The SEAL’s Surprise Mate - Rachel McNeely

by Special Forces - Operation Alpha

  “I demand to see my daughter right this minute.”

  “Father.” The tallest young man, dressed in an Air Force uniform, stepped up beside Haley’s dad. “If you go in there and start shouting at her about her job and how you warned her to quit, she might die.”

  Mr. Quinn looked at his son like he’d never seen him before. “You don’t give me advice.”

  “Yes, we all three will, and we plan to tie you up if necessary to keep you from her room until Haley’s out of danger.” The other two brothers nodded.

  “We’ve all taken enough of your bullying. It hurt our sister the most, and I’m ashamed we didn’t speak up and step in sooner.”

  Mr. Quinn’s mouth opened, but no sound came out.

  “Come, dear. Sit down.”

  All heads turned to face Mrs. Quinn. Ranger stood against the door, taking in the family scene.

  “I have not been the mother you deserved,” she told her sons. “I loved your father and ignored his way of parenting, believing he knew best. But I will not hold back any longer.”

  She faced her husband. “I firmly suggest you fly back to Washington. You may give them any excuse you want on why you didn’t stay at your daughter’s bedside. I’m certain there are important matters you need to take care of there.”

  Mr. Quinn looked at his wife, stunned. “I will stay here. My friends in Washington will think I have no care for my family otherwise.”

  A small smile crept across Mrs. Quinn’s face. “And, of course, you wouldn’t want them to think badly of you.” Then she frowned. “Go home and stay there or go back to the hotel. I will not allow you to see our daughter until she is much stronger.”

  He leaned threateningly toward his wife. “You and what army will stop me?”

  The three brothers and Ranger moved forward. “We will,” the oldest said. “I’ll go to court to stop you. Then all your old buddies will know the truth about you.”

  Quinn looked around the room and saw his wife had joined his sons and Ranger. “All right, I’ll go, but I won’t forget this, and every one of you will pay.”

  No one said a word. Mr. Quinn’s sons opened a path to the door. Ranger and two of Haley’s brothers followed him out. The third brother stayed with their mother.

  Mr. Quinn got in a cab and gave the address of the hotel. He turned to his sons and Ranger. “This isn’t over. I won’t forget this day.”

  “Good,” said the brother who’d threatened to go to court. After they all watched the taxi drive off, he turned to Ranger. “And who the hell did you say you were?”

  “Her fiancé. I may have exaggerated a bit, but I do want to marry her. She’s giving me a hard time, but I intend to convince her.”

  “How did you meet?” the brother in the uniform asked.

  “I was part of the SEAL team that rescued her. Twice.”

  “Ah, yes.” The Air Force man nodded. “I hope you get her to agree to marry you. You may be the only man who can control her.”

  Ranger laughed. “Oh, I said I wanted to marry her. I don’t believe anyone can get your sister to do anything she doesn’t want to do.”

  The brothers laughed. The one not in uniform said, “You’re a brave man. Welcome to our family.”

  The family and Ranger paced the waiting room and rotated sitting beside Haley. By now, Ranger was very familiar with Arthur, an Air Force pilot; Tom, the lawyer; and Haley’s youngest brother, Scott, who worked in the FBI’s Washington office.

  On the fourth day, when they’d almost given up hope, Haley blinked her eyes open. Dirk sat on one side of the bed and her mother on the other. They saw her swallow and blink again. Ranger hurriedly went to the nurse's station to speak with the older nurse. He and Nurse Dryden had become fast friends.

  “She’s blinked her eyes, Nurse Dryden.”

  “Glory be, our little girl is coming back.” She quickly contacted the physician in the lab. She explained to Ranger, “He went to talk with the lab supervisor about whether there were any other measures available for your lady. He’s on his way back up. Let’s go see your fiancée.”

  When Dirk walked into the room, Mrs. Quinn held her daughter’s hand and smiled. “She’s waking up.”

  Nurse Dryden walked to the bedside and took Haley’s blood pressure and pulse. “We noticed about an hour ago that her vitals were getting more regular and stronger.”

  Haley opened her eyes and looked straight at Ranger. “What happened?” Then she saw her mother. “Mom, how did you get here?”

  “By airplane,” her mother said dryly, and Haley smiled.

  “You seem different.” Then she glanced from one brother to another, eyes finally landing back on Ranger. “Did I die and I’m in some weird state?”

  Ranger took her hand and kissed it. “No, you’re alive. I held your hand tight. It’s taken me thirty-three years to find the right lady for me. I wasn’t letting you slip away after I found you.”

  “Did I say I’d marry you?”

  “No, but you will.”

  Everyone but Haley laughed. “It isn’t going to be that easy,” she said.

  Ranger leaned down and kissed her lips. “I never thought it would be. I’ll be right back.”

  He waved and slipped out of the Intensive Care Unit. He peeked in the visitor's lounge and, thankfully, found it empty.

  Then Ranger headed to the men’s room, locked the door and for the first time in many years, he cried. His throat tightened, and his sobs racked his body. When he finished, he threw cold water on his face and took deep breaths. He smiled at his red-faced image in the mirror. When his cell rang, he groaned, but answered.

  “How’s she doing?” Shadow asked.

  “She woke up and is speaking. I think she’s going to live.” His voice tightened on the last word.

  “I’m coming there,” Shadow said. “You’ve been alone too long. I know you said her brothers, mother, and you were doing fine. But you need us. See you soon.”

  Ranger looked at his phone. Shadow had hung up before he could protest. But he’s right. I need my teammates’ support.

  A week later, Haley had almost recovered enough to go home. Ranger stood outside the hospital talking with Shadow.

  “I didn’t realize how exhausted I was until she started recovering.”

  “Has she agreed to come to your house until she’s completely recovered, and we know who tried to poison her?” Shadow asked.

  Ranger grinned. “She’s too weak to argue. Her mother will stay with us for the first week or two. That way Haley won’t be alone when I’m at work.”

  “What if a friend or someone comes over? The FBI got the cook who baked the cake, but he hasn’t given up anyone else.”

  “I know, and I agree that someone else in that building helped. Ava went and got the trays for them to eat in Haley’s office. She knew Haley had been skipping lunches. She’s the closest friend Haley has.”

  “Yeah, she’s a tough cookie, and a lot of women would steer clear,” Shadow added.

  “We’d better get back up there. Nurse Dryden must have Haley bathed and the bed changed by now.”

  “It hasn’t been that long, but I agree we’ll return. I feel antsy, too.”

  They got off the elevator and rang the bell to get back inside the intensive care unit.

  Ranger waved at Nurse Dryden.

  “She’s looking pretty,” the older woman said. “A friend came in to visit her. She’s with her now.”

  A chill went down Ranger’s back. He and Shadow both ran to Haley’s cubicle. Ava stood by her pillow, lifting Haley’s head so she could drink the milkshake Ava had in her hand.

  “Stop!” Dirk yelled. He grabbed Ava’s hand, and Shadow took hold of the milkshake.

  “What the hell? I brought her a chocolate milkshake. She loves them.”

  Ranger threw her aside and wiped Haley’s face where the shake spilled. “Don’t lick your lips. Did you swallow any of the drink?”

  “No, I don’t think s
o.”

  “Here.” Ranger handed her the emesis basin. “Spit into it and take this water into your mouth, swish it around and spit it out again.” He was relieved to see no chocolate color in the water.

  “What is this about?” she asked.

  “Yes,” Ava snapped. “I’d like to know, too.”

  Nurse Dryden stood in the doorway, her expression shocked. Ranger shoved the cup at her. “Nurse Dryden, please send this milkshake down to the lab. Have them check it for poison.” He turned to Ava. “If I’m mistaken I’ll apologize, but right now I don’t trust anyone but Nurse Dryden, Shadow and me to give her food.”

  “What about the cooks?” Ava sneered. “It was a cook that poisoned her before.”

  “I don’t believe he was working alone.” Ranger frowned. “And you were the only other person to touch her tray.”

  Ava tried to get loose from Shadow’s grip. “You’ll wear yourself out,” Shadow warned.

  “Nurse Dryden, will you please call the police? I want this woman held until we know the milkshake is all right.”

  “You’re all crazy. Do you think I’m such an idiot I’d bring poison food to the hospital?”

  “I hope you didn’t and will be happy to see you freed. But no one’s innocent until proven so in my eyes.”

  Haley jerked on Dirk’s arm, bringing his attention back to her. “I don’t understand. Ava and I are friends and have been for almost three years. I trust her.”

  Ranger leaned down and kissed Haley. “I don’t trust anyone but Shadow and Nurse Dryden. And I am not going to let whoever tried to kill you get away with it by trying again.”

  “It’s all so confusing, and I’m tired. I want to sleep.”

  “I’ll give Haley something to help her fall to sleep. Let’s get this lady and all of you out of here for now,” Nurse Dryden said. “I sent the milkshake to the lab.”

  She looked up at Ranger. “I’ll watch her. My shift goes off in fifteen minutes. When she’s sleeping, I’ll come out and get you to sit with her. You and your friend can handle this woman and the police.”

  “All right, but you stay right beside her.”

  “I will. I promise.”

  The police arrived as they were walking into the waiting room. “This is the woman you’re after,” Dirk said. He explained the situation. “We’re having the drink tested, but it takes about six hours or more to get the results.”

  “You want us to hold her on attempted poisoning until the results?” the Sargent asked.

  “Yes. Will you?”

  “Just until the results come back. It’s iffy to hold this woman in jail. We have no evidence, but since the patient almost died from a poisoning attempt, we’ll keep her and check her background. Call when you get the results.”

  “We will. Right away.”

  “I am innocent,” Ava said and stamped her foot. “Let me go.”

  “If that milkshake comes out clean, we’ll be glad to release you.”

  She fought them putting the cuffs on her, but the officers managed anyway.

  Ranger shook his head. “I’ll be embarrassed if I’m wrong.”

  “I sensed the danger as much as you. I think Haley’s friend is the contact we need to get the real head guy of all of this.” Shadow pulled out his cell. “I’m going to walk down to the dining hall. Do you want any food?”

  “No.” Dirk grinned. “You’re not hungry, either. You just want to call your wife.”

  “Right on.” Shadow waved and caught the elevator going down.

  Nurse Dryden motioned at the door for Dirk to come in. “The doctor’s here. He’s had blood drawn to see if she has any more poison in her system. She’s asleep, but you can sit by her.”

  “I will. Aren’t you going home? I see your replacement is here.”

  “Yes, I’m giving my report and then leaving.”

  “Thanks for all your help.” Dirk hugged her, and she blushed. He grinned.

  “I think you do that just to see me blush.”

  “No, but I do enjoy the blush, too.”

  Haley’s doctor arrived just as Dirk headed into the cubicle. He leaned over and listened to Haley’s heart. Then he checked her blood pressure and eyes. When he straightened, he smiled at Dirk.

  “There’s no evidence she got any poison,” the doctor said. “If it was a poisoned milkshake, you saved her life by getting to it before she took a drink.”

  “I hope I’m wrong. The woman is Haley’s best friend.” He chuckled. “Not that she has very many women friends.”

  “I hope you’re wrong, too. But I don’t think it was a mistake to take the drink away from Miss Quinn. She’s in a weakened state, and even a tiny taste of the same poison would kill her.”

  “I know. I want to take Haley to my home as soon as possible. Her mother will stay with her when I’m at work, and we can control what she eats and drinks. Whoever is behind this won’t give up. He or she will only intensify their efforts.”

  “Such a lovely lady to go through all of this. It’s a strange poison they used. Certainly not found easily. I’d be willing to bet when you find the real culprit, they will have the same type of plant somewhere in their garden. It’s very rare.”

  “Thanks, Doctor. You’ve given me an idea.”

  “Well, good. I hope it helps. I’m leaving the hospital, but if you need me, I’ll be at home.” He wrote a number on the back of a card. “That’s my home number. I live nearby.” Then he left the room.

  Ranger sat beside the bed and took hold of Haley’s hand. His thumb rubbed across the soft skin, and she opened her eyes.

  “Hi, darlin’.”

  “Every time I open my eyes, you’re here.”

  “I don’t intend to let anyone else hurt you.”

  “Why does whoever did this want me dead?”

  “I suspect because you and your team made too much trouble for him. Your FBI team had a good record of arresting many of his gangs, which to the head guy meant the loss of money. When this last group was taken out, you angered him even more.”

  “But none of my other team members have had their lives threatened.”

  “True, but killing a woman might make more impact than one of the guys. Of course, that’s my theory, and I might be all off.”

  “I doubt it. You’re smart and have been around longer than me.”

  “When did you join the FBI?”

  “Right out of college, but I worked myself up to my present position about three years ago. I got interested in and studied the teams that went overseas. Then a woman on my team got pregnant and decided to be a stay-at-home Mom. I managed to interview for her position and got it.”

  “When did you go on your first assignment overseas?”

  “About six months later.” She yawned and her head lolled. “I’m so tired. I’m going to sleep.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll keep the bad guys away.”

  She smiled and closed her eyes. It didn’t take but seconds before Haley snored. Dirk smiled, sat back, and thought about what she’d said.

  I doubt she’d ever want to be a stay-at-home Mom. And yet that’s what I’d like her to do. Be my wife, be the mother of our children, and stay out of danger.

  His phone rang, and he quickly answered. Ranger stepped out of the cubicle, but stayed where he could saw Haley. “Hello?”

  “Sorry to get back to you so late,” Tex, their computer expert, said, “but this guy, if I’m right, has many layers between him and his crooked dealings.”

  When Tex said the name, Ranger swore. “No way. I mean, not that I don’t believe you, but he’s a highly respected man in the community.”

  “I know. That’s why I want to do some deeper research. Whoever does this guy’s computer work is extremely sharp.”

  “Wow, a high compliment from you, Tex.”

  “Don’t rush out and tell everyone I said that. I’ll call back if I can get more information to back up my answer. You aren’t dealing with a regular crook. This
man is well known and respected,” Tex warned.

  “I know. I’ll keep my mouth shut and my eyes open. Thanks, Tex.”

  “I’ll get digging. I wish I could be more certain right now.”

  Ranger went back to sit by Haley. His thoughts went to what Tex had said. In his gut, Ranger thought Tex was dead right.

  Chapter 10

  Haley slipped into a deep dream. She ran down a dark hall. At every door, a man like the ones she’d fought jumped out at her. She leaped away from them, and laughter followed her until the end of the hall curved.

  Two men grabbed her and pushed her toward an open door. A masked man sat on a dais. His men stood on the steps on either side of the platform. He leaned toward Haley.

  “You have caused much trouble and loss of men for me. I have plans for your demise. So far, you have been lucky, but first I will kill your fiancé, and then I can get to you much easier.”

  “No!” Haley screamed and sat up. Ranger jumped up and put his arms around her. He’d been relaxed and studying the clouds out the window.

  Dirk held her in his arms. “What is it? Did you have a bad dream?”

  “I had a crazy dream.”

  “I’d say you had a frightening dream.”

  “Both.” Haley lay back. “I’m so weak, and there’s so much to do. We must find the person who poisoned me. They may try it on another team member.”

  “You don’t remember what happened earlier?” Ranger asked.

  “Should I?”

  “Does a chocolate shake sound familiar?”

  Haley’s face paled, and her eyes took on a haunted expression. “You can’t believe Ava meant to poison me. It took me over a year to start being a little friendly with her.”

  “I know. You don’t trust easily or quickly.”

  “And yet you believe she may have tried to kill me?”

  “I hope not, but I wasn’t taking a chance. We ought to have an answer soon. For now, she’s in jail until we get the results on the milkshake.”

  When Haley sobbed, Ranger pulled back her covers, kicked his shoes off, and climbed into bed beside her. He held her close. “It’s all right, darling. I’m here. No one will hurt you.”