Band of Bachelors: Jake2: Book 4 (SEAL Brotherhood)

by Sharon Hamilton

  The kids ran through the kitchen and out onto the patio and into the water. Ginger had to run to catch up to Maggie, who was going to jump in, but didn’t know how to swim yet. She hoisted the squealing child up in the air. “We have to change your clothes, and take off that diaper, Maggie. And one of us has to go in the water with you, okay?”

  Maggie let her considerable lower lip droop and curl down as she watched the other children play. She removed her wet diaper and put on pool diapers and a plastic pair of elastic diaper covers.

  “I’m going outside to find the water wings and the other toys,” Adele told her, and headed for the tool shed at the side of the pool under a large tree.

  Ginger had her suit on under her cotton dress, but she retrieved her hat and the sunscreen and took Maggie out to the patio. There she smoothed the sun protection all over the jumping girl’s pink chubby body, then slathered it generously all over her own fair skin.

  “Whoa you’re using it all up, Ginger. You have enough for the girls and Brandon?”

  “Sure I do. I used to tell Jake I could get a sunburn from a flashlight, my skin is so fair.”

  Adele took Maggie and the donut ring, applied the water wings and brought Maggie down the pool steps until they were both in the water. Maggie splashed and kicked, trying to propel herself closer to the older kids, but Adele had a hand on the back of the donut ring and Maggie finally gave up.

  Ginger called each of the kids over to her patio chair and gave them heavy applications of sunscreen and handed the girls their goggles so they could spy on people under water. She made Brandon do the same, much to his protest.

  They were playing a game of picking up colorful plastic rings tossed into the pool. Ginger took one and gave it to Maggie, who tried to throw it several times, managing to toss it only about a foot. Adele floated her closer so she could retrieve it, and then repeated the process.

  “Where’s Gerud? Jake told me he was moving in with you.” Ginger came around to the steps and began to enter the pool on the shallow side.

  “He has, but he went to LA to visit Rob Peterson.”

  “That’s nice. So I guess they’re getting along, then.”

  “Very well, from the sounds of it. I owe him a visit as well.”

  “I’m glad to see you so happy, Adele. So much has changed since Burt’s death not even a month ago now.”

  Maggie held her arms out and Adele floated her over to Ginger. The two of them began to bob in the pool together.

  “I think this was more a business meeting. I told you he was going to help Gerud, didn’t I?”

  “Yes. I’d say that’s good for both of them.”

  “You know, Gerud always tried so hard to win Burt’s affection, but it was always Jake. Jake was his favorite, and he never tried to hide that fact. It used to irritate me. I tried to make it up to him, but a boy doesn’t want to take his mom as a substitute for a father’s love. Fathers and sons are special. Now he has something none of the rest of us has. And it’s not just a financial arrangement. I think Rob actually wants to get it right, to finish his life giving back. I’m so thankful, but we’ll see where it goes.”

  “Why do you think Jake was favored?”

  “Jake could do anything. He was the star athlete. Handsome. All the girls wanted to meet Gerud so they could be introduced to Jake. It was like he was Jake’s shadow.”

  “But Jake loves being with his brother.”

  “Oh I know. He’s not the jealous type. Burt liked that too. Gerud couldn’t wait to hear him come home with all his adventures when he was off to the Navy. And the more he got caught up in it, and got on the Teams, then married to you, I think the more Burt thought he’d lost him. His little brother missed him terribly. So Gerud went to work for Burt. Did everything he could. And then they made that one bad investment and it was like the man was broken. That’s when all the arguments started. You saw them.”

  “I did. They were very vicious. Cut very close to the bone.”

  “No one was safe from those.”

  “Hey there you lovely ladies!” Gerud crossed the lawn area and took a chair near the pool’s edge.

  “Uncle Gerud, come into the pool with us, please!”

  “Please, please please Uncle Gerud,” begged Jennifer, mimicking her older sister.

  “In a couple of minutes. Let me talk to grandma and your mom for a bit. Hey Brandon.”

  “Hey Gerud,” Brandon returned.

  “How did it go?” Adele leaned against the side of the pool and squinted up to her son’s face. Ginger was still bobbing with little Maggie.

  “It went fantastic. He’s a genius.” The roll of drawings was secured with a large blue rubber band as he held them up. “He took these, and we identified several things we could do to add terrific value. Maybe even do that expansion dad wanted to do.”

  “How?”

  “Well, like I said, I’ve never seen anyone so smart when it comes to investing. We came up with several action items I need to complete this week, and fax back to him. And then we’ll go one step at a time. Mom, Rob said he might help me finance the expansion. He says he’s watching me.”

  “Sounds like if you play your cards right, Gerud, you two will be partners.”

  Gerud fiddled with his palm. “I wish we had more time.”

  The sobering thought left the three adults quiet. The giggles and screams of the three older kids drew their attention away from the awkward silence.

  “There never is enough time. Before they know it, they’ll be our age. And we’ll be the ones they’ll tell stories about.” Adele wiped a tear from under her eye.

  “They’ll be great stories, mom,” said Gerud.

  “The best,” said Ginger. “Huh, Maggie?”

  The toddler splashed water in her face.

  Chapter 16

  JAKE ROLLED OUT of bed early at sunrise to get in a morning run on the beach, since he hadn’t exercised the day before. Running was easier for him, anyway, than swimming in the ocean, as nice and invigorating as it was. The peaceful sounds of birds and the splashing of little washes over the smooth white sand set his mood just right. It was the refresh and stimulation he was looking for.

  A few other lone runners also traveled the same path in the first rays of morning light, a communion of souls with similar goals, and perhaps similar demons of the heart.

  He could see Ginger sleeping all alone in their big bed. He could hear her breathing, and the sounds of her stretching. He knew what it was like when she snuggled, half asleep still, wrapping her legs around one of his, curling her hands backward into fists, placing them under her chin and then resting along his shoulder or on his chest. He liked to let his fingers wander down her smooth spine, and then tickle her behind, getting her awake to him, and aroused.

  He liked to be the first thing she kissed in the morning. She was always funny about it, wanting to go get her teeth brushed, but he wouldn’t have her any other way. Her natural flavors were just as nice as the way she smelled when she had on her perfume, had used her lemon shower gel and the special oil she liked to wear in her cleavage that drove him nuts. He liked how his finger would slip up and down in that oily spot, then travel to the dark place between her thighs so he could watch her eyes open and gasp first thing in the morning. It was the right way for a couple to start the day. He would do it this way until their bones were too brittle, and then they’d figure something else out. It had become their ritual, and the best way to say hello.

  A light mist had traveled from the ocean to land and it shrouded part of a rocky natural barrier, with a brightly lit house sitting on top of the promenade. The beach took a holiday there right in front of the house, so he turned around and went back the other way, since the tide had come in and he didn’t feel like trudging in thigh-high surf to complete his run.

  As he turned, a couple of black watchdogs came to the living room window and barked.

  Dobermans.

  Whomever lived there was seriou
s about their own security, as any guard dog owner could attest to.

  As he ran past their rental, he noticed a dark unmarked car tucked under a huge bright purple-flowered bush that threatened to take over the whole hill. All he could see was that there were two people sitting in the front seat, but couldn’t tell their features, age, or sex. He kept on running without appearing to take interest but thought he’d text Kyle when he got around the bend and out of eyesight of the detail. They were either waiting for someone to show up at the beach, or they were watching the house. Someone needed to get closer to make a determination if they were friendlies. He doubted they were, no matter what entity they worked for.

  A weathered concrete picnic table that had been painted several colors in its past was a welcome sight. The cool surface felt good as he sat in his own sweat on the bench.

  He retrieved his cell and sent the text.

  Kyle’s answer was quick.

  Noted. Sending Danny out to check them out. Don’t come back yet until we’ve determined they aren’t looking for you.

  This little text reminded him he was still a person who some thought should stand trial, which would be a farce. They’d just beat out of him what they wanted him to say and until he gave them that, his body was theirs. He was going to make sure that never happened.

  He continued to watch the sunrise as the warm yellow glow baked the sweat from his face, legs and chest.

  He thought about the drill of military guys on the beach last night near sunset, and wondered if there was a police or Special Forces training camp nearby. But since he saw no more, he put the idea out of his mind.

  Kyle texted back.

  Private security. Danny got them to leave. Come back.

  That suited Jake just fine. He picked up a flat piece of broken shell that had been weathered, exposing layers of beautiful pink colors. He tossed the shell and watched it bounce four times in the calm backwash.

  Cooper had made some whole grain pancakes and set out some yogurt. They used up their two dozen eggs making a scramble. They also drank a half-gallon of orange juice. The pancakes were tasty, but instead of maple syrup they’d only been able to find Agave syrup.

  “We gotta get some real stuff here. No more of this cactus shit,” said T.J. pointing to his pancakes with his dripping fork.

  “You guys should go on a little buying spree. We already need more eggs and beer. Maybe some more waters, and who the fuck thought to buy this instant coffee?” Lucas was complaining but Jake knew he was nervous about being first on the boat.

  “You should drink some, Lucas. It will settle your stomach. The ocean looks a little choppy this morning,” said Kyle.

  Lucas peered out the picture window and appeared to turn a light shade of green as he confirmed a wind had started to whip up already and that meant for a rough day in the open waters.

  “Where’d you go earlier?” asked Alex.

  Jake swallowed the last of his eggs. “I went for a run. I missed the swim last night.”

  “Next time, get me, okay?” Jameson was frequently one of Jake’s running buddies and he didn’t much care for the long swims either.

  “You got it.”

  Tyler asked about bringing a lunch for the trip.

  “It’s supposed to be provided for. If you brought snorkel gear, they might stop at a quiet cove and do a little diving. They do that sometimes,” answered Fredo.

  “Okay, we’ll drop you guys off at the harbor and then we’ll head for town. I need a volunteer to stay back at the house, just in case the security detail wants to get curious.” Kyle looked over the three hands that went up. One of them was Jake.

  “No can do, Jake. I’m not leaving you anywhere alone.” Kyle chose Alex to stay behind. “Make it obvious you’re home so you don’t scare someone, okay?”

  “Sure.”

  The five SEALs were left at the pier a half hour early. Their charter boat hadn’t arrived yet, but Kyle and crew took off toward town anyway.

  Most of the shops were closed. There were a few cantinas and some palapas out on the beach where coffee and sweet breads were served. You could even order a drink for the crowd that had never gone to bed. Since the resort owned the whole stretch of beach, there was no commerce allowed and so none of the usual street vendors peddled their wares. A couple of older Mexican men were fishing off an abandoned pier. Kids and dogs roamed in search of treasures found abandoned on the beach. Jake knew it was smart to watch where he was walking, since some of the debris could be sharp pieces of glass or other hazardous items. A dead sea gull lay with its stiff wing partially arching into the air. It was missing eyes and one of its feet was missing.

  Their group was fairly large for the little tables and rickety chairs, so the group split into two and kept their distance. Of course, for authenticity, Fredo was with one group, while T.J., his pretend enemy, was with the other one.

  Kyle and Fredo ordered coffee and sat back with the morning sun on their face, their arms outstretched to the sides. Armando shared their table and took an orange juice in a plastic cup from a little girl not more than six or seven years of age. She also brought some child-sized bracelets from her pocket and without speaking a word of English displayed them on the little tabletop for all the men to see.

  Armando spoke to her in Spanish and her smile became wide. He handed her a ten-dollar bill, and she nearly dropped the remaining orange juice glasses on her tray looking at it. She pushed all the bracelets, about a dozen or so, closer to his lap and took a bow and then disappeared.

  “Good thing I wasn’t hungry,” said Fredo. “I think our waitress has retired for life on your tip, Armani.”

  “How in the world could you be hungry? You ate nearly a quarter of the eggs,” said the handsome Puerto Rican SEAL. “Besides, it was just ten dollars. It means so little to me, and so much to them,” Armando justified.

  “Kyle, any known hangouts for this Navy guy?” asked Jake.

  “We didn’t get any of that. It was suggested we just hang, and those people just come out of the woodwork and find us.”

  “You have any idea where he lives? Does he own a place here?” Jake persisted.

  “We were told he has a nice house in the complex. But no, no address.”

  Coop, Danny and T.J. walked to the water’s edge and stood in ankle high water. Jake joined them, hoping along the way, due to the hot sand.

  “I know the last time we came we said it would be nice to bring the girls. I’m not feeling a good vibe here, are you guys?” T.J. asked.

  Coop searched the beach and looked at the empty palapas. “The place is a little too dead for me. If I took Libby anywhere they’d have to have a cool disco and a special gym set up for her workouts.”

  But Jake liked the quaintness of the village proper and told them so. “I actually would like to window shop a bit. And of course I need to add to my considerable collection of ugly shirts.”

  T.J. slapped him on the back. “But you wear them so well. All the ladies love them on you, sport.”

  “Anyone want to split off this group and go back to the village?” asked Coop.

  Both Jake and T.J. nodded, and then Danny decided he’d go too. They walked past Kyle and the rest of the guys. “Catch you back at the house, Amigos,” said T.J., who then punched Fredo in the arm a little too hard. Fredo was on his feet in an instant and threatening to punch back, but T.J. backed up a couple steps and remained more than arm’s length away, his hands in the air, flickering, as if to say he was done.

  The four SEALs took a shortcut through an alleyway that was flocked with crisscross laundry lines, the white linens for several hotels nearby hanging in the breeze. By the time they’d traveled the length of the alley, they discovered it was a dead end, and so returned the way they’d come in.

  They made a right turn and standing there, in front of his Jeep was General Cortez and three other military men.

  “Jake Green?” the General said.

  Jake hesitated but kn
ew it would be pointless to try to talk his way out of it. Besides, no one in their group spoke Spanish. He didn’t want to disrespect the nasty looking General, who was not appearing to have a very good day, but he needed to make his identity known and the reason for his visit.

  “Sir, I am Jake Green. But I am here on official business.”

  T.J., Danny and Coop stood close beside him. Of course, none of them had any weapons, but they assumed their normal wide-legged stance just the same. Jake could tell just by their breathing they were ready for anything, and if he wanted them to protect him, or fight to get him out of this situation, they would.

  One of the younger uniformed men stepped forward and spoke in fairly understandable English.

  “You are wanted for questioning and the possibility of standing trial for the death of Juanita Orosco Lopez. You will please come with us willingly.”

  Coop spoke as the senior man in their little group.

  “Excuse me, we are willing to deliver him to you. But we cannot let him go without our accompanying him. We are not allowed to leave his side. Like Jake said, this is official business, at the behest of our Department of the Navy.”

  “He will be taken to our detention facilities at Puerto Cortes, and there held over for examination and questioning.”

  “We’re going with him. We’ll even deliver him, if you want. But we’re all going together,” Coop further insisted.

  The young officer discussed the conversation with General Cortez.

  That’s when Danny recognized a man who had been watching the house. “This one here, in black, was one of the men in the car this morning. I wish my Spanish was better.”

  Coop was texting Kyle about their situation. Jake hoped that the slight delay would mean Kyle and the others would show up to help with the negotiations. The two Spanish speakers were in his group back at the beach under the palapas.

  “We should have brought someone who speaks,” Jake mumbled.

  “No worries,” Coop said as he stowed his cell. “Kyle and them are on their way. He’s placing calls and got us tracked.”