“Exactly.” Evan shook his head. “This is bad, Major. Real bad.”
Tufo suddenly stood and squared his shoulders. “Keep looking. I don’t care if you have to tear this entire hangar apart. Make sure that notebook is either found or accounted for.”
“What are you going to do?”
Mark had turned and was headed out of the lab. He paused and turned back to Dr. Peters. “I’m going back to Groom Lake. I’m going to make sure that it didn’t somehow get left behind.”
“And if neither of us finds it?”
Mark’s eyes narrowed. “Then there’s a certain vampire who will have some explaining to do.”
*****
“Any questions?” Spalding turned the dimmer and brought the lights back up in the briefing room and looked to his men. He noted Lamb was writing a few notes in his PDA then raised his hand briefly. “Ron?”
“Spank, why do we need a secondary for something like this? It would seem that a primary would be sufficient to mobilize.”
Darren shrugged. “It’s the new protocol. The colonel started it about a year ago and we’ve just adopted it.”
“I understand that for something that might be just hit and miss or something that slips in and out of public view. But why do they need a second spotter to go all the way to that sector and verify something that is obvious?”
“I don’t make the rules, Lamb. I just live by them. Let’s gear up and get ready. This one won’t be simple.”
Donovan tapped Lamb on the shoulder and gave him a smirk. “At least this one is close.” He tapped the PDA on his wrist and shut it down. “If the secondary hauls ass, we can get set up before sundown.”
Jacobs allowed himself to become hopeful. “Oh, that would be nice. To actually get set up at their nest before they wake?” He stretched and an audible crack was heard. “Oh yeah, that felt good.”
Little John couldn’t help but overhear and paused. He considered keeping his mouth shut, but they were about to hit the muck, and this time, he’d be on the ground and assigned to the team leader as a battle buddy. He turned and addressed the small group, “I thought that most nests had lookouts during the day? Some kind of guard to keep them safe?”
Spalding had finished putting away the projector and approached the group. “That depends on the coven,” he answered before the others could. “Some vamps will have human familiars that stand guard, others even employ wolves. Some risk sleeping the day away with no guards.”
“Like the group we ran into with Apollo?” John asked.
Spalding shrugged. He failed to read the after-mission report. Yet. It was on his ‘to do’ list. “If there weren’t any stationed there, then yeah.”
“Feeling a little antsy about being on the ground this time, rook?” Ing asked as he turned to leave.
“Negative. Just trying to make sure I’ve got a good idea of what kind of fire I have to pull your fat out of.” Little John gave the much smaller Asian man a wry grin.
Jacobs playfully smacked John across the midsection and motioned to Lamb. “I think I’m gonna like this guy.”
“Oh yeah?”
Jacobs gave John a quick wink. “Yeah. Him I like. You? I’m still not so sure about.”
Lamb groaned and Donovan wrapped an arm around Ron’s neck. “Looks like it’s me and you now, sweetheart. Your boyfriend done dumped you.” Donnie made kissing noises in Ron’s ear as Lamb pushed him away.
“That’s submariners, you dumbass. I’m a SEAL,” Lamb teased.
“Hey, it’s still NAVY.” Donnie teased. “And don’t be dissing submariners. I was one before I went to BUDs.” The guys all teased and grab-assed as they worked their way out of the briefing room, blowing off steam as they prepped themselves mentally for the upcoming op.
Little John watched Darren as he picked up the file and shuffled some papers back into it. He hung back by the doorway of the briefing room and hesitated. “Something else on your mind, Sully?”
John stiffened slightly and quickly glanced down the hall to ensure the others were out of hearing range. “I just…” he studied Spalding. “I just wanted to make sure you were still okay with having me partnered up with you on the ground.”
Spalding shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I be?” Little John shrugged back in reply. “Is there something I should know?”
“Oh no, nothing like that.”
Darren placed the folder under his arm and turned to face the large man. “Then what’s bothering you?”
“Nothing really, I just…I know that the team leaders talk to each other.”
Darren nodded. “Yeah. Everybody on the squads talk to each other. It’s part of being a team player. You know that.”
“Well, I just wondered if maybe Apollo might have…I dunno. Maybe he swayed you or something.”
Darren turned and headed out of the briefing room. “Why would he do that?”
“He thinks I don’t interact enough with the other squad members.”
“Okay, so you’re a little aloof. And you get into arguments with the other newbies.” He turned and started down the hallway. “Walk with me.”
John fell into step with Darren as they walked out of the briefing room and down the hall. “While it’s true that Apollo, Dom, and I all share input, we also place people on our squads based on where we think they would play the best part. I think you’re a hell of a shooter, you have plenty of experience in the world, and you’ve outscored just about any recruit that’s come down the pipeline. I think you can carry your own.”
“So you don’t see any issues with—”
“Let me finish.” Darren paused outside an office and knocked once, then opened the door and handed the operation file off to someone on the other side. As soon as the door shut, he turned and faced John. “I agree with Apollo that you seem to be more of a loner than the other new guys, but I’m not convinced that it’s entirely a bad thing. With any group of people there will be personality clashes. I don’t know the particulars, but it could be something as simple as you just don’t like them or they don’t like you. I don’t know.”
“It’s not just—”
“I’m not done.” Spanky turned and started down the hallway, John a half step behind him. “All I know for sure is that you’ve been assigned to my squad, and I’m supposed to assess you.
“Now, as far as I’m concerned, if you do your job, keep your nose clean, get along with your squad mates, then I’m good with it. I’ll even ask that Apollo just let me keep you on with Second Squad.”
John paused and stared at the man. “Okay…” he trailed off. “But I thought he wanted me to rotate through all of the squads so that I could be assessed?”
“He does. But he doesn’t always get what he wants.” Darren shot him a cheesy grin. “Look, I’m not convinced that there’s trouble here. Maybe Apollo is spooked because he finally ran into somebody bigger than him. I don’t know. All I do know is your performance in the field is my primary concern. You do your job and I’m happy. If there’s an issue here, then we’ll deal with it here. But I don’t see a reason to bounce you from squad to squad just to find out what you’re capable of. One look at your record tells me that.”
John raised a brow and nodded. “Okay.”
“Just ‘okay’?”
“Okay…sir?” John smirked at him.
Darren groaned and shook his finger at him. “You’ve definitely got a small chunk of ‘smart ass’ in you.”
“Well, I am Delta stuck in a squad of SEALs.” John chuckled.
Spalding turned on him. “We’re not all SEALs.”
*****
Paul slipped the window shade up slightly to see that the sun was still up. Even through the tinted windows of Rufus’ plane, the UV rays from the sun bit at his hand and made him draw his arm back flinchingly. “Why the hell did he have to summon me now?”
He listened as the plane engines increased and taxied across the tarmac. He could almost feel the cooling effect of the p
lane pulling into the hangar. He plopped back into the overstuffed leather chair and propped his feet on the opposite seat. “They’ll notify us once the doors are sealed and it’s safe to transfer to the vehicles.”
“Oh really?” Paul replied sarcastically. “And I’m supposed to be in a hurry, why?” He pointed to the partially open window and hissed, “The sun is still up and will be for a while. It doesn’t take that long to drive to the docks.”
“Perhaps we could have a snack on the way to the docks?” the guard asked hopefully.
Paul lowered his eyes and growled deep in his throat. “If you want to risk my brother’s wrath by hunting down somebody and having a little snack, be my guest.”
The guard stiffened and turned back toward the front of the plane while Paul sat and stewed over that very subject. He still couldn’t believe that the Vampire Council hadn’t sent a new assassin to take Rufus out yet. He had tempted the Council with Rufus’ location weeks ago. Either they weren’t interested, or they thought his asking price was too high. He clenched his jaw together so tightly that he could feel his teeth grinding.
The plane lurched to a stop, and Paul fought the urge to stand. He waited until the captain came across the intercom and announced that the hangar doors were shut and it was safe to disembark. Paul Foster stood slowly and picked up his carry-on bag. He’d learned a long time ago to pack lightly when it came to dealing with Rufus. Besides, he wanted to be able to make a quick getaway if necessary, and bringing tons of luggage would just mean leaving that much more of his belongings behind.
He moved to the open doorway of the plane and stepped down into the private hangar. A long black SUV with dark tinted windows waited for him, the driver holding the rear door open. Foster groaned inwardly as he walked to the SUV and tossed his bag in the rear. A guard crawled in on either side of him, and he suddenly felt like he was being muscled by a mob boss, even though the muscle was his own.
“Take your time. The sun is still up,” Paul barked.
“”We’ve made accommodations for that,” the driver responded as he started the engine. “Just sit back and enjoy the ride.”
Paul looked to his guards. “What does he mean by that?”
Both men simply shrugged and stared out the darkly tinted windows.
Paul tried to relax as the driver worked their way toward the docks. He could almost allow himself to imagine that everything would be okay. He could feel himself starting to relax slightly until he saw the docks come into view and then the anxiety rose within him again. The sun was still quite high in the sky, and he knew he’d never survive a boat ride to the island. He felt his pulse quicken, and his mouth went dry. Suddenly the driver pulled the large SUV to a side road, and the large truck ended up on an access road that led under the commercial pier.
“What the hell is going on?” Paul asked.
“Mr. Thorn wanted you there right at sundown, Mr. Foster.”
The goofy shit had a smile on his face. Paul felt the panic begin to rise in his core when he noticed a cabin cruiser moored to a private wooden dock under the commercial pier. The small craft bobbed in the shallow water, and a small handful of people scurried about the craft making her ready for the trip.
Paul glanced about and noticed that the entire dock was cast in the shadow of the commercial pier. Hidden from the sight of those working above, the private dock allowed a narrow, but straight shot to the open ocean, all while protecting the boarders from the sun.
Paul let out a breath he hadn’t realized he had been holding and settled back in the seat a bit as the truck pulled up to the end of the wooden dock. “Here we go, sir.” The driver stepped out and opened his door. “Enjoy your boat ride.” There was that same goofy smile.
Paul turned to the guard on his right, “Grab my bag.” He was out of the SUV and making his way down the wooden dock before his guards had a chance to exit the vehicle.
Foster stepped up onto the cabin cruiser, and the pilot of the craft motioned for him to go below decks. He walked through the small fiberglass door and found a very small kitchen, a bathroom, and a large bed. Thoughtfully, a bar was installed along one wall and…
“Thank you! A blood bar!” Foster collapsed onto the bed and pulled the cork on the first decanter. Inhaling deeply he nearly gagged. “What the…?” A lighter sniff confirmed it was animal blood. He pulled another decanter and sniffed it. Then another. He pulled the last one and fought the overwhelming urge to throw it against the wall of the cabin cruiser.
The two guards stepped into the tiny space and seemed to fill the room. “I brought your bag, boss.” Foster motioned to the bed and the man dropped it on the corner. “Wow, this is nice. Kind of tiny, though, ain’t it?”
Foster groaned as he rolled to the edge of the bed and made room for the two walking mountains he used for security. “This is going to be a very long trip.”
*****
Damien drove the Range Rover as carefully as he could over the rocky terrain. He had found more than one dirt road and used it to help get them further along to their intended goal. Occasionally, he would stop and refer to his map, but he’d soon be back on the move, pushing the four wheel drive as hard as he could.
“Wouldn’t it have been easier to have gone back to town and maybe taken the train, lover?”
Damien tried to concentrate on the road. “Perhaps, but I didn’t want to announce our arrival.”
Rachel tried to appear uncaring as she stared at the landscape out the window. “Did they say which pieces they had recovered?”
“Only that it was ‘primary’. Hell, that could be anything. Considering we need all of them, I guess they’re all primary, aren’t they?” He gave her a weak smile.
She twisted a strand of hair around her finger as she thought. “I don’t know why, but this one has me frightened.”
“It shouldn’t. We still have the promised payment to the last grave digger, so if this one asks for more we can use that to bargain with.”
“What if this one is smarter? What if—”
“Don’t go worrying yourself about things we can’t change.” Damien glanced at his watch and then at the fuel tank. “We’re going to have to go to ground soon.”
Rachel nodded in the gloom of the truck and shifted in her seat. “I just have a very bad feeling about this.”
“Don’t worry, darling. We’re nearly finished.” Damien spied a thick stand of trees on a hill off the road and turned toward it. “Look, we can sleep there for the day.”
After he parked the truck and the two pulled the tarp out from the back and settled underneath the vehicle, pulling the tarp over them, Rachel turned to him once more. “You do realize what will happen once I’m restored, don’t you?”
“You’ll be complete.” Damien pulled her closer to him and wrapped an arm around her.
She snuggled her face into his neck and wrapped an arm around him as they waited for the sun to break over the surrounding hills. “I won’t be the same,” she whispered. “Not like I am now.”
Damien nodded almost imperceptibly. “I know, you’ll be the real you.”
“No, lover, I’ll be…different.”
He squeezed her reassuringly. “Don’t tell me you’re not a natural redhead.”
She fell silent a moment and Damien felt worry eat at him. “I’m different.”
“Different how?”
She waited a long moment while she tried to choose the right words. “I’m more dominant. Not like I am now.”
Damien tried to turn his head to look at her but couldn’t. Between the tarp and her head buried in his neck, he couldn’t see anything. He pulled her closer and squeezed her again. “But you’re still you, right? The woman I love?”
She nodded slightly. “But I’m…not nice.”
Damien laughed. “We’re vampires, darling. We’re not nice by nature.”
“Just…never mind.” She patted his chest and felt the sun break over the hilltop. Even though their bodies w
ere covered with the tarp and a fine layer of soil, she could sense it. “Just go to sleep.”
6
Matt shuffled through the reports that Mark had left him during his trip and found his mind unable to concentrate. He couldn’t identify why, but his frustration levels were rising, and he could feel his anger climbing with it. Before he realized what he was doing, he found himself half standing behind his desk, his arm raised, ready to swat the entire stack of reports across the room as his teeth ground together. He felt as though his jaws were in a clamp when he froze and forced himself to take a deep breath.
Settling back into his chair, Matt hung his head and held his face in both hands. He could feel his inner wolf tearing at him just under the surface. The animal craved its mate like a drowning swimmer craves air. He could feel his mouth go dry as the beast within surged to the surface and roiled just under his skin. It took all of his self-control to tame the animal and get it back under some semblance of docility.
Matt leaned back in his chair and took a deep, cleansing breath. “She’s out there,” he muttered to himself. He knew that he was talking to his ‘other’ self. “We know she is. She just doesn’t want to be found right now.” He could almost feel the wolf’s pain as it pulled back from the surface and hid back in the shadows of his inner self.
Matt stood and walked to the window of his office. He opened the blinds and stared out at the underground facility. He could see Evan’s lab and the machine shop from his vantage point and it seemed little was happening at the moment. He knew what he wanted to do, but the larger part of him didn’t want to relive the pain. His pain seemed to keep the wolf placated. But reliving it was becoming more and more difficult.
Since the attack that took his wife JoAnn and their daughter Molly, Matt had the luxury of a decade to heal. He had over ten years to mourn their loss. He had buried himself in his job and his position became his new bride. His men were his new family. The support staff extended family. Laura was the daughter he’d never see grown up. He stared vacantly at the facility and barely realized that his hands had closed the blinds, leaving him leaning against the wall, alone.
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