Lethal Echo

by Cara Carnes

  “You’re quiet,” Bree commented.

  “I’m just glad you’re coming home where you belong.” He caressed her cheek. “I wish you’d stayed so we could’ve helped you through this.”

  “I know.” She touched his hand with her own. “That was one of the lessons I had to learn, that I’m not alone.”

  She wouldn’t ever be if Ram had anything to say about it. “We’ve all been there at one time or another. If you ever need to talk, rant, or blow shit up, let me know.”

  She grinned. “Does that mean you’ll teach me to shoot all those weapons I’ve been upgrading? It’s a bit nuts that I don’t ever get to play with the toys I add tech to.”

  “Yeah, we’ll get you trained.” The Mason brothers who ran The Arsenal would likely have a word with him about it, but Ram didn’t care. If Bree wanted to train, he’d make it happen. “Come on, let’s get your gear packed up. There are a lot of people anxious to see you again.”

  “Whoa! It’s huge!” Luke unbuckled and lunged into the area between the front seats of the SUV. “Is there a Batcave like Batman uses?”

  “No, but your aunt’s lab is underground,” Ram said with a chuckle.

  Heat crawled up Bree’s cheeks for the millionth time since their departure from the cabin. Hillary and Luke had peppered Gage, Ram, Doug, and Pierce with question after question. They’d answered them all with the same amusement.

  A glimmer shone in Ram’s gaze when it latched on to hers. She mouthed the word sorry once again, but he grinned and shook his head. She only hoped the rest of the commandos took Luke’s superhero worship with the same amused acceptance.

  The Arsenal’s massive entry gate opened quietly. Her heart thudded hard in her chest. As if sensing the anxiety, anticipation, and worry rising within her, Ram took her hand and squeezed. Although the compound hadn’t changed much, she noted the differences quickly. Complete houses and cottages sat where there’d once only been incomplete structures. Burton Construction had been very busy the past three weeks.

  Two long lines of dogs, followed by an even longer, less organized stream of puppies, marched from the north. March was the only word for it because they were stunning to watch. Almost hypnotic. A short blonde woman moved between them, her sole focus on the animals around her as they made their way toward the open field where operatives were doing pushups.

  Her heart swelled when she saw the gathered group near the parking lot in front of the Operations building. A flash of purple and pink hair appeared in Bree’s field of vision as Zoey ran toward the moving vehicle.

  Gage stifled an amused curse as he parked quickly. She unlatched her seatbelt and exited as Zoey impacted with her. The tentative grip she’d had on her emotions broke. Tears streamed down her face.

  “I’ve got you, girlfriend. We’ve got this,” Zoey whispered.

  Bree clung to her friend and let the emotions escape. Relief, happiness, guilt, and fear rolled through her. She might not be fully recovered, but she had no doubt she’d find her way because the people she’d abandoned wouldn’t ever abandon her. “Sinclair was right. I shouldn’t have left.”

  She inhaled the scents that were uniquely The Arsenal. Faint wisps of oil, carbine, grass, and cow shit filled her nostrils. She’d missed the latter more than she’d realized. Arms wrapped around her and Zoey as Mary, Vi, Addy, Riley, Ellie, and Kamren all added themselves to the hug.

  “I missed your baby day,” Bree whispered.

  “It’s okay, I’m sure there’ll be more,” Kamren said with an amused chuckle.

  That’d been one of the most incredible moments Zoey had captured in the video—the birth of Daniel Montgomery, who’d come into the world while his Aunt Riley was undertaking her first solo case.

  “And you have kids now. That’s so awesome,” Bree whispered to Rhea.

  Her best friend had gotten an instafamily of three children. Bree couldn’t wait to meet the kids and get to know them.

  “They can’t wait to meet their Aunt Bree,” Rhea said. Everyone separated. Their men appeared at their sides. Bree took a moment to hug and greet each of them. She could spend days doing this, but she’d give herself a few hours at most because there was work to be done. A lot of work.

  She hugged Jesse the last. “Thank you.” She didn’t explain why she was thanking the amazing man. He’d understand because he’d been in the trenches of his war alone. She hadn’t fully comprehended how deep and dark it’d become, but he’d known. Even though she’d wanted to retreat from her closest friends, the man had ensured she wouldn’t be alone.

  He’d remained a steady, calm presence within her daily life. Other than Doctor Sinclair, he’d been the only one she’d talked with every day—even in the darkest times when she hadn’t wanted that contact. He’d been there, a sometimes silent sentry to listen to her rant and rave. Cry. Although he’d seen her at her weakest, even more so than Sinclair had, she knew he’d never share it with anyone.

  “Sometimes we can’t give the dark to those we love the most,” he whispered against her temple. “I’m glad I was able to give you what Levi gave me.”

  Bree knew the harrowing ordeal Jesse endured had been far worse than hers, but dark was dark. He’d held the door she’d tried to slam shut open because he’d known she’d need the light to find her way back. Even though he’d also likely known her retreat from The Arsenal was the wrong play, he hadn’t judged her. He’d listened. Cared.

  “Thank you,” she repeated, because he deserved to hear it a million times over. Did anyone else even know he’d inserted himself into her daily routine? Forty-five minutes after every daily session with Sinclair, her cell would ring. “I’m sorry I was such a bitch some days.”

  “What’s she talking about?” Zoey asked.

  Bree pulled away and swiped at her cheeks. The question answered her own. No one had known. “Sorry.”

  “You have nothing to apologize for,” Jesse said. “She’ll share when and if she wants.”

  Intensity resonated within everyone’s gazes as they moved between her and Jesse. She forced her attention to Lars and Grams, who both hovered on the outside of the large circle that’d formed around her. She made her way to them and forced a smile. “Everyone, this is my brother, Lars, and my grandma. She goes by Grams.”

  Luke plowed toward her from around the SUV. He tugged on Hillary’s arm. “I’m Luke, a superhero-in-training. The Triple Threat said so.”

  Everyone chuckled. Heat crawled up her cheeks once more. “And this is Luke and Hillary, my nephew and niece. They’ll all be staying with us for a while.”

  Grams reached up and wiped her fingers across Bree’s wet cheek. “My baby girl wasn’t okay. I saw, but not how bad it was. Sweet girl, you should’ve talked to me.”

  “I’m okay, Grams. I promise.” Silence ticked by a few moments. Bree’s pulse quickened. She hadn’t wanted her reunion to become an emotional tsunami.

  “You’re The Judge,” Luke stage whispered. His little head rocked back so he could lock gazes with Jud. His tiny hands balled into fists as he began the stare down to end all stare downs. Oh boy.

  “Luke. Don’t.”

  But the eye war was on. Jud’s lips twitched as he crouched, maintaining eye contact. Neither spoke. People around them chuckled. Vi swatted at her husband’s shoulders, but he continued the visual warfare.

  “Story time got boring,” Ram said into the silence. “Luke is pretty excited to meet all the superheroes he heard about.” The unspoken warning hung within each word as his gaze swept everyone gathered around her.

  Relief filled her as each of her friends grinned and offered a slight nod. They’d play it cool with Luke, even though being labeled a superhero was likely the last thing any of them would want. Kickass men and women like them didn’t want recognition for what they did.

  Lars made his way through handshakes with each of the men, then the women. His gaze swept toward the training field, where the rest of the commandos had halted their wor
kout and were now congregated in a circle hovering nearby.

  “That’s the rest of the commandos,” Bree offered. She waved. “Hey, everyone. I missed you.”

  A few chuckled. They all waved. She didn’t pretend to know all their names, so introductions wouldn’t happen, but she had missed them all because they were a vital part of her huge, makeshift family.

  “Let’s get your family settled in their house,” Marshall said. “Have you eaten?”

  “Does a Diet Coke and a bag of Cheetos count?” Lars asked. “That’s all she’d eat since we opted to drive through the night.”

  “You need real food,” Ram whispered as he settled a hand at her waist. “And rest.”

  Bree realized Stacia, Olaf, Kristof, and Mia were missing. Where was Levi? Her gaze swept what she could see of the compound.

  As if sensing her thoughts, Nolan cleared his throat. “Levi and his team, which includes Mia, is returning from a mission. They’ll be back later today.”

  “And Kristof took Stacia and Olaf into San Antonio,” Addy added. “They’ll return in a few hours.”

  “And where’s the newest Mason?” Bree asked. “I can’t wait to give him cuddles.”

  “He’s with Momma Mason,” Kamren said. “All the kids are. We didn’t want to overwhelm Luke and Hillary.”

  Bree glanced down at her nephew, who was still engaged in the stare down. “Luke, leave Jud be.”

  The boy’s lips thinned as he looked away. “Next time, Judge.”

  Everyone laughed. Jud’s amusement rolled out in a loud wave as he stood and hoisted the boy up. Luke squealed his delight when he went airborne. “You’re pretty good at that.”

  “Aunt Bree taught me.” Luke grinned as he looked over at her. He patted Jud’s cheek. “He’s not scary, Aunt Bree. I don’t think he used the turbo freeze on me. I didn’t feel anything.”

  When would this superhero thing end? She squeezed her eyes shut as everyone’s amusement sounded once again. Jud handed Luke over to Lars. The two men chatted, but she couldn’t hear what they said.

  Hillary wrapped her arms around Bree’s leg. Vi and Mary both crouched down and smiled at the little girl as she tucked herself behind Bree.

  “She’s a bit shy,” Bree said.

  “I remember someone else who’d hide behind me,” Grams commented. “She’ll grow out of it.”

  “Hi there, sweetie. I’m your Aunt Mary, and this is Aunt Vi. What’s your friend’s name?”

  Bree glanced down and noticed the doll Hillary clutched in her left arm. Hillary kissed the top of its head. Her soft voice came out hesitant. “Mollie. She’s a princess, like me.” The girl ran her hand down her wrinkled, pink dress.

  “You want to go see your castle?” Vi asked. “We’ll need you to tell us if we forgot something.”

  Hillary nodded and took a step forward. “Mollie likes tea parties.”

  “Who doesn’t?” Jud asked. “I’ve got a princess of my own. I could use some help learning what she’ll need.”

  The girl nodded once again and held out her hand to Vi. The woman stood and grasped it. “Then let’s go see the castle.”

  3

  Ram was glad most everyone offered their welcomes and left as Bree and her family headed toward the house. Although it wasn’t as close to Bree’s cottage as he’d wanted, it was the nearest of that size available. He knew the women and their men had worked most of the day getting it ready for their arrival, but he hadn’t expected it to be as filled as it had been.

  They’d decked the largest bedroom in royalty worthy decorations. A pale purple curtain divided the room between the princess’s section and the young prince’s. Both children had loved everything included in the room, from the small castle-like dollhouse to the dragons adorning the walls.

  “This is perfect,” Bree whispered. “How did they know?”

  “You mentioned their playtime once,” Jesse said. “I told Ellie. Everything fell into place after that.”

  Lars stood in the middle of the room, where the curtains had been drawn back. Head down, hand at his neck, the man’s internal struggle to maintain his composure was etched into his entire body. Grams sat on the end of the princess bed and stroked the bright purple curtains surrounding the area.

  “Thank you.” Bree hugged Ellie.

  “It was a group effort,” the woman said. “I think the men took this as a challenge or a dry run for their own kids. Prepare yourself. Your niece and nephew are about to be spoiled rotten.”

  Ram chuckled. They’d walked through each room and let Grams inspect everything, from the large kitchen filled with the newest appliances, to the living room filled with gaming consoles and a large television.

  Her bedroom and Lars’ both had a private retreat area with a recliner and television, along with whatever they’d each enjoy. Ram suspected Doug had helped with Grams’ since a sewing station filled with material, thread, and all the other supplies was visible in a large cabinet against the far wall.

  While Ram was thankful Bree’s family loved the home, his sole concern was the beautiful woman fighting hard to maintain her composure. She drooped against him where they stood just inside the kids’ bedroom.

  “Come on, let’s get you something to eat before you crash,” he whispered against her cheek.

  “Just a few more minutes,” she argued.

  “They’ll have all the time they want to explore later. Let’s go.” He took her hand and turned toward the door.

  “Come on, let’s go eat,” Lars said.

  “We can have a tea party here,” Luke argued. “I can protect everyone with my sword.” He wielded the toy and pointed it at his dad.

  Ram ignored the banter around him as he steered Bree out of the house and toward one of the golf carts. Jesse and Ellie piled in. He took off before the woman beside him could argue. Everyone would follow or eat later.

  “How are you doing, Ellie?” Bree asked.

  “Great. I’m probably the only pregnant woman who loves morning sickness,” she said. “Each bout is a reminder of how blessed I am.”

  Ram couldn’t be happier for Jesse and Ellie. He knew all the operatives around The Arsenal wanted to ask questions about the pregnancy, namely because most thought Jesse couldn’t even have sex. But none of that was anyone’s business, so he was glad Addy had thrown down a gauntlet and warned everyone not to ask either of them anything. No one wanted to piss off the lethal operative, so the moratorium had held. So far.

  “Ariana is going to be a great big sister,” Bree said. “And you will be the best parents. Don’t tell anyone I said that, though. I shouldn’t have favorites.”

  Jesse chuckled.

  Ram parked the cart beside the mess hall’s main entrance and glanced behind him. Another three carts were pulling up. He draped an arm around Bree as they made their way inside. “How are you holding up?”

  “I’m a little overwhelmed,” she admitted. “I’m glad to be back, but I…” She paused and glanced back. “I feel so guilty about leaving in the first place.”

  Red rose in her cheeks as she looked down. He touched her chin and gently pulled up until he had her full attention. “Don’t ever be embarrassed to tell me whatever you’re feeling. I’m in your corner no matter what. There’s nothing you can’t share. No judgment. Okay?”

  She nodded. “There’s so much we need to do. I know this is the best place for my family to be, but I feel terrible because I know I won’t have the time to spend with them.”

  “There’ll be a ton of people surrounding them,” Ram said. “They’ll find their own way while you’re finding yours.” He wanted to ask about her parents, but he forced the question from his thoughts.

  Midmorning scents assailed them as they entered the dining area. Some opted for a late breakfast while others had prepared lunch instead, if the scents of freshly fried bacon and taco meat were any indication. Tables to the far left held Warrior’s Path participants. An unspoken rule left the entire section to
those who wanted very little contact with Arsenal operatives.

  Ram admired the brave men and women who’d come here to combat the remnants of service. He’d offered to help with the program however he could, but he knew Nolan and Jesse had brought in the best people around to help.

  Momma Mason drew Bree into a hug when they were halfway into the large mess hall. Her expressive gaze studied the woman beside him a moment, then she kissed her cheek and headed toward her family.

  Bree turned, as if to assist in introductions. He squeezed her shoulders. “Let them be, sweetheart. They’re safe here. You can’t be their emissary all the time.”

  “We just got here. I can’t abandon them.”

  “You aren’t,” Ellie said. “They’ll sit with us. Momma Mason has been looking forward to meeting Grams. They’ll be as thick as thieves in minutes.”

  Momma Mason hadn’t ever met a stranger. Her open heart and soul-deep love for everyone at the compound had rooted the operatives in familial love. Hell, it was the first time a virtual stranger had treated him like a son. She was more of a mother than he’d ever had.

  “What do you want to eat?” Ram asked. “Sit, and I’ll get you a plate.”

  “Tacos. Lots and lots of tacos,” she whispered. “I missed those the most.”

  “I know what she likes. I’ll help,” Ellie offered.

  Ram knew exactly how Bree fixed her tacos. He’d learned everything about the beautiful scientist from a distance—a fact he wouldn’t share with her or anyone else because it was likely either pathetic or downright stalkerish. He waited until she’d sat at the largest table to the right before heading into the massive kitchen area. Grabbing a plate and a tray, he got to work making her tacos.

  “You know how she likes them,” Ellie said with a smile.

  He dolloped sour cream on the three meat, cheese, lettuce, and tomato laden creations and grunted. Jesse got to work beside him. The quiet man made no comment as they worked their way toward the desserts.