The disconcerted expression on his housekeeper’s face made him smile. “Arden will be visiting for a few days. Maybe longer. She’ll stay in the blue room.”
“Of course. I’ll make sure it’s ready for a guest.” She seemed to put emphasis on the final word. “There’s minestrone in the pot on the stove if you’re hungry.”
“Thank you. It smells delicious.”
Her offended gaze went to the two dogs as they strolled into the kitchen. “They’ll be staying, as well?”
Arden bent to rub Hero’s ears when he wandered over to her. “Yes. They’ll sleep in my room. Don’t worry, Bernice. They’re very well-behaved and won’t cause you any bother.”
“I’m not worried.” She skirted around Heidi. “I’ll be upstairs if you need anything.”
“Thanks, Bernice.” Brody patted her shoulder as she passed.
“You’re welcome.”
After she disappeared, he grinned. “She’s still pissed at you for breaking my heart.”
“Great.” Arden rolled her eyes. “She wasn’t my biggest fan even before our divorce.”
“I don’t mind that she’s a little rough around the edges, not when she keeps the house running like a well-oiled machine and cooks ambrosia three times a day when I’m home.”
She walked over and sniffed the simmering soup. “Apparently, even when you’re not here. Are we eating Bernice and Gene’s lunch?”
“It looks like there’s plenty for all of us. Do you want a sandwich to go with it?”
“Just the soup is plenty.”
“I thought you were feeling better.” He pulled bowls from the cupboard and dished up the minestrone.
“I’m fine, just not very hungry. Thankfully, I shouldn’t be contagious any longer and won’t infect anyone with whatever virus I contracted.” She slid onto a stool at the breakfast bar when he set the bowls down.
After searching in the pantry, he pulled out a box of crackers and set them on the counter before taking a seat. “Eat. You need to gain back your strength.”
Arden crumbled a couple into her bowl. “Are you going into work today?”
He nodded. “Silas will be here, so I feel comfortable leaving you.”
“Who’s Silas?”
“Silas Mason. You met him a couple of times right after we started dating. He was in my unit.”
“Oh. That Silas. Bernice mentioned one of your old teammates was working here.” She leaned an elbow on the counter. “He was your quiet friend in a crowd of rowdy guys. You’re giving him a helping hand?”
Brody nodded. “He’s had depression and substance abuse issues off and on since leaving the SEALs. Now he’s clean and trying to pull his life together.”
“It’s typical of you to want to help.”
“I’m doing what I can, but he won’t take a handout.” Brody swallowed a bite of soup. “Currently, he’s working with Gene on house and yard maintenance. I’ll ask him to keep an eye out for anyone who doesn’t belong.” He paused with the spoon halfway to his mouth. “Believe me, Silas won’t let Thanos or anyone else near you after I explain the situation.”
“Okay.” She hesitated for a moment. “Do you, or will he, have a problem with me walking the dogs on the beach?”
“Nope. He’ll watch for trouble but respect your space.”
“It’ll be nice to see him again.” She ate in silence for a moment. “Do you have a new rescue mission, or are you solely hunting for Thanos?”
“Right now, my priority is Thanos. The sooner we find him, the safer everyone will be. I also need to line up someone to fill in for Scarlet while she’s away on her honeymoon. She and Eli are spending a couple of weeks touring Europe. I had a replacement in mind, but he bailed on me.”
“What qualifications are you looking for?”
“Honestly, compassion is my top priority. Scarlet is our liaison between the victim’s family and the team in the field. They’re obviously extremely upset and prone to panic when they contact us, and she keeps them from spiraling out of control. I also need someone who’s sharp enough to detect deceit. You’d be amazed how often the person we’re dealing with holds back critical information. Scarlet’s very good at getting to the truth.”
“What if you don’t find anyone to do her job?”
“Then Luna, GQ, and Patch will have to switch off handling that responsibility, as well as filling their primary roles in any given operation. Definitely not ideal.”
Arden crumbled another cracker in her bowl and wiped her fingers on a napkin. “You won’t take a turn?”
“I suck at talking to the loved ones. For starters, my size can be intimidating during in-person interviews.” He met her gaze. “Also, if I allow myself to get sucked into the emotions of the family, I won’t have any perspective in the field, and that’s dangerous for all of us.”
“Because of River.” She spoke quietly.
He nodded. “Their grief and fear hit a little too close when I’m looking a parent in the eyes or listening to them cry on the phone. I handle adult abductions better, but the others on the team are definitely more adept when it comes to communicating with friends and family.”
“I wondered if your work ever got to you. I guess it does.”
“How could I not be affected?” He dropped his spoon into the bowl. “You know me better than that. Every single case grabs me by the throat. But the satisfaction I feel returning a child to a parent or a husband to his wife, and watching their faces light up with joy, is indescribable.”
“And the times you don’t?”
“Our success rate is damn high. I can’t let myself dwell on the few failures. The ones we’ve lost.” He picked up his spoon again and finished his soup. “I’m worried Scarlet and Eli will cancel their trip if I don’t find a temp to replace her.”
“If it comes to that, I’ll fill in for her.”
Brody stared at her for a long moment, certain his ears must have deceived him. “You hate everything about Counterstrike.”
“I don’t like that it consumes you. I detest that it puts you in danger.” She let out a breath. “However, I certainly believe in your cause. How could I not?”
“You’d do that for me?”
“If you can’t find anyone else.” Her tone was flat. “God knows I can empathize with the families, and I’m pretty intuitive. I know when someone is lying to me.” She lifted one shoulder. “Besides, everyone deserves a honeymoon.”
Her nonchalant shrug didn’t fool him for a minute. “I appreciate that, Arden. I still have one final prospect, someone who worked for us in the past. I’ll let you know if she pans out.”
“Okay.”
He pushed back his stool. “I’ll take your bags up and change, and then I’ll go find Silas. Finish your soup.”
She handed each dog a cracker. “I’ll be in the backyard with Heidi and Hero if you need me before you leave.” She gave him a stoic look. “Good luck today.”
“Let’s hope.”
Brody dropped her suitcases in the guest room before heading to the master to pull on a clean shirt. He eyed the king-size bed covered with a green comforter Arden had chosen years ago and wished he wouldn’t have to sleep in it alone. Dream on. He left the room a minute later and went looking for Silas. He found him edging the grass growing along the flower beds with a weed whacker.
Tall and thin, his buddy looked like he needed to gain another twenty pounds to be at an optimal weight. His black hair was pulled back in a long ponytail, and his Native American heritage showed in his high cheekbones and ruddy complexion. Silas turned off the weed whacker and smiled. “You’re home.”
“Yeah, and I brought Arden with me.” He ran a hand through his hair and took a long look around. “I’m tracking that extremely dangerous asshole I told you about who might come after her again. Can you keep watch for anyone out of place and make sure she’s safe while I’m gone?”
“Of course. How far do you want me to go to protect her?”
“Ki
ll the bastard if you have to. He’s in his forties, has dark hair, and a scar on his cheek. Do you have a weapon?”
“My old revolver is in my truck.”
“Get it. If Arden’s outside, don’t let her out of your sight. To hell with the weed whacking.”
Silas grinned, his teeth gleaming white against his dark skin. “Gene won’t be too happy about that.”
“I’ll talk to him. Any idea where he is?”
“In the pool house. There’s a stain on the rug he’s trying to remove.”
Brody clapped his friend on the back. “Thanks. I appreciate this.”
“It’s the least I can do.” He hesitated for a moment. “Are you and Arden back together?”
“No, but I still care about her. I’m doing everything I can to resolve this situation. I just want her to be safe and happy.”
“Sounds pretty damn noble to me. I’ll go get my weapon.”
He walked away before Brody could respond. With a shrug, he went to find Gene. His handyman and groundskeeper was on his hands and knees in the pool house, scrubbing the carpet. When Brody slid open the door, he glanced up and scowled, deep lines scoring his weathered face.
“Whoever used the cabana last spilled something that I’m having a hell of a time removing. The stain is set.”
Brody frowned. “That’s strange. No one has been swimming since last fall.”
“I gave the place a mid-winter cleaning in February but haven’t checked it since. Maybe a mouse or squirrel died on the carpet, and the neighbor’s cat ate it.” He sat back on his heels. “I’ve seen that orange tabby sneak in and out of here like a ghost.”
“The carpet’s seen better days, anyway. This place doesn’t get used as much since River—” He broke off. “I came out here to let you know I’m pre-empting Silas’s services to keep an eye on Arden. The bastard who threatened her a couple of months ago is still at large.”
The man’s gray eyes brightened. “Miss Arden is visiting? I’ll look forward to one of our lengthy chats.” The smile that accompanied his words faded. “I’ll make sure to keep my eyes peeled for any strangers. That sweet gal shouldn’t have to worry about some creep bothering her.”
“Thank you, Gene. I appreciate that. Take a break and have some lunch. Bernice has a pot of minestrone cooking that’ll make your mouth water.”
“My stomach’s growling just thinking about it.” He rose to his feet. “I’ll finish this task after I eat.”
Brody left Gene when he spotted Arden and the dogs down on the beach. Silas was sitting on a big chunk of driftwood not far away. He waved before running down to the strip of wet sand.
Turning, she caught sight of him and headed in his direction. Her bare feet left prints that melted away in seconds, and her hair was blowing in the wind. She looked young and beautiful and totally carefree, even though he knew she was anything but.
“Did Silas talk to you?” At her nod, he continued, “I’m taking off now. I’ll see you tonight, although I’m not sure when I’ll get home.”
Shadows darkened her eyes. “If you find Thanos, be careful.”
“I always am.” He tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear. “Enjoy your day. Maybe get some rest. You look tired.”
“I didn’t sleep well last night.” She jammed her hands into the pockets of her windbreaker. “Call if there’s any news.”
“Okay.” He wanted to kiss her but didn’t. The same way he’d wanted to slip into her bed the night before. He hadn’t slept much, either, since he’d shared the couch with a cat who’d insisted on sleeping near his face. Not to mention the parade of memories of long nights spent with Arden segueing through his head.
Instead of pulling her into his arms, he walked away, raised a hand again as he passed Silas, and jogged toward the driveway where he’d left his Mercedes. As he opened the car door, a voice hailed him from next door, and his neighbor appeared from between the blossoming cherry trees.
“Hey, Sabrina. How are you?”
A smile curved her lips as she hurried forward to greet him. “Busy. I haven’t seen much of you lately.”
“I’ve been swamped with work.” He stepped back when she laid a hand on his arm. “Arden’s here for a few days.”
“Oh.” The smile disappeared. “A friend is throwing a big party this weekend, and my ex will have the girls. I was wondering if you’d like to go with me. I suppose if Arden’s here . . .”
“Actually, I have an out of town wedding to attend on Saturday so I won’t be around. Sorry, Sabrina.”
“No worries. I imagine I can round up another date.”
“I’m sure you can.” A touch of unreasonable guilt nagged at him. They’d gone out exactly once, and he’d been roped into it. “Unfortunately, I need to take off.”
“Arden is hanging out alone this afternoon?”
“I’m sure she’ll keep herself occupied.” He slid onto the seat, and Sabrina finally backed away.
“We can catch up some other time. Bye, Brody.”
“See you.” He started the car and drove down the driveway, happy to have a legitimate excuse to turn her down. Sabrina was an attractive woman, and he knew she was interested in pursuing more than a casual friendship. He wasn’t. Especially now, when his emotions were all tangled up in Arden again. Truth was, he’d never completely gotten over her in the first place.
He pushed the distracting thought aside to focus on the problem at hand. Finding the illusive bastard who’d made his life a living hell, and ending an untenable situation for good. Chances were, the man wouldn’t let them take him alive. And that suited Brody just fine.
Snarled traffic due to a fender-bender only increased his stress level, and it was after two before he finally reached headquarters.
He found Luna at the kitchen table hunched over her laptop and took the chair next to her. “Anything?”
“I haven’t been able to dig up any concrete information on Thanos’s current whereabouts, but Niko Resta, the man who was in the van with Otto, is being buried in Queens tomorrow.”
“Wow, that was certainly fast.”
“Yep. A quick, private internment. If I hadn’t searched through recent mortuary records, I would never have found it.”
He gave her a high five. “I knew I hired you for a reason. Damn, you’re sharp.”
“I try.” She returned her attention to her screen. “The remains of Basil Falier, the driver from the railyards, are being cremated and sent back to Greece. There are special papers to file for that.”
“So, if Thanos is going to make an appearance, it’ll be at the burial of his cousin.”
“I would imagine so.”
“We’ll take the chopper to New York and set up watch near the cemetery. What time is the service?”
“Ten in the morning.”
He pushed back his chair and rose to his feet. “Thanks, Luna. I’ll see if GQ wants to head south to do a little early reconnaissance.” He patted her shoulder. “Terrific work.”
She leaned back in her chair. “Let’s hope we can take him down this time.”
“We damn well better.” He left the kitchen and went to his office where he found a message from the prospective temp blinking on his phone. He hit play.
“Wolf, I’m so sorry to let you down, but something’s come up. I won’t be able to fill in for Scarlet, after all. I hope this doesn’t put you in a huge bind.”
He called Jeanne back, got her voicemail and left a message assuring her he’d work something out, and then hung up. It looked like his only option at this point was to take Arden up on her offer. Maybe she’d gain a new perspective into what Counterstrike did, which could draw them closer. Or push her even further away.
When GQ stopped in the doorway, he waved him inside. “Have a seat. We need to figure out the best way to get eyes on Thanos.”
“Luna said the asshole will likely be in the Flushing Cemetery tomorrow morning.”
“I expect he’ll be somewhere i
n the vicinity, but the man’s cagey. He may not show his face at the graveside, though we can dream.”
“I’ll drive down this afternoon and scope out vantage points where I can get a broad view of the area. Hopefully, even if he keeps his distance, I’ll have a shot.”
“The rest of the team will fly in early tomorrow. I think we’ll send Luna to the service with some sort of black veiled hat, so she won’t be recognized as an intruder. They’d make me in a heartbeat.”
GQ grinned. “You’re not exactly inconspicuous.”
“No, I’m not, and Thanos knows me by sight. I’ll have Patch wander among the gravestones, looking for anyone keeping his distance, and I’ll patrol the perimeter streets, in case he bolts before we can nail him.”
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll set up a couple hours in advance.”
Brody nodded his thanks. “I appreciate you heading down early. I’ll be in touch in the morning.”
“You bet.”
After his teammate left, he texted Patch and Luna with the details of the op and then cut payroll checks for his team. Finished with paperwork, he left the building and hustled down the sidewalk toward his car, anxious to be on his way.
He was going home to Arden. Maybe not to a warm smile and a welcoming kiss, the way she used to greet him.
Still, he’d take what he could get. For now.
Chapter Fifteen
Arden sipped iced tea and stared out over the bay toward the endless stretch of sea. Near the edge of the stone patio, both dogs slept on the lush green grass, apparently enjoying their new surroundings. She wished she felt as comfortable.
“I can’t believe you’re here because someone threatened you. That’s crazy.” Across the table, Nicole set her glass down with a thump.
“This . . . person might not come after me again since he nearly died the first time, but Brody isn’t taking any chances. Not until he finds the man and makes sure he’s no longer a threat.”
“Let’s hope the guy learned his lesson and stays away.”
“Somehow, I doubt I’ll be so lucky.” Arden waved a hand toward the spectacular view. “As beautiful as this is, I just want to go home.”
Imminent Danger (A Counterstrike Novel Book 3) Page 17