Tightrope [Black Ops Brotherhood 6] (Siren Publishing Classic)

by Bella Juarez

  “Go ahead, man, open them up. I want to see what Santa got you after her daddy drove her around for three hours last night, looking for some place that was still open.”

  She punched her brother in the arm. “Be quiet.”

  He opened the first package and couldn’t believe what he saw when he unwrapped the tiny green box inside. It was full of fishing flies, all laid out in neat rows. There had to have been at least fifty different types of flies that were perfect for trout fishing. How did she know that fly-fishing was his escape? He’d grown up near some of the most sought-after streams in the country, and whenever he needed to think, he’d fish. Since becoming a SEAL, those jaunts to escape the pressure of his job had become few and far between. Unfortunately, business was good, and he’d been one busy SEAL. He looked up at Cheryl, shocked that a woman he’d barely said five words to had already figured out something about him that meant so much.

  “Don’t sit there looking stupid, open the other ones,” Rafe said.

  Lance cleared his throat and opened the other two. The next had been a new fly-rod, and the third was a new reel. He’d been damn near outfitted enough to fish for trout in the mostly frozen Potomac.

  “How did you know?” he asked her.

  “How does Santa know anything? He gets a letter. Come on, man, let’s get some chow. I’m hungry,” Rafe said, tossing the box of flies onto the table.

  For the rest of the morning, he watched Cheryl. He wanted to understand why she’d taken the time to figure out what he did, what he would want and appreciate. His own family didn’t take that kind of time anymore, so why would a total stranger do that? He recalled what else Rafe had said, that she and Mr. Wilson had spent three hours driving around last night. He didn’t remember them leaving, then again he’d been upstairs with Rafe drinking beer and watching Die Hard.

  He caught her alone later that day.

  “Cheryl, uh…thanks for the presents, but you didn’t have to do that.”

  “I’m glad you liked them.”

  “Liked them? They were perfect! How did you know?”

  There was that smile again and he knew he was in trouble. He didn’t believe in love at first sight. Like everything else, a good, strong relationship was something that took time and hard work. He didn’t have that kind of time, and he sure as hell didn’t want to work that hard. But this woman did things to him, things he couldn’t explain, and it scared the hell out of him. For her, he’d work his ass off and do whatever it took to see her smile again.

  “Rafe talks about you a lot, and I think one time he said something about someplace where you guys had been, and you tried to fish with a stick and string,” she said. He kept himself from groaning because she giggled, and the bubbly sound vibrated straight to his cock. “He said something about you liking to fly-fish. Last night, my dad and I finally found this old general store near Potomac Falls that was open. In the back corner there was all this fishing stuff. I guess it was meant to be.”

  “It was a surprise and thank you. It’s the best thing I’ve gotten in a long time.”

  “I hope you see your family soon.”

  God, she was so sweet and innocent. Unlike her brother, she was a genuinely nice person with a big heart. Rafe could be a cold-blooded asshole, and generosity wasn’t in his vocabulary unless it suited him. Lance wanted to wrap her up and hide her away from the world and the evil he knew existed. He didn’t want the virtue in her spoiled. He wanted it to remain pure and untouched. He completely understood why Rafe had been so protective of her. An immoral bastard would take advantage of such goodness and kindness. He remembered that she was a naval officer, too, and had graduated from the academy a year after Rafe. How the hell did she remain so untainted after being around all those dirty, salty sailors aboard a ship? Then it hit him; he was in the presence of something he didn’t know existed any more, a rare jewel, a genuine…lady. He’d never meet anyone like her again, and if he didn’t snatch her up, someone else would.

  “Is there some way I can show my appreciation? Maybe return the favor? Take you out to dinner or something?”

  There was that giggle again. “How about a friendly hug?”

  That offer had been more dangerous than traversing a minefield at midnight. He opened his arms and she wrapped hers around his waist. The moment he pulled her close, he felt as if he’d just gotten caught in a riptide and sucked under. He inhaled to calm his racing heart and realized he’d made another mistake—she smelled delicious, tropical and scrumptious. He hadn’t realized he’d closed his eyes until she moved away. He glanced at the doorway and saw the murderous look on his best friend’s face.

  That was one thing Rafe made clear from the get-go to anyone who met his sister; she was off fucking limits. Period. He’d sworn on many an occasion he’d kill any motherfucker that laid a finger on his sister. None of that mattered now. For this woman, Lance would take on the meanest son of a bitch he knew, his own dive buddy, Rafe “Whiskey” Wilson.

  “Merry Christmas, Lance,” she said as she brushed past her brother.

  Rafe entered the room. He looked behind him to see if she’d gone because a shitstorm was about to hit his Christmas day.

  “It wasn’t what it looked like—”

  “Cobra, I will tie your slithering ass in a knot and chop you into little pieces if I ever find out you touched my sister again. The only thing saving your ass right now is that I heard her offer. You sure as hell better not make good on that dinner date. Do you read me?”

  “What the fuck Whiskey? She’s of age, and she was being nice. So was I.”

  “I’ve got eyes motherfucker. I see the way you look at her.”

  “This was your idea. I told you I was perfectly fine waiting out the storm at Little Creek. Don’t bust my balls because you’re seeing something that ain’t there. She’s a nice girl. Quit making this out to be so dirty.”

  “I know what a skanky bastard you are. I know your type, and my sister ain’t it.”

  “Fucking get me to Dulles. I’ll sleep in the airport.”

  “Keep your fucking dickbeaters to yourself, and we won’t have any more problems,” Rafe said as he turned away.

  A voice drew him back to the present.

  “Commander Corbin? Interesting reading?”

  Thankfully, he’d been standing in front of the dedication plaque for the carrier. He turned and saw the captain of the ship had finally decided to make an appearance. He followed the man to his office and took a seat.

  “I just got off the phone with the admiral. He’s explained to me why I drew a Navy Special Warfare mission commander for the cruise.”

  “I’ll try to be as invisible as possible, captain.”

  “I appreciate that. I didn’t realize we had drawn so much attention. The only thing I ask is that you and I discuss anything you need to change about this deployment before you do it. I don’t want to look like a clueless ass in front of my crew.”

  Lance understood his position aboard this ship. As a mission commander, he could veto any action the captain took if the mission required it. In short, he could take over command of the ship, and there wouldn’t be anything this man could do about it.

  “There may not be time for a discussion, captain. But I give you my word I’ll keep you in the loop.”

  The captain looked away, clearly unhappy with the answer, but Lance had told him the truth. If he needed to turn this ship around in the dead of night without warning, he’d have to tell the captain after he gave the order. Depending on the circumstances, he might not be able to tell him why. Still, he understood the fleet wasn’t like his special Navy. He’d have to dust off his customs and curtsies, and remember there was a much more stringent chain of command he had to deal with now.

  “I mean no disrespect, captain. I hope you understand the position I’m in. I certainly respect the shitty position they put you in.”

  The captain grunted and said, “Just keep me in the loop. I have a boss, too.”r />
  “Let’s just hope there’s smooth sailing and a clean deployment.”

  “Somehow with you aboard, I doubt it’ll be that easy.”

  Chapter 26

  The Bisbee Grand Hotel

  Old Bisbee, Arizona

  November 5, 2010/1815 Zulu

  Rio arrived at the hotel later than she expected. She’d offered to help with registration and packet pickup for the race taking place in a couple of days. So far, they had at least four hundred participants signed up. It was taking everyone who would benefit from this event to help them get it kicked off. Danny, as always, took complete control in the middle of all the chaos. He’d stressed and worried over little things before the real action started, but once it kicked into high gear, he seemed to be able to handle it without a hitch.

  Running into Anna, Amy, and Irene before she’d found Danny, they introduced her to another one of the SEAL wives, Isabel Richards, and Shaq’s lover, Justin. Rio couldn’t wait to hear the story of how Shaq and Justin had met. She found Danny talking with another man at one of the tables. The big man held a baby dressed in pink who kicked and waved her arms as he spoke. She slid in next to Danny and put her arm around him.

  “You made it after all,” he said, giving her a quick peck, and she noticed the man studying her.

  “Okay, we’ll probably head back to the hotel for a few so Leila can take a nap,” he said.

  Rio knew that the hotel where the SEALs were all planning on staying wasn’t ready for them yet, and she couldn’t help but stare at the precious little girl he held.

  “She can stay at my house, if you want. I live a couple of houses down,” Rio offered as she handed Danny the bottle of water she’d been holding. “I think the hotel where you all are staying is still getting ready for you.”

  Something drew her to this man. He was tall, blond, and had the bluest eyes she’d ever seen. He was an attractive man, but his looks weren’t what fascinated her about him. She sensed they had a bond of some sort, and it was difficult to explain. She looked away and adjusted Danny’s collar. The baby squealed in delight when Shaq walked up to them.

  “That’s my baby girl!” Shaq, said, taking her away from her daddy, kissing her, and baby talking to her.

  Justin walked up beside him and cooed at her. It amazed Rio that Shaq was so baby whipped and recalled watching Steve interact with Danny’s niece, whom he now called his little duchess. These men were such a dichotomy; one minute they were badasses saving the world, and the next minute, they were brought to their knees by a little girl. She realized not many people got to see so many sides of such complex men. She had never felt so much a part of people’s lives as she did now. For a long time, it had seemed as if she were on the outside looking in. Now she was surrounded by people who made her feel safe and accepted, all because of Danny. He was sly, but she loved him that much more because he’d coaxed her out of her shell and into the world she’d been missing. She glanced back at the man Danny had been talking to, and he extended his hand to her.

  “Alex Richards.”

  Instantly she understood their connection. This was the man who’d introduced Danny to BDSM. There was no question in her mind where Alex Richards fell in the D/s scheme because dominance emanated from him. She took his hand and smiled.

  “Rio Jensen. I’ve heard so much about you. It’s good to finally meet you.”

  “I’ll take you up on that offer, if you don’t mind. We need to get her down before she gets fussy.”

  “Not at all, in fact I’ll give you a key, and you can come and go as you like,” she said, turning to Danny. “I’ll be back in a few. Do you need anything from the house?”

  “Nope, go on. I’ll be leaving in a few minutes, too.”

  Alex and Isabel Richards followed her back to her house. When they arrived, Schotzie introduced herself to the Richards who eyed her with a little concern. Rio allayed their fears and got them set up in the spare bedroom where Leila was put down for her nap. The ever-vigilant Schotzie laid herself at the threshold of the room guarding it from any intrusion. Isabel had been yawning, and as they sat talking, she explained to Rio that she’d done a double shift at the hospital where she worked as a trauma surgeon. Alex encouraged his wife to take a nap with their daughter, and she reluctantly agreed. Satisfied that the baby would be taken care of, Schotzie moved back to her bed near the kitchen when Isabel closed the door to the room.

  “How long have you known Dan?” Alex asked as they sat at the table making small talk.

  “We grew up together.”

  “He only mentioned a friend of his that he went to college with who was a Marine. Were you high school sweethearts?”

  Rio giggled.

  “No, he had a different girlfriend in high school. The Marine was my older brother, and they’ve been best friends since first grade. Danny and I were just friends in high school.”

  “Danny? I’ve got to remember that,” Alex said, chuckling. “I think I remember Rock and Gavin talking about you at a meeting we had. Gavin respects you, and that’s quite an accomplishment. That man doesn’t give his trust easily.”

  “I’ve learned a lot from Gavin, and I’m glad he saw enough in me to take a chance.”

  The door opened, and Danny walked inside. He placed a couple of bags on the table in front of Alex and continued to the fridge. He returned to the table with a bottle of tea and pointed to the packages.

  “Your race numbers and T-shirts. You forgot your packets.”

  “Well, thank you, Danny.”

  “Unless you plan on cuddling with me like she does, you don’t get to call me that,” Danny said.

  Alex laughed. “My bed’s already full. Congratulations. Izzy told me you two were engaged and getting married at the end of the year.”

  * * * *

  “Are you sure about this?” Gavin asked.

  “Yeah, I’m sure. I tracked the chain of evidence back here, and I have the documents with the signature. There’s no reason why he should’ve signed for it and then it passed back and forth.”

  “I fucking knew it! The day you went missing, I knew someone was dirty here,” Gavin said, looking away in disgust. “Have you told anyone about this?”

  “Not about this. You’re the first one.”

  “Don’t say anything to anyone. This might get you killed,” he warned.

  After the weekend race, Rio had let Gavin in on what she’d found when she’d dug through the evidence returned from Bakri’s lawyers. There were three handwritten receipts she hadn’t seen before they sent the evidence to Bakri’s lawyers.

  Exhaling, she said, “I know. I’m not telling anyone, not even Danny.”

  “Nobody, not even the people you think you can trust on your team. I’m telling you this from experience. I need to figure out how to get a warrant for the arrest without them finding out. I may need to go back to Texas to do it.”

  “We don’t have enough for a warrant, and the op is scheduled in a couple of days. If we do this we need to do it all at one time, and it’ll take longer than that to get more on this.”

  “You’re right, we have to prove intent, just because they shouldn’t have doesn’t mean they couldn’t have signed for the evidence.”

  “I’ve got an idea. Give me a few more days, and I think I can get something else,” she said.

  “You need to be careful, damn careful. You hear me?”

  The members of the federal task force that Gavin ran had to scrub anything classified, and she’d been part of the team who’d gone through the returned documents. Normally, the documents would’ve been returned to respective agencies, but Gavin had asked the Department of Justice to return all of it to him because he was running the task force working the case. No one must’ve thought any different, and all of the evidence provided to Bakri’s lawyers had been returned to Gavin. Now they needed to decide what to do with what they knew. She turned around when she saw him glance at the door. Captain O’Malley walked into the
office.

  “Rock, we have a problem,” Gavin said.

  “Oh?”

  “We have someone dirty in the CBP.”

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yeah,” Gavin said.

  “Have they been in the loop for this op?” Rock directed the question to Rio.

  “Not that I’m aware of,” Rio replied.

  “I’m moving up the timetable. We go tonight.”

  “What?” Rio asked.

  “We can’t risk them waiting for us or getting prepared. We’ll strike now. If they get wind of this op and they may already have it, our guys will get ambushed. Take all of the CBP, with the exception of her off this op, and I’ll go get with Dan and Shaq. Now, Badass,” Rock said as he left.

  “We can’t take everybody off, or they’ll know something’s up,” Rio said.

  “I’ve got a way to do it without them knowing. Come on, I’ll tell you on the way.”

  * * * *

  Dan glanced at Shaq and wondered what the hell had just happened. In a few hours instead of a few days they’d conducted an op that had been in the planning for months. He and his dive buddy had painstakingly planned the mission, and over the next few days they’d planned on double checking and rechecking again. Now, their captain was telling them they’d be going tonight.

  “If I may, sir, can you tell us why the urgency?” Shaq asked.

  “I’m trying to keep you alive and the mission as secret as possible. We may have a leak.”

  “Say what? Who?” Dan asked.

  “I don’t know yet. You two need to get moving and kick this thing into high gear. Have you been running readiness exercises?”

  “Yes, for the last couple of weeks. We did two with everyone else and six with the two teams who might be a go,” Dan said.

  “Did you tell them which team would go?” Rock asked.

  “No, we haven’t said anything yet.”

  “Good, have both teams muster. Which team did you pick?”

  “Bravo team,” Shaq said.

  “Don’t tell them which one is going until they’re all here and we go. Understood?” the captain asked, looking at Dan.