by Bella Juarez
It seemed as if it were only yesterday they were ducking for cover in Grenada or Africa. The SEALs had changed since they’d been inducted some twenty-five years ago. Their mission had changed drastically since the Global War on Terror began. He recalled with some mirth their first real operation together as SEALs. It had been a disaster and one he would never forget.
The memory of that mission was why JJ drove his trainees so hard. He didn’t want them to repeat the same mistakes he’d made. They’d been together since BUD/S. Now Dixie was the number-one SEAL in the world, the Commanding Officer of Headquarters Navy Special Warfare. JJ was his command master chief, making him the number-one enlisted man in the SEAL community.
“JJ, did you read that message from Rock this morning?” Dixie asked.
“No. Not yet, I haven’t been to my office,” JJ said.
“It’s after lunch. Where the hell have you been all day?” Dixie demanded.
“It’s Thursday, Dixie, I was working with some of the SQT trainees this morning.”
“What the fuck, JJ? I need you in your office reviewing that shit for me. Not terrorizing a bunch of fucking tadpoles. In case you didn’t see the news this morning, we are still fighting a war!” Dixie snapped.
“I told you I didn’t want this fucking job, Dixie. I told you I was fine where I was in training. I don’t mind doing what you ask, but don’t chew my ass for something we agreed to.”
“Get back to your office and give me an evaluation on what Rock is recommending.”
“If Rock is recommending it, Dixie, I’m probably fine with it. Shit! You have the message. Give it to me and let me read it while I’m standing here. Why all the fucking hoops?” JJ demanded.
Dixie shook his head and let out a frustrated sigh. JJ knew the look. I don’t have to take this shit from you, I’m the admiral here! Dixie, however, didn’t say that to him. The admiral knew JJ, and knew JJ would’ve told the admiral to shove those stars up his ass as he walked out the door. JJ could remember when Dixie was a scared little lieutenant JG bogged down in Grenada without a clue.
Dixie dug out one of the folders sitting on his massive desk and handed it to him. JJ took the folder and sat down at the conference table that Dixie had in his office. He read the message a couple of times before looking up.
“This is bad, Dixie,” JJ said finally.
“You think?” Dixie responded sarcastically.
“Ramirez-Merles got away with the help of a dirty PD? This is some fucked-up shit. Now we need to worry about Bakri buying off police departments?” JJ asked, closing the folder. “I’m fine with Rock’s recommendation. It’s Badass I’m worried about.” He looked at Dixie with concern.
“His shooter is still out there, and we don’t know how deep the money trail goes. I’m thinking about activating Badass and moving him to Randolph. Ramirez-Merles could be the only one who could ID this bastard,” Dixie said.
“Gavin won’t go for that and neither is that fucking little weasel hacker. Gavin will fight you and may quit. Nah, he’s not stopping until he’s put this to rest for good,” JJ said looking down at the message.
“I don’t give a fuck what he goes for. He’s our inroad with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security. I created a whole unit around him and put it in Rock’s group just so we could trail these fucksticks without someone screaming we’re in violation of the Constitution! I need him alive and safe until we get a better handle on this damn hydra and all the heads snapping at us. Some cocksucker almost killed him the last time,” Dixie said.
“Let me talk to Rock and Badass. We’ll come up with a plan.” JJ redirected his attention to the message he was reading. “It says the laptop they recovered the night that police chief was killed had plans of a biological and a cyberattack. Where would a hood like Rivera get that kind of information?” JJ asked.
“Good question. But it confirms all that shit that went down at Quantico and what we knew from Gavin’s investigation with the FBI. I told Rock to give Reese Thompson a ring and get updated with what’s going on at Quantico. Rock and his team just turned that laptop over to the CIA for data mining. I think Dan Gamez went over it with a fine-tooth comb before they gave it up. Rock is probably still evaluating the data. It may take a while,” Dixie said.
“Lieutenant Gamez is pretty damn good at what he does. He doesn’t miss small details. I’d venture to say the CIA won’t find half of what Dan found. I’m glad we decided to send part of that new SEAL team to that new cyber-electronic warfare school. It was worth the six months, especially for someone like Dan.” JJ stretched. His knee ached in protest at the punishment he’d put it through this morning.
“Why don’t you get that knee surgery while you can still walk?” Dixie asked as he took a sip of water.
“Maybe I will, before I retire.”
Dixie rolled his eyes, “Yeah, you and I retired. We’re going to retire all right, when they put us both in a pine fucking box!”
* * * *
Irene listened as Dr. Adams made her usual suggestions. It had been almost five months since David had died. She’d been in therapy for the last four months. Amy was planning on getting married in February and she needed be at least coherent for the wedding. Everything seemed to be happening at once. Several life-changing events seemed to be lining up and taking over. First Amy, then David, and now the school district had just offered her an early retirement package that was hard to walk away from.
Dr. Adams suggested that Irene maybe wait a year to retire. How could I? Unfortunately the district wanted an answer before school started. She knew who they had in mind, and it was a good choice. Irene had over thirty years in education, so it was probably time to walk away. It would give her the time she needed to help Amy with the wedding.
“If you’re insistent on retiring, do something you’ve always wanted to do but maybe tucked it away because David didn’t want to or it wasn’t his thing,” Dr. Adams said.
Irene turned her head slightly. There were a few things she enjoyed that David never seemed to get into. She thought about two of them. She smiled slightly, recalling the old phrase, when one door closes another opens. Maybe the doctor was right. It was time she realized she could do things she had always wanted to but didn’t because she didn’t want to argue or make David uncomfortable. She wasn’t forgetting him, but she didn’t have to live for him anymore.
“You’re right, doctor. There are a few things I’d like to do,” Irene said.
The session ended, and Irene felt lighter. She smiled at the epiphany she’d just experienced. She drove the short distance to the Mexican restaurant that Amy loved. She took out her new iPhone and played with some of the features until Amy arrived a few minutes later.
“Tía! You’re early,” Amy said with a smile.
“I got out of the doctor’s office a little early,” Irene said.
They ordered quickly and Amy smiled at Irene again. Irene felt a warm spot in her as she watched Amy. She was really happy for the first time in a very long time. Gavin was good for her, and it showed.
“So what’s the latest on the wedding?” Irene asked.
“I found a wedding planner that can help us long distance. That way I’m not putting so much on you,” Amy said.
“Don’t be ridiculous. I’ve got all the time in the world now. I’ve decided once and for all that I’m retiring.”
“Are you sure?” Amy asked, concerned.
“Yes, I’m positive. Now you don’t need to worry about getting all this done by yourself. I want to help and it’ll keep me busy.”
“Tía, Gavin’s taking a trip to San Diego and he wants me and you to go.”
“Me? I would think he’d want to be alone with you,” Irene said, taking a drink.
“No, he’ll be working most of the time he’s there. It was his idea,” Amy said.
Irene sat back and considered a moment. Since David had died, Gavin had appointed himself her protector, and it was okay for th
e most part. Every now and then he would get a little overprotective. This, she suspected, was probably one of those instances. She sat back and thought about how she would turn Amy down. She was sure Amy had suggested the idea to him and he was going along with the suggestion. Irene didn’t belong in the middle of Gavin and Amy.
“…Do something you’ve always wanted to do but maybe tucked it away because David didn’t want to or it wasn’t his thing.”
Irene heard the doctor’s words echo in her memory. David didn’t like to travel. She, on the other hand, could be gone someplace new every weekend. It was something she’d tucked away. She thought again for a moment. Since she hadn’t really ever traveled, she decided maybe this was her opportunity to see if this was something she’d missed. Maybe San Diego could be a safe way for her to see if she really wanted to travel. Irene smiled at Amy.
“Okay, I’ll go. But you need to promise me that if you and Gavin want to be alone, you’ll go and not worry about me,” Irene said.
“It’s not like that at all, Tía. Gavin has to work until Saturday and we come back Sunday. It’ll be just me and you,” Amy said.
Within a month after retiring, Irene found herself on an airplane sitting next to Amy bound for San Diego, California. She was excited, but also felt a twinge of guilt. Gavin cherished his time with Amy. Irene could see it when she would bump into them while they were out together, alone. Gavin was good to Amy and it was obvious he was trying to be good to Irene because of Amy.
“Mi hija, are you sure about this? I can get another hotel, one where you and Gavin aren’t staying,” Irene said.
“Yes, I’m sure. Gavin said he’d made arrangements and we’re staying in Coronado. Tía, Gavin wouldn’t have asked me to bring you if he didn’t want you here, and for the last time it wasn’t my idea. Gavin felt like we both needed to get away. I agreed,” Amy said.
Irene smiled at Amy. There was very little Amy didn’t agree to or go along with. She was very docile. Although, since Gavin had been injured, she’d done a slight personality change. She was stronger and a little more assertive at times. Irene guessed maybe Amy felt more secure and her natural personality was starting to peek out now and again. She looked out the window of the aircraft and wondered about San Diego.
Amy and Irene were deep in conversation about the wedding when the captain came over the loud speaker and announced their descent into San Diego. Irene checked her seat belt and looked out the window at the wide expanse of the Pacific Ocean as the aircraft circled its descent. She was excited and for the first time in a long time looked forward to tomorrow.
As they ate at The Fish Market in San Diego, Irene was looking out at the bay from their seats in the restaurant. She could see boats passing and knew instantly she would love San Diego. Her science teacher spirit wondered what kind of marine life swam under those boats. The microbiologist inside her questioned the tiny life that no one saw in those waters. After she was done with dinner, Gavin took a key card from his pocket and handed it to her. He informed her she would be in the room across the hallway from them.
Irene wanted to get on with tomorrow and explore this new place in depth. They drove across the long bridge that attached San Diego to Coronado. Her science persona was most interested in the harbor tour she and Amy were scheduled to take on Saturday. When they reached the hotel it was very late. Irene walked into her room and Gavin followed her inside with her bag.
“I’m right across the hall if you need anything. If you decide to go downstairs you have my number. Call me,” Gavin said as he set her suitcase down on the bed.
“Thank you, mi hijo, don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine. I’ll let you know if I need anything.” Irene gave Gavin a light hug.
“Good night, Irene. Please call me if you need me,” Gavin said.
“I will. Now go spend some time with Amy,” Irene said.
Gavin smiled and walked out of the room and into the hall where Amy was waiting. Irene looked at the lavish room he’d acquired for her. It was really nice and comfortable. She set to unpacking a few things, and when she was done she looked at the clock. It was 8:00 p.m. Irene decided to go downstairs and walk around the lobby. She thought about having a drink in the hotel lounge or the wine bar that was in the hotel. What she really wanted to do was explore and spread her wings. It had been so long since she’d been able to do whatever she wanted without explaining herself.
* * * *
JJ decided to check to see if Gavin was in the bar yet at the Hotel del Coronado. He wondered if Badass had gotten fed up with all the female company he was enduring and decided to have a drink like they used to before turning in. JJ had finally agreed to knee surgery three weeks ago and was still in physical therapy two days a week, so there would be no early run with the SQT trainees. He’d have to come up with another way to terrorize them in the morning. He got out of his vehicle and walked into the lobby, making a beeline for the bar. He figured if Badass was nowhere to be found, it was no biggie. He would drink alone and figure out something else.
As he was walking into the bar, a woman approached the door at the same time he did. He smiled at her and waved her inside. The woman returned the smile and walked ahead of him. She was maybe five three and curvy, nice and curvy. He couldn’t help but notice this woman because she was very polished. He loved someone who paid attention to detail. This woman seemed to pay attention to every little detail of her appearance. He let his eyes run down to her hips and watched as her nice ass swayed a sensual rhythm. He took a deep breath and could smell her perfume. It was oddly familiar. The lady walking ahead of him was delicious! Fuck Gavin…He was setting his sights on some other kind of entertainment tonight.
JJ watched as the woman took a seat at the far end of the bar and ordered a drink. He decided to walk to the same spot and take the seat next to her. She was well dressed and looked like a nice lady. Too nice for me. He took in the light brown hair that was highlighted and cut into a neat, layered long bob. He watched as she fidgeted with her drink. He smiled to himself. She’s uncomfortable here. Bars weren’t her scene and it was obvious that she felt out of place. He ordered his customary triple scotch and looked around. It wasn’t a big place, and he didn’t see Gavin anywhere around.
JJ observed the woman he had walked in with again. He watched her in the large mirror behind the bar. She took slow, deliberate drinks of her red wine. She smoothed her slacks, and as she crossed her legs, he noticed her toes when they peeked out. She was wearing small-heeled sandals, and his mouth almost started to water. Her toes were perfect. She kept herself well groomed and paid attention to every little detail of her appearance. She was around his age or even a little older. She was an attractive woman, even though he preferred them younger.
Like most women of JJ’s generation, she took her time to get dressed and made up every day. When she finally left the house she was dressed to the nines and made up to perfection. That was something he did appreciate about the women his age. Younger women tended to be sloppy and not take the time to look so polished. He watched as the woman looked around nervously.
She doesn’t belong here…JJ decided to break the ice. He turned and made eye contact with the woman and smiled. She returned the smile apprehensively and looked away. He glanced at her left hand and saw a wedding ring. His curiosity got the best of him.
“Waiting for your husband?” JJ asked the woman.
“I’d be waiting a long time. He passed away a few months ago,” she said with a wistful smile.
“I’m sorry,” JJ said, taking a drink. “Are you in San Diego for business or pleasure?”
“Pleasure. I’m here with my niece. She’s upstairs. You?”
“I live here. I was hoping to meet up with a buddy of mine who’s here on business. He’s staying here at the hotel,” JJ said.
“I see.”
“James Jones,” he said, extending his hand to woman.
“Irene Ortiz,” she said, taking his hand and shaking it l
ightly.
“Do you work, Irene?”
“No, I just retired from teaching. You?”
“I’m active duty Navy, thirty-three years now.”
“Really? My niece’s fiancé is in the Navy, reserves, I think.”
Navy Reserves? Around Coronado there weren’t too many reservists unless they had been activated. He blinked. It was too coincidental that he could be sitting here with Badass’s mother-in-law to be! Gavin was a reservist, he was staying at the hotel, and his fiancée was raised by relatives…Nah…He took another drink and saw that Irene’s wine glass had dwindled down to a sip. He called the bartender and asked for a refill for Irene and himself and ordered some appetizers from the kitchen. He figured he might as well settle in. This was turning into an interesting evening. He wanted to find out if she was one of the women here with Gavin.
“No, I just wanted one before I turned in for the night,” Irene said as the bartender filled her glass.
“So tell me, what grade did you teach?” JJ asked, redirecting the conversation.
“I taught sixth grade science and then I was a principal at the high school…” Irene began to describe her years as a teacher and a high school principle as JJ listened and asked more questions. When she was done with her career, he noticed that her wine glass had dwindled once again. He called the bartender to refill the glass, and this time she didn’t protest. She looked at him as she took another sip of her now-full third glass of wine. “Enough about me, what do you do in the Navy?” Irene asked.
“I sail a desk,” JJ said with a smile as he thought about his current position with Dixie.
Irene giggled. JJ chuckled and slid a little closer. He could tell by her little giggle that she was feeling her wine, and by the way she was letting him into her space she was also letting down her guard. She had a cute little giggle, he observed. It was bubbly and reminded him of little champagne bubbles. He slid even closer. With a couple more glasses of wine, JJ figured he could’ve this one bent over a chair screaming for him to drive it home.