“Squirra,” declared Junior as he pointed at a tree in the backyard.
Ali spotted a rodent clinging to the trunk six feet off the ground and shook her head. “Yep, it’s a squirrel darling.” She closed the door, leaving Axe to continue his obsession with the rodent. “OK, little man. It’s time to get you to bed.”
Outside on the street the intruder pulled his car over to the side of the road and took a tablet from the sports bag on the passenger seat. Opening an application he waited thirty seconds for the device to connect to the implant on his target’s computer. Then he confirmed he had access to the operating system before sending a short message to his client.
I’m in.
Chapter Three
“Hey bro, I think we should have turned up that last valley,” whispered Rick as he knelt alongside Mike.
The SEAL team was a quarter-mile from their insertion point in some of the thickest jungle they’d ever experienced. They’d only been ashore overnight, and already they were covered from head to toe in mud, sweat and slime from the river where they’d stashed the boat.
Mike took a map from a pouch on his chest rig and checked it. A moment later he confirmed Rick’s doubts. “I think you’re right.”
The Corpsman waved a mosquito the size of a small bird away from his face. “Other people come to Hawaii to vacation,” he muttered. “So, what’s up with the old man? His mind ain’t on the job.”
Mike shrugged. “Not for me to say.”
“What’s not for you to say?” Ernie appeared alongside.
“Nothing,” said Rick. “Just bitchin’ about these damn mosquitoes.”
TJ joined them. “We need to backtrack a little, but we’ve got time for a short break.” He slumped against a tree and took a sip from the hydration hose that hung over his shoulder.
Rick shot Mike a look before making himself comfortable next to Ernie.
Mike watched the Chief’s face. Behind the thick layer of camouflage cream, he could see that his friend was hurting. He was dealing with a problem that couldn’t be solved with tactical maneuver and firepower.
“I think we need to talk about the elephant in the room,” said Ernie between bites of an energy bar.
TJ’s eyes narrowed as he turned to Mike. “What elephant is that?”
“Rick’s engagement watch.”
Mike and TJ both turned to face the Corpsman.
“Engagement watch, is that even a thing?” asked Mike.
“Why else would she buy him a sweet-ass watch?” said Ernie.
TJ looked relieved that the attention was away from him. “Seems legit. So, what’s the go Romeo? That woman of yours laid claim?”
Mike couldn’t remember the last time he’d seen Rick embarrassed. The Corpsman fiddled with the sight on his assault rifle and avoided eye contact.
“Holy crap, it’s true,” said Mike.
Rick sighed. “Yeah it’s true. We’re engaged. She got a ring and I got a watch.”
“Bro, that’s awesome news,” said Mike.
Ernie slapped his teammate on the shoulder. “Congratulations, essé. I guess this means you passed her selection.”
“Good work, son,” added TJ.
Rick smiled sheepishly. “So, you’re not going to give me shit?”
“About what?” asked Mike. “This is great news.”
“About the watch?” Rick replied.
“What about it? I mean it’s a really good-looking watch. Has to be worth a few dollars?” said Mike.
“Come on guys, quit messing with me.”
The three men stared at him blankly.
“The watch?” said Rick. “Ernie literally told you what it was.”
The Latino shrugged. “An engagement watch?”
Suddenly, Mike got what he was saying. “Holy shit, she proposed to you, didn’t she?”
Rick nodded sheepishly.
“Shit essé, that’s straight up brutal. Did she drop to a knee?” added Ernie.
“OK, enough,” grumbled TJ. “We’ve got a mission to roll.” He rose, prompting the other men to do the same.
Mike offered Rick a hand and hauled him from the ground.
“What’s up with the Chief, man? He didn’t bat an eyelid when he found out. In fact, he looked sad as hell,” murmured Rick.
“He’s got a lot going on.”
“You don’t say.”
Rick started off after TJ while Mike waited to take his position at the rear. As they slid down a steep slope, back toward the river, he found himself thinking about the amount of time he spent away from Ali and Junior. If time away was what broke TJ’s relationship then he was going to have to get better at work-life balance.
***
Mike and the rest of the team sat in thick jungle on the slope of a long-dead volcano as a pair of F/A-18 Hornets screamed up the valley. He watched through binoculars as each jet released two bombs before shooting near vertical into the sky.
Flashes and billowing balls of dust and debris marked the impact of the bombs on target three seconds before the sound of the explosion reached them. “Target destroyed.”
Ernie repeated the confirmation into the radio, informing headquarters that the mission had been completed.
“Job well done,” announced TJ as they packed up their gear.
“Evac bird is inbound to the LZ,” added Ernie.
The four men finished stowing their equipment and hiked the final quarter-mile to a clearing at the lip of the former volcano. On arriving they dropped their packs and waited for the helicopter.
“This place isn’t so bad when you’re not slugging it out with the jungle,” said Rick as they admired the view out over the training area to the ocean. The four men sat in silence, enjoying the serenity of the morning.
“I let you guys down today,” TJ said breaking the silence. “My mind hasn’t been on the job.”
“We all have our off days, Chief,” said Rick.
“Yeah, remember that time I forgot the radio batteries,” added Ernie.
“You wanna talk about it?” asked Rick.
Mike caught the Corpsman’s eye and shook his head. The last thing TJ would want was to share his problems with everyone else. He was amazed the Chief had even told him.
“Deb wants a divorce,” said TJ, matter of fact.
The team was silent.
“I’m sorry to hear that, Chief,” said Rick as the beat of a helicopter's blades reached their ears.
“No, I’m sorry for putting a dampener on your news.”
“I think we all need a beer,” said Mike as their ride thundered overhead.
“I know a good steakhouse in Honolulu,” added Ernie as they gathered their gear. “When’s our flight home?”
“Tomorrow at 0930,” replied Mike.
“Chopper’s going to drop us at the boat. We should be back in Pearl by lunchtime and wrapped up by 1600,” said TJ.
“Then beer and steak it is,” said Ernie.
***
A few hours later on the other side of the Pacific Ali had walked Axe to the daycare facility to pick up Junior. As she fastened him in his stroller for the walk home, her phone rang. She took it from her pocket and checked the screen. It was Mike. “Hey handsome, can you give me a few seconds?” Attaching a pair of buds and slipping them into her ears she took her place behind the stroller. “Hey, I’m back. What’s up? How did the exercise go?” She began walking with Axe alongside the stroller.
“It was good, we’re all done now. I just wanted to call and tell you and Junior that I love you both.”
“And we love you. Are you still back tomorrow?”
“Yeah, can’t wait to see you.”
Ali thought she could detect something in Mike’s voice. “Babe, is everything OK?”
There was a pause. “Yeah, I just wanted you to know how much I love you and appreciate the hard work you put in.”
Ali frowned. “Thanks, babe… Are you sure everything is OK?”
There was a pause.
“Deborah wants a divorce. TJ’s not taking it well.”
“I’m sorry to hear that. Is there anything I can do?”
“No, we’re heading out to dinner now. Hopefully, he’ll open up a little over a few beers.”
“Mike, I know you mean well, but sometimes people need a little space to work out their problems. I don’t want you guys coming up with a harebrained scheme to try and help.”
“When has that ever happened?”
“When has it ever not?”
There was a pause. “Good point. We’ll keep it low key.”
“Good idea. OK, love you handsome. I'll see you tomorrow.”
“Love you too.”
Ali ended the call as they reached the street before their block. While she checked for traffic, she found herself thinking about TJ and Deborah. She’d only met her a few times, but Deb was always lovely. What’s more, TJ had made her feel like part of the team. He was the wise sage that she could turn to for advice on anything. It saddened her to think of how much pain he must be dealing with.
A loud bark from Axe drew her attention and she glanced across the street in the direction he was looking. There were some cars parked by the side of the road. She stopped and ruffled Axe’s ears. “What’s up, bud?”
The dog growled.
Ali checked across the street and spotted a figure sitting in a white sedan. “It's OK Axe.”
Something about the car had spooked the dog and it left her feeling uneasy.
She returned to behind the stroller and pushed it quickly along the sidewalk. Axe fell into place but kept glancing across at the car.
As they progressed the dog seemed to calm. By the time they reached their townhouse he was a little less agitated. He stood watch by the front door as she opened it and bundled Junior inside. Her son was asleep, exhausted from daycare. She called Axe inside and locked the door.
Moving into the sitting room, she left Junior sleeping in his stroller. Axe was by her side as she peered through the blinds. A moment later her concerns were confirmed. The white car drove slowly past the house.
Ali checked on Junior as she took her phone from the stroller. Her finger hovered over the button to call Mike. Was she being paranoid? She decided against ringing him and stepped away from the window, glancing down at Axe. They were more than capable of looking after things until Mike got home tomorrow. In the meantime, she needed to get Junior fed and into bed before checking her emails.
***
Mike raised a beer-filled glass in the air and cleared his throat. “To Jenny and Rick.”
The other members of the team followed suit, raising their drinks and echoing the words over the background noise of the bar. They’d followed Ernie’s advice and ended up in a steakhouse called the Yard House. With over a hundred beers on tap, it was a perfect fit for the thirsty SEAL team.
“If I can give you one tip,” added TJ. “Make Jenny the most important thing in your world. The teams will come and go. You’re marrying her for life.”
Mike could see the pain in TJ’s eyes as he delivered his heart-felt advice.
Rick nodded solemnly.
“Shouldn’t be a problem,” added Ernie, with a wink. “She already wears the pants.”
Rick shook his head as the others broke into laughter.
A waitress appeared and TJ ordered another round. “Thanks, guys. I needed this.”
“That’s what we’re here for,” said Mike.
“Yeah, although I’m not usually the one needing advice.”
“No, that’s true. It always used to be Mike and his latest girlfriend problems, or Rick and his latest STD,” said Ernie.
There was more laughter.
“Oh, it’s pick on Rick day is it?”
“Just wait for the bachelor party,” said Ernie. “It’s payback time.”
The waitress returned with their beers.
“In all seriousness, though,” TJ continued, “I don’t know what to do. Deb won’t consider seeing a counselor. She says it’s too late. It’s over.”
All three men could see the pain on their squad leader’s face.
“SEALs don’t give in that easy, Chief,” said Mike. “If you love her, you need to fight for her.”
“Yeah,” echoed Ernie. “And if we can do anything to help, just ask.”
TJ nodded. “You can start by joining me in another toast.” He gestured for the waiter. “Can we get five tequilas, please.”
“Five?” enquired Mike.
TJ shot him a sly grin. “Two for Rick.”
“Damn straight.”
Rick slapped his palm on the table. “Hell, yeah. Let’s get this party started.”
Mike shook his head. It was going to be one of those nights.
Chapter Four
Ali handed Junior a piece of brown toast smothered in avocado and smiled as he attacked it with gusto. Her son had yet to master eating rather than wearing his food. As he continued to smear himself she walked through the house and glanced out the front window. Axe followed her and stood at the door.
There was no sign of the car from last night. She glanced at the dog and noticed that he was completely relaxed. If Axe didn't sense a threat then she had nothing to fear. A former SEAL working dog, he was the best bodyguard that she and Junior could have. Although it would be nice when Mike was back. Checking her watch she calculated the time difference between San Diego and Hawaii; he would land in the next few hours.
A delighted squeal sounded from the kitchen and she checked on Junior. As predicted, he'd smeared most of his avocado across his face. Seeing he was preoccupied she ducked into the home office to check her emails. First message in the inbox was an appointment reminder. “Oh, crap.” Junior was due for a checkup with the GP that morning.
Dashing into the kitchen she pried the excited toddler from his high chair, stripped him and ran him through the shower. Fifteen minutes later she had him in clean clothes and was strapping him into the booster seat in the back of her Prius.
As she closed the door Axe touched the back of her hand with his nose. She stooped to grasp his head in her hands and kiss the top of his head. “I'm sorry, bud. I can't take you to the doctor. Guard the house, we'll be back soon and so will Mike.”
Axe let out a soft bark at the sound of his master’s name. Then he turned and trotted across to the shade of a large tree where he sat watching Ali climb into the car. She gave him a wave, backed out onto the street and hit close on the gate remote.
As she drove she glanced in the mirror and caught Junior's reflection.
“Axe, Axe, Axe,” the boy demanded.
She smiled and shook her head as he continued chanting the dog’s name. In the last few months the two had become inseparable. She'd worried how Axe would deal with retirement from the SEAL team; but he'd taken to his new role like a fish to water.
As Ali's silver hybrid turned out of the street a set of eyes followed it. The man who'd broken into their home thumbed a message into his phone from where he sat in a rented yellow hatch and hit send. Then he pulled out from the curb and commenced tailing the Prius. His target had left the dog at home, making it the perfect opportunity to strike. Now, he just needed to wait for the go ahead from his client.
***
Barbosa lay on his bunk staring at the concrete ceiling of his cell. He knew every crease, every one of the dimples caused by air bubbles when the slab had been laid. For three years it had been the first thing and last thing he saw. Day after day, week after week, month after month, but not for much longer. A smirk formed on his lips as he imagined his return to Mexico. Yes, he would see his family, but more importantly, he would taste revenge.
A faint buzz sounded from beneath his pillow. He lifted his head and recovered his contraband cell phone. The obsolete Nokia had cost him more than a small car on the outside.
He checked the screen and smiled. There was a coded message from one of his most trusted men. He thumbed a
response and waited for the confirmation. It came a moment later. The plan was in motion.
Slipping the phone beneath his pillow he sat on the edge of his bed and reached under for a small box. The battered container held the only personal items he was permitted to have in prison. He rummaged through the contents until he found the thing he was looking for. It was a photo of two men standing shoulder-to-shoulder with broad smiles on their faces. One of them was Barbosa, albeit much plumper. The other was his brother, Juan.
A vein in the side of his head pulsed as he remembered the night that an American SEAL team had come for him. He recalled, in vivid detail, the face of the man who'd fired the bullet that had killed his only brother. Mike Saunders’ grey eyes and square jaw were etched into his mind.
“I will avenge you,” he whispered then returned the photo to the box. He'd been planning this operation for three years, and today, it was finally going to be put into action. Mike Saunders was going to feel loss like nothing he could ever imagine.
***
A green van, with the words Royal Garden Services stenciled on the side, turned into the Saunders’ street and cruised slowly past the houses. Inside, two men dressed in grey coveralls scanned the street numbers.
“This is it,” said Hugo from the passenger seat. He was the taller of the two, broad-shouldered and in his mid-twenties.
His partner Antonio, at least ten years older and thirty pounds heavier, dipped his multiple chins in concurrence. “I’ll park out front.” He maneuvered the van with skill, parallel parking it directly in front of the picket fence that bordered the quaint home.
Hugo jumped out of the van and opened the side door. It was empty except for a large metal crate and plastic box. As his partner joined him, he took a paper-wrapped parcel from the box. Unrolling it he revealed a juicy pink fillet steak.
“You put enough on it?” asked Antonio.
“Yeah, enough to drop a dinosaur.”
“It better not kill the damn thing. I don’t want a repeat of that incident in Tijuana.”
Signed SEAL'd and Delivered Page 3