“Brandy, we don’t know if we’re any safer here than in our own home,” said Dorie.
“Well, first of all, there’s no evidence that they even made it to your home. And secondly, this is a big hotel. The Navy knows we’re here. I believe Collins. This is the safest place we could be, like he told you.”
Jessica had been fussy all morning, and Brandy could see it was stressing Dorie out. Without her toys and her regular routine, keeping a toddler amused in a hotel room was next to impossible.
“Why don’t you take her for a swim?” she suggested. “There’s a big indoor pool here.”
“How is that any safer?” Brawley spat.
“I didn’t bring my suit,” mumbled Dorie. “Look, if we just left now, we could be up past Eugene in ten, twelve hours. About the time they land. And they still have to catch a flight to California after that. His folks’ place is like a bunker. Nothing could touch us there.”
Tucker had told her the stories. Brawley’s dad had been a SEAL, on the teams over twenty years before retirement. She imagined he’d have enough firepower for an independence movement.
“You really should come with us, Brandy. It’s the smart thing to do,” Brawley insisted.
“I’m doing what Tucker asked. I’m going to stay right here.”
It sucked that there was no protocol, no procedure for these types of situations. Her husband was unreachable again. If she stayed with one of the other wives, she might bring attention to them as well. It wasn’t safe, but there was no definite plan. The hardest thing for her to do right now was wait.
Dorie and Brawley were showering and preparing for their trip, which would leave Brandy without a vehicle, but she didn’t mind about that. She was more worried about being left all alone. She decided to give Christy a call.
“I’m glad you called. I got a chance to talk to Kyle and they’re on the plane. Won’t be long now. How are you holding up?”
“Christy, I’m wondering if I’m doing the right thing.”
“You mean about the house?”
“Oh God no!” She found herself giggling despite herself. “About waiting here. I feel like a sitting duck.”
“But they’re checking in. You know they are.”
“Yes, that’s what we were told. The NCIS guys were not very reassuring.”
“I wish they’d let you come to my place, but I’ve been told not to. I think that’s smart, too.”
“Yes, it’s the right thing.”
“There really isn’t any alternative, Brandy.”
“Well, Brawley and Dorie are driving up to his folks place in Oregon. They think that’s the safest right now.”
“But you’re supposed to stay together and stay put.”
“I am, but they’re leaving, Christy. Nothing I can do to change their minds.”
“Dammit.”
“Should I go with them?”
“No. Please, Brandy, just stay there. There won’t be any help if you leave the protection of the motel and the people they have watching over you. You don’t see them, but I’m sure they’re there. You have to trust in that.”
“I’ll be all alone.”
“What about your father?”
“I can’t involve him. To be honest, I’d feel safer with Brawley. At least he can shoot.”
“Well, there is that. But you have a gun, don’t you?”
“We brought some of Tucker’s. He’s trained me on his SigSauer, enough so I know how to use it without shooting myself. If I’m left alone, I’m more likely to shoot the housekeeping staff if I get too spooked.”
Her eyes began watering. The whole situation was confusing and dangerous. There was no leader, no one’s instructions to follow, except the man who was fifteen hours or more away.
“Look, I’ve got to go check on the kids. Keep your cool. Call me as often as you like. We can stay connected that way. I’ll let you know if I hear anything, and you do the same. Okay?”
“Okay. Thanks, Christy.”
“I’m here for you. If I didn’t have the kids, I’d be right beside you with my .38. And you know I can shoot too.”
The call cheered her slightly. But then the quietness of the room descended upon her. She took their breakfast tray to the door, checked the hallway to make sure it was deserted, flipped the doorstop, and laid the tray to the side. Again, surveying the area, she listened. It was quiet, too quiet. There was absolutely no sign of anyone guarding them.
“Is anyone there?” she called out. After several seconds, she repeated the question. “Anybody out there?”
Her answer was complete silence, which confirmed her suspicion. No one was on guard, watching out for her and her growing family.
Closing the door, she sat on her bed and made a decision.
Brawley stepped through the adjoining opening. “We’re ready to go. Last chance, Brandy. I still think I’m your best bet.”
She looked up at him and nodded. “I’m ready. I’ve decided.”
“Smart cookie,” he said as he winked.
They again struggled with the bags, Brawley taking the heavy ones and loading Brandy’s suitcase with the diaper bag and Dorie’s soft shoulder satchel. As before, she held Jessica and the rolling suitcase while Dorie helped Brawley with the duty bags.
She almost left behind her phone charger and managed to run back in before the door closed for the final time.
They walked through the lobby area, filled with guests waiting to check out and a girls’ soccer team waiting to check in. Brandy nearly tripped over a bright yellow ball that was skimming over the granite tile floor.
The valet brought the truck and helped load the heavy bags into the bed. Brawley gave them twenty dollars, and with Dorie in back with Jessica, Brandy sat up front with Brawley. They were off.
Instead of heading for the interstate, Brawley doubled back onto the island.
“What are you doing?”
“I’m picking up a few things Dorie needs for Jessica. Some toys, some extra diapers, and snacks. You know, stuff.”
“But we could buy those on the road,” Brandy protested.
“Which would take more time. This is simple. We’ll just be in and out in five minutes.”
Brawley knew she was fuming inside.
“And if you need a little courage,” he flipped open the glove box in front of her knees, “this should do the trick.”
She could see the butt of a snub-nosed revolver. “I’m not trained on this,” she said in shock.
“Don’t need to be. It’s loaded with five rounds. You just point and shoot. You do know how to do that, don’t you?”
“You know I do.”
All this discussion of guns made her nervous. She quietly closed the lid of the box and tried to calm her nerves. She found herself observing everything as they made their way to the house. Two cars passed by while Brawley was pulling into the driveway. Several other vehicles were parked in the street: A green and white landscape truck, a yellow VW Beetle, and a bright green compact pickup with something tied to the back.
She remained in the car while Brawley and Dorie dashed to the house. Jessica had already fallen asleep in her car seat.
“Just you and me, kid. Off on an adventure. Sure wish we were on our way to Disneyland or some place fun, instead of running away to ‘The Compound.’ Tucker had made fun of Mr. Hanks’ game trophies, which covered most of the available walls in the living area. He even had several in their bedroom. He’d told her about when they used to shoot at them with their dart guns and, later on, B.B. guns. On more than one occasion, Brawley had gotten a spanking so hard he couldn’t sit down for a couple of days.
“What have I gotten myself into?” she asked to the cab.
At last, the couple came from the house with another suitcase and a large what looked like a baseball bag with a logo she didn’t recognize. Dorie also brought another soft beach bag and waddled along next to Brawley. Brandy noticed how pregnant she looked.
The suitcase had to go in the bed of the truck next to Brandy’s. Brawley was able to stash the ball bag behind the second seat. Dorie clutched her satchel on her knees, climbing into the rear seat next to the still-sleeping Jessica.
“My dad used to say when we’d go camping, ‘If it’s not in the car, we don’t own it.’ That pretty much sums up how light we pack,” Brawley boomed.
Dorie sighed. “Brawley, quiet. You’ll wake her and hurry up. I’m getting the creeps sitting here. Let’s get on the road.”
Traffic was light since they were between commute runs. They made good time for the next two hours until the truck needed gas and Dorie wanted to get something healthy for lunch. Once again, Brandy stayed behind with Jessica while her two friends went inside to pay for the gas and make their purchases. The truck stop teemed with customers, creating a small line for gas. Brandy counted and observed cars coming and going. Something caught her eye, but as she turned and scrutinized the parking lot, she didn’t find anything of interest. After gassing up, they were on their way again.
“Does your dad know we’re coming?” she asked Brawley.
“Yup. They’re pretty excited too. You’ve never been there, have you?”
“No, but I’ve heard a lot about it.”
“Dad retired at thirty-eight. I’ll be a couple of years older when I retire, God willing.”
“How did he manage to be on a west coast team and live in Oregon?”
“He didn’t at first. Then when he met my mom, well her Mennonite roots are here in Oregon. They bought a place up there when I was born. My mom’s kin thought they’d make a farmer out of him. It didn’t take.”
“I can imagine. Your mom doesn’t drink, is that right?”
“No coffee, smoking, alcohol. I’m sure it surprised most of his friends when they hooked up.”
“So they bought a farm and he still deployed. I’ll bet you missed him.”
“I honestly don’t remember. The last six years he stayed down here during the week and came home most weekends, and we did stuff the whole time. There are always lots of guys who do that, lots of divorced guys who room together. I think he also saw that my mom wouldn’t fit into the wives’ club, if you know what I mean.”
“She seems nice, Brawley.”
“Fiercely loyal but definitely an acquired taste, like my dad.”
Brandy appreciated the light-hearted conversation and, for a few minutes, forgot the peril they were running from. The farther and farther away from San Diego they got, the more she began to relax.
Maybe Tucker wouldn’t approve of her decision, but she definitely felt it was way easier on the nerves. Plus, being beside another man of action, someone she’d known well and knew would do anything to defend his turf and his ladies, brought comfort to her soul. It was just one long road trip. By the time they got up to Oregon, Tucker would be only a few hours from home.
And then everything would be perfect again. She knew he’d figure out a way to make her feel safe.
Chapter 15
Sven turned around in his seat to address Tucker. “You still mad?”
“Yes.” Tucker glanced out the window, studying the blackness and the grey clouds hovering above the ocean. He was going to hold it over Sven for as long as he could get away with it.
But what was the point? It was going to be a long flight, and the mission had been accomplished, which was the most important thing.
“No,” he murmured, still not making eye contact.
Sven quickly slipped from his seat to the one next to Tucker. “Didn’t take you for holding grudges.”
Tucker glared at him. “Wasn’t there another way? Did you have to go all Spygate on us? Do you know what that could have cost?”
Sven’s blue eyes smiled even if the rest of his face didn’t. “That was my idea. I wanted the plane to be in the air first.”
“We could have turned around.”
“Sure, but you know that wouldn’t happen.”
“So you weren’t sure if we’d abort if we knew all the connection? See, we do things differently on our team. We trust each other.”
Sven punched him gently in the arm. “I trust you all day every day. I don’t trust your government. I don’t trust the upper crust of your Navy. Remember, we’re the ‘little country’ people. We get squashed. We’re careful.”
“So get the big brown bear angry and then watch him take out the whole block.”
“Pretty much, yes.”
“Well, you’ve had your bite. Don’t ever do that to me again. I’m not so sure there is a place for you on our team, in case you were thinking about it. We just don’t do this to each other. We die for each other. Don’t take my life for granted, and I won’t take yours.”
Sven held out his hand for a shake. Tucker took it, and they both looked off in opposite directions.
The Norwegian kept prodding. “It sounds like you have some problems at home. Something about a doll delivered to your wife? What’s that about?”
“It surprised me. I’m trying to figure out how those assholes in Nigeria came to find us in San Diego.”
“It’s been all over the news. Your border?”
“Don’t remind me. We could fix it. Everyone just has to learn to talk to each other without picking fights.” Tucker didn’t really want to talk politics. But it came out anyway.
“So let’s think carefully. You honestly believe someone from that group flew over to the US and lay in wait for you or your wife? They would have had to know where you came from, even what team you were on. I’m not sure even Jean’s people knew all that information. Not that they couldn’t have found it.”
Tucker thought he had a point and nodded his agreement.
“So the second-best explanation is that someone who is sympathetic to their cause actually lives in San Diego or nearby. Someone they could have talked to by phone.”
“But again, they would have to know where we were stationed,” Tucker posed.
“Unless they were already there. What if they were positioned there not for you specifically, but because it was close to the Naval base? What if that was the intended eventual target, and you guys just walked on stage?”
“You mean like a sleeper cell?” Tucker asked.
“Exactly that. Can you tell me if incidences like these are more or less frequent?” Sven waited eagerly for Tucker’s answer.
But Tucker didn’t have to say a word. Then the question popped up again.
“Sven, how exactly did we ‘walk on stage’ as you say?”
The Norwegian shrugged. “I have no idea. I wasn’t there. You were, though. Because they targeted you.”
After several minutes, the two warriors fell asleep.
Sunlight moved through the portal window as the jet banked left and lowered altitude. It roused Tucker from a dream he was having. He kept hearing the words, she’ll make a man out of you! over and over again. Laughter fluttered all around him. He remembered laughing too, holding his belly.
Immediately, he sat up. He remembered exactly the event that triggered the dream. It was his conversation with Jackie Daniels at the flea market in San Diego.
“Holy shit!” he whispered.
Sven opened one bloodshot eye nastily. “Excuse me?”
“I remember now. I think I know how I got singled out. Excuse me, Sven. I gotta talk to Kyle.”
Sven stood and repositioned himself across the aisle in a vacant row. Tucker dashed to the front of the plane. Kyle was asleep, his legs resting on the pair of leather chairs in front of him. He slipped onto one of the seats and touched Kyle’s right knee.
His LPO jerked awake. “What the hell?” When he saw Tucker, he relaxed back, rubbing his eyes.
“What time is it?”
“I think it’s about zero-five-hundred. But, Kyle, I remember something that might be helpful.”
“Shoot. I think I’m awake.”
“You remember that day when we went down to the flea market with Brawle
y? Fredo bought those soccer balls and everyone was making fun of him?”
“Yeah. I remember.”
“We met up with Jackie Daniels?”
“Okay, yes. What’s up with that?”
“Do you remember I told him I’d gotten married—”
“And you slapped your belly, and he told you it would make you a man—” Kyle interrupted.
“—and Brawley told Jackie’s girls he was a war hero and we all cheered for him?” Tucker completed.
“That’s what happened. Someone overheard. It was someone from the flea market. Tucker, they must have followed you home.”
“That’s exactly what I think happened. They waited until we weren’t home and left the package at the doorstep. Could have bought that old doll there somewhere too.”
“Totally makes sense, Tucker. They targeted you because they saw you talking with Jackie.” Kyle stared back up at him a vein in his forehead thumping. “Wonder if Jackie is in any danger.”
“We gotta talk to him. We gotta tell the NCIS.”
Over the next few minutes, both Kyle and Tucker questioned the other men who that day were there, asking if they remembered any of the crowd around them at the flea market, particularly their faces. Everyone remembered the incident, but no one recalled their audience.
But they all agreed that Jackie might. As a frequent attendee of the swap meets and flea markets in the area, his eyes might pick up something the rest of them would overlook.
Tucker had been told the plane would be given special clearance for landing at Norfolk, since they were on an official mission. They were also warned that the next leg wouldn’t have them sitting in such luxury.
Kyle was on the phone with Collins, who would relay the message to Jackie, not only to ask for his help in finding whomever might have left the package, but for a heads-up for his own family’s health and safety. The two men were still on the phone when Tucker decided to call Brandy.
“Tucker!” she answered. “Are you back on US soil?”
“I sure am. Can’t wait to get home. How’s the Marriott?”
He heard a pause at the other end of the line.
“Brandy?”
“Um, Tucker, I didn’t do what you asked. I’m so sorry. But I’m with Brawley and Dorie. We’re headed to Oregon. We’re nearly halfway there, just left the Sacramento area.”
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