True Honor

by Dee Henderson

  * * *

  Darcy leaned against Gabriel’s office door, wiping perspiration from her face from her run. Her partner had his reading glasses pushed up and his attention focused on a satellite photo that was part of the city of Aden, Yemen. She knew the streets in that town better than those around her own apartment building. They were chasing down a rumor that Vladimir had been there recently.

  Darcy chewed on the sucker stick she was working on. “Who’s his new number three? Luther has to replace Dansky with someone. Who is it going to be?” She posed the most interesting of the questions she had been pondering since the takedown in Morocco.

  “It’s not like there are many options. Vladimir will probably assume operations as well as security.”

  “He won’t let himself be that exposed, out traveling and meeting people who he knows are watching and hunting him. After what happened in Algeria and Morocco, I bet he figures someone is selling them out. Without seeing our cards, it looks like too much of a coincidence that we got both cells in a matter of weeks. I’m betting Luther’s new number three is going to be someone not on our radar screens.”

  Gabe leaned back in his wheelchair. “The way Luther has gone quiet, I’m betting he’ll be looking to settle in and restore security around a new home before he makes any attempt to rebuild his organization and anoint a new number three. We may not have knocked him out, but we stunned him and it shows.” Gabe exited the Yemen page and logged out of the secure site. He reached for his stack of phone messages. “How was your call?”

  She smiled at him, surprised it had taken him that long to ask. “You knew it was Sam. Why didn’t you warn me?”

  “And ruin his surprise?” Gabe asked, returning the smile. “He was trying to get a call to your desk here, but no one would admit you were alive. The operator had actually tagged security to a possible problem.” He held up his hand. “I took care of it. So what’s the verdict? Going to see him?”

  She rocked her foot on the edge of her tennis shoe. “Maybe dinner. Since I’m still rumored to be dead, it’s a bit awkward having him come this direction, but I’ll work something out. I’ll probably take him to Chin’s. I want a good grilled swordfish.”

  “He’s at Little Creek?”

  “Just got in.”

  “I figured that. He sounded like he was seeing daylight for the first time in ages. Why don’t you visit him there? You haven’t had a day off in months, and it would do you good to get away. Besides, the seafood is better that direction.”

  “I’ve got a meeting with the Mideast desk at three.”

  “I’ll take the meeting. Take a few days now. It’s a quiet window. As it gets closer to September 11, we’ll be working around the clock again. I’d like you fresh for that. You’d better go while you can.”

  “Gabriel—”

  “Go. Luther is quiet. We’re watching everywhere we think something might appear. You owe Sam a favor, so go surprise him.”

  She wanted to get out of here with an intensity that surprised her. She wanted to forget this war and the fight and have a few days truly free. “Your wife and I were going to go shopping tonight, but this means I’ll have to cancel on her. Will you surprise her with dinner since if I cut out early you can do the same without me knowing about it?”

  He grinned at her. “Probably.”

  “Then I’m going. But only if you promise to answer my phone while I’m gone and call if there’s anything interesting. And be liberal on your definition of interesting.”

  “I predict you’ll be in news withdrawal within a day. There’s a great bed-and-breakfast in Norfolk on Route 60—that’s the scenic highway, by the way, which I strongly suggest you drive and enjoy the scenery—the bed-and-breakfast is at the corner of Independence Boulevard. I’m sure one of the thousands of directories this place owns can give you the name.”

  “Or I could type bed-and-breakfast, Norfolk, Virginia, in my know-it-all search engine and get the phone number.”

  “That would work too.”

  “I’ll call you when I arrive,” Darcy offered.

  “That was a preemptive decision because you knew I was going to ask.”

  She grinned at him and picked up one of Gabriel’s decoder rings he kept in a bowl beside his phone to give out as jokes and slipped it onto her little finger.

  “Get out of here, Dar, and enjoy the time away.”

  She started toward her office and then came back to lean around the doorway. “What are you getting me for Christmas?”

  “Darcy, it’s May.”

  “It’s exactly seven months and four days to Christmas. A useless fact, but I tend to remember those kinds of things. I want a guppy for my new fish tank. A fancy one. Sam says I don’t know how to do a guppy stroke. I want to be able to tell him that I have a guppy.” She grinned at him and then headed to her office.

  She had to figure out a way to head off Sam. He might have already left to come north, but she’d said eight o’clock, and she was counting on the fact he would at least be stopping by his place to look through the mail first.

  Where was that note with his friends’ names? Her desk was clear, the papers in the safe, and the slip of paper she had kept with his messages for friends was no longer tucked on her keyboard where she kept it for weeks as a souvenir. She finally found the slip of paper in the paperback she was reading and picked up the phone.

  “Kelly? This is Darcy St. James. I called a while back with a message Sam asked me to pass on.”

  “Yes, hi. How are you, Darcy?”

  “I was hoping you might be able to do me a favor. Sam just called, and he was thinking about coming this way for dinner. I’d like to head your way instead, but I need some help.”

  MAY 21

  Tuesday, 4:17 p.m.

  Norfolk, Virginia

  “Kelly, she’s beautiful.” Sam carried Bethany over to the couch and carefully sat down. His goddaughter was five months and four days old, and she’d already stolen his heart. He’d seen her this morning as Joe showed her off around the pier but it hadn’t been nearly long enough. Her eyelashes were perfectly curled and the little fingernails had grown. She had good muscle tone and even in her sleeper outfit with its little feet she was quite mobile. Joe had been back in the States for two weeks for her birth, and photos had been regularly posted online to let the entire team stay in touch. But it wasn’t the same as holding her.

  “Here’s her bottle. I so appreciate this help, Sam. Joe got hung up for a few minutes, and it’s critical that I get this packing done before he gets home. We’re leaving at eleven tonight and driving straight through while Bethany sleeps, and Joe has to get the insurance and will paperwork signed at the lawyer’s office before six. What a time for the sitter to be late.”

  Sam tucked the bottle comfortably in place against his arm but found Bethany was more interested in flirting with him than eating. “I’m glad you caught me. Go and pack. I’ll keep Bethany occupied. I’ve got a little time before I need to leave.” Darcy had said eight, and if he left in the next twenty minutes, he could probably make it on time without getting a speeding ticket.

  “You’ve got a date.”

  “Not exactly.”

  Kelly leaned over the back of the couch to look down at him.

  Sam smiled up at her. “Okay, maybe a small date.”

  She patted his cheek. “Relax, I talked to Darcy. There’s been a slight change of plans. She’s coming here to meet you.”

  “You talked to Darcy—” His surprise had Bethany succeeding in winning their tug-of-war for the blue plastic donut ring.

  Kelly slipped in her earrings. “I like her. It was supposed to be a surprise, but since I’m extra partial to you and you don’t handle surprises very well, I thought I’d give you a little warning.”

  It took Sam a moment to catch up with the information. “Darcy’s coming here.” He looked down at Bethany now happily swinging the blue plastic donut back and forth. “The missing babysitter was a r
use? You were supposed to figure out how to keep me from leaving?”

  “Oh, it’s real enough. The babysitter isn’t going to show in ten minutes. And there is no way you would turn down Joe if he asked you a last-minute favor to stay and help us out. Not when it also involves your goddaughter.”

  “You’re thinking of having me babysit?”

  “No. I’m thinking of having Darcy babysit Bethany. You’re going to watch her and learn.” Kelly laughed. “You are adorable when you’re speechless.” The doorbell rang. “That should be Darcy; she’s right on time. This is called neutral territory. I think she’s nervous. No, don’t get up. You look totally charming so out of your element.”

  Sam got up anyway as Kelly went to get the door. This wasn’t what he had planned. He should at least have flowers.

  “Darcy, hi. I’m Kelly. It’s great to finally meet you. Did you have any trouble finding the place?”

  “None at all. You give great directions.”

  Sam was hungry for the sound of the voice he had thought about nearly every day.

  Darcy stopped in the living room doorway. “Hey, sailor.”

  The worn-out picture in his pocket didn’t do her justice. Darcy had been rushing; her cheeks were flushed and her hair a bit out of place. He wanted to say something profound but instead he just stared, absorbing the fact that the months away had only intensified the pleasure of having her company. “Hello, Darcy.”

  They stood smiling at each other until Kelly bustled through the room to answer the ringing phone. “Darcy, did Sam tell you he’s that angel’s godfather?”

  “No, he didn’t.”

  Sam walked over to introduce them. “This is Bethany.”

  “Oh.” Dar’s entire face softened. “She’s beautiful.” She gently rubbed Bethany’s arm.

  “I hear you’re helping me babysit.”

  Darcy looked up at him and a small smile appeared. “I have to admit, the last time I babysat I was sixteen,” she whispered. She held up a piece of paper. “I’ve got a list of baby experts in town if we need help.”

  “We’ll manage,” Sam replied. He leaned over and kissed her, a soft brush of his lips against hers. “Hi, beautiful,” he whispered. He moved his head back just enough to enjoy the depth of blue in her eyes. “I’m glad you came.”

  Sam realized suddenly that there was very little he could add to tonight to make it more perfect. Her blush turned her cheeks a beautiful rose color. Kelly was right; Darcy was indeed a bit nervous. He wanted to stop that subtle biting of her inner lower lip with another kiss but instead he just smiled. He was going to make tonight the best night of her life.

  “Kelly,” he asked, not looking away from Darcy, “you and Joe need about an hour for the errands?”

  “Better make it two given the traffic. I’ve set out baby food jars for Bethany. She likes the peaches best. Diapers and supplies are by the changing table.” He took one step back from Darcy as Kelly rushed back into the room. “My cell phone number.” She tucked it in his shirt pocket. “Joe had a change of plans; I’m to pick him up.”

  “He’s the boss, all the stuff lands on him as soon as we dock.”

  “I know, and it’s okay. I get him for the next two weeks. Is there anything else I’m supposed to tell you?” She tickled her daughter, who laughed back.

  Sam settled the infant more comfortably in his arms. “We’re fine. Do you still keep spare house keys in the dish by the microwave?”

  “Yes. If Bethany fusses, turn on the tape in the player and walk with her. She loves her daddy’s voice.”

  “Will do.”

  “Darcy, it was great to meet you. Sorry to be rushing out. I’m normally so organized. I’ll tell you all about Sam later, I know everything.”

  Darcy laughed. “I’d like that.”

  “Okay, I’m going.” Kelly kissed her daughter one more time, then grabbed her jacket.

  Sam pointed out the baby bag. “Snag that, Darcy.”

  “Where are we going?”

  He slid on his sunglasses. “A walk down the block. I’d like you to meet Wolf’s wife, Jill.” He took the spare set of house keys and picked up Bethany’s blanket to tuck around her. Sam realized the direction of Darcy’s gaze. “Would you like to hold her?”

  “I was wondering if you were ever going to offer.”

  He chuckled and gently transferred the child into her arms. “I think I’m going to enjoy being a godfather.”

  “I think you will too.” She snuggled with Bethany.

  Darcy looked wonderful holding an infant. Sam stayed in her space on the pretext of helping with the blanket. Sam figured Darcy would get along great with Jill, but if they needed an icebreaker, Bethany was a perfect one. She would create instant common ground. “You must have left the office shortly after I called.”

  Darcy nodded without looking up at him. “Gabe kicked me out and said go.”

  “You couldn’t have given me a more special welcome home than meeting me here. Do you have a place arranged to stay already or should I make a couple calls?”

  “He recommended a bed-and-breakfast. I’m set for a few days.”

  Sam held the front door for her. “How long can you be gone before Gabe sends out search parties?”

  She stepped outside and waited as he locked the house. “I don’t have to be back until Monday.”

  “I’ve got two weeks off,” he offered, walking backward on the sidewalk, hopeful.

  Darcy smiled at him. “We’ll start with dinner first.”

  “Playing hard to get. Okay. You know a SEAL likes a challenge.”

  “And a spy likes to decide the ground that’s played on.”

  He laughed. “I noticed that. My boss’s place. Not bad, Darcy. It kind of guarantees good behavior.”

  “I thought it was pretty clever myself.” She glanced down at Bethany. “Besides, if you’re boring company, I’ve still got a couple perfect hours coming up.”

  “Ohh, you slay me. I think I’m going to enjoy tonight.”

  “I know I am.”

  Fourteen

  * * *

  MAY 21

  Tuesday, 6:15 p.m.

  Norfolk, Virginia

  Darcy sank deeper into the couch, letting a sleeping Bethany settle against her shoulder. She should have kept babysitting into her thirties instead of leaving that practice behind as a teen. There was nothing more soothing in life than to cuddle an infant whose only priorities in life were to eat, sleep, and play. The stress of war hadn’t touched Bethany, and in just sharing that there was a reason to relax. Darcy couldn’t remember the last time she had truly stopped and let everything go. She handed the nearly empty baby bottle to Sam. “She’s asleep.”

  Sam traded her the baby bottle for the blanket. “She’s grown up so much in the months we’ve been away. You should have seen Bear down at the pier this morning when he brought her around to show off.”

  Given how proud Sam was to be this little girl’s godfather, she could imagine what it must have been like when Joe saw his little girl for the first time after months away. “Proud daddy?”

  “Oh yeah. He’s also a great boss.”

  “I think so. He got you home alive,” she added softly. “Jill is a sweetheart.” She and Sam hadn’t stayed long as Tom and Jill were also getting ready to head out for a vacation over the leave, but they had stayed long enough to convince her Jill was indeed the perfect wife for Sam’s swim buddy. Wolf and Cougar: The two men stood beside each other and it was like an invincible wall. It mattered to Sam that she meet his partner’s wife, and Darcy found that touching. “To get married and two days later send your husband off to war?” She shook her head. “I don’t know that I could handle that.”

  “You handle what you have to.”

  Darcy leaned over to retrieve her glass of iced tea. Sam looked ready to handle whatever came. She studied him stretched out in a nearby chair. He’d been in great shape before he left. Now that physical toughness had been honed
by months at war. She enjoyed just looking.

  Was he a friend, a date, something serious and permanent? She looked at Sam and hoped this relationship would have a chance to grow. From his kiss in greeting, he was clearly thinking the same way. She helped herself to a handful of the Cheerios Bethany had been eating. She was ready for dinner. “What’s it like being on the front lines? I only know of a couple places you’ve been.”

  “I can do better than Cheerios. How about Chex mix?”

  “Hand it over.”

  Sam passed her the dish. She picked out the peanuts first.

  “I’ve seen just about every terrain God created short of tropical jungle. Cold and heat, tough living conditions, carry in your own water and food, lots of miles walked in boots, lots of sneaking around in towns you don’t want to be seen in.” He sorted out Bethany’s blocks by color. “Are you handling the work overseas okay? You’ve been busy. I’m glad you were able to get back to the States for a while.”

  It was a hard question to know how to answer. “I walk away from the office every day wondering what I missed, what I should have seen.” She wished she could put in words what those long evening hours when she couldn’t sleep were like. “It’s a struggle to learn enough to head off the next attack. I know we aren’t going to be able to stop them all and it haunts me.” She knew what could come next, the rumors of what different terrorist groups planned, and she feared the phone call that would come in the middle of the night. “And Luther is still out there waiting to profit on that terror, to even fund it if he can make money doing so.”

  “I’m sorry we weren’t able to grab Dansky. It—”

  She stopped his words with an extended hand. “It’s okay. Morocco disrupted so many groups it’s considered the most successful strike of the last months. We’ll get him.”

  “Dar, the weight of the last months is visible. I’d like to think you could get your life back at some point. Have you at least had a chance to get back to North Dakota?”

  Just the thought made her smile. She dreamed of getting back to work on her house. She’d love to have Sam’s help digging the new fence posts. “I’ve been too busy to get home. I do talk to my sister several times a week though, and she shipped some of my stuff out here.”