by Drake, J. L.
“Just thinking.”
“About?”
“About…stuff.”
“What kind of stuff?” he tries again.
I shake my head. Nosy bugger. “I’m just need to process some things.”
“I’m a great listener.” He grins. Keith has taken on the role of an older brother.
I don’t want to raise any red flags with Keith since he can read me like an open book, so I go another route. “Is Dell back to replace—?
“Rent?”
“Yes, to replace Derek?” He nods, peering over at me. “I thought so.”
“Dell has been waiting to work at Shadows for a long time. This will be his chance to see if he has what it takes. Plus, Logan is still looking into recruiting one of the men from the training session earlier in the month.”
Something nags at the back of my brain when he mentions the recruit but quickly fades away. I can’t quite bring it into focus. Keith parks the SUV in front of the UPS store, motioning for me to follow. “It’s okay, I’m fine staying here,” I say, smiling to reassure him.
Keith steps out and comes around to my side and opens the door. “Just because The American is in custody doesn’t mean all the danger is gone.” He helps me out. “Besides, I haven’t put my tracking chip in you yet.”
“Oh, yeah, you’re funny.” I follow him into the store, really not wanting to see Christina again. He holds the door open with a mischievous expression.
“Who says I’m kidding?”
Holy hell, this place is hot! It must be a hundred and ten in here. I yank open my jacket and start to laugh. Keith eyes me funny, then gets it.
“Yeah, now you know why we leave our jackets behind.” He rolls his eyes and points to the counter. “And now you’ll see who Victoria’s Secret’s biggest fan is.” Then I notice her, Christina, wearing one of the skimpiest dresses I’ve ever seen. She might as well be wearing a child’s shirt. Wow, I don’t think that could be classified as a dress. Getting a little closer, nope, that’s a silk nightgown. Her hair is cut in a pin-straight bob, a different style since I saw her last. She reminds me of a pinup girl with her red lips and heavy eye makeup.
She bats her eyes at Keith but scowls when she sees me. I don’t even bother to plaster a smile on my face. I’m not in the mood to play nice.
“Hello, Keith,” she coos, leaning her breasts over the counter. “I believe I have a package for you and the boys. I’ll go grab it.” Her hips sway as she heads out back.
“Yikes,” I whisper, making Keith crack up. She returns a moment later with three large boxes. I have to give her credit, I’m really not sure how she manages to walk in her stiletto heels. She looks positively ridiculous, especially considering we are in the back mountains of Montana, and in a UPS shop at that.
“Tell me, Keith, I thought Cole was coming by today.” And there it is. “Not that I don’t like seeing your handsome face.” She eyes me up. “I just need to speak with him.” Her freakishly red lips mold into a pout. Keith lifts the boxes and nods toward me, indicating the door, but I don’t move.
“He’s busy,” I answer, staring at her, “but I’ll let him know you said hello.”
She turns, crossing her arms and pumping up her fake breasts. “Actually, if you could tell him to stop by, that would be better.”
“Or I could relay the message to him,” I counter, trying to control my claws that are itching to pop those fake tits.
Her smile grows just a little as she reaches under the counter and pulls out an envelope. “Oh, okay, well, be a doll and give him this. I didn’t get a chance to when we were out at dinner the other night.”
I don’t move. I stay completely still. I’ve mastered this reaction as I’ve been blindsided enough times. Taking a step forward and reaching for the white envelope, I avoid touching her devil-red nails.
“Tell him thanks,” she bats her eyelashes at me, “and I’ll return his shirt to him just as soon as it gets back from the dry cleaners.”
“Claressia, right?” Hot anger is starting to surface and I fight like hell to bury it.
“Saaavi…?” Keith calls out in a warning. “We’re going to be late.”
My nails are digging into my palms as I turn and walk out. Taking a deep calming breath of cool air helps to ground me. I slip into auto pilot and hop in the SUV. Keith is watching my face as he turns over the engine, adjusting the hot air to blast at me, but I turn it off, not wanting to thaw the icy barrier I’m building.
“You know it’s nothing. Christina is a bitch, she’s just—”
“Sue is waiting,” I remind him, fastening my seatbelt. He shuts up, thankfully, and we head down the icy road to Zack’s restaurant.
Brown is the color of the dirt. Ivory is like an elephant tusk. Taupe is the color of the stone in my ring. Cream is like the color of the seats, hunter green like the guys’ army camo. “B-I-T-C-H!” I say in my head. It’s something Dr. Roberts told me to do when I get upset. Take the word that best fits the scenario, break it down into something else and make it a better word. Let me tell you, it’s not working.
Sue greets me with a massive hug, even granting me a kiss on the cheek. God, I love this woman; she’s so warm and loving. Sometimes I swear I see a little bit of my mother in her.
“Are you sleeping all right?” she asks, mistaking my hurt for lack of sleep. I nod and slip into the seat across from her and pluck up the menu. This is a big red flag for her that something is up with me, considering we’ve never ordered off the menu once since coming to Zack’s. He always insists we try the meal of the day, and we always do.
She waits until Keith gets settled at the bar before she turns her attention fully on me. Zack greets us with a glass of Pinot Grigio and informs us that they have Dijon salmon already in the skillet for us.
“Okay, spill it, Savi.” Sue stares me down, daring me to lie. I don’t, I can’t, not about this. I need her help.
“Under one condition.”
“What’s that?” She leans closer as I begin to let her inside my head and the madness that’s been eating me up inside, desperately needing release.
***
Cole
Cole pulls into Camp Green Water, where team Blackstone spent two weeks volunteering their services, and also where he is scouting out a new recruit for the house. He makes his way over to the third big warehouse where the recruits are back for more training. These are the men who made the first cut. His boots squeak across the tile floor as he nods to the captain who’s blowing a whistle for the men to walk on the bottom of the pool with a brick in their hands. He blows it once, and the men drop to the bottom. Two staff sergeants are in the water with masks, ready to help if need be, and two follow up on top for a bird’s eye view.
“Colonel Logan.” Captain Miles shakes his hand. “So you’re here to take one of my men, are you?”
Cole smirks, knowing every man would love a chance to come play at Shadows. Their reputation excites anyone who’s a thrill junkie…so, most men. “I have a few in mind, but I only need one.”
Miles watches as the men resurface at the opposite end. He blows the whistle again, getting them to return the same way they left. “I have three more rounds, then they’re all yours.”
“Sounds good.” Cole observes, keeping a close eye on the number that interests him, but then his attention is tugged to a different recruit. He moves down to the edge of the pool and watches the situation. One of the staff sergeants begins to makes a move, but Cole holds up a hand, wanting to see what will happen.
One of the men has stopped to help his teammate who got caught up in his rope. They’re both struggling, needing air, but this recruit isn’t giving up. He even goes so far as to pull his buddy along with him as they finish the drill. By the time they finish, the recruit is barely coherent, and his buddy is passed out but comes to quickly.
Cole takes note of his number and smiles. Savannah will be happy.
“Number nine,” Cole calls out once
the man is standing upright. “A word, please.”
The man is wide-eyed as he takes in Cole’s presence. “Colonel,” he huffs, out of breath.
“Corporal Davie, nice work down there.”
“Thank you, sir.”
Cole rubs his face. He wasn’t expecting this turn of events. “I was under the impression you had an issue with water, but what I just witnessed makes me think you’ve gotten over your fear.”
Davie takes a long breath, looking back at his buddy. “Well, sir, you never leave a man behind. If he didn’t finish, then we all don’t finish.” He laughs a little. “I’ll be frank, I have no desire to do that again, but I will if I have to.” He turns and looks at his buddy. “Pipes is a good swimmer, sir, he just got disoriented.”
Cole nods, liking his answer. He couldn’t have asked for a better one. “Get dried off, pick up your things, and meet me in the main office in thirty.”
“Ah-yes, sir.” He looks confused but does as he’s told.
Exactly thirty minutes later, Davie takes a seat, dropping his bag at his feet. He looks around the office, apparently taking in the severe lack of décor in the old warehouse. Cole closes the file and glances at his cell phone, waiting for an update from Keith. He and Savi should be back at the house by now, but he knows he doesn’t have time to call.
“Davie, I have to be honest. I had another recruit in mind for a position at Shadows, but after what I just saw, I think I may have to change my mind.”
“Oh?” Davie can’t hide his interest. He rubs his blond crew cut like he’s used to it being a little longer.
“Would you be interested in a spot at Shadows?”
“Yes, I would, very much so.”
Cole leans over the desk, putting emphasis on his next words to make sure he is very clear. “You understand what you will be giving up by joining the house? Relationships are next to impossible, secrets are your life, twelve to fourteen hour shifts are not unusual, and in rough elements. The house and team will become your family. I treat my men well. I haven’t had a complaint yet.”
Davie sits up a little straighter. “I understand, sir. I’ve always been interested in Shadows. I know what I will be sacrificing, but I don’t have much to lose. My only family was my father, and he just passed two months ago. I have no ties. I’m basically a shadow already.”
Cole knows about Davie’s father and how he drowned off their fishing boat, but never once does Davie bring it up or use it as an excuse, and that’s a damn good quality in a man. He’s tough and can control his emotions. Davie is clearly a perfect match for Shadows.
“Pack your bags, Davie, we leave in an hour.”
The smile that appears on Davie’s face is enough to lighten anyone’s mood. He grabs his bag and jumps up, holding out his hand for a shake. “Thank you, Colonel, I won’t let you down.”
“I know you won’t.”
Davie leaves just as Roth, number fifty-nine, is about to knock on the door. Cole tells him to take a seat as he opens his file and looks over the paperwork. Cole knows he is a true candidate across the board. He is the one Cole has had his eye on from day one. Roth is made for Shadows, but there is still something that niggles at Cole. “Roth, I’m sure you got wind that I’ve been looking to recruit a man for my house.”
“I have.” He leans back in his chair, looking pretty confident, which irks Cole a little. York was cocky.
“But there has to be trust.” Cole watches as tiny beads of sweat break out across his upper lip. “Do you feel you are trustworthy?”
“I-I do,” he stumbles. “You’ve seen my chart. I’ve passed everything with flying colors. I haven’t failed one test you’ve thrown at me.”
“I’m not questioning your physical strength or your ability. That we know. I’m talking about trust. If there’s no trust, then there’s no team. No team means there’s no job.”
“You can trust me.” The words come out, leaving Cole uneasy. Something feels off. He’s been around long enough to go with his gut, and right now it’s screaming at him to cut Roth loose.
“Then why did you swim by Corporal Davie, while he helped Pipes finish the drill? He’s not nearly the swimmer you are.”
He leans back in his seat and crosses his arms. “You get don’t stats like that,” he points to his file, “picking up the weak.”
Cole clamps down on his tongue, thanking his gut and letting a few quiet seconds go by as he studies Roth’s face. “Well, thanks for being honest, Roth. Now it’s my turn. I don’t think you’re the right fit for Shadows.” Roth’s face falls; clearly this is not what he is expecting.
“Colonel, can you give me a chance? I’ll do anything, just let me come to the house and I’ll prove it.” Roth looks almost panicky. Cole runs Roth’s words over in his head.
“I’m sorry, Roth, but I’m staying firm on my decision. Now,” Cole stands and collects his things, “I have to go. Take care, Roth. You’re a good soldier. You’ll do well.”
Davie is standing by the front door, bags packed, with an excited grin on his face. A few of his buddies are congratulating him. When he sees Cole, he stands a little straighter and holds the door for him. Respectful, oh yeah, Cole knows he has made the right decision.
They drive directly to Zack’s, unable to take him to the house until all the documents have been signed. Frank has to go over the contracts, have Davie sign the NDA, and be sure he fully understands what is expected of him. Davie is clearly book smart and asks all the right questions. The longer Cole spends time with him, the more he feels good about his choice.
“Can I get you anything else?” The host, Adam comes over holding a pitcher of water and refilling their glasses.
“No, thanks.” Frank covers his glass with his hand, indicating he doesn’t want any more. “Just let Zack know we’re leaving, please.”
“Sure, he should be done with Nicole’s paperwork by now.”
Cole’s head snaps up at the use of Savannah’s cover name. “What?”
Adam nods and picks up a plate, balancing it in his hand. “Yeah, he spent a good hour with her earlier this afternoon. I’m not sure why, but you know Zack. He’s like a vault. Anyway, she and your mother left about two hours ago, saying they needed to meet someone.” A smile breaks along his lips. “So pretty and sweet with just the right mixture of sexy...man, what a combo.” He whistles as he leaves the table, missing Cole’s death look.
“I hope he was talking about Nicole.” Frank snorts, making Davie crack up. Even Cole smiles, but only for a moment. He is confused. What the hell is going on?
Chapter Thirteen
Savannah
I check the clock. It’s a little after six when we arrive back at the house. Sue has decided to join us for dinner. I know why, and I appreciate it. Daniel greets us as we enter the foyer. His arm still looks sore, but he refuses to use the sling. Men. He gives Sue a kiss and wraps me in a typical Logan bear hug while asking us how our day went. Sue speaks to him as I slip out of my coat and boots and head upstairs to change into a dress. I got wind from Abigail we are having some company when she suggested I choose something from the left-hand side of the closet. I change into a little black dress, thinking it’s a safe bet, as it matches my dark eyes. I have to smile at myself in the mirror as I realize I resemble my mother more than my father. Feeling more than a little pleased and with a quick touch-up in the makeup department, I head downstairs.
“Well, well, well, if it isn’t my soon-to-be wife,” Dell jokes, giving me a playful smile and a small hug. “Don’t you look lovely?”
“So do you, Dell. I heard you were back, glad to see it’s true.” I spot Cole across the room talking to Frank and someone else, his back is to me.
“Can I get you something to drink?” He wiggles his eyebrows. “Tale of the Devil?”
I laugh and hit his arm. “No, thanks! Two of those had Mark carrying me to bed last time.”
“It was kinda fun,” Mark jokes, wrapping an arm around my shoul
der. “You were an open book of info that evening.”
“Mmmmm.” I roll my eyes, remembering how drunk I was.
“Can I steal you for a moment?” Mark asks, excusing us from Dell.
Mark keeps his arm around my shoulders as he walks me over to Cole. “What did you and Sue do today, Savannah?”
I look up at him, trying to see if he knows. Keith promised to keep quiet, and Keith keeps his promises. “Why?” is all I manage to get out before he interrupts.
“Melanie told me you stopped by, and you had some questions.” Shit, I forgot to tell her to keep it to herself. “Are you really looking for a job in town?” Oh, he thinks I’m looking for a job. Okay, I’ll let him run with that, until I speak with Cole.
“Something like that,” I mutter because I hate lying.
Cole studies my face as I come up to his side.
“There she is.” Frank nods. “Savannah, please meet—”
“Corporal Davie!” I reach out to shake his hand, smiling and pleasantly surprised. “How are you?”
Frank looks at both of us, confused. “I wasn’t aware you two knew one another.”
Davie shakes my hand. “We met when Savannah came to the camp a few weeks back. It’s nice to see you again.”
Keith appears as I tell Davie it’s good to see him again, giving me a nod toward Cole, wondering if I spoke with him yet. I quickly shake my head no.
“Good, Keith, you’re here.” Cole grins. “I wanted to ask you, would you be interested in joining Blackstone?”
Keith face lights up before he tucks it behind his mask.
“I’d be honored.”
“Happy to hear that. You’ll be active as soon as Savannah’s,” he pauses and lowers his voice, “case gets cleared up.”
I roll my eyes, hating all this.
“Wouldn’t want it any other way.” Keith glances over at me. “You’re up, buttercup.”