What’s going on man?
Wyatt just went to my sister’s place and she is not there. Her assistant, an assistant I didn’t even know she had said that she was spending some time with Judy.
Who the fuck is Judy Dalton asked.
That’s the thing man Judy is her fucked up mother. Peyton would be spending time with that bitch. I don’t know what the hell is going on and there isn’t a fucking thing I can do about it.
Dude have you tried to call her?
I’m not fucking stupid Dalton I have been trying to call her for days every time it just goes to voicemail. That’s why I sent Wyatt there. Fuck man Bas said sinking down to sit on the bed. Putting his elbows on his knees he cradles his head. I don’t know if I could handle anything happening to Peyton’s. She is an innocent; I just don’t know what to do.
What you’re going to do is let Wyatt do his job if anyone can find her it will be him. You need to have some faith brother. Pull yourself together and we can go out and talk to Cash. This mission seems like a bust and all the information we found can be sorted through at base. I know it sucks man but we'll figure it all out and we will find your sister Dalton assured him.
Bas nodded his head, I know your right I just don’t like it. This is my sister man. Dalton left the room leaving Bas to his thoughts. He thought about going to seek Cash or Ethan out to let them know what was going on. But he knew his teammate would talk when he wanted to. Right now, he needed some space to come up with a plan, buckling down he got to work. Hoping that the information he needed was found quickly. The faster it was found the faster they could get back to base and Emma. Taking a seat in front of his laptop Dalton did just that and went to work.
Cash whipped up some sandwiches and called the guys in to eat. Everyone was running on pure adrenaline, what the found in that shack was disturbing and then the shit with Bas’s sister. The Team didn’t need this shit! They needed a couple month of peace but it looked like that wasn’t going to happen. Ethan came in first giving Cash a look. He was concerned but as usual he wasn’t going to comment until he was done observing. The guy was like a shadow always there but hardly ever noticed unless he wanted to be. Dalton walked in with Bas. What’s going on Bas?
I’m not sure what is going on with my sister she handed her dogs over to her new assistant and took off. Peyton has never trusted anyone with her dogs let alone taken to parts unknown without letting me know what is going on. To say this was out of the ordinary for her was entirely an understatement. I knew Wyatt was heading there so when she didn’t answer I gave him a call and he told me what was going on. Her house was empty and Wyatt was met by her new assistant. Peyton told the woman that if someone came by, to tell them she had gone to spend some time with Judy. That is her fucked-up mother that she hasn’t seen since she was 13 years old. Shit I have been trying to track the bitch down for years. It doesn’t add up, any of it! Wyatt’s hacking some street cameras to see if we can track her I am just… Fuck man if Peyton doesn’t want to be found she won’t be. The bitch taught her that much at least.
Cash what did Jacks say? Not much he told me to let you know your sister is a priority, and he wants the assistant checked out fully as soon as they can, but if we can get any intel on what we pulled from the pervert’s house we are to follow up. Dalton, he wanted you to know that Emma and Kenna are doing great. The women are having a girl’s night. Or in Jacks words their doing some girly crap painting toe nails or some shit. The guys all laughed typical Jacks.
How do you want to work the data we retrieved and look for Bas’s sister? Cash asked the group. Family has always taken the priority we could upload the thumb drives and electronics to one of the other teams. That way we could get started on Peyton. Cash said looking to Bas. I know I don’t need to say it but she has been working with us for years. The information she has cannot be let out. Cash was always thinking of the team, that was his job but sometimes he wished he would look at things from a different perspective. Cash was all black and white no grey areas at least that was what Dalton thought. He understood, but the man needed to take some lessons intact.
Bas didn’t like Cash’s comment and he could now relate to what Dalton had been going through when Emma first arrived. It wasn’t the same, but Peyton was his sister, family, and his first priority. Gritting his teeth together he told Cash Peyton wouldn’t sell me or our team out for anything. She believes in what we do and I know my sister. She would rather harm come to herself than have anyone else be harmed. You don’t know her, I do! And because of that I am asking no telling you she will never betray NAC or The Holly Group. Shit she could have used the fucking Holly Group herself asshole.
Dude it might be a hard pill to swallow but you know I am right. This is your sister you're freaked the hell out, I get it but she is an operative, and a valued one whether she or anyone else knows it and we are in a touchy situation right now Cash said. Dalton took over Shit man we don’t know who we can trust, we can’t even let people know that Kenna exists or that Emma is with us. Your sister knows about Emma, she knows about the facility that mysteriously went up in smoke, and she fucking knows about Hamilton. Dalton all but yelled and then felt like an ass. Man, he owed Jacks and Cash an apology when the shoe is on the other foot it doesn’t fit as well.
Listen the both of you need to calm the fuck down. We don’t know anything right now. Let’s not jump to conclusions just yet. Peyton could be just taking a breather, or even a vacation plenty of women have the name Judy it could be all just a coincidence. We don’t know anything at this point give Wyatt time to do his job. If foul play is suspected, we will talk with Jack’s about shifting our focus. Right now, we need to concentrate on the case at hand. Cash said.
Taking charge like any leader would Cash continued. I think we need to work in teams, cover as much ground as quickly as possible. Ethan and I will get on the phones and try to get more intel. Cash and Bas, you need to hit those fucking drives hard. We know the fucker is somehow associated with Davis Defense we just need to determine if Pandora is also involved. It doesn’t seem logical that Emma would be the sole person at the facility or that the facility was so loosely guarded after Kenna’s conception. That is not SOP with either Davis Defense or the Pandora Group. Every facility we have come in contact with had been heavily guarded if they were active. Just look what happened to Echo Team. We have questions and they need to be answered people.
Jacks wanted Ryleigh to relax a bit with the girls so he hasn’t yet told her what we found. So, we need to do this on our own now for a while. Once he tells her what we found she will be on the horn demanding we upload all the information to her. We need to have something tangible before that happens.
Several hours later the guys weren’t any further. Bas and Dalton had decoded several files, they were all filth but contained a lot of useful evidence including names, faces, and locations pertaining to child pornography. When they got through all of them they would forward all the contents to the proper authorities some pretty fucked up people were going down. Many of which held high profile jobs, from what they were able to determine none could be traced back to Pandora or Davis Defense.
Fuck! Cash screamed get your shit together we need to bug out. That fucker had a brother and he is on his way to the base as we speak. Tori is tracking his On-Star right now and he is about to cross into Traverse City. If we get to the fucking plane, we might be able to cut the fucker off. Cash said holding the phone up to his ear. Jacks listen Hamilton has a brother and he and Tori have tracked him to Traverse. I don’t think it’s a fucking coincidence. Lock down the base we are bugging out and will be there as soon as possible.
The next few minutes were chaos. The guys threw everything they could into their bug out bags and made tracks. Dalton just hoped they made it in time. Fuck he should have stayed back with Jacks. The only thing that was keeping him sane at the moment was that the fucker coming after Emma was only a human and Jacks was something else altogether, someone not
to mess with. But if the fucker had help damn it.
Chapter 43
Emma wasn’t dealing with Dalton’s absence well. She wanted to cry and call them back. She had been holding a vigil at the window since they left hoping they would return and knowing it was too soon. Why did this hurt so much. She knew there would be times that Dalton needed to leave to do his job but this felt different worse a foreboding of some kind. Emma wasn’t really sure.
Ryleigh surprised her by putting her arm around her shoulder. Emma hadn’t even heard her come into the room she was so focus on her task. Hey sis how does sappy movies, pj’s, lots of junk food, and nail polish sound? Emma couldn’t help the giggle that came out of her mouth, that all sounded pretty good. It wasn’t going to bring Dalton back faster to stand watch but maybe a little fun with friends would distract her enough to make the time before he returns go faster. Oh, wait what about Kenna? No worries Jacks has her. He said he was going to teach her how to be an Alpha. So, we are good.
Emma had seen Mia standing off to the side and she couldn’t be happier. She had never had girlfriends before and it felt nice. Ryleigh and Mia supported her and when she was down they helped bring her back up that’s what friends were for. Emma knew that Ryleigh had planned all this because she knew first-hand how hard seeing Dalton leave was going to be one her. She promised to do the same if Jacks ever had to leave. Sometimes you just needed to let loose and let someone else carry the burden.
The three women had watched several sappy movies all of them crying during the mushy parts and Emma loved it. Never having girl’s night before she could see the appeal. Ryleigh was sweet endearing and more than a little crazy. But Mia surprised her with her quick wit and dry sense of humor her professional no holds barred attitude was gone. However, Emma was going to be sick they had eaten so much junk food and downed more than a few of Mia’s special margaritas so she wasn’t feeling any pain. Ryleigh had the virgin version of course. It was the first-time Emma had ever seen Ryleigh truly relax.
Unable to resist just one more of Cash’s secret biscotti stash, Emma reached forward. The man genuinely knew how to bake. She was pretty sure if he opened up a bakery it would make millions.
Ryleigh grabbed her wrist Oh my God you did it. You and Dalton are mated and from the looks of this little gem Ryleigh said pointing to the mark on her wrist not only are you mated but fated as well. Okay I want details.
Mia picked up on Ryleigh’s exclamation. What to do mean what are you looking at? Emma was embarrassed she didn’t want to talk about her and Dalton’s sexy time. It was private and personal but wasn’t this what close woman did when they got together?
What is that Mia said examining Emma’s wrist. Is it a birthmark it’s kind of cool like a Celtic knot, or something like an infinity symbol? I didn’t notice it before?
Nope Ryleigh said that mark means Dalton and Emma did the nasty. Shifter lore say that if the mark appears then the couple has been blessed. How blessed were you sister dear hmm? Dalton’s a big sexy shifter guy did he hit some homeruns?
Well… Emma went to say but again Mia interrupted. Wait a minute if Emma has this mark and you seem to know all about it where is your mark Rye?
Emma’s eyes went right to Ryleigh’s wrist. Mia grabbed them going for the gold but there wasn’t a mark in sight. Emma was starting to get nervous because maybe Ryleigh and Jacks weren’t fated like her and Dalton. Um… well you see claiming marks can happen in several different places some are just more noticeable than others Ryleigh said shyly. What do you mean where is it I want to see Mia said starting to move Ryleigh around?
Ryleigh slapped her hands away playfully. No, you can’t! when Mia started to tickle her making her cry Uncle in a matter of seconds. You can’t she said breathlessly again. What do you mean I can’t? Ryleigh, don’t you have one Mia asked concerned.
Yeah, I have one so does Jacks but listen like I said they only happen in a couple of places at the pulse points. Mia started to look so did Emma. Nothing was on her wrists or upper arm nothing seemed to be on her neck. When Mia pushed Ryleigh down and pulled up her pant legs nothing was there either. Leaving only one place.
Oh, Ryleigh Jacks has marked you as close to your hoo-hay as he could didn’t he. It’s like a big sign that says stay back this is MINE, isn’t it? Ryleigh laughed no you dork the fates decide where the mark goes and anyways if Jacks marked me there I got him right back. That package is meant for me and only me Ryleigh said in a sing song voice. Both Emma and Mia groaned at her poor attempt at humor. Jacks was hot, but it was kind of like thinking about your brother or something now.
The women all started laughing. Emma really like these ladies. This was fun.
Jacks crashed into the room looking every bit the military profession he was. He wasn’t frazzled or rushed, he just had that take no prisoners attitude. Having Kenna strapped to his chest in the baby sling did nothing to diminished the vibe. It should have been funny. His dominance was strangling the room but he was the picture of cool calm and collected. Thankful that her daughter was in the safest place she could be right now and was sleeping peacefully. But the scene did kind of take badass out of the question but just for a second. Emma wonder if Jacks had kept Kenna in the sling with him the entire time or if it was just because he was on the move. Listen up ladies. I need to you follow me. Code Red we are on lock down.
What why what’s going on Ryleigh asked getting up from the floor. Of course, Ryleigh would be the one to question Jacks. Mia and Emma had just gotten up and started to follow, but Jacks didn’t have time for lengthy discussions right now. Listen, that Hamilton fucker has a brother and all indications are that he is on his way here right fucking now. I need you all to get into the safe room so I can work. Got me.
Emma was shaking the Tech’s brother was coming who the hell was the Tech’s brother! And why was he coming? What the hell! How would the brother even know about her or where she was? None of this made any sense. She had been so careful and the guys took care of the car. How was this guy even tracking her or was he? She couldn’t hold the question back,” But Jacks are they sure I mean how do they know this guy is even coming here”? Emma asked.
Exasperated because the women weren’t doing what he asked Jacks explained. The guys went to the building and it was a total bust everything had been completely destroyed, they were able to dig up some info at that fuckheads place. They were combing through the data and making calls trying to figure out what all went down. Cash found the dudes birth certificate and noticed that he was a twin. He decided to look into the guy and called me to put a trace out. I did, and I just found out that the fucker is to close for fucking comfort, understand?
It turns out that Derrick Hamilton the other twin worked at the facility or at least both he and his brother were being paid from the same account. I need to get you guys under cover so I can secure the base and dig up anything else I can find while the guys are in route. Ryleigh went to speak again and Jacks stopped her cold. No way, listen this is one of those times when you need to just listen and do what I say. I know you can help, but right now it is more important that you are safe. Understand? To everyone’s surprise Ryleigh just nodded.
Okay listen while we walk. The guys are on their way back here right now. But listen, that asshole was tracked just outside of Traverse City. I don’t believe this is just a coincidence. We have no idea if his final destination is here, but we need to lock it down just in case you got me?
Yeah, Emma got him. If he was on his way to them she and Kenna needed to get out of dodge or better yet, hide under it. Ryleigh take them to the safe room and shut the fucking door. You know what to do from there, get on the phone to your Dad and tell him we have a code red. I’m going to light this place up. That fucker doesn’t have a chance.
Jacks was in the process of giving them more instruction, when Ryleigh opened her mouth to speak, anticipating her protest He cut her off, No! Listen baby I’m not going to say this again. I won’t have
you or the baby in harm’s way. I won’t put Emma or Kenna in danger. Mia isn’t even involved in this crap. I need to know that you are safe in order for me to do my job without distraction, so please just go with it. Right now, we have possibly one human coming onto our land. My bear will rip him apart if he even tries to mess with my family got me. Now I need to do my fucking job and I can’t be splitting my focus I need you all to be safe. Understand? Ryleigh nodded her head. Yeah, she understood she just didn’t like it. Jacks released the sling and handed Kenna to Emma but not before placing a small kiss on the baby’s head. Be safe and wait for the signal he said before shutting the door.
Emma didn’t even know the lodge had a saferoom but she guessed it kind of made sense. She had never spent much time in Jacks office but right there behind the bookshelf was an entire room. Emma reconciled the need for such a room but thinking they all did dangerous jobs and with the threat to Shifters they needed a safe place to go if the shit hit the fan. Which apparently was happening at this moment. Emma was thankful for their forethought, and the security helped to diffuse some of the stress of the situation.
The room was actually bigger then she expected 10x10 maybe? Just enough room for her to pace holding her daughter close. To her surprise, Kenna was sleeping just as soundly as she had when Jacks was holding her. She must not have sensed the tension and Emma was grateful. Having a crying baby in close quarters for an indeterminate amount of time wouldn’t have been fun for anyone. Damn she hoped this was all unnecessary. Maybe the guy was just going on vacation or something. Traverse City was a popular place for vacations, right?
Then the first boom rocked the room Emma crouched down trying to remain steady. She watched in horror as Ryleigh ran for the door frantically punching numbers into the keypad and then trying unsuccessfully to pry it open. Mia pulled her back. Emma was having a hard time trying to contain her little daughter. She had been rattled from her sleep by the explosion and seemed to be spitting mad. The little bundle struggling to get free of Emma’s arms and the blanket she was tangled in. Emma started to rock her back and forth talking softly anything she could think of to calm her daughter and thankfully it worked. Her eyes were still bright and she was very alert but at least she was calm.
Dalton: NAC & The Holly Group (Alpha Team Book 2) Page 30
