by Tl Reeve
He read over the confession and snorted. “I lied about my family. I kept secrets from the world. I’m a licensed killer. What the fuck?” He watched the video again, to try to find any clues of where Mateo could be. Nothing stuck out as remarkable to him. In fact, it was all too plain.
Instead of making any calls, he grabbed the bug detector and began the methodical search of his apartment to be sure whoever had his husband couldn’t hear him. Once he was sure his home was secure, he grabbed a burner and called base.
“We have a problem,” he snarled when O’Malley answered. “I’m being blackmailed. I’m on the way in.”
The fuck he would tell anyone about Mateo’s status. Not over the phone. He dressed quickly then took off. If this fucker thought he would give up info on his team or make some stupid ass statement in hopes he’d cave, the bastard had another think coming.
“Hold on, babe. I’m coming for you.”
Noah pulled up to the base an hour later. He placed his hand upon the biometrics pad and waited for the gate to open. They didn’t keep actual security guards on the base. Everything was done through a high-tech security system Murray Jacobs and Asher Rainer installed at the inception of R.O.O.T. It made it easier on all of them and depending on the mission, Asher could take control of the facility from the anywhere in the world.
When the gate opened enough to fit his pickup, he slammed on the gas and roared down the old, decrepit runway toward the bunker hidden near the backside of the old airbase. He hit one of the buttons on a remote he kept affixed to his sun visor and a bay door opened in the middle of the road. The strip lowered to become a ramp, and Noah didn't slow down as he descended into their hanger. He slid to a stop in his normal spot and slammed the truck into park.
The elevator door opened to his left, and Asher stepped out. Next to him, a man he hadn’t seen in years—John “Tex” Keegan. Noah turned off his truck and stepped out. He hurried toward his boss’s side. They didn’t have time for pleasantries or to reminisce about the “good ol’ days.” He had to get the video on his phone analyzed and start planning how they’d rescue Mateo.
“I need Murray, like yesterday.” He rushed past them. “Is he at his station? I told O’Malley I was on the way” He placed his hand on the biometrics pad and waited for the doors to open.
“Funny you should ask,” Asher said, joining him. “He left about two hours ago. Murray got a lead on his sister. O’Malley sent me to meet you.”
“What?” No.
“It’s why I’m here,” Tex said. “I heard some chatter.”
“Fuck.” Noah placed his hands on his hips and blew out a breath of exasperation. He didn't have time for this shit. O'Malley should have told him. Without Murray, he was sunk. If anyone could have found Mateo, it was Murray.
“What’s wrong?” Asher narrowed his eyes.
“Rather not say here,” Noah grunted.
“I’m sorry, do I offend?” Tex placed his hand to his chest.
“Not that, asshole,” Noah grumbled. “It’s time sensitive.”
The doors to the elevator opened on the thirteen level near C&C—Command and Control. Noah walked through the door. Everything they did from missions to research was done there. The clocks hanging from the wall over the multiple flat screen monitors denoted the times on each continent. The smaller ones below were missions in play. Right now, three were running. One in Hong Kong, one in London, and the last in Mexico.
“Start from the beginning,” Asher said, joining him. “Tell me everything.”
Noah pulled his phone out of his pocket. “I need a trace. I’m being blackmailed.” He unlocked his phone then scrolled to the video sent to him and pushed play.
He looked away. He couldn’t stand seeing Mateo tied up. The sight of his lover’s split lip and the cut at his brow burned him to the quick. Noah clenched his jaw. Whoever had Mateo was a dead man. He’d never stop coming for the bastard if anything happened to his husband.
“Shit,” Asher whispered. “See, this is what happens when all you assholes don’t take advantage of the family quarters.”
“Fuck you,” Noah snapped. “You and I both know Mateo is in the dark with my job. He thinks I work for a data security firm, not running fucking black ops.”
Tex snorted. “Damn.”
“Don't need the judgment,” Noah snarled.
Tex held up his hands. “No judgment.”
“Sure,” Noah snapped then gave Asher his full attention. “I don’t even know how long Mateo has been missing. I sent him a message this morning when we got back. Told him I’d meet him at home. When I got there, he wasn’t there. I figured he’d stayed after to help some kids or had been delayed by the discipline committee.”
Home for Mateo and him was a small safe house in Virginia Beach. Mateo worked for Princess Anne High School as a history teacher, and he loved his kids. Most of all, he enjoyed life. Mateo made it a point to show up to every production the drama department put on. He volunteered to be a chaperone at the high school dances and a couple of times during football season, Noah would join Mateo at a home football game—however, they never showed any affection while there. It wasn’t that he didn’t think they be accepted; he didn’t want to put Mateo into any danger.
Unfortunately, as much as Noah had tried to keep their relationship secret so Mateo didn’t get hurt, he failed. Somehow, someone found out about Mateo. Knew his schedule. Knew where he worked. He or she also knew Noah didn’t keep his husband at the base under lock and key. Where he should have been, asshole!
“When did the text come in?” Asher asked.
Noah shrugged. “Didn’t even look. Just read it. You can check it.”
“I might have a solution to your problems,” Tex said. “I know a guy, well a couple of guys.”
Noah cocked a brow. “Really? We have several here.”
“You do. But, not a hacker extraordinaire.”
“Clean?” Asher glanced at Tex.
“Very. Good, too. Got picked up by Langley at sixteen when he tried to hack NSA. Almost had it, too, but he carried a bug on his system I don’t think he even realized it was there,” Tex said. “Since then, he’s been on the inside. He’s been trained in all tactical aspects along with computer analysis, warfare, and ops. His partner is AJ. Together they are a formidable team.”
Asher scrubbed his chin. “Two?”
“Yep. Package deal,” Tex replied. “Both are itching for work. Figured this would give them a bit of a fix.”
“They sound young,” Noah muttered.
“Twenty-three, give or take.” Tex shrugged.
“Fuck.” Noah sighed. “Still wet behind the ears.”
“If you don’t want them...”
“Bring them in,” Asher said. “It’s the least you can do after taking Murray away from us.”
“On it,” Tex said. “They’re in California, helping Wolf on a small project. I can get them on the next flight out.”
“I don’t have ti—”
Asher gripped Noah by the shoulders. “We have seventy-two hours before anything happens to Mateo. Why don’t you grab something to eat and gather your shit? Might even want to figure out what you’re going to tell Mateo. Hell, your team. When...” He looked to Tex.
“Scotty,” Tex supplied.
“When Scotty and AJ get here, all three of you can hit the ground running. We never leave anyone behind. Not even family. This will be a team effort. Got it?” Asher gave him a quick squeeze.
“Sure. I guess.” Noah scrubbed his head. “I can’t believe this shit happened. We’ve always been careful.”
“You can never be too careful,” Tex stated.
“Too careful about what? Did Hanover knock some chick up?” Callahan asked, taking his position at the comms while Tex exited the area.
“No asshole,” Noah said.
“Get a call into Camp Pendleton. Tell them we have two needing transport to Virginia asap,” Asher said.
“On
it,” Callahan stated, placing his earpiece in.
“We’ll figure this out,” Asher murmured. “Don’t lose your shit.”
Noah wasn’t going to. He’d be no good to Mateo if he did. “I’ll grab a bite and be ready to roll when help arrives.”
“One step at a time, brother,” Asher stated.
“Wolf has them packing now,” Tex said when he returned.
Callahan looked up from his computer. “Wheels up in forty-five.”
“I’ll let Wolf know,” Tex replied.
Noah stood on the tarmac with Asher and Tex as the C-130 taxied onto the runway five and a half hours later. The nervous energy creeping through his stomach turned into tight knots of anxiety. He could barely keep down the sandwich he’d forced himself to eat. Add in the coffee, and he was ready to not only puke but work through the night. Yet, he knew he couldn't do anything until Scotty and AJ went over the file.
Noah cursed under his breath. He hated being out of control in situations like these. He had to rely on people he didn’t know to have his back and Mateo’s. If they were his team at least he knew he could count on them. What the fuck is taking so damn long? He placed a cigarette to his lips and lit it. Bad fucking habit, but if he didn’t get himself under control soon, he’d go hunting blind.
The plane came to a stop fifty feet from them, and the cargo hold opened. Two people emerged, shadowed by the interior lights of the plane. He narrowed his eyes, trying to get a better look at them. Both carried backpacks. Both were wearing civilian clothes. True to Tex’s estimation they were kids. They didn't look official—if there was even a certain dress code for a hacker.
As they drew near, Noah could finally make out their features. Scotty had red hair, freckles and wore black, square-framed glasses. He had a rangy body—thin but still had a hint of muscles. He stood at least six-foot-tall and wore a ripped band shirt along with skinny jeans. His companion was a good four inches shorter than Scotty and... A girl—woman. What the hell? She had long chestnut hair and had an infectious smile. She slung her bag higher and began communicating with Scotty with her hands.
Noah took a step back. What the fuck is this shit?
“Oh, did I forget to mention, Scotty's deaf?” Tex said as if it'd slipped his mind. “And AJ's a girl.”
“Tex!” AJ launched herself into his arms. “Long time no see!”
“You, too, kid,” he replied. “How's California treating both of you?”
“Good.” She tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear before signing, Want to make the introductions for us?
“Inside,” Tex said. “We’re kind of on a schedule.”
She nodded. “Lead the way.”
Asher stepped forward. “Since you’ll be working here. I need to do one thing.” He produced the portable biometrics palm reader from his BDU pocket. “Place your palm on the pad.” AJ went first then Scotty. When both scans were complete, Asher motioned for them to follow. “I will remind both of you, this is a secret facility. Not many know about it.”
Noah trailed behind the group, giving him a chance to observe AJ and Scotty. They carried on a conversation none of them could hear while they walked. They were in sync with each other. Watching them, he believed both kids had known each other for a long time and probably got into the hacking business together.
“You can ask your questions,” AJ said, glancing over her shoulder at Noah. “We don’t bite.”
Scotty laughed then signed, Not too hard anyway.
“So,” Noah said. “You translate everything we say to Scotty and vice versa?”
“Yep.” She nodded. “It’s my job.”
Scotty nudged her. She’s only saying that because she’s pissed, I beat her at poker on the plane.
“As if.” She stuck her tongue out at him. “He ate all the peanuts.”
Scotty scrunched up his face. Okay, miss-I-ate-six-packs.
They stopped before the door that every member of the team at one point or another entered through. It’d been where Rae, Asher’s fiancé, first discovered their base after everything in Colombia went south a little over two months ago. Shit, feels like a lifetime now. Since her arrival, things had changed. No one stayed in the cabins any longer. Instead, they were used as decoy housing. Asher knew people would try to get drone images of their compound, what a better way the lure them in—think everyone lived above ground.
“AJ,” Asher said motioned to the barely visible touchpad. “Why don't you step forward and give it a go?”
She stepped to the palm pad then placed her hand on the plate. When the scan was complete, the doors began to disengage and open. One by one, each barrier was lifted until they stood in the warehouse section of the underground facility. AJ whistled as she stepped inside. “Fancy digs.”
“It does the trick,” Asher stated while motioning to the golf carts. “Come on, we have everything set up in Command and Control. Noah, you take AJ and Scotty. Tex is with me.”
He jumped into the cart next to Asher’s and turned the key while his new teammates got in beside him and behind him. “Hang on.” He hadn’t really known what to expect when Tex offered up two of his people. Seeing the kids hadn’t been what he’d been expecting, though. He figured the hacker would have experience or at least a little more than a couple of twenty-something millennials could.
“You’re judging us,” AJ said as she signed.
“More like sizing you up,” he replied.
“I get it,” she said. “We’re young. We look like we should be on spring break in Cabo or whatever.”
“Well, the thought had passed my mind,” Noah mumbled.
“It’s cool. Just means we’ll amaze you.” She grinned. AJ’s confidence quailed the growing knot of doom squeezing Noah’s stomach. “So, how long you been on the job?”
Noah snorted. “Probably longer than you’ve been alive.”
Ancient, Scotty teased.
“I can still run circles around the both of you,” Noah replied as they pulled up to the bank of elevators. “This is the end of the line. From here we walk.”
Asher held the door for him as they hustled to the waiting car. Once inside, the chatter quieted. It gave him a chance to study the kids who’d be helping him save Mateo. Just means we’ll amaze you; AJ’s words ran through his mind. He hoped they would. All he cared about was finding his husband and making sure he was safe. Everything else could wait.
When the doors slid open, they piled out and strode down the corridor to C&C. Inside, Callahan sat at one of the computers, O’Malley sat at one of the others. On the lower screen on the left, near the Mexico clock, was a small house in a dirty neighborhood built into a hillside, next to it, a name—Juarez.
“Welcome to Command and Control,” Asher said. “This is where the magic happens.”
Scotty whistled and shook his hand. Hot. I could get used to a place like this.
“These are two of our team members—” he pointed to Jake first then Drew— “Jake O’Malley and Drew Callahan. If you should need anything, Jake is Second-In-Command.” Then Asher pointed to Scotty and AJ. “This is Scotty and AJ, they’re going to help us locate Mateo.”
Where do we sit? Scotty pulled his backpack from his shoulder.
Asher tapped the chair he stood behind. “Noah, give him your phone.”
He didn’t hesitate. “I’m not sure what you can get off it. There’s a video and a text.”
Leave it to the professionals. Scotty grinned.
“Well, if you have what you need?” Tex headed for the door. “Melody and Baby are waiting on me to get home, and I hate to keep them waiting.”
“Go,” Asher said with a chuckle. “We appreciate the help. If I get any updates from Murray, I’ll pass them along.”
“Glad I could be of some assistance.” Tex nodded.
Noah stepped back toward the kids. “Need any coffee or food or anything? I can get the mess to make you something.”
Scotty pointed to the grey can
sitting next to his laptop. Energy drink. Gives me wings. He made a fluttering motion with his hands and Noah laughed at the kid’s absurdity.
“AJ?”
She shook her head. “I’m good.”
Noah grabbed himself a cup of coffee and walked back over to the station to wait. Sitting back and allowing others to figure out the plan of attack was never his MO. He liked being in the thick of it. He enjoyed being hands-on and in control. Letting go, rubbed him the wrong way, in more ways than he wanted to contemplate.
“It’s not easy,” Asher said, taking a seat beside him, “relying on others to help you.”
“Never is,” Noah grunted. “How’d you do it with Rae?”
Asher snorted. “I fucking didn’t have a choice.”
True, Noah didn’t either. “It’s like I’m watching all this shit happen, and I’m helpless to make it stop.”
“Pretty much.” Asher crossed his arms. “We both understood Mateo wasn’t a fling. Why didn’t you tell me at least?”
Noah sighed. The million dollar question with a two dollar answer. “I thought I was doing the right thing.”
“Biting you in the ass now, huh?”
He nodded. “Yep. I figured if no one knew about us, we’d be safe.”
“I can see where you’d think such.” Asher glanced at him. “Rae kind of fucked that up, though.”
In a way, she had. Her testimony in Congress and subsequently in court for the criminal case against Senator Lincoln drew a lot of unwanted attention in R.O.O.T's direction. She'd been the first civilian to grace the base and the first civilian to land their Commander, Asher. “Well, not like we can blame her.”
“True,” Asher said. “She just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time.”
What Asher didn’t say, hung between them. Had they not been there, Rae would have ended up a statistic. Lincoln and his Barclay team would have killed her, and the children Rae ended up saving that day in the jungle.
“I got it,” AJ said.
“That was fast,” he muttered, standing. He and Asher crossed the space. “What is it.”
The blank middle screen on the wall came to life along with a map of Richmond, Virginia. A red dot blinked over a general area. In a smaller box to the side, an enlarged photo of the interior of two buildings along with a still from the video file sent to Noah.