by Zoe Dawson
Pleasantly full and hydrated for the first time in two days, Emma watched as Derrick dropped off immediately. Her knuckles still tingled from his mouth and she thought immediately about that disrupted kiss, wondering where it would have gone if they hadn’t been interrupted. That thought sent a flood of tingles sizzling through her.
There was something building between them, but even more still left unsaid. And if she couldn’t get her mind around what exactly this was, then it was going to spell disaster for both of them. A fling wasn’t out of the realm of possibility but would be so damn stupid on her part. To get involved with a man she was working with, who was her ticket to this venture in the first place, seemed even dumber. If things went south or didn’t…she couldn’t even contemplate that. Best to keep her mind on what they were here to accomplish.
She closed her eyes, absorbing his closeness. She thought his appeal would diminish once they were safe, but it was clear that her attraction to Derrick was much more grounded than hero worship. Much more connected than hormones. When she was this close to him, all she could feel was safe, and that only seemed as dangerous as hell.
NCIS Headquarters
Camp Pendleton, California
“It’s late, Austin and Amber. Go on home,” Kai said from her desk.
Austin’s relief after Derrick’s call was subsiding as he looked over at Amber. She nodded and they rose together. Derrick might be a pain in his ass, might be hard as nails and twice as wily, but the thought of losing him made Austin’s throat contract. He’d been with Derrick on most of their cases, and dammit, they’d bonded. As much as Derrick would allow them to bond, that is. He was one tough son of a bitch.
Austin turned back, then he and Amber said in unison, “We could back up Derrick down in Mexico.”
Austin smiled and Amber laughed.
“It’s not like we aren’t all thinking this,” Kai said. “We can serve him better here, giving him backup. He can handle himself. He’s already proven that by being resourceful. Go home, get some sleep.”
Amber grabbed her bag and Austin jingled his car keys. They headed for the elevator. “Thanks for offering. Both of you,” Kai said as she turned off her desk lamp.
Austin and Amber entered the elevator. They rode down to the lobby in silence. Amber said as they exited the elevator, “He is smart as hell.”
“He is,” Austin agreed. “Brilliant and slick.” He squeezed her shoulder. “He’ll be fine. I’ll see you tomorrow.” Amber smiled and waved as she walked away.
As Austin got into his car, his cell phone rang. He looked at the display and activated the call. “Derrick. You all right?”
Derrick’s soft puff of air on a laugh eased Austin’s nerves. “Yeah, worrywart. I’m fine.”
“And the PI?”
Derrick’s voice softened. “She does have a name. Emma’s asleep.”
Oh, that was new. They hadn’t been the best of friends when they’d left to go on this mission. Now, it was Emma. Interesting, that inflection of affection in his voice. Derrick was usually more guarded than that, so did that mean he wasn’t aware of it? Hard to believe, the man was so self-possessed. “Why aren’t you?”
“I was, but I woke up. It’s occurred to me that we are probably compromised. The Ortegas probably know we’re coming. I don’t know what that means for the kid. It’s got my gut tied up in knots just thinking about it. What’s going on there?”
“Kai is talking with the Mexican government. They aren’t very happy about what happened to you. Los Equis is considered the most dangerous of the cartels in the area. They would like to see Gilberto Ortega, his son, and the rest of that drug outfit eradicated.”
There was the sound of crunching as if Derrick was walking on gravel. “Yeah, and why haven’t they accomplished that?”
“Corruption.” Austin started his car. “So watch your back and don’t trust anyone.”
“I never do.”
“Derrick—”
“Except you guys. You know that, right? I know you’ve got my back.”
That eased some tension in Austin’s gut. “You going soft, Derrick?”
“No, I’m going to kick your ass when I get home.”
Austin chuckled. “You can try. Hey, be careful, huh? Amber and I don’t want to have to break in a new guy.”
“Yeah? All right. I’ll talk to you later.”
Chapter Eight
Just outside Santa Ana, Mexico
After waking, getting some chilaquiles, eggs, pulled chicken, and salsa over quartered corn tortillas and using a gas station’s questionable facilities, they drove in companionable silence. It was amazing to him how luminous Emma was first thing in the morning. They both still looked a bit worse for wear with their dirty and ripped clothes. Derrick had switched out his bloody shirt for the still dirty, but blood-free one that they’d used to lure the chopper in. He itched a bit and his arm still hurt, but both had lessened quite a bit. He was thankful for his quick thinking in grabbing their backpacks. Without the water and much needed first-aid supplies, it could have ended a lot differently.
When they got to the outskirts of Hermosillo, the capital city of the state of Sonora, Derrick drove to the nearest junkyard and sold the truck for scrap. On his way out of the facility, he dropped the plates into a metal shredder.
“You think that’s enough to make sure they don’t follow us? I’m starting to get a twinge of remorse for duping that gas station owner. What if the cartel takes out their frustration on him like they did with that poor hotel owner?”
Derrick snorted. “He looked like he knew the score. He’ll probably sell both the helicopter and information back to the cartel.”
She sighed, tidying her hair and, without a mirror, pulled that mass of red hair into a ponytail. “You’re probably right.”
It was hard to believe she looked so good after two days in the same clothes and after being chased through the desert by murderous thugs. A closer inspection would reveal the wrinkled cargo pants, the smudged shirt, the tiny lines of fatigue feathering the corners of her eyes and tugging at the edges of her mouth. But all he could see was how pink and inviting those lips were and the rosy glow flushing her cheeks. “I know you want to think the best of people. But it’s easier to think the worst. At least, that’s kept me alive.”
It was a cynical way to look at the world, but Derrick really hadn’t had a different view. “I’m not naive, Derrick. I just like to think there are good people in this world.”
“There may be, but there are also plenty of baddies.”
She gave him a look that said she couldn’t argue with that. “Let’s grab a cab. Find a nice hotel. Rest and recharge a little.”
She lifted one eyebrow but said nothing as she took his hand, making Derrick smile. “I wasn’t implying anything…physical,” he said.
The corner of her mouth curved. “It has been more than physical enough for me. Thank you very much.” But her rebuttal came out in a breathless rush of air.
It’s never been…whatever this is, he wanted to say. Not this overwhelming attraction. He’d fallen for Afsana, but it had been in a more subdued, understated way. Emma made him feel…reckless. But when she looked down and dusted at the tails of her shirt, as if suddenly thinking about that, as well, he opted to leave it alone.
“A hot shower, a hot meal—”
“Oh, yes. Please,” she said instantly, her blue eyes sparking to life.
“Let’s go, then.” He took her hand, and they went around to the front of the building, grabbing the next cab. “I’ll check in with Kai and from there, we’ll figure out our next move. I’m sure she’s had time to confer with the government agents assigned to us.”
“I do realize that we’ve probably tipped them off that we’re searching for Matty. But they don’t really know that for sure. There were two murders in La Mesa, after all.”
“All that is true, Emma. Doesn’t mean we’re going to stop just because we have targets on ou
r backs.” He got them both settled in the backseat. “The nearest hotel, please,” he instructed the driver. “A good one,” he amended.
The driver smiled as he glanced back at them.
“Plenty of stars?”
“Sí,” Emma piped in.
He nodded and pulled into traffic.
“What time does the mall open?” she asked the cabbie. When he told her ten o’clock, she said, “Change of plans,” as she glanced at her watch. “Take us there.”
Derrick groaned, and the cabbie laughed.
She nudged him with her elbow. “I want clean clothes to go along with that shower. We don’t have a stitch left. I had some expensive clothes in my luggage. Not to mention my sister gave me that suitcase for Christmas.”
He did, too, but it was the cost of finding her nephew.
He dropped them in front of the Galerías, a typical mall. “We should split up. It will be faster. You get what you need, and I’ll do the same. We can meet back at this information kiosk.” He hesitated. The idea of them separating didn’t appeal to him. And he had to admit to himself it had more to do with personal reasons than anything to do with her safety. He doubted the cartel had trailed them here. But that did nothing to diminish his need to keep her close.
“Derrick?”
Emma wasn’t exactly fragile or helpless, which was a great part of why he was drawn to her. But that didn’t make him feel any less conflicted. He wasn’t used to feeling so proprietary or giving so much thought to a woman of late.
Partnerships could be tricky at times; he knew that from working with Austin and Amber, discovering their boundaries and limits, as well as developing trust and faith, especially for a former spook who didn’t really trust a soul. But with Emma there was the added emotional element, which was as huge as it was confusing. It was the part that wasn’t rational or reasonable, more like a primal directive to protect and defend. He snorted at himself. Had he just gone back in time millions of years? Neanderthal.
“Sure,” he responded. “Good idea.” He stared after her as she disappeared among the racks of clothing, thinking about that, which led him to think about what would likely happen if they were in the same hotel room. Realizing he was wasting time, he headed for the closest upscale men’s store and started shopping.
Two hours later all the new clothes, underthings and toiletries were stashed in their newly purchased luggage—a suitcase for Emma and an easy to carry bag for Derrick. The cab eased into a circular drive in front of a modern-looking hotel. It stopped at the entrance, and several bellmen immediately moved in their direction. “I can’t decide whether I want food or a shower first. Maybe I’ll just eat in the shower,” she said as she took the bellman’s hand and slid out of the vehicle.
He smiled at Emma as his door was opened. He could see the fatigue etched on her face quite clearly now, and knew he didn’t look much better. He put his hand on her lower back as the bellman held the lobby door for them. Once inside they headed for the registration desk, the clerk looking askance at their dirty and sweaty appearance.
To explain their state, Derrick had a story ready about their car breaking down and how they had to walk for miles. When it came time to decide on the room, he didn’t hesitate. “One room, please.” Emma glanced at him, but like in Santa Ana, she didn’t say anything. It was probably “safer” for them to get separate rooms, but Derrick decided it was better to be together. They were mature adults. They could handle this.
With room keys in hand, they headed for the elevator, the bellman trailing behind. Emma leaned in and said, “That was so convincing I almost believed it.”
He chuckled as they stepped inside for the brief ride up. Once inside their room with their luggage and the bellman handled, Derrick indicated the bathroom with his hand. “You go first. I’ll order. Just decide what you would like.”
“The menu.”
He walked over to the table in the room and picked up the menu. “No,” she said with a smile. “The whole menu.”
He chuckled as she took it out of his hands, her stomach growling. “Breakfast didn’t go far enough.”
“We were in survival mode for a couple of days. We need to refuel.”
She nodded absently as she looked at the menu, then told him her order, disappearing into the bathroom.
With one lingering look at the closed bathroom door and imagining what she was doing right about now, he turned away and pressed the numbers on his phone.
“Naval Medical Center, ICU, Lieutenant Keenan speaking.”
“Lieutenant Keenan, this is Special Agent Derrick Gunn inquiring as to the status of Petty Officer Lily St. John.”
“I’m afraid she’s still in a coma and unresponsive. But she’s stable,” she said in a no-nonsense voice.
“Thank you, Lieutenant.”
He hung up and then sent a call to Austin. He picked up on the first ring. “Hey, we were just about to call you. Here’s Kai.”
A moment passed and Kai’s voice came on the line. “Did you make it okay?”
“Yes, We’re in the hotel now. We weren’t followed.”
“Good. So, I’ve consulted with Inspector Reyes and Agent Velasco and they both say you should stay put and they’ll come to you. Once you’ve had a chance to touch base, they’ll escort you to Caliche by plane. They can smooth your way through security with your sidearms. So take time to rest and regroup. They will be there first thing tomorrow morning. Don’t worry about the government-issued car.”
“Yes, boss lady,” he replied. “About the car…yeah, that was taken along with our luggage. I managed to salvage my go bag, tablet, and we both have our cells. We still both have our documents and money along with my badge.”
“Well, you’re going to have to submit paperwork for the car.”
“Will do.”
“And Derrick, stay alert once you get to Caliche.” His eyes snagged on her bag open on the bed, lacy and frilly things visible. He closed his eyes and turned away. “It’s stable, but lawless. The cartel runs roughshod over a lot of the local law enforcement.”
“I’ve been in worse places,” he murmured.
“Well, now you’re working for me, and that’s an order.”
“Copy that. Can I speak to Austin?”
“Of course, touch base when you get to Caliche. Bye, Derrick.”
There was another short silence, then Austin said, “Yeah, what’s up?”
“Delve deeper into the Ortegas and get me anything you find on them. I like to know who I’m going up against in detail. Especially weaknesses.” Derrick sat on the bed. “And, find out who that teen killer is, Austin. Like yesterday,” he growled.
“I’m working on it. Okay? Cool your jets. I know what’s at stake,” Austin said defensively. “How are you and Emma holding up?”
“We’re making do,” Derrick said, unable to lose the edge to his words.
Austin lowered his voice and Derrick could imagine him at his desk, swiveling around so his back was to the office. “I couldn’t help overhearing that tone in your voice or miss the way you looked at her…ah, when you weren’t glaring at her.” He lowered his voice even more. “You getting along with this woman?”
“Yeah, she’s special. Very professional. I think I did her an injustice by generalizing her job.”
The water shut off and Derrick focused desperately on the conversation, trying to keep his mind completely off clean, damp skin as the terrycloth slid over it, soaking up every drop. “Oh, okay, it’s like that.”
Austin and Amber were the two people closest to him, knew him the best and that was saying something. Along with Kai, they were the longest long-term coworkers/friendships he’d ever had, except for a few CIA officers he still had contact with. “Uh, Austin. It’s not like anything.” Anything I’ve ever known, anyway.
“Sure, it isn’t. You’re too suave and slick to get snagged by a beautiful, smart and savvy woman.”
Derrick remained silent, still reluctant
to even engage in this type of banter with his coworker. He was still struggling with their connection. He’d never experienced anything like the laid-back surfer, but Austin’s mind was as ridiculously agile as his hands. The most evolved technology, along with mechanical objects of all sizes and complexity, bowed before his amazing, inborn talents.
The blow-dryer sounded. “Stay loose, surfer boy, and wipe that damn, smug-ass grin off your face.”
His voice was filled with that smug-ass grin. “I’ll be in touch when I come up with more information.” Then he clicked off.
The door opened and Emma stepped out, her hair straight and loose, her bangs fluffed from the blow-dryer. She looked…pensive, but when she passed him, she gave him a smile. “All yours.” She smelled deliciously female, and he wanted to bury his nose in her hair.
Instead, he watched as she opened the sliding glass door and went onto the balcony. Ten minutes later he stepped out of the hottest shower he’d taken in a long time, happy to be clean, but not feeling as rejuvenated as he’d hoped. He was worried and probably overanalyzing everything.
He didn’t need any more distractions after having been through the emotional roller coaster of the past couple of days. He came out of the bedroom and she was still standing on the balcony. Grabbing a pair of boxer briefs, he put them on under the towel. Then a pair of khaki shorts. He rubbed the towel over his hair and threw it on the bed as he passed. Slipping onto the balcony, he saw the city stretch off into urban sprawl below them. He said, “I called the medical center. Your sister is the same, but the nurse said she was stable.”
She looked at him over her shoulder. “Thank you.” Her shoulders were a little curved, arms folded across her middle, her gaze on the city below. “Do you think we messed up, Derrick? Showed our hand, and it’s going to be doubly hard to find Matty?”
He knew it was fatigue and worry talking, but it still made him wish he had a better handle on the situation, and better options available. He wished he could find her nephew and return him to her. “We’ll find him, Emma. I swear it. Let’s not give up before we’ve even begun.”