Locked, Loaded and SEALed

by Carol Ericson

  “I miss you guys, too. I’ve been busy with school.”

  “And the work continues. Good for you. Are you calling to join our ranks again?”

  “Actually, I saw something in the paper about a symposium you’re jointly sponsoring to discuss at-risk youth, and was wondering if I could buy a ticket to the gala to show my support.”

  “This symposium’s a little different from what we usually do, since the focus is turning young people away from extremist organizations, but because of our work with kids and street gangs, we figured we’d have something to offer.”

  “Oh, I think you do.”

  “The gala is invitation only, and the tickets are a thousand apiece. I can send you an invite, but I can’t waive or reduce the ticket price—even for you.”

  She raised her brows at Austin and he nodded.

  “I’m not asking you to. If you can take care of the invitations, I’ll handle the ticket price—and I need two.”

  “I can have two tickets waiting for you at the office tomorrow, although unfortunately, I won’t be in to see you.”

  “That’s fine. Give me the details, and I’ll come by tomorrow to pick them up.”

  Rick gave her the name of the contact person at the office and the payment methods. “I look forward to seeing you at the gala, Sophia, and I hope you can come back to volunteer for what you’re really good at—talking some sense into these girls.”

  “I will, Rick. Thanks.” She ended the call and lobbed the phone back at Austin. “Can you clear that with someone?”

  “I’ll try.” He reached for the phone and made his own call as he rolled off the bed and headed for the bathroom.

  No listening in on speakerphone for her. As he started talking he slammed the bathroom door behind him. No listening at all.

  She paced near the door a few times and heard Austin’s voice, low but urgent. She gave up and fell across the bed, turning up the TV. He’d tell her what he thought she should know. He hadn’t been wrong yet.

  When he came out of the bathroom, she jerked her head toward him. “Well?”

  “Memorial first. You’ll be attending on your own.”

  A shiver snaked down her spine. The US spy agencies really were washing their hands of her.

  “But—” he held up his index finger “—there will be personnel there on the perimeter, taking pictures and running ID’s. You just won’t know who or where they are, and I’ll be there, just not with you.”

  She blew out a breath. “That’s a relief. Where will you be?”

  “I’m not going to tell you exactly because I don’t want you looking for me, but I’ll be watching the crowd—and you. I don’t have to tell you not to talk to any strangers, right? A limo will take you there—one with very dark tinted windows—and pick you up right at the curb. We lucked out that the memorial is at a park, which gives us good access. While you’re giving your speech, if you hear anything unusual—popping noises, blasts—hit the deck.”

  “Got it. And the gala?”

  “We’re both attending, unless something happens at the memorial. That one was harder to sell. If there’s going to be an attack there, the agency isn’t sure how your presence is going to change that or help. I’m not sure.”

  “I was close to Dr. Fazal. That’s why you picked me out in the first place, isn’t it? I didn’t ask for this. You hid out in my car and ambushed me.” She held up her hands. “I’m not saying it didn’t work out, as I probably would’ve been kidnapped that night if you hadn’t.”

  “Maybe it will be over at the memorial.” He rubbed his chin. “For the gala, additional security will be there, and they’ll pass me through with my weapon.”

  “Not the big huge one that hangs over your shoulder?”

  “Not that one.”

  “Good, because that one won’t go at all with your tux.”

  “Tux?”

  “The event is formal.”

  He smacked his head. “Great. If I wasn’t going to have enough headaches at that party, wearing a tux just sealed the deal.”

  “Speaking of clothes, any chance I can return to my place to pick up a dress? I didn’t think I needed to pack anything formal while I was on the run.”

  “Buy a new dress tomorrow when I’m out renting my tux...if nothing happens at the memorial first.”

  She craned her neck to peer around him at the alarm clock on the nightstand. “We probably have enough time to go out now before anything closes, so we don’t have to rush tomorrow.”

  “You up for it?”

  “This has actually been a calm day compared to all the other days since you dropped into my life.”

  “Sorry about that.”

  “Don’t be sorry.” She launched out of the chair. “I’m kind of an adrenaline junkie, always have been. I’m not going to wilt under pressure.”

  “I noticed.” He planted his feet on the floor. “Do you want to look up a few places on your laptop?”

  “There’s a mall nearby. I’m sure you can rent a tux there, and I’m pretty sure there are a couple of major department stores where I can find a long dress for the gala. It’s not going to be haute couture but I don’t wear haute couture, anyway.”

  “And I wouldn’t know haute couture if it came up and bit my backside.”

  Her gaze dropped to that backside as Austin bent over his suitcase. “I’m going to put on a white T-shirt, and then I’ll be ready to go.”

  He yanked off his long-sleeved T-shirt and pulled the white one over his head. Then he buttoned a denim shirt over it. His eyes met hers. “What?”

  “How many hours a day do you work out to get a body like that?”

  He threw his head back and laughed. “It’s part of my job. We have to be in peak physical condition for what we do.”

  “You are.”

  “Thanks... I think.”

  “Oh, believe me. I’m paying you a compliment.”

  “I’ll take it.” He snatched his jacket from the hook by the door and checked the pocket.

  Must be checking for his gun. The guy never let his guard down—but she wasn’t complaining. She just didn’t know how she was going to do without her personal bodyguard when this was all over.

  It took them less than fifteen minutes to get to the shopping center. As they crossed a bridge from the parking structure to the mall, she said, “I almost feel safer in a big public place like this than hiding out in a hotel room.”

  “We should be safe here. They’re not going to expect us to be out shopping.”

  “Maybe I can find a new frame for my picture while we’re here. I think it’s just a standard five by seven.”

  “I’d suggest splitting up to save time, but I don’t want to leave you on your own—even in a place like this.”

  “Let’s get your tux first. Hopefully, they can get your measurements and have something ready for you by the day after tomorrow, the morning of the event. If we get my dress first, we’ll have to lug it around.”

  “Sold.”

  Austin went with basic black with a black silk vest. He also rented a pair of shoes, and when the measuring was done, he told the clerk he’d pick up everything in two days.

  He brushed his hands together as they walked out. “Your turn.”

  “Wait.” She pointed ahead at a stationery and gift shop. “I can probably find a frame in there.”

  It took her less than ten minutes to find a frame to fit the picture of her and Dr. Fazal. If only a life could be replaced as easily.

  “How are we doing on time?”

  “We’re fine. Most of the stores close at nine o’clock. You don’t have to rush.”

  “It’s just a dress for one night, but I’d better buy something I can wear a few more times.”


  “I’m buying the dress for you.”

  “Is that going to be a business expense, too?”

  “Of course.”

  She didn’t believe him for a minute, but she’d settle up their debts later—her debts. How did you repay a man for saving your life, for keeping you safe?

  They entered the store through the women’s shoe department, and Sophia snapped her fingers. “I’m going to have to get some shoes, too. Is that in the US government’s spy budget?”

  “It’s the line item right below bullets.”

  When they got to the racks of long, sparkly dresses, Austin ran his fingers across one row and whistled. “Fancy.”

  “I’m not crazy about ribbons, bows and sequins, just something simple.”

  “Something red. You look good in red.”

  “All of a sudden you’ve become a fashion consultant?”

  “As they say, I just know what I like. And I like you in red.” He pulled her close and touched her ear with his lips. “And nothing at all.”

  Her cheeks burned probably as red as one of those dresses he wanted her to buy. The brightly lit department store gave his intimate comment an erotic edge, which was heightened by the devilish glint in his green eyes, as if he could undress her here and now.

  She punched his arm. “Behave yourself.”

  She staggered into the dressing room under the weight of several dresses and hung them up on one side of the mirror. She smoothed her hands over her face as she looked at her reflection. Usually she steered clear of bossy men—and Austin was definitely of the bossy variety.

  She didn’t mind it in him though. Must be because he listened to her, really listened to her, about the important stuff. She didn’t even want to know what he’d said to his superiors to convince them to allow the two of them to attend the symposium gala.

  Of course, those spy agencies he reported to didn’t have any control over her actions, but if they’d refused to allow him to attend to protect her, maybe she would’ve had to give up the whole idea. Or maybe not.

  She wanted an end to this madness, even if it meant an end to her relationship—or whatever she had—with Austin.

  She grabbed the first red dress and undid the side zipper, stepping into it. She pulled up the strapless bodice, wriggled her hips into the rest of it and zipped it up.

  Smoothing the silky material over her thighs, she adjusted the slit in the skirt to open down one leg. She stood on her tiptoes and turned from side to side. A little more body conscious than she was accustomed to wearing, but it deserved a vote.

  She swept out of the dressing room, exposing a little leg and fluffing her hair behind her head. “What do you think, dahling?”

  The way Austin’s jaw dropped gave her a thrill. “That’s it. That’s the one. You look like an old-time movie siren.”

  She tripped and folded her arms across her décolletage. “I-is it too much?”

  “Not from where I’m sitting. Let’s buy it.”

  She left the rest of the dresses untested on the rack and Austin peeled off several bills to pay for the dress. Then he paid for a pair of heels, and her internal calculator racked up the expenses.

  As they rode down the escalator, he put his hand on her back. “Do you need something for tomorrow, too?”

  “The memorial? I have that covered.” She hugged the plastic bag containing the frame and rested her chin on the edge of it. Dr. Fazal’s death punched her in the gut all over again.

  The drama surrounding his murder had been keeping her real feelings at bay. She was so busy escaping from bad guys and chasing down clues, she hadn’t properly mourned Dr. Fazal—and buying a red-hot dress with a red-hot navy SEAL didn’t feel proper at all.

  Austin squeezed her shoulder as he steered her into the parking garage. “Are you okay?”

  “I feel...guilty.”

  “Because you forgot your worries and pain for an hour and enjoyed yourself shopping for a pretty dress?”

  “Days after Dr. Fazal’s murder—and Ginny’s—I’m planning to go to a party. It just seems wrong.”

  He popped open the trunk of the rental car and laid her dress across the carpet. Then he slammed the trunk and wedged his hip against it while he crossed his arms.

  “You’re not going to a party. You’re putting yourself in danger by attending some function that could very well be the target of a terrorist attack. You’re doing it on the off chance that you can identify someone there who might’ve been in contact with Dr. Fazal. You’re doing it for Hamid and Ginny. You’re doing it to find some measure of justice for them.” He pushed off the trunk. “And you needed a dress to do it.”

  He opened the passenger door for her and she slipped inside the car.

  When Austin got in next to her and started the car, she put her hand over his. “That was a vehement defense of plans you didn’t agree with the first time around. If that’s how you presented it to your commanding officers, it makes sense they relented.”

  He blew out a breath and gripped the steering wheel with both hands. “Let’s just say I know what it’s like to want justice for someone, retribution, even.”

  “I figured you did. One of your comrades in arms?”

  “My brother, my blood brother.”

  “What happened?” She pressed her fingertips to her chin.

  “He was a marine, deployed in Afghanistan. He was killed by a roadside IED, which was planted by a terrorist group that specifically targeted American military.”

  “I’m sorry, Austin.” Her fingers curled around his hand. So, he’d lost a member of his perfect family. “Is that why you became a SEAL, to avenge your brother’s death?”

  “Tucker was younger than me. He followed me into the service.”

  “You wanted revenge against this one specific terrorist organization? How’d you manage that? There are so many of them now.”

  “It wasn’t just the group I wanted. You’re right. These organizations form and break apart and then morph into something else, but for me there’s always one constant.” His jaw tightened and a muscle ticked in the corner.

  “Which is?”

  “Vlad.”

  “Vlad? Sounds Russian.”

  “We don’t know what he is, but he uses a Russian sniper rifle. Vlad has been around for a while. He was a sniper in Afghanistan. He moved on from that to form and lead various groups, and we don’t even know where his loyalties lie. He seems intent on destabilizing the region and may have even gone global.”

  “I take it you didn’t stop him?”

  “I tried. Man, did I try, and almost faced a court martial for it. I defied orders once to go after him.” Austin held his thumb and forefinger together. “I was this close.”

  “Then you came to your senses.”

  “It was that or destroy my career. I didn’t think Tucker would want that.” He shook his head while he started the car. “I don’t get why they wouldn’t let me go after him when I had the chance. Several SEALs died trying to take him down, and a sniper from our team was captured. We thought he was dead, but he escaped about two months ago. I have a score to settle with Vlad.”

  “Maybe that’s why your superiors didn’t allow you to track him down—too personal.”

  “Talk about personal. I can’t help thinking this whole situation with Dr. Fazal has Vlad’s stamp all over it.”

  “Really? This is something he’d be involved in?”

  “He might be involved in it because I’m involved in it.”

  “Does he know who you are?”

  “He knows my entire sniper team, and we know him.”

  “Does Vlad have a name?”

  “I’m sure he does, but we don’t know what it is. It’s impossible to get any intel on him. He’s guarded an
d protected.”

  “Which brings us back to where we started—what information did Patel-slash-Jilani give to Dr. Fazal about the symposium, and where is it?”

  “Two very good questions, but it feels as if I haven’t eaten for a very long time and I need to answer the growling in my stomach before I can tackle those other questions. Do you mind if we pick up some fast food and bring it back to the room?”

  “Whatever you want. I’m not hungry.”

  “Yeah, but I’m going to force you to eat something anyway. You cannot live on bagels alone.”

  By the time they got back to their new hotel room with a couple of bags of food, Sophia actually had an appetite and wolfed down her chicken sandwich and fries.

  She bunched up her paper bag and shot it into the wastebasket. “I’m going to take a shower since I was too creeped out to take one this morning with that camera watching my every move.”

  “I’ve got an idea.” He swept the rest of the trash from the table where it joined her bag. “Remember how we had to pretend showering together last night so we could talk and get away from the watching eye of the camera?”

  “I remember.” Butterfly wings beat in her belly.

  “Remember how hard it was to just stand there in that tub, letting the water run over our bodies, keeping our hands to ourselves?”

  She arched one eyebrow at him. “I remember how hard it was.”

  He laughed. “Now you’re talkin’. We don’t have to pretend tonight. I’d like to soap you up and do all the things to you I couldn’t do last night.”

  She crooked her finger at him. “Let’s shower.”

  And for the rest of the night, she forgot about everything except the man who’d become such a big part of her life in such a short period of time.

  She even forgot she’d have to say goodbye to him.

  Chapter Fifteen

  The following morning, Sophia got ready for the memorial. On her way to the door, she picked up the bag with the frame. “I forgot to swap out the broken frame for the new one. I guess I’ll do it when we get back.”