The gunfire stopped as Zack hit the ground, and Radha glanced back at Brett to see his gun arm hanging by his side. He stared at his chest as if he’d never seen it before. He reached up his free hand to touch it, over his heart, and in the light of the crackling flames, Radha could see his fingers came away slick with blood.
Then, his knees buckled and he collapsed to the floor. Radha paused for barely a second in shock before she ran to Zack. As she reached him, he sat up, coughing.
“Is he dead?” he asked.
Radha nodded. “I think so.”
Zack’s left eyebrow raised in surprise. “Wow, I didn’t think I’d actually hit him. That only works in the movies.” He sounded dazed, his eyes darting around the room at the flames.
Radha choked out a laugh. “We have to go.”
She helped him get to his feet, then dragged him towards the door. The anxiety hit him, making him slow and unsteady on his feet.
They made it to the door and out into the blessedly fresh air. They didn’t stop, just kept going towards their car. Zack’s hand gripped hers almost painfully as she led them away. As they moved further away from the fire, Zack’s breathing grew a little easier and his fingers loosened on hers.
They reached the car and Radha went to get in, wanting to get as far away from the area as fast as they could. But Zack stopped her with a tug on her hand.
“Are you okay?” she asked.
He smiled at her, his eyes warm with affection. Then, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly. He held her tight, taking comfort from her, and Radha let him. She ran her fingers through his hair, returning his kiss with all the fervour she could muster.
They pulled apart, breathing heavily, and rested their foreheads together.
“I love you,” Zack whispered.
Radha grinned, her heart overflowing. “I love you, too,” she replied.
With that, they got into the car, ready to rebuild their lives. Together.
Epilogue
It took Zack nearly two months to make his house liveable again—mainly because he insisted he do all the work himself. By the time he was done, all evidence of the destructive raid had disappeared, and his security was beefed up to an intimidating level.
When the work was finally done, Radha convinced Zack to have a housewarming party, since he’d told her he’d never had one when he’d first moved in.
The day dawned wet and miserable, playing on Radha’s nervous mood. She wasn’t anxious about meeting the rest of Zack’s friends from Soldiering On—well, not much. But Zack meeting her parents and brother was something else entirely.
She and Zack had only grown closer since the events with Victor and Brett. He had become vitally important in her life, and she desperately wanted her family to approve.
Jeri, too, planned to come. She and Zack hadn’t seen each other since before the raid, and Radha had no idea how they might react. Jeri didn’t take kindly to people who had lied or betrayed her, and technically Zack had done both. Radha, too, had betrayed her by going behind her back about Zack and the money. But when Jeri had found out—her ordeal had made the local news—she seemed to forgive Radha fairly readily. But they hadn’t yet had an opportunity to discuss it, preferring to sidle around the issue.
All in all, it was a recipe for tension, but probably not disaster. She hoped. It didn’t stop her mind from playing through all the potentially disastrous scenarios, though. She shivered when Zack came into the living room as she lay out the dishes she’d spent the morning cooking.
“I’ll put on a fire, shall I?” he murmured into her skin as he placed a soft kiss on her neck.
She turned, a confused frown on her face, but Zack gave her a bland look in return.
“Sure,” she said suspiciously.
He knelt by the fireplace and gathered what he’d need to light a fire. Radha hadn’t even noticed he’d bought all that stuff. Suddenly, her throat went tight at the thought that she watched something important.
His hands were steady and sure as he built the fire, even as he lit the match and held it to the kindling. Soon, a small blaze danced merrily in the grate, and Zack turned to her looking like a proud boy scout who’d just earned a merit badge.
“Zack…” she said, unsure what to say.
“I’ve been practicing,” he told her with a grin.
“I can see that,” she said, and held out her arms. He stood and slipped easily into her embrace, as if he belonged there.
She held him for a minute, then tilted her face up for a kiss. His response was instantaneous, as if he’d been waiting for her.
The ring of the doorbell interrupted them, so they parted with smiles that promised they would pick up where they left off much later.
Mandy was the first to arrive, shaking off the rain, followed by Duncan, Paul and Christine, and Jeri in short order. Her parents and brother, Zack’s friend Sam, and Sierra and Blake—who had his arm in a sling—arrived not long after.
Everyone had brought a pot of food, but nothing compared to the rich aroma of her parent’s cooking.
“It smells amazing,” Zack commented as they walked past him towards the table.
Chandrika slanted him a glance. “Only the best for my daughter.”
Zack choked on a laugh. “I have to agree,” he told her.
That seemed to break the ice, and soon the group intermingled. Her brother was telling Zack about his poetry—a side project Radha was convinced would become his full-time work soon enough—when Jeri pulled her aside.
Her expression held deep lines of worry that Radha had never before seen on her mentor’s face. Anxiety immediately kicked in Radha’s stomach.
“Radha, I haven’t found a private time to apologise to you yet,” Jeri murmured.
Radha frowned. “For what?”
“For not believing you. For not trusting your instincts, about the money. And for not trusting Zack.”
Radha laid a comforting hand on her arm. “It’s okay,” she said.
Jeri shook her head. “No, all of your trouble could have been avoided if I’d just let you look into the money and report it to the police. I got too caught up in my own instincts that I never thought to listen to yours. But I should have.”
Radha swallowed past the lump in her throat. “I appreciate that, Jeri. I really do.”
“I don’t know what I’d do without you. Placing my faith in you all those years ago has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”
Tears gathered in Radha’s eyes at the sincerity of the words. To give herself time to compose her emotions, she threw her arms around Jeri and squeezed tight.
“That means a lot,” she told her. They pulled back and shared a smile.
Next, Chandrika accosted Radha, and her nerves returned with a vengeance.
For a long time, her mother stared at her, not saying a word.
“So?” Radha asked.
Chandrika tilted her head. “You seem happy,” she said.
Radha immediately softened as she thought of Zack and exactly how happy he made her.
“Yeah,” she said with a sigh.
Chandrika gave a decisive nod. “Good.” Then, a sly look entered her eyes. “Is he going to marry you?”
Radha spluttered in surprise. She took a deep, calming breath, and answered her mother honestly. “I think so,” she told her. “I hope so. Eventually.”
“Good,” Chandrika said again, satisfaction settling over her features. “That’s good.”
The rest of the afternoon passed smoothly. Radha took an instant liking to Mandy and Sierra, who had the kind of easy friendship that only time could bring. Blake was charming, too, and spent the whole day with his free arm around Sierra, holding her close. Sam, while fairly quiet, gave Radha a good vibe, and Paul and Christine were the kind of openly affectionate couple that made Radha wonder if that’s what she and Zack were like to other people.
By the time deep evening had fallen, the whole group were s
leepy with food and good company, and filed out together, leaving Radha alone with Zack.
“I’d say that was a success, wouldn’t you?” Zack asked her, slipping his arms around her waist.
“I think so,” she said with a contented smile. “I think my parents liked you.”
“Yeah?” he asked, seeming pleased. “They did seem to warm up to me.”
“Probably after I told my mother we’d probably get married eventually,” Radha replied flippantly.
Zack stilled and stared down at her.
“Is that…okay?” she asked. The ground seemed to shift and move beneath her feet.
“Yeah,” Zack breathed. “That’s more than okay.” A slow smile spread across his face, and Radha’s heart thumped joyously in her chest.
He kissed her, and kissed her again, and Radha knew that whatever else happened, her future looked bright indeed.
The End
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For more adventures of the Soldiering On crew, click below:
Soldiering On Series
Soldiering On (Soldiering On #0.5) – See where it all began
Station Alpha (Soldiering On #1) – Paul and Christine’s story
Guarding Sierra (Soldiering On #2) – Blake and Sierra’s story
Christmas Tango: (A Soldiering On Novella) – A Duncan and Mandy Novella
And coming soon, Sam’s story!
Turn Over for a sneak peek at Christmas Tango!
Chapter 1
Duncan tugged at the unfamiliar noose around his throat—also known as a bow tie. He was trussed up in a penguin suit, suffocating in the restrictive clothing.
The grand ballroom was stifling, though whether that was reality, or a hallucination brought on by lack of breath, Duncan couldn’t be sure. All he knew was that he didn’t belong in this place.
The room was fancier than any he could remember being in. The roof above them was at least three stories up, and made entirely of glass. Balconies stretched across the upper portions, giving a perfect view of the mingling crowd. Instrumental Christmas music drifted from hidden speakers, and sconces dotted the walls, simulating flickering candlelight like a ballroom of old. Wreaths and bells hung the walls, adding a festive cheer to the dull proceedings.
A sharp elbow jabbed his side. “Smile,” Mandy hissed. Her fingers tightened on his arm, pressing her point.
Duncan plastered on a smile, but even he could tell it probably looked more like a grimace. Mandy rolled her eyes at him, but he just shrugged, unrepentant. He hadn’t wanted to come. She should be thankful that she got that much. Pretending to enjoy the stuffy occasion was one step beyond.
Mandy Lennox, bane of his existence and his business partner—in that order—had, in her infinite wisdom, forced him to come to this Christmas fundraising auction. Despite his stark refusal to accompany her, he had still somehow found himself in a custom-made tuxedo, escorting Mandy around a room full of rich people. She claimed it would be a good networking opportunity, wanting to find wealthy clients for their joint business.
Soldiering On was his pride and joy. He’d started the security company—with Mandy’s help—over a year ago to give veterans injured in the line of duty an opportunity to continue using their skills after being discharged. But the best part of the job was that they could help people that needed it—people that needed protection, or expertise. Duncan and his team were doing something that mattered.
He could admit to a need for at least a few well-paying clients like Mandy wanted, but it wasn’t his priority. The people that needed their help were. But it was Mandy’s mission in life to find wealthy clients for Soldiering On, and the only thing she seemed to care about. As long as it didn’t interfere in his life, he didn’t mind what she did. But playing nice with a bunch of rich people hadn’t been on Duncan’s agenda.
At least Mandy looked stunning in a thin sheath dress the colour of midnight. Her creamy shoulders were left temptingly bare, and her blonde hair was twisted up into a complicated knot. He had never felt their stark differences more keenly than he did in that moment. She was sleek, breathtakingly elegant, and clearly belonged in this crowd in a way he never would, despite his expensive tuxedo. He was a rough soldier with a bad leg and barely a dime to his name.
A man with teeth like a lighthouse beacon moved into Duncan’s field of vision, grinning unnaturally wide. Duncan blinked, bringing his thoughts away from his business partner and onto the intruder.
“Mandy,” he said, eyeing Duncan’s companion with an unsubtle appreciation. “How lovely to see you again.”
Since no one looked his way, Duncan felt safe rolling his eyes.
“Charles,” Mandy purred. “You’ve done a lovely job with the decorations. So festive. It seems like the evening will be a real success.”
She bent forward to kiss the man’s cheek, oozing charm.
Charles lapped it up. “Thank you. I hope you’ll stay for the after-party.” He winked—actually winked!—at her.
Mandy wasn’t fooled. Duncan was sure he was the only one that noticed the imperceptible tightening around her eyes that showed her displeasure. But her smiled stayed in place.
“That will depend on what my date wants to do, since he’s my ride. This is Duncan.” She nudged Duncan, who obediently stuck out his hand.
Charles’ gaze shifted to Duncan for the first time. The disinterested look told Duncan that Charles had already forgotten his name. “Hey, pal. Welcome to the party.”
They shook hands and let go before it was polite.
“Well, I better do the rounds,” Charles told them. He disappeared into the crowd, which consisted mostly of men and women between the ages of 60 and 103 from the looks of things.
Duncan felt old most days, now that he was pushing forty and had retired from the military. But this lacklustre crowd made him feel positively sprightly.
“Your date?” he asked slyly.
Mandy rolled her eyes. “I had to put him off somehow. He’s obscenely wealthy, so I like to keep him onside. But he’s persistent.”
“Well, I’m happy to run point between you and any men tonight. They really should learn to take a hint.”
The fact that Charles had completely ignored Duncan and the proprietary hand Mandy had on his arm irked him. Why would it be so out of the question that they were an item? Or had Charles just not cared either way?
He also realised something else. “Am I the only Black guy in the room?” he asked Mandy under his breath, bending down to her so that his words couldn’t be overheard.
Mandy huffed. “I admit the crowd is rather monochrome tonight.”
“Why am I even here?” he asked her. He obviously didn’t fit in, and not because he had inherited his father’s dark skin. These people were born into money. He was career military, like his father before him. He didn’t have centuries of wealth and power behind him.
Mandy narrowed her eyes at him. “If I have to suffer through this evening, then so do you.”
Duncan blinked. “What are you talking about? You love this stuff.”
“It’s a necessary evil. I see the benefits, and they outweigh the inconvenience to myself.”
Duncan never knew quite what to expect from Mandy.
“You’re a constant surprise,” he told her.
“I do actually like the dancing, when they have it,” she admitted with a shrug. “But the rest I could take or leave.”
Duncan’s mood soured even more. Of course she liked dancing. One thing he could no longer do now that his leg was so badly banged up from the war.
Not having noticed his reaction, Mandy scanned the room, her gaze landing somewhere behind him. Her expression lit up.
“The food’s out,” she said and dragged him in the direction of a white table-clothed sideboard loaded with dishes covered with silver lids. The only other person that seemed to have clocked to the food was a man in a suit a few levels below
what most of the other guests were wearing.
Duncan smiled briefly, glad he wasn’t the only one completely out of place at a ritzy event.
The guy frowned when he saw Duncan eyeing him and backed off. Duncan sighed. He didn’t mean to glare. It was just his face, and size. But he tended to make people nervous.
“I should check in with the office,” Duncan murmured as Mandy loaded up a plate full of tiny, complicated-looking pieces of food.
Mandy glared as she munched on something that resembled a mushroom with leaves on it. She swallowed. “It’s nine o’clock at night. No one is there.”
Duncan took a breath, but she interrupted him before he could get a word out. “I know that Blake is on call, but don’t bother him. He’ll let you know if he needs you.”
“Why are you so concerned that I not call him?”
She smiled sweetly. “Sierra has something special planned for tonight. You don’t want to interrupt.”
Duncan shuddered. That was more than he’d wanted to know. Still, he pulled out his phone—just to check the time—and saw that the battery was dead.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered.
“I told you,” Mandy said, peering at his screen upside down. “You need to get a portable charger. Or a better phone.”
It was a familiar argument. “It’s fine, I just forgot to charge it.”
She rolled her eyes. “You’re such a technophobe.”
“It’s functional,” he told her. “It does what I need it to do.”
She gave him an unimpressed look. He didn’t see much point in explaining to her that the simpler the device, the better it usually was. Blake, Sam, and Paul were the ones that liked the newer, fancier equipment. Duncan was old school.
“Whatever,” he said, in lieu of what he really wanted to respond. “I’m going to hit the head. I’ll be back.”
He needed to cool off, get some fresh air. He couldn’t even take off the bow tie for a spell, because there was no way he’d get it back on.
Dangerous Victor: (Soldiering On #3) Page 17