Strike Back (Hawk Elite Security Book 1)

by Beth Rhodes

  Hawk winced. “Don’t remind me.”

  The day had reached its high, and with a partly cloudy sky above and rain threatening to drench the mining company, Hawk gave a quick nod to Logan.

  He approached the small man just yards away and held out his hand in greeting. “Min, how are you?”

  After a quick shake of his hand, Min nodded and gestured for Hawk to follow. “Things have been better, my friend. I lost three men in the last week. An explosion in one of the side shafts.” He shook his head. “Come, I will explain and we will talk about how your security system has failed.”

  ###

  He called Malcolm who would remotely update the computer systems and double check for any weak points. Most of the issues were territorial. And though Hawk wanted to be able to protect Min from every contingency, the truth was that he’d have to be a psychic.

  He suggested added measures. And he’d shown Min exactly what he would do if it was his company. More men along the edge of the property for protection. Cameras at strategic vantage points…and finally, if expenses weren’t an issue, he’d draw up an alarm system to warn of intruders. Systems in place to keep the dangers at bay. Motion detectors, heat sensors. The works. Or part of the works.

  The why of the problems bugged Hawk the most, though. Were they experiencing these little glitches because of Cortez? If so, if they took out Cortez, would the problems also disappear?

  Late into the evening after he’d left Min’s and traveled south to Manila, he couldn’t get that thought out of his head. He anticipated trouble when they were dealing with drug lords, warlords, kidnappers, or hostages. Like the incident ten years ago, sometimes shit just happened.

  Hawk rubbed a hand over his chest as he rounded a corner on his walk. The embassy was closed for the day, but he’d been able to talk on the phone with his team. Everyone was in good spirits, unconcerned by their situation. It was better than being at the mercy of the local jurisdiction, better than being dead.

  A block from his lodgings, he stopped for dinner at a small, familiar restaurant. One of his favorite places to eat. Comfort food to help him forget that what he really wanted was to see Stacy. Talk things out with her.

  Even after she’d stepped back from active duty in the company, he’d had her to bounce things off of. It seemed like days since he’d seen or talked to Stacy. He just needed the time to figure out what the heck to do next, so he pulled his phone from his pocket. And as he waited for his meal, he called her.

  “Hey,” she spoke in that sleep-heavy voice, and he imagined her in their bed, rolling over, getting comfortable again after reaching for her phone. “How was your flight?”

  He relaxed at the small talk. “Good. No mishaps. Got in earlier today and went straight to Min’s.”

  “Mmm, good. Get any answers yet?”

  He told her about the mining incidents, and the boundary trouble the company was having. About how he hadn’t made it to Manila in time to get the guys from the embassy. “I’m hoping they have a better story to tell. Matt hinted there was more to the story than met the eye. He didn’t want to talk over the phone. We’re all going to head over to Julio’s tomorrow. Do a debriefing and get the scoop.”

  He stopped talking and met with silence. “Stacy?”

  “I’m here.” She sounded barely there, sleepy.

  Hawk cleared his throat. “I’m sorry it’s so early.”

  “That’s okay. I’m glad you called.” He heard the muffled sound of her moving, the rustle of the sheets and bedspread. And he ached like a bolt of lightning for her. Her skin, her hands, all of it. Her voice. Great timing, Hawkins.

  “What time is it there?”

  The wanting hour, apparently. “Just seven. I’m having dinner.”

  “Five here.” She laughed. “Tell me, how’s the day going to be? Should I carry my rabbit’s foot? Avoid ladders? Knock on wood?”

  “You’re going to have a great day, babe.”

  “Yeah. Miss you, though.”

  Hawk’s waiter came and set out his food.

  His stomach growled. “I better go. My dinner is here.”

  “Okay, I’m going to get up and run, since I’m up anyway. Thanks for calling.”

  “Sure. Be careful, Stacy.”

  “You betcha.”

  He hung up with some hesitation—stupid—then texted her. I love you. Was it so hard to say I love you with words? Why was it so easy to send a message? It didn’t really mean as much that way, did it?

  He did love her.

  He worried over her.

  Even when the thought of never seeing her again sent panic through him, he wanted her to be happy as well. He just wasn’t sure how to do that anymore.

  Luv you too, she answered back and that’s when it hit him…texting and speaking were not the same thing at all. He wanted to hear those words from her sweet mouth. He wanted to go back to the times when love and loving seemed second nature.

  With his eyes and her desire to be in the line of danger…

  He wished he could convince her to stay home. He had the business covered.

  That was his job. Wasn’t it enough?

  He ate, barely tasting it, and finished with a cup of tea before leaving. The sunset on the Manila Bay as he walked down Roxas Boulevard and the palm trees, tall above his head, lining the street, lent the city that special tropical paradise feel.

  Yet it was still a city, full of unknowns, full of dangers, reminding him of what he’d left behind in the smaller, tropical town of Punta Gorda. Like his wife and familiarity.

  Slowing, he passed in front of the embassy. In the circular drive, just north of the front door where there was a small expanse of grass, Hawk saw the man he was looking for. He nodded once, and when Malcolm nodded back, Hawk took the path over to the grassy area.

  Malcolm took a drag from his cigarette and blew smoke over his shoulder as Hawk approached.

  “You need to quit, Mal.”

  “It helps me think, clears my head.” Malcolm flicked the ash. “Besides, I’m not much for inhaling.”

  Hawk laughed. “Tell me what you know.”

  His computer expert puffed again. “John called this morning with word from his FBI source. It’s Cortez like you thought. See, when we left him, things didn’t end so well for Cortez. He had people on the inside turn on him. People are turning up dead. His head of security was found outside of Mexico City. Drug overdose. No one went out of their way for the scumbag. Mexico authorities chalked it up at face value.”

  “But?”

  “There’s more. The helo team that came in to extract us?”

  “Oh, no—”

  “They ran into trouble about two months ago. Went down over the sea between here and the island of Mindoro.”

  “Who is investigating?”

  “Local police did a cursory investigation and found sabotage but no motive. The investigation went cold.”

  Hawk scratched at his five o’clock shadow. “Revenge?”

  “It was years before we even knew Cortez was still alive. Now all of his last-known associates are mysteriously dying?”

  The embassy door opened and three men walked out, a quiet discussion floating just above a whisper to where he and Malcolm stood. Hawk sighed.

  “I should get back in before my guard gets suspicious.”

  “You’re sure everyone’s okay?”

  With a nod, Malcolm glanced down the street. “Everyone’s just nervous we’ll do something stupid, create an international incident. They’re keeping close watch on us. We’ll be out of here by ten hundred hours. Flight at twelve forty-five.”

  “Good. Good.”

  Malcolm hesitated, taking a last puff and tapping the cigarette out on the bottom of his shoe. His eyes squinted against the darkening orange blaze of the sky before he gave Hawk his startlingly direct gaze. “Jamie says there’s trouble in Belize.”

  “Does he?”

  “He does.”

  “I don’t kn
ow what we have, Mal,” Hawk admitted.

  “You and Stacy okay?”

  He frowned. If the men noticed and were worried… “Sure. What do you mean?”

  “Well, it’s not like the team hasn’t noticed things are off between you two.”

  Hawk almost laughed. “Wait. Is this an intervention or something?”

  “No.” A flush rose on Mal’s neck. “Jesus, no. Not really. I mean—we’re all just worried. You two are Hawk Elite. One with the other. If you guys can’t—”

  “We can.”

  Malcolm cleared his throat. “Well, if you need anything—”

  “We’re good, Malcolm. I promise.” Shit. Was he lying? Was it any of Malcolm’s damn business? Some days it seemed like hid life had a fat bullseye painted on it. With his vision going, that target was getting bigger. He hated, more than anything, that his job put his family on the line. And if his men were worried about what was going on...

  It was time to tell them.

  But first, he had to tell Stacy.

  Chapter Seven

  Stacy had breakfast at the café just down the street from the resort before driving down the coast to the little village where she and two other women had taught for six months all those years ago. Had it really been twenty years?

  The exchange program―no longer in existence now―had hired guards for the final leg of their week-long journey from the coast of Mexico into the heart of Belize. Hawk had been one of those guards. By the time the coast had come into sight, she hadn't known if she wanted more to shoot him or to kiss him. He'd taken the choice from her with a touch of his lips. Scandalous.

  She smiled, thinking about it, as she pulled the little car into the parking lot of Our Lady of Guadalupe Orphanage and School. The main building stood two stories tall, the brick face, though not new, was clean and well-maintained.

  It seemed like yesterday.

  She watched a group of children cross the yard in a straight line, following their teacher into the chapel, and smiled when a small girl at the back of the group glanced her way. Her dark curls bounced as she slowed and tilted her head in study. Stacy lifted her hand from the steering wheel and waved. Shy, the girl’s returning smile came slowly then she turned and ran to catch up with her class.

  The tall nun eyed Stacy with curiosity and some suspicion. Stacy was an outsider now. Part of her wanted to get out and walk up those steps like she had years ago.

  She didn’t belong like she had back then.

  A tall woman in a long brown habit exited where the little girl had entered and approached the car at a brisk pace. Stacy’s heart slowed, nerves fluttered in her stomach. The same walk, the same striking smile. Cheekbones highlighted eyes framed by naturally curved and unusually delicate brows. Green eyes shone with a mischievous light.

  With a short laugh, Stacy opened the door and braced herself as Diane met her in a full embrace.

  “Stacy, Stacy. My Lord, I’m so glad to see you.”

  “You came back to Belize.” They’d had little contact over the years, especially after Diane entered the convent, following in the footsteps of the women who had first led them to this corner of the world in the first place.

  Diane grinned. “You bet. I love it here and with my education degree and my master’s, I’m the perfect candidate to run this place.”

  “Not humble, though.” Stacy laughed. “When I got your letter last month, I couldn’t believe it. I had no idea. You should have said something to me.”

  “I knew you’d be back down here with your business. Besides, some things are better in person.” They strolled back toward the school. “You weren’t the only one to find love when we came here twenty years ago. I just took longer to realize it, that’s all.”

  Stacy sighed. “I’m sorry I didn’t make it to your final vows. Hawk and I were in Germany with my parents at the time. Was your dad there?”

  Diane held the main door open and pursed her lips. “Unbelievably, yes.” She paused. “Oh, you know he means well, and he has come around to accepting my decision, but it’s hard for him. He wanted grandkids, a legacy.” Diane led her through a short hall and into a small room behind a door with a glass panel. Gold lettering arched across it: Principal. “Come on in to my office.”

  “Your office. Gee,” Stacy ribbed.

  “It’s the small things.” Diane winked and opened the door. An eclectic mix of art filled the office. Not surprising since Diane had spent six years studying art and eight years working in New York City at an art gallery. All that, after doing that year in Belize, working with orphans.

  “Isn’t it crazy, though? You’re a nun.” Life was full of surprises. “What am I supposed to call you now?”

  “Sister Mary Gabriela.”

  “Oh.” Stacy’s heart softened. “After your mother. That must have helped with winning your dad over.”

  “Losing her was hard on all of us.” Her friend shrugged. “Of course, he was bad off for a long time. I ended up going home during my novitiate for three months.”

  “When I return to the States, I’ll be sure to stop and see him. Apparently, I need to pick up some slack.” Stacy smiled. “You look great. Healthy. Peaceful. Just like I expect a nun to look. You know though, I’m never going to remember to call you by your consecrated name.”

  Diane shrugged. “We’re sisters in our hearts. I won’t tell.”

  She studied Stacy from her chair behind her desk and folded her hands in front of her with an inquisitive tilt of her head. And just like the old days of parochial school, Stacy wanted to squirm. “You pull the principal thing off very well. You really do fit in here, don’t you?”

  “I do.” Diane paused and raised one brow. “Tell me how Hawk is doing. What’s it been? Eight years since you’ve shadowed my doorway? John’s probably a grown up, now. Moira—is she still dabbling in the arts or has she moved on to something else? And the baby, sweet baby Willy. Tell me about them all.”

  And so they talked, really talked. If there was anything to remind her of how blessed she was, it was being forced to list her family’s accomplishments over the last several years.

  “I want to know what’s going on with you.” Her friend wasn’t going to let her get away with evasion. “You’re alone. You’re sad. Tell me.”

  Heat rose on her cheeks. She wasn’t sure she was ready. Oh, the urge was there, same as it had been with Jamie, but full disclosure to even one person felt more like betrayal than a much-needed therapy session.

  “Talk.” One demand, one simple word from one of her dearest friends.

  Stacy sighed. “It’s just a bump in the road.”

  “Hawk. Is he…”

  The look in her friend’s eyes made words unnecessary. Stacy opened her mouth, thinking of how it would be wonderful to throw her discontent in Hawk’s lap, then closed it and cleared her throat. “No. He’s— Well, it’s complicated, I think,” she added after a quick thought.

  “Is it?” Diane was frowning. Down-to-earth, black and white had been her way in life. “Fine. I’ll say it right out. Is he cheating on you?”

  Stacy turned away from her friend’s loyalty and caught a glimpse of the older kids out on the playground. “No. He’s distant but not like that, not another woman. Actually, it might be me.”

  Diane snorted. “You? What? You met someone else?”

  “No, not really. I think Hawk is sick. I think he’s pulling away from me.” Silence filled the room, and Stacy shook her head vigorously, ran a hand through her crop of hair and turned back to her friend. “Then I met a man. We started talking. And he’s nice enough. Older, a gentleman. And he made me realize how much things had changed between me and Hawk.”

  “Do you love him?”

  “Of course I love him.” She glowered at Diane. “What do you think?”

  “Well, I want to swear right now, but I’m trying hard to live as my good Lord asked me to. What’s his name?”

  A barking laugh escaped, scratching Stacy
’s throat and making her shake her head. “Jiminy, Diane. Sister Mary Gabriela,” she said with emphasis and a little reprimand. “I don’t love the other man, you idiot. I love Hawk.”

  Diane’s entire stature deflated and relaxed into the back of her chair. “Thank God.” She giggled, patting her heart. “You scared me. Don’t do that.”

  “Sorry.” There was so much to say yet still so much she didn’t know.

  “I’m afraid.” Waving a hand, she shook her head. “He’s closed off. I know something’s bothering him. Every day he pushes me one step further away. This week,” she cleared her throat, “we made love for the first time in months.” A glance at Diane had her blushing. “Can I say that to you?”

  But this was Diane, her friend. Didn’t matter that she was also a nun.

  “I don’t know what to do. The vacation isn’t helping like I thought it would.” Digging deep, she took a deep breath and caught Diane square in the eye. “I’m afraid of not being enough. And I’ve been on the sidelines for so long. I want to get back into really working with the team. He doesn’t like that, for the best of reasons—of course. But I’m good. I can be good, be better than I was before, even.”

  “Oh honey.” Diane’s voice held pity and Stacy didn’t like that at all. “Did you ever think maybe Hawk isn’t the only one pulling away?”

  Hurt bloomed in her heart and must have shone in her eyes because Diane got up and came around the desk. She rested a hand on Stacy’s shoulder. “I’m not saying it’s your fault, Stacy. Perhaps Hawk is sensing your unhappiness. You really should talk to him about it. Clear the air.”

  “I didn’t even understand how unhappy I was until we came here,” she whispered. “It’s like being thrown back in time. Back to those days we had to travel through the jungle just to reach this place.”

  “Lots of things have changed, including the roads.” Her friend smiled.

  “Do you really think it’s me, pulling away?” Stacy worried her lip as that feeling of injustice filled her. “I want to work with him!”

  “But you haven’t told him. What are you waiting for?”

  “I think I’m just afraid he’ll say no. I’m not good enough.”