ride with you both to and from the base. Matt’s right: in the days after a market hit, the Taliban is restless, searching for new targets of opportunity.” He gave Callie a shy look. “To be honest, ma’am, my first thought after I saw your beautiful dancing at the chow hall was to track you down. I didn’t realize the fix you folks were in until I got here and Aslan filled me in.” He held Callie’s gaze. “I’d be more than happy to be your escort. Now that I know what’s happening, I’ll focus on security for y’all.”

  Callie’s face softened. “That’s kind of you, Beau. Thank you. Right now, I’m in no mood to be chased by a man.” She gestured around the room. “There are not enough volunteers here, and we’re understaffed.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I can clearly see that. But I would still consider it an honor to help you ladies out any way I can.”

  Dara saw relief in Maggie’s eyes.

  “We can use any help you want to give us, Sergeant Gardner,” Maggie said, reaching out and giving him a hug.

  “Well,” Matt said to him, “maybe you can take over for me after tomorrow morning, Beau. I’m not getting much shut-eye, and I’m going to need a day to get my stuff together before we hit our next mission, which is coming up shortly.”

  Beau nodded. “Sure, no problem.”

  “Okay,” Matt said. “Why don’t you get ready to head out? I want a minute here with Dara.”

  He slid off the gurney, turned, and shut the door after everyone left. His eyes held hers as he walked over, moving between her opened legs, sliding his hands gently down across her shoulders and arms. “You’re exhausted,” he murmured, tangling his fingers with her own. “Is there anywhere with a bathtub you could soak in?”

  “Oh, I wish. There’s the shower area, but that’s all.”

  “We have a big bathtub at the Eagle’s Nest,” he hinted, her spirits perking up when he mentioned the place.

  “Seriously?”

  “Yeah.” He knew Mohammed was probably waiting for her to come to the van. “Tomorrow night after work here …”

  “Yes?”

  “We’ll get that good Middle Eastern food to go and then make for the Nest. We can eat there and you can take a hot soak in that bathtub for as long as you want. Sound tempting?”

  Dara lifted her hand, grazing his cheek, holding his burning gold gaze. “Does it ever!” There was a slight quaver in her husky voice.

  “Let me pamper you a little tomorrow night.” Matt leaned down, capturing her willing mouth beneath his. Dara moaned softly, melting into his arms as he enclosed her, taking her gently because right now, rough handling wasn’t in their playbook.

  What Dara needed was some tender TLC, and he was just the man to give it to her.

  CHAPTER 9

  Dara walked to Maggie’s office to get a cup of coffee the next afternoon. Finally, the sun was out, the clouds were gone, and once more, the desert was warming up around Kabul. She saw Callie pouring a cup for herself as she entered the office.

  “Like minds,” Dara teased, coming over to find a clean mug.

  Callie nodded. “We’re sisters, remember?” She flashed her a smile. “Give me your cup.”

  Dara sat down in a wooden chair, pulling off her leather shoe. “My feet are killing me,” she muttered.

  “Standing on concrete all day long will do it,” Callie agreed, bringing the coffee to Dara.

  “Thanks. Do you have a minute?”

  Callie pulled over another chair and sat down. “A few. Right now, the kids are having their midafternoon nap.” She sipped her coffee. “We adults get to rest a bit, too. Maggie’s working with the widows on tonight’s meal, so I sneaked out for some coffee.”

  “It’s nice having Matt and Beau around,” Dara began, setting the stage for their conversation.

  Callie nodded. “Having security makes all the difference in the world, believe me.”

  “Why didn’t you tell me before that you’ve been working in such a dangerous area?” Dara stared at her sister, now dressed in jeans and a green sweater, her red hair in a ponytail.

  “And worry you when you’re the world’s biggest worrywart?” Callie laughed. “No way.”

  “Have you ever told Mom and Dad about how dangerous this is for you, Callie?”

  “No. And you won’t, either.”

  “Charity work isn’t easy,” Dara said.

  Snorting, Callie said, “Especially overseas, and in certain areas like this one.”

  “But couldn’t you choose a safer charity?” Dara pleaded.

  Shrugging, Callie said, “Dara, this is my calling. I love what I do. Here, I know I’m making a difference. Aren’t these children worth that kind of risk? They live on the edge of starvation, and their country is always at war. Don’t they deserve a chance at something better, starting with a full belly when they go to sleep at night?”

  “I know,” Dara murmured. “I just wish … things were different.”

  “You’ve always been an idealist, Dara. I’m the realist. I know it’s going to take time and effort to make a difference in a war-torn country. I know we’re hated by the Taliban. But the flip side is we’re loved by the Afghans, for the most part. We bring them food, medicine, health care services, and more.”

  “And yet, by staying here you’re a target, Callie.”

  “So?” her sister said, challenging her. “It isn’t like you can’t get killed back home going to work when some idiot is texting while he’s driving. Right?”

  “Or you can go into a shopping mall when someone is shooting up the place,” Dara agreed darkly. “But your chances of getting kidnapped, God forbid, or shot are much higher over here than in the U.S.”

  “True,” Callie admitted. “So, to change the subject, how are things going between you and Matt?”

  Dara looked up through the
open door, making sure neither soldier was nearby. Beau was constantly making security rounds with Matt, mostly outside. “I’m getting used to the idea that I really like him.”

  “He sure likes you. I see the looks he gives you when you aren’t aware.”

  “He’s a good person, Callie.”

  “Yes, but what happens when you leave here, Dara?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “That isn’t like you.” Callie tilted her head, searching Dara’s eyes. “What’s changed? You?”

  “Maybe I have. I don’t know … I haven’t had time to figure it all out.”

  “No, it’s been kinda busy around here. And you’re working eight hours a day. Are you at all familiar with black ops guys?”

  “No. I’m a civilian, remember?” Dara laughed a little.

  “These guys can disappear on a mission for weeks or months at a time. They do undercover work. Did you know Matt speaks Pashto and Farsi? Both those languages are in high demand for undercover work here the Middle East.”

  “Why are you telling me this?”

  “I guess I don’t want to see you get hurt. There seems to be a connection between the two of you.”

  “And now you’re playing mother hen?” Dara teased warmly. “I thought that was my job as your big sister.”

  Callie smiled. “I don’t question that you like one another, Dara. In the past, when you’ve fallen for a guy, it took a long time. And then you had a pretty long relationship with him.”

  “Maybe I’m changing,” Dara admitted quietly. “Or maybe it’s the man in this case, changing me. Matt is so different from the normal type of guy I usually attract.”

  A sour smile edged Callie’s lips. “Yes, well, operators have their own animal charisma, there is no doubt. And they’re as far away from normal as you can get. And they draw women to them like bees to a flower.”

  “And you know this from vast experience with ops guys, sis?”

  “I’m around them because I’m staying in Bagram. These men are warriors of the first order, Dara. They’re alpha males. Women love men like that, but there’s a heavy price to pay if you get involved with one. I’ve seen two of my B-hut sisters tangle with them, and both relationships ended badly for them. I guess I just want you to go in with your eyes open, is all. Matt’s a nice person. I like him. But to try and have a long-distance relationship with this man? He can go undercover in a heartbeat, and you won’t hear from him for a long, long time … and I know your capacity to worry, Dara.”