by Taylor Lee
Noah met his hard gaze and shrugged.
“As I said before, Clay, methinks this young woman may surprise you. In addition, regarding our ridding Cochise County of the cancer infecting it, I won’t belabor the obvious. I will simply say, as I told Sheriff Carter today, I have never failed to execute a mission successfully and Cedartown will not be the locus of my first failure.”
Having thrown down his gauntlet Noah couldn’t help but be impressed when Drechsler merely smiled and said, “Jumping to conclusions is like playing with damp gunpowder: both are likely to go off in wrong direction.” He added, “I’m not sure who said that, but as it seems particularly apt, I will claim it.”
Making it clear that he was taking control of the conversation he waved his hand and said, “Now, gentlemen, for the last time, shall we all be seated and enjoy this much overdue whiskey that this conversation definitely needs.”
Sinking into his chair, he grasped Ruby’s arm and jerked her toward him, a rough giveaway to his underlying anger.
“As for you my dear, will you please do what, at least for the moment, you are being hired to do? That is to pour each of these thirsty men a copious portion of this excellent libation.” He pinned her with a narrow glare. “We’ll discuss in detail your other duties later.”
Ignoring the obvious reference to his lewd expectations, Ruby gave him a flippant smile.
“Sounds interesting, Mr. Drechsler. But again, I warn you: To me small towns are a real drag.”
“Then perhaps it is up to me to demonstrate why you, like Agent Walker, are making unwarranted assumptions.”
Clay’s clipped response should have ended the conversation but Ruby was obviously enjoying herself too much to stop.
Reaching for the whiskey bottle she bent over and made a production of filling Drechsler’s glass ensuring that he and the rest of the men staring at her had a clear view of her overflowing corset.
She murmured as she flicked a saucy finger at Drechsler’s chest, “I agree that assumptions can be dangerous. But sometimes they can lead the way to an entertaining reality. Depends on who is making the assumptions… and who is creating the reality.”
Noah sank into his chair and winked at Ruby then turned to a scowling Drechsler.
“A word of caution, Clay, before you take this young woman’s words the wrong way. As George Santayana said, “When men and women agree, it is only in their conclusions; their reasons are always different.”
Making an noticeable effort to appear unruffled, Drechsler said coolly, “I’m pleased that you are able to quote leaders other than blacks, Noah. Or perhaps I should say African Americans.”
Noah smiled disarmingly. “Either is acceptable. As for the range of my quotations I also favor Sun Tsu. On the Caucasian side, I guess you can’t get any more white than Al Capone. Referring to me, my father’s favorite Scarface quote was ‘Now I know why tigers eat their young.’ ”
Drechsler led the laughter that included everyone at the table except his red-faced lieutenant, Logan McIntyre. Shaking his head Clay took a long sip of his whiskey then raised his glass to Noah.
“I don’t know, Noah. As I said before and I believe it even more firmly now, it will be a difficult, if not impossible, task not to like you.”
As if taking a break from one upping each other the both Noah and Drechsler moved to less loaded topics that included some of their experiences in the Middle East among other regions of the world. Noah had to give it to the man. If he wasn’t the head of a violently dangerous terrorist group determined to eliminate anyone of color and the rest who didn’t adhere to their racist, hate filled doctrine, Clay was correct. It was difficult not to be impressed, if not to like the charming erudite man.
After plates of delicacies that ranged from foie gras and singed octopus to a platter of esoteric cheeses and meats, the promised Buffalo steaks arrived. Taking a cautious bite of the perfectly charred meat, Noah was pleasantly surprised. The flavor was intense, no doubt aided by the rich burgundy sauce the steaks had been marinated in. Roasted potatoes and a mélange of colorful vegetables completed the sumptuous meal. Along with the appetizers, a Kokomo Chardonnay replaced the whiskey, and an elegant Vermeil Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied the main courses.
Noah raised his glass to his host.
“A stunning meal, Clay. I’m impressed. I think you’ve missed your calling. If only you had chosen to open a restaurant rather than supplying illegal weapons and methamphetamine to world-wide terrorist organizations, I might actually come to like and respect you. The least I can say is that you have a hell of a chef.”
Drechsler raised his glass in response and said with ill-disguised malice, “And if only you weren’t a crusading Buppie out to right all the wrongs of a violent world with a father, God help us, who might become the second black president, ensuring that this country will never recover, I would have hope for you, my young friend.”
Noah shrugged. “With only those differences to separate us, do know that the food and service was excellent.”
He tipped his glass to Ruby, who was standing at the side, an amused expression lighting her face.
Wanting to help establish Grayson’s creds, Noah shot the blond-haired man a searching glance, the first indication of the evening that he knew him.
“Gotta say, I’m surprised to see you here, John. Although given your racist views, and propensity to be in the company of villains no matter where they do their ugly business, hell, why wouldn’t you be in Cochise County, Colorado? Particularly among dishonorable men like yourself who decided long ago that loyalty and honor were for the ignorant idealists who believe in God and country.”
Clay voiced his obvious surprise.
“You know this man, Noah? That surprises me. I just met him today.”
Noah shrugged. “Well, as long as you aren’t worried that virtually every country in the world has a bounty on his head and he makes most of the ten most wanted arms dealers lists, he might be a good fit.”
Gray smirked at Noah and drawled, “Now, now, Agent Walker, don’t you go exaggerating my credentials. After all, there are some countries where I have not yet done business so it is an overstatement to say that I’m wanted in every country of the world.” His grin widened. “However, do know that is an oversight I’m in the process of correcting.”
Turning to Drechsler who’d pinned a hard gaze on him, Gray said unconcernedly, “Don’t be alarmed by the fact that Noah and I go way back. Let’s just say I would still be in the Army if it wasn’t for this self-righteous motherfucker. As for my current career, suffice it to say that even with all the Fibbies and Candy Man chasers sniffing up the assholes of the likes of us, neither Agent Noah the Super Star Walker, nor any of his eager beaver boy scouts have ever been able to pin a damn thing on me.”
Noah returned his hard glare.
“Yet.”
At that point, Logan McIntyre slammed his fist on the table and rose unsteadily to his feet. His words were slurred but his hatred seethed loud and clear.
“That does it, Clay. If you aren’t done kissing this nigger’s ass, I am. I never thought I’d be in the room with a mother fucking bonky spook, much less eat with one.”
Noah also rose to his feet and returned the hostile man’s gaze.
“Believe it or not, McIntyre, I also was thinking it was time to shut down this little soiree. I’ve learned all I need to know about you and your degenerate associates.”
As he walked toward the door followed by his fellow agents who had risen quickly, Noah turned and spoke directly to McIntyre.
“I agree with you, Mick. Like you, asshole, I’ve about had my fill with a drunken paddy Sid, small-dicked Irish shantie, spudnigger who eagerly bends over whenever his parish priest wants to bugger him.”
He cocked his head and added, “I would tell you how I really feel about you, but I promised my mother that I would never call other people racist or ethnically charged names. She said it would make me look uneduc
ated.”
Noah bowed slightly to Drechsler, who was doing his best to restrain a growling McIntyre.
“Thank you for the food and wine, Clay. Both were excellent.”
As he strode by Ruby, Noah murmured for her ears alone, “0200 hours. My room.”
Chapter 16
“Jesus Fucking Christ, man. I’ve been in verbal one-up contests before, many times. But never did I think that I would hear my sophisticated Harvard educated superstar buddy take on a fucking Irishman and win! Damn Noah. The only thing you didn’t do was start a ‘Yo Mother’ routine.”
Noah couldn’t help but laugh at the genuine astonishment on his friend’s face. Laughing helped. So did knowing he’d shocked his ‘unshockable’ friend. It had been a hell of a night. He hadn’t realized how tense he was until Gray had arrived at his hotel room and Noah began to let down.
Grateful that Grayson had arrived before Ruby, Noah let out a deep breath and said with a nonchalant grin, “Glad you were impressed, man. Don’t tell me you’ve never seen a black man who could do the dozens? I don’t believe it. Check your urban dictionary, Gray. Brothers are celebrated trash talkers.”
“Yeah, dude. I know that. But you? C’mon, Noah. You are the most tolerant, well-mannered guy I know except for Ian Ross. At least you don’t have a stick up your ass like Ian does, but trash talking? Race baiting? Taking on a fucking Irish racist bigot, no less? No man, I can honestly tell you that came outta left field or outta the whole damn park.”
Gray wiped his brow and continued his admiring litany, chortling with excitement.
“Fuck, Bro, I don’t know who was more surprised. That fucking prick of an Irishman or our ever so charming host. Did you see Drechsler’s face? I thought the guy was gonna have a stroke. And just for one unguarded moment, I swear to God, he looked like he was impressed, admiring even!”
Noah poured Gray a tumbler of Maker’s Mark and another for himself.
“I did see that, Gray.” Noah hesitated not sure how to express the thoughts that had been troubling him. Shrugging he continued, “I gotta tell you. Talk about coming out of left field. I don’t know about you, Gray, but I’ll admit Drechsler is a puzzle. We’ve known that he has a rep as an educated, even charming guy. But he actually is. I’ll admit a couple of times he threw me. Damn, I wondered if he was right. That I actually might begin to like him, or at least enjoy his company.”
Before Gray could respond, Noah added with a snort, “All it took was to remember his ‘charm’ is what the guy is known for and to acknowledge that like all sociopaths, that charm is his most powerful weapon.” Taking a large swallow of the potent, whiskey, he sniffed. “Of course, it helped when he treated Ruby the way that he did.”
“You mean when he went gaga over our little firecracker? Hell, Noah. To me that was when the prick was being most genuine. Like every other man there, he couldn’t get his tongue back in his mouth, and no wonder.”
Grayson gave an appreciative sigh and shook his head. “You and I both know how Ruby can fill out a dress, or jeans, or any other damn thing she puts on that curvy bod of hers. And there isn’t an agent among those LOTN babes who can do the ‘come hither’ routine like our little short stuff can. Especially when she adds her ‘touch me if you dare’ shtick. But damn, dude. That outfit was made for Ruby. Talk about a ‘hard on’ alert. There couldn’t have been a guy at the table who didn’t have to adjust his pants when she literally took on Drechsler and won!”
Noah struggled to keep from lashing out at his friend. It was painful to hear him describe the effect that Ruby must have had on every guy at the table. Knowing it was true didn’t help. Particularly when he knew that what he was really feeling was jealousy and he admitted: rage. It nearly killed him that Drechsler was so obviously taken with Ruby. It didn’t help that Ruby had done exactly what she was supposed to do: drive their target crazy so that he would make a play for her and she could worm her way into his confidence. Noah groaned aloud, knowing that Ruby had done that and more. But, he admitted, with another heartfelt groan, the very thought of Drechsler anywhere near the redheaded bombshell was ripping a hole in his gut.
Gray’s quiet observation brought him out of his dark reverie.
“Uh, man. Can I assume that the agonized expression on your mug indicates that you were less than pleased at how well Ruby succeeded in capturing the attention of our mark? To the point that he was openly salivating?” Gray laughed softly. “Or were those groans I heard an indication that like Drechsler, my buddy is also more than a little undone by our Ruby Red?”
Noah slammed his eyes shut for a moment, not wanting to see the truth on Gray’s face. Taking a couple of deep breaths, he faced his friend and fellow agent.
“Honest to God, Gray. I don’t know what I’m gonna do. I’m the commander of this mission. Lives depend on our success. Not only the lives of the people around the world who are being terrorized by these racist bastards, but our lives. Ned’s, and Daniels and Parker and O’Hanlon, and fuck it all, your life, and mine and most especially Ruby’s. I have to be at the top of my game if we’re gonna pull this off. And, Gray, I don’t have to tell you of all people, I’m far from feeling on top of my game. Hell, we’re in the fourth quarter of the playoffs and instead of being the confident captain, I feel like a goddamned rookie who doesn’t know a pass from a rush.”
Gray was quiet for a long moment. When he spoke it was in a serious tone with none of his usual amusement.
“I’m not going to argue with you, Noah. It doesn’t take a divining rod to know that my best buddy is tied in knots. Or to know what the source of his angst is. We both know what the problem is, Noah, you just haven’t admitted it. The ‘problem’ is that you’re ass-over-elbows in love with Ruby. And to make it worse—or in my view, better—she’s in love with you.”
Noah stopped pacing and sank into the nearest chair. Holding his head in his hands he finally looked up and met Gray’s concerned gaze. He couldn’t keep the bitterness out of his harsh retort.
“I’ll admit it, Gray. You may be right. At least about the part where my ass is. But it is more than unlikely that Ruby feels the same. And even if she does, there isn’t a damn thing we can do about it. She’s engaged to a guy she actually thinks will give her what she needs—watery stability. Christ, Gray, she told me she wants a normal guy, an ordinary one. To give her the kind of uneventful life she thinks she craves.” He held up his hand to stop Grayson from responding. “Yes, we both know that isn’t really what Ruby wants or needs but she thinks she does and, dammit, Gray, that makes it real. And before you interrupt to tell me I’m wrong, take a look at my situation. The only difference between Ruby and me is that I’m not yet engaged. But I fucking may as well be. Our parents have literally planned the entire nuptial event and did so when Natalia and I were in grade school. Not to mention that Natalia is one of my best friends and one of the loveliest women in the world who any man would kill to have.”
He groaned and shook his head and looked up at Gray. “But dammit, man, she deserves someone who loves her.”
Gray was thoughtful and then nodded. “You’re right, Noah. I’ve met Natalia. She is a gorgeous, loving, kind woman. But you are also right in a more important way. Natalia, like Ruby, and even that prick she thinks she wants to marry, and you, man, the whole damn bunch of you deserve to love and be loved.”
A quiet knock on the door prevented Noah from answering his friend. Rising to his feet he headed to the door. Glancing at Gray over his shoulder, he sighed deeply.
“It’s Ruby. I told her to meet us here.”
Ruby stood at the door and sucked in as deep a breath as her constricted lungs would allow. For a quick moment she wondered when if ever she would be able to breathe naturally. Like a normal person. A person who wasn’t an adrenalin junkie, one who didn’t live from one horrendous high to another. A person who didn’t actually thrive on the stupendous highs and live through the crashing lows. At least she muttered to herself, she�
��d thrived on it before she’d met the man who opened the door and was motioning for her to come in.
Staring up at Noah, Ruby gave herself a break. For God’s sake, it would take hormones made out of cement, and a body that couldn’t respond if it was on the world’s most challenging roller coaster, not to react to the man standing in front of her. His warm-colored skin and powerful body were an aphrodisiac. One that she was sure affected every woman who saw him the way that it did her. As it was, her heart was beating like a bongo drum and what moisture she’d had in her mouth a minute before had fled to her nether regions, making it impossible for her to speak. Instead she acknowledged his welcoming nod with one of her own and walked by him into the room.
To her relief, Ruby saw Grayson sitting at the table. Gratified that she wouldn’t be alone with Noah and that there was already an open bottle of Maker’s Mark on the table, she drew a breath that might even be considered normal. Now if she could just do something about her pounding heart.
Gray rose to his feet, a smile dancing across his face.
“Well, well, well. If it isn’t the little firecracker who had our mark eating out of her hand two minutes after she flashed that red corset in front of him and dared him not to respond.” He added with a laugh, “Of course, it was what was in that corset that had our man Clay’s tongue hanging out.”
Gray stepped forward and put his hands on her shoulders and shook his head.
“I’m telling you short stuff, the tight jeans you’re wearing and that stretchy t-shirt could drive a man to drink. But, dammit, Red, that outfit you wore tonight was a dragon slayer. Poor ol’ Clay didn’t have a chance.”
Relieved at Gray’s easy humor, Ruby notched up her chin and winked at him.
“Yes, it was rather nice wasn’t it? I’ve decided that my problem is that I’m living in the wrong century. I needed to be part of the 19th Century when short women with big butts and cushy boobs were in. Instead I live in a time where mile long legs, a tight behind, and reasonably sized breasts have every man in the room men hitching up his pants and drooling.”