Guarding Forever (Police and Fire Operation Alpha)

by Steele, C. M.

  “Let me help you up.” Gage scooped up his wife and sat her on the examination bed. He kissed her lips and then stepped back to get a grip. Everything about her turned him on. She had no idea even after all this time what she did to him with just a smile.

  The couple’s attention was brought to the door when the doctor knocked and then entered. “It’s so good to see you,” Dr. Hart said as she moved to Hope’s side.

  “Thank you.”

  She pumped some hand sanitizer on her hands, rubbing it in before shaking their hands. “I haven’t seen you in two months, so we’re going to need to do an ultrasound. I’m sure everything’s good, but I want to double check.”

  “Wonderful. We can’t wait to meet this little one.”

  She began to go over the vitals the nurse took before she came in and then helped Hope to lie on the bed. Measuring her stomach for proper uterus size, the doctor spread out the tape and then made her notes.

  “So far so good. Are we going to try to learn the sex today?” Dr. Hart asked as she started the machine.

  They both looked at each other and then nodded. “Yes, we want to know what we’re going to have.”

  “So who are those guys out there with you? Security?”

  “Yes. They’re that obvious?” Hope asked, hating that they looked like celebrities with their armed guards around them wherever they went.

  “They stick out like a sore thumb, but they are cute.” Her brow arched, but it was Gage’s growl that made Hope laugh. She knew he was jealous because the guys had been too handsome for his liking, but he needed their help, so he didn’t send them back to Sean.

  “I’m sure they’ll love hearing that they’re cute.” Hope patted the doctor’s sleeve.

  “Well, I was going to say hot, but that’s not very professional.”

  “I’d say,” Gage grumbled, crossing his arms.

  “He’s just upset that we have nothing but men around the ranch. Isn’t that the way it works?”

  “I believe that’s mostly it until you start having daughters.” She ran the handheld jelly-covered scanner over Hope’s belly. “And it looks like that won’t be starting soon. Congratulations. You’re having another boy.”

  “Yes! Another Gage,” Hope cheered.

  “Damn right. Another boy to take over the ranch when I get older to get some of these other guys away from my woman.” He kissed Hope with a teasing smile.

  “Men. Ugh.”

  “And you’re making more of us. I love you.” He kissed her again.

  “You’re lucky I love you,” she grumbled playfully.

  “That I am.” Gage wore a goofy grin as he stared at the picture the doctor had on the screen of their little peanut.

  Dr. Hart wiped off Hope’s belly with a towel and then handed her another to make sure she didn’t have any of the gel lingering on her. “Everything looks great. There’s enough fluid around the baby and his size seems right on target. Schedule for next month, okay?”

  “We will.”

  “It’s been great to see you. Take care.” She hugged Hope and then left them to celebrate.

  “How are you feeling?”

  “Wonderful.” A frown formed on Hope’s face as she tried to judge Gage’s feelings on the baby. “You…are you disappointed it’s not a girl?”

  He cupped her cheeks and stared into her eyes so she understood him completely. “God, no. I’m happy either way. Besides, more sons to protect any daughter we have.”

  “Let’s go. Help me down so I can get out of here.”

  “Yes, my wife.” He carried her off the bed and set her on her feet, then bent down to assist her with her shoes.

  “Ooh, I love this view.” He was staring at her and could see under her dress as she adjusted it.

  “Ass.”

  “Yes, it’s a very nice ass.” He pinched her bottom and then stood. “Later I’m going to show you how much I enjoy that beautiful ass of yours, but we have to go to the store.”

  They spent the next hour grocery shopping. As they finished up and loaded their vehicle, the skies opened up. Gage pulled the door open and hurried Hope inside before running around to the driver’s side.

  Hope giggled. “It hasn’t rained in weeks. The first time we go out, it storms.”

  “Let’s get you home so you don’t catch a cold. The temp has dropped at least ten degrees. Shit.” Gage shivered when the air conditioning turned on. He quickly flipped it off and then pulled out onto the road with their security following behind.

  “It’s fine. I’m still very warm.” She snuggled into her seat to get a little more comfortable.

  “Good. I can’t have you catching a cold, wife.”

  They were about five minutes into their trip back home when Hope asked, “I wonder if the new housekeeper has arrived already.”

  “Let’s call your mother.”

  “Sounds good.” The rain continued to pelt down as they drove, slowing their drive back.

  “Call Mom.” The Bluetooth dialed the number on the dash.

  “Hey, Mom. Did Ms. Rhoades show up?”

  “Yes. She’s in the kitchen, preparing for tonight’s meal. What time will you be back?”

  “Great. We’ll be there soon. We’re already on the road, but the weather’s a little rough. How is it holding up over there?”

  “It’s storming hard. Be careful. Johnny’s having fun with Grandma. Oh shit.”

  “What? What’s wrong?” Gage sped up, wanting to get to the house faster.

  “The power just went out.”

  “Damn it. The emergency generators should kick on any second.”

  “Oh good. They just did.” Grace released the breath she had held.

  “Good. We’re about twenty minutes out. See you soon.”

  He ended the call on the dash. “Ugh, this isn’t the best way to welcome a new employee.”

  “Well, if she’s from around here, she’ll know it’s common. Don’t freak out, my love. We’ll be home soon.” He squeezed her hand that he held in his as they continued through the storm.

  About five minutes from the house, they reached a winding turn, and with a loud pop, their tire blew out. Everything happened so fast as the vehicle skidded on the slick road, sending the vehicle careening into a guard rail and flipping over into a ditch.

  “Ah,” Hope screamed out before she hit her head on her window.

  “Hope. Hope,” Gage cried out as he unbuckled himself. Gingerly, he undid her belt and pulled her just outside the vehicle without jostling her.

  “Gage,” she whimpered, her voice weak as her head bled on him.

  “Stay with me.” He reached for his phone, but it was pointless because his vision was blurred as the rain and blood poured.

  Denver had slammed on the brakes when he saw their truck skid, coming to a sliding stop about ten feet from where their ride went into the ditch. They saw what happened and had a terrible feeling.

  “Hope, Gage,” Denver shouted, rushing toward them as Mike was on the phone to the police, calling for an ambulance. Just then another bullet whizzed through the air, hitting Denver in the shoulder and sending him backward on the pavement. Undeterred, he drew his weapon and aimed in the direction of the shot, firing three rounds.

  Movement through the trees allowed the expert marksman and Marine to find and hit his target. The quick fall of the man sent Denver in his direction, but it was too late. The shooter jumped into a beat-up truck and sped down the road. He stumbled back to their vehicles to see Mike assisting Gage with Hope.

  “Sorry. He got away,” Denver panted, completely out of breath. Sirens could be heard in the distance even through the heavy rain. Even with the rapid response, Gage felt like it was taking forever to get Hope the care she needed for her and their son. “Hang in there, my love.” He kissed her temple, holding her as best he could without moving her too much. He knew there could be serious and permanent ramifications of doing so. A squad car and an ambulance pulled up to the s
cene along with a fire engine.

  “Who needs attention first?” the medics shouted, running along with the firemen.

  “Over here,” Denver said, pointing down at Hope who had lost consciousness.

  Gage hadn’t been doing much better. The only one uninjured had been Mike. He had pulled out the medical kit from their trunk and treated Denver’s shoulder. It was a flesh wound, but it still needed a few stitches. The firemen shooed him away so they could take care of Denver while the two medics worked on the Gibsons.

  Through a gravelly voice, Gage called out, “My family, Mike! Get to them. Keep them safe.” He then returned his attention to Hope, who they were prepping to move.

  “Okay.”

  “You’re the only one not hurt. Can you tell me what the hell happened?”

  “We were driving back to the Gibson ranch when Denver and I heard a shot, and then Gage and his wife’s vehicle lost control and flipped over into a ditch. As Denver reached Mrs. Gibson, another shot rang out and hit him in the shoulder. Then he gave chase while I tended to Mr. and Mrs. Gibson.”

  “What’s your relationship?”

  “We’re their hired security.”

  “Hired security? Why would they need security?”

  “Aside from the obvious? Are you new to the area?” Mike couldn’t fathom that this cop hadn’t heard of their situation since they were well out of Austin and the only major incidents had to do with the Gibson ranch.

  “Yes, actually. Today’s my first day. I’m from Illinois.”

  “Well, they were supposed to testify against her father. The charges were dropped, but they know he’s a threat.” He made it short and to the point.

  “We’ll be escorting them to the hospital just in case we have another attack. I may have more questions for you.”

  “I’ll be there as soon as I can. I have to check on the rest of the family.” When they were all secured in the ambulances, they drove off.

  Mike rushed to the ranch as fast as the rain would allow. Once he pulled into the driveway, he realized the outdoor lights weren’t on. Then he looked at the camera and saw it wasn’t working either. Immediately, he put the two incidents together. The main house lights were on, so he parked in front of the house. The security guys that Mike and Denver hadn’t cared for were nowhere in sight.

  He ran up the stairs and unlocked the front door without seeing a soul outside. Where the fuck was everyone else? Mike knew the house should be guarded by some of the ranch hands and the extra guards. When he entered the house, to his surprise he saw Baxter Cummings holding Johnathan.

  Chapter 10

  A smile crept over Cummings’s face when he didn’t see anyone behind the one guard. That meant his man had done the job. Now, all he had to do was get out of here with the little bastard and leave no witnesses. Babies are a valuable commodity that he could sell and add to his current financial rebuild.

  “Let him go, Baxter.”

  He scoffed, turning his smile into a maniacal laugh. No one but these four fools had known that Cummings had his men cut the power as the storm struck. All their systems went down just long enough for him to break into the house. “Who the fuck are you to tell me what to do?”

  “Don’t make me kill you right here.” Mike had killed people in this position, but there was a baby at risk at this point. Baxter had everything to lose by surrendering, so Mike knew it wouldn’t be easy. His main priority would be getting little Johnathan to safety. Nothing else mattered. His job has been to protect the family, and he’d already failed once today. He wouldn’t let it happen again.

  “You won’t. I’ll kill the boy.” Cummings brought the baby closer to his body with the gun aimed at the boy’s midsection. Any gunshot wound would be fatal to the little guy at that range, so Mike had to think of a plan, and quickly.

  “I’ll kill them all.”

  “I don’t negotiate with terrorists.” The housekeeper was passed out on the floor behind Cummings. Gage’s mother, Grace, was tied up in the corner of the room with a giant bruise on her face. Mike bet it came from the butt of the gun. His eyes returned back to the target.

  “Where’s everyone else?”

  “A couple are dead and the others are chasing the cows in the field. My ride will be here any second and we’ll be leaving with the baby.”

  “Do you mean the guy in the pickup?”

  “How did you know? Lucky guess. I know you wouldn’t have spotted him in this weather.”

  “No?”

  “Well. I don’t think he’ll be coming, since he sped off in the opposite direction.”

  “Bullshit. Shut the fuck up before I cut my losses.”

  “You mean your only bargaining chip? You hurt him and there’s nothing to stop me from tearing right through your chest.”

  Mike slowly stepped around to the side, forcing Cummings to sidestep as well. They circled each other until Cummings’s hip had butted the arm of the sofa and that split second gave Mike his chance. He took his shot, striking Cummings dead in between the eyes. The baby fell onto the sofa, bouncing twice but luckily not rolling off.

  The blast had been loud and through a brief break in the rain, caught Bill and James by surprise as they made their way back to the main house. They took the stairs two at the time, brandishing their weapons. They flung open the door to see Mike untying Grace Gibson while she held onto little Johnathan.

  “What the fuck happened here? Where are Gage and Hope? How did this bastard get in here?”

  “I could ask you assholes those questions. Gage and Hope are on their way to the hospital in Austin. We were ambushed on the road. Gage sent me here to protect Johnathan. Where were you two? Where were the guards Gage had out there?”

  “When the storm hit, the power went out. We had to go around and reset the generators. A pole came down on one of the fences, letting out the frightened cattle. The rest of the crew is still rounding them up. I don’t know where Greig and Moran are. They were supposed to be guarding the house.”

  “I’m guessing they’re dead. At least that’s what Cummings implied. I have no idea what was going on or how many guys he has with him. There were no other vehicles in the drive when I pulled up.”

  “Oh God. How are Gage and Hope?” Grace cried out.

  “We need to get her to the hospital,” Mike said, looking down at the housekeeper.

  “Leave her there. The bitch worked for Cummings. She came up and struck me and then let him into the house. I didn’t have a chance to even fight back or lock Johnathan away.”

  They lifted the woman onto her feet and slammed her into the chair that Grace had been on. Mike took one look at her and knew something was up. “She’s not the housekeeper Gage hired. I saw her credentials from Colt McCain myself.”

  “And she came when they knew you’d all be out today. Shit. I can’t believe it.” The woman began to regain consciousness and Mike grabbed her by her hair, tugging her head back. “Tell us what’s going on and we’ll see you don’t get the death penalty.”

  “What? I didn’t mean to do it. I…I…the cartel. They can be ruthless. They told me to help Cummings out with upcoming shipments, and my husband’s debts would disappear,” she cried, but she didn’t shed a tear. Mike had been used to this type of shit. They sent the women and children to the front lines, thinking they wouldn’t be harmed and that the target would be unsuspecting, but Mike knew better.

  “Bill, do a cursory sweep of the area. If you don’t find the two guards dead, then they soon will be.”

  “Understood. James, come with me. We need to get the rest of the guys with us. How many more men are with Cummings?”

  “Just my husband and me. The cartel doesn’t want to be a part of this unless it makes them money. Gibson doesn’t get them a dollar. Cummings was supposed to travel with more shipments for them, be the middleman, and then I was supposed to be his secretary. Then he gave me these documents and told me it was a part of the deal.”

  “And you
think I’m supposed to buy that shit? I wasn’t born yesterday, lady. You’ve got the heart of a stone-cold killer and it bleeds through your eyes. Now, what’s your real name and who is your husband?”

  “Anna Sparks. My husband is Dallas Sparks.”

  “Cummings’s lawyer.”

  “I need to make a call. You move, and I’ll put a bullet through your skull, no questions asked. I’ve met evil bitches like you before and I’ve killed them as well.”

  Mike brought up Dax’s number on his phone and dialed. “Hey, I’m on the way to the hospital. Gage asked that I be informed. What the hell is going on?”

  “I don’t have time to explain, but Cummings is dead on Gage’s floor and his accomplice is on the run. I have Anna Sparks tied up until you get here or she tries something fucking stupid. We’re still looking for the other guards that were supposed to be here.”

  Bill and James came back inside. “One second.” Mike turned the guys and asked, “Well?”

  “They’re not here and neither is their car.”

  “Okay. Grieg and Moran bolted. Send someone here to deal with this mess, but you get to the hospital and secure Gage and Hope. I have a feeling the hospital isn’t safe.”

  “On it. I’ll send a team right now. With the storms raging like this, I don’t know how long it’s going to take.”

  Mike glanced back over at Grace and saw the fatigue and strain on her body. He didn’t know what else they did to her, but she definitely needed to see a doctor for the head injury. “I need a medic for Gage’s mom as well.”

  “Of course. How’s the baby?”

  “He’s good with his grandma.”

  Mike ended the call and then took the baby from Grace. “I’ll look after him for now. We’re going to need to get to the hospital as well, but we’ll have to deal with this shitshow right here first.”

  “I’m thirsty,” Grace groaned.

  “I’ll get a drink for you.” Bill went into the kitchen and then came right back. “Mike. We have a problem.”

  “What is it?” he asked, keeping Johnny happy while never taking his eyes off the imposter.

  “Can you smell this?” He passed the baby back to Grace and then took the glass.