by Kris Norris
“Men.”
“So, what were you hoping we’d join you for?”
“Vegas. A chapel. High probability Elvis will be involved.”
Jericho’s eyes widened, and she all but squealed. “You guys are getting married, now? In Vegas?”
“Just have to pack a light bag.”
Cannon shook his head. “Women. They spoil the surprise every time.”
Ellis frowned. “Surprise? What surprise?”
Brett beamed. Actually beamed. “You act as if you’re the only one who knows how to read people. I had a feeling you might want to bug out. Head south. So, while you were sleeping in my arms on the ride home, I was grilling Ice for all the details. Told Cannon he should join us. Surprise Jericho once we got there. Make a team party out of it.”
Jericho’s mouth gaped open as she turned to Cannon. “Do what, now?”
“Long overdue, sweetheart. If, you’ll have me?”
She slapped him on the chest, again. “Like there’s any other answer but yes.”
“Hoo-yah. My bag’s already packed. Why don’t you go throw some stuff together?”
She lifted up—planted a wet kiss on his lips, then darted out.
The other man watched her go, and the look on Cannon’s face—Ellis swore it was borderline dreamy. He turned back to them, nothing but hard lines, again. “I also wanted to tell you that Art just called. It’s no surprise the CIA wants to handle things…internally.”
A sick feeling tumbled through her gut. She’d been dreading this. “Which we all know means McCormick will get some kind of hall pass.”
“The outcome’s unclear. From what I’ve heard, the CIA’s pretty pissed. Something about bad publicity. But, we knew it was a possibility. However…I talked with Jericho’s uncle. Admiral Jonathan Hastings. He’s let the superiors at the Agency know that if anything happens to you or Colt, he’ll personally see that every bit of evidence you collected gets plastered all over CNN. Needless to say, they’ve personally guaranteed your continued safety.”
“They don’t know McCormick.”
“And he doesn’t know us.” He paused, scrubbed a hand down his face.
Ellis groaned. “Whatever you’re trying not to say, just spit it out.”
Cannon sighed, glanced at Brett, then back to her. “They also wanted me to tell you, they’ll be contacting you regarding a position in their counterterrorism center. Apparently, they’re very impressed by your stats.”
Ellis lowered her arms, stepping away from Brett. “I’m sorry, but I thought you just said the CIA wants me to stay? Join the CTC?”
“You’re a talented field agent, Ellis. They’d be stupid not to offer you a position. An official one, this time.”
She looked away. This was just too…surreal.
Brett nudged her. “If it’s what you really want, you know I’ll support you, right? Whatever your decision.”
“But in case you’re looking for other options, we’d love to have you officially on the team.” Cannon grinned then winked. “Thinking you could put those ninja skills to good use.”
Ellis laughed. “Become a bounty hunter?”
“We prefer the term, Recovery Agent. But yeah. You’d be one hell of a hunter. Or bodyguard. Bet you could break into almost any facility. Make us a million in security consulting fees, alone. There is one possible issue, though.”
“What’s that?”
Cannon thumbed toward Brett. “You’ll have to team up with Colt. Guy can be a pain in the ass.”
“Don’t I know it.” She giggled when Brett picked her up. “Fine. I’ll work with mother hen, here.”
Brett held her close. “If you’d like that to be your code name, then keep on saying it…”
Cannon shook his head. “Afraid she already has one of those, buddy. One she’s kept hidden. Isn’t that right…Phantom?”
Her feet hit the floor then her back the wall as Brett loomed over her. “Your callsign is Phantom?”
God the way he was looking at her. She wanted to stop time. Memorize it. The guy was irresistible when he was all serious. “McCormick gave it to me.”
“Why Phantom?”
“Why Colt? You never did tell me.”
Cannon moved over to them, swatting Brett up the backside of the head. “You never told the lady?”
Brett shrugged. “It didn’t seem important.”
Cannon shook his head. “You know that saying? God made man—”
“But Sam Colt made them equal?” She inhaled looked at him. “Is that what you do? Make the playing field equal?”
“And he doesn’t even need a gun. So, you’re turning the CIA down, then? Joining us?”
Ellis cinched her arms around Brett, again. “That sounds about right.”
“Hell, yeah. I’ll go call Jack—Admiral Hastings. Have him relay the news. Let them know they won’t get a very warm welcome if they come snooping around. And I’ll rally everyone. We’ll make a convoy down to Vegas.”
“Think that convoy can hold off for thirty minutes?”
Cannon groaned. “You’ve got twenty-five. But don’t make me walk in on anything.”
Brett arched a brow as the door shut behind Cannon. “You sure? I’d understand if you didn’t want to give up being an operative. McCormick was right about that. You’re one hell of an officer.”
“Screw McCormick. And yeah. I’m sure. Never wanted it. You, on the other hand…” She lifted up, kissed his jaw. “I believe you have a promise to keep.”
“That so?”
“To pick up where we left off the other night.”
“Pretty sure I already did that.”
“Try, again.”
“As soon as you tell me why he chose Phantom.”
She nipped his jaw, then licked the slight hurt. “It’s because no one ever knew if I was really there or just a figment of their imagination.”
His smile damn near blinded her. “That sounds like a challenge. And you know I love a good challenge. Probably why I love you so damn much.”
“Twenty-four minutes, soldier.”
“And you’re going to be coming for twenty-three of those. So, deep breath, Phantom. Things are about to get real.”
Author’s Notes
I wanted to take a moment to thank a few people: Elle for making it possible to continue to explore her world. And for the amazing fans of the Brotherhood Protector series. I hope you enjoyed Colt’s story.
If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Coen Brady, you can read his and Finley’s story ~ Force of Nature. Gibson joins in, of course. You’ll be seeing more of these characters in upcoming Wayward Souls books—maybe even my next crossover back into Brotherhood Protectors. I’m not sure who will join in with Hank and the gang next…but you can read Cannon’s story now. And Six’s will be coming in June, 2019.
And, as always, a sincere heartfelt thank you to everyone who dedicates their life to helping others. To ensuring that good triumphs evil. Godspeed.
Going In Blind
Kris Norris
Excerpt ~ Going in Blind
While you can read Cannon’s story as part of Delta Force: Cannon, he was introduced in my previous Brotherhood Protector’s book: Going in Blind. Here’s a brief snippet from their first meeting…
A knock, followed by a swirl of air. She turned toward the doorway, then froze. Breath held. One hand fisted against Kent’s thigh, the other at her side. While she hadn’t put much stock in the whole sixth sense thing blind people seemed to develop. Hadn’t really believed she’d done more than focus her hearing better, increase her ability to feel the air. She was willing to believe it all, now. Because despite being locked in the dark. Unable to see whoever had just entered the room—hadn’t Russel called him Cannon—she knew, without a doubt, that the man was dangerous.
And not in the way Kent and his buddies were. Men who’d face any threat without blinking an eye. Worrying about the odds. Men who had honor shoved up their asses. Who bled red, white, and blue.<
br />
This guy was the threat. The personification of the bogey man. He didn’t just eliminate his enemies. He decimated them. Escorted their souls straight to hell. And he was good at it.
She wasn’t sure how she knew. But there was something in the air—an energy that made every inch of her exposed skin bead. Made it feel as if the room had suddenly dropped ten degrees. And there was a scent. She wasn’t sure what it was, but it kicked her heart rate into triple digits. Made her pulse throb inside her head, and for a moment, she thought she might pass out.
Or run.
That seemed like the best scenario. Grab Kent’s hand and leave. Get as far away from the other man as possible. Hide until the overwhelming sense of doom left her system. Until she could breathe.
Hushed voices. A few soft footsteps, then he was there. In front of her. She knew it. Felt it. Breathed it in through every pore. She was in the presence of a true predator. The kind that never lost.
“Addison? Shit. Ice!”
Hands on her arms, tugging her toward the chair, again. But she wouldn’t budge. Couldn’t. Not until she was somewhere else. Anywhere else.
“Breathe for me, Addison.” Russel’s voice. Close, but somehow distant.
A hushed curse in front of her, then audible steps back. “It’s okay. Ice. Just…give her some space.”
The movement stopped. Russel and Kent’s hands grazing down her arms then off. Everything stilled. Went silent.
“It’s Addison, right?” God, his voice was so deep—was there something below basso profondo? And so far above her. Far higher than Kent’s or Hank’s. Even Russel seemed small compared to how the air moved around this guy. He must be massive.
“You’ve been blind for a while, haven’t you? Long enough to hone your senses. To get a read on people the moment they walk in the room. But… What you’re sensing…”
He moved toward her, and she hated that she unconsciously stood then matched his step sideways. Bumped into Kent before he wrapped his arm around her waist. Tugged her against his chest.
She reached for his arms, covering his hands with hers. He couldn’t let go. Not without her fearing she’d fly apart. Completely unravel.
A sigh. “Sorry, guys. I didn’t realize…”
“Realize what?” Kent’s voice. Close. Soothing. “Addison. Sweetheart. This is Cannon—Master Sergeant Rick Sloan. The guy we called to help us out. He’s a fellow soldier. One of the good guys.”
She shook her head.
“Sweetheart. I promise. He’d never hurt you. He—”
“It’s okay, Rigs. The girl has excellent instincts. Knows danger when it’s staring her in the face.” The guy—Cannon—sighed, again. “Look, Addison. I have a feeling I know what you’re sensing. But… It’s not me. Not really. I—”
“Death.” She barely whispered the word, but it cut the guy off. Spread silence through the room. “That’s what I smell. Death. On you.”
About the Author
Author, single mother, slave to chaos—she’s a jack-of-all-trades who’s constantly looking for her ever elusive clone.
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Original Brotherhood Protectors Series
By Elle james
Brotherhood Protectors Series
Montana SEAL (#1)
Bride Protector SEAL (#2)
Montana D-Force (#3)
Cowboy D-Force (#4)
Montana Ranger (#5)
Montana Dog Soldier (#6)
Montana SEAL Daddy (#7)
Montana Ranger’s Wedding Vow (#8)
Montana SEAL Undercover Daddy (#9)
Cape Cod SEAL Rescue (#10)
Montana SEAL Friendly Fire (#11)
Montana SEAL’s Mail-Order Bride (#12)
Montana Rescue (Sleeper SEAL)
Hot SEAL Salty Dog (SEALs in Paradise)
Brotherhood Protectors Vol 1
About Elle James
ELLE JAMES also writing as MYLA JACKSON is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author of books including cowboys, intrigues and paranormal adventures that keep her readers on the edges of their seats. With over eighty works in a variety of sub-genres and lengths she has published with Harlequin, Samhain, Ellora’s Cave, Kensington, Cleis Press, and Avon. When she’s not at her computer, she’s traveling, snow skiing, boating, or riding her ATV, dreaming up new stories. Learn more about Elle James at www.ellejames.com
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