Delta Salvation (Phantom Force, Book 1) (7 page)

“Did I interrupt you doing something important?”

Feminine laughter sounded through the phone. “You could say that. Whatcha need?”

“We tracked Jase to Mexico.”

Kai let his words fall into silence.

“He’s not stupid enough to go down there, man. Y’all didn’t go chasing shadows did you? Just a second, darlin.”

The sound of fabric shuffling let Kai know Rowan was still in bed. “When’s the last time you talked to Jase?”

“Are you accusing me of something, Kayan?” Rowan’s voice went deeper.

“I’m not accusing you, brother, I’m asking. Your number was found in his. I’m asking as a courtesy if he’s made contact or tried to make contact at all since he escaped Leavenworth.”

Rowan’s growl would’ve scared a lesser man. “I don’t even know what the fuckhead’s number is. My answer is no, I have not spoken to, nor has he left a message for me. I can check my cell, but I’ve missed a shit-ton of calls in the past few months. Hell, I miss calls all the damn time. If you don’t leave me a message, then you don’t want to talk to me badly enough is my motto. You want to come down here, and ask me face to face if I’m a traitor like that bastard? Then come on down, boy, but you best believe I will kick your ass once you realize I ain’t no traitor.”

A sigh escaped Kai as the plane finally came to a stop. “I don’t need to, Rowan. I know you’re not. I also am not stupid enough to come down there and get my ass handed to me by you. Fuck, I hate having that bastard out there, or actually here on U.S. soil, more than likely right under our noses.”

“My mate says you’re a dumbass, but that I need to calm down cause you’re just trying to save a bunch of lives or some shit. What I can tell you is that Jase’s scent was faint back at the compound, meaning he’d been gone for some time before we came in. I can also tell you he is nothing like me, if that helps you at all.” Rowan’s voice trailed off and he could hear Lyric in the background.

“Hiya, Kai,” Lyric said.

Kai looked up to the heavens thinking he didn’t want a woman if he became a sap like Rowan. “Hello, Ms. Carmichael.”

“I’m going to give you some free advice. One...don’t ever doubt Rowan again, or I’ll hunt you down and take a bite out of your ass you won’t get back. Two...if you need our help, we are only a call away, but only if you don’t piss me off,” Lyric growled.

Yeah, Kai didn’t think he’d be calling on Rowan and his new family anytime soon.

“I will keep that in mind, Lyric. Can you let Rowan know I’ll be in touch?”

“Sure thing, sugar.”

After he hung up he felt like he’d just went a round with a heavy weight champion.

“You look a little green around the gills. I’m assuming from your side of the convo, that Rowan most def didn’t talk to Tyler, and his little lady is now gunning for your balls.” Oz threw his arm around Kai’s shoulder.

“That pretty much sums up the conversation. I think the woman he fell for might already be planning my funeral.”

Tay passed them. “Big difference is, she probably already has the coffin picked out.”

“Nah, they burn their dead,” Coyle laughed.

Fuck, he really wanted to smack them all upside their heads, but he was going to need his entire team to have their wits about them.

“It’ll take us less than twenty minutes to get to Rapid City, give or take a few more to get to our locations. I want us to rendezvous at the apartment building in two hours. That should give you three time to get info, and be back to hear what JoJo had to say. I plan to make that boy sweat.” Kai truly did like the younger SEAL. He and his partner had always seemed solid. If they found out either man was in league with Jase, Kai wouldn’t think twice about turning them over to Commander Lee.

“Don’t underestimate either man. They are both top notch in the field, along with Mad and Dex. What’s the name of their other team member?” Sully asked.

Raising his eyebrows, Kai stepped onto the tarmac. “Hailey Ashley,” Kai said.

“There’s a saying about not trusting someone with two first names.”

Oz looked around the group. “Can someone please throat punch Coyle?”

“Why? What did I say?” Coyle side stepped Sully’s fist.

Chapter Four

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A
lexa finished her dinner, looking around the crowded bar at the mix of people, and realized she could fit in there. Heck, if she tried really hard, she could fit in anywhere. She’d never allowed herself to relax her guard enough to make real relationships, always expecting them to leave her. Starting now, all that was in the past.

She motioned for her check, wanting to head home. A good night’s rest would go a long way to starting tomorrow out on the right foot.

“You ready for a drink? I have three gentlemen ready to buy you one.”

A moment passed before she unglued her tongue from the roof of her mouth. “Oh, um, I would love to, but I have to work tomorrow and I’m driving. Please tell them thank you.” Alexa smiled, a real one that felt good. This whole fitting in thing was going to be easier than she’d thought.

After paying her bill, she stood with more confidence. The feeling of being watched didn’t bother her, assuming it was one or all of the men who’d wanted to buy her a drink. At the door, she remembered her life wasn’t all sunshine and roses, and stopped before she exited. There was still crazy people out there. She’d never again take life for granted, and that meant safety first.

Fishing her keys out, eyes alert for danger, Alexa began walking paying attention to her surroundings. The well-lit parking lot was filled to maximum capacity with cars parked all around her little Honda. A big truck was too close for comfort on the driver’s side, but on the passenger side there was a smaller compact that had a clear view inside. On instinct, she went around to that side and climbed over the console. “I may look like an idiot shimmying over the bucket seats, but I feel much better.” Again, she realized she was talking to herself and hit the automatic locks as she started the car.

The food and events of the past few weeks began to catch up with her as she drove, yawning she missed her turn, but shrugged, glad she’d mapped out alternate ways home earlier. It took an extra ten minutes, and she was actually glad to pull up and have the valet guy there. She wondered how many hours he worked in one shift, then figured he was probably ready to clock out.

“Would you like me to help you unload your things onto a cart before I take this down to the garage?”

Alexa looked at his name tag before answering. “I don’t have a lot, but I’d really appreciate that, Blake, thanks.”

His smile seemed forced, but again she figured it was due to him ready to end his shift. She opened the glove box and pushed the button for the trunk while Blake went to get the roll cart. Damn, he had a mighty fine ass. Alexa pocketed her keys and walked to the back of the car, intent on helping him.

“I got this,” Blake said.

His rude tone made her ire rise. “Listen, buddy. I can get my own shit, if you just stand back, then I’ll hand you my keys and you can park the fucking car, or I can do that, too.”

“Whoa, chill. I didn’t mean to upset you.” Blake held up his hands.

She reached in for one of the used suitcases she’d packed before leaving Chicago. “You didn’t upset me, I’m just done putting up with jackholes is all.”

Blake chuckled. “I think we’ll get along just fine. I’m truly sorry. I sorta got my ass chewed out earlier, and I took it out on you. My sincere apology. Now, let me get these for you.” He took the last two bags and set them on the cart.

Alexa stared at his palm as he held it out, finally realizing he was waiting for her keys. “It’s fine. We all have bad days. Just try not to take it out on the innocent next time.”

A strange look passed over his face and then was gone. “Will do. I’ll push this in and JoJo can help you up with them while I park your car.”

“I got it. No need for you to...” she trailed off as Blake ignored her, pushing the lock button on her car and walked into the building with her things. Too tired to complain, she followed after him.

“Yo, JoJo, our girls back and has her stuff. You need to take it up for her. She looks ready to fall flat on her beautiful face.” Blake winked over his shoulder.

Throwing up her hands in defeat, she watched JoJo stroll out of an office, his short hair looking perfectly styled and grabbed the cart from Blake. “Welcome back. I hope you found what you needed, Alexa.”

“Oh, yeah. All is good. I can make it to work tomorrow with no problems.”

JoJo nodded, but he looked as strained as Blake had. Again, she figured they were both ready to get off of work.

The usually chatty guy, or at least she thought he was usually chatty was quiet on the way up. A pensive expression on his too handsome face. When he didn’t seem inclined to talk she stayed quiet until they reached her door. “Thanks, JoJo. Have a good night.”

“I’ll help you unload and then take the cart back down with me.”

She unlocked the door, holding it while he pushed her luggage inside, gazing around the space. “Do you need anything else?” He asked.

“I’m going to shower then hit the hay.”

“Sounds like a solid plan. Have a good night.”

She stared at his back, the stiffness in his shoulders very expressive.

“Be sure and lock your doors. Although this is a secure building, we still tell our tenants it’s better to be safe than sorry.” He gave a brief smile and wave, standing out in the hallway.

Alexa hurried to the door, wanting to smack her forehead, and did as he said. She assured herself she’d have locked all the locks, and for good measure she pulled one of the chairs from the dining room in front of the door, and lodged it under the handle. If someone was intent on getting in, they’d have a hard time getting past all that.

Inside her bedroom she unpacked her bathroom bag and opened her suitcase, pulling out an outfit that didn’t need ironing. A quick shower later, and then she was climbing between the cool sheets. She prayed her sleep would be uninterrupted. Since her attack, it was a toss-up if she’d sleep a full night, let alone if she’d be plagued with nightmares. One of the great things about ma’am and her training was she felt marginally better about taking care of an attacker. Not much, but a little bit. At least now she knew where to strike for maximum damage.

Rolling over, she punched her pillow, an image of the tall dark man who’d captivated her appeared in her vision. Kai Swift. He was every woman’s dream come to life, or at least hers. He reminded her of Jason Momoa and the Rock mixed together, and holy shit didn’t that just make her all tingly inside. Rolling back over she tried to erase the image of him. A man like that wouldn’t want a damaged woman like her.

What seemed like hours later, she finally fell into a dream filled sleep.

****

K
ai entered the apartment building, knowing Alexa lived just a few stories up did nothing to calm him. Since finding Dex’s number in Jase’s phone, Tay had been working nonstop, digging into the other man’s life. What they found didn’t set off any of their radars, yet something wasn’t right. He wouldn’t do anything until he met with the other team, and assess them for himself. Jase could have fabricated the entire thing. A sort of red herring just to throw them off, or to fuck with their minds. One thing the man was clearly good at was mind fucking them.

“How’s it going, JoJo?” Kai eyed the shorter man.

JoJo met his stare. “I’m level, man. You?”

His respect for the other man went up a notch. “Good to hear. Where’s your partner?” He’d expected to see Blake out front acting as a doorman. That was his cover for the op, and was a little displeased when the other man was nowhere to be seen.

“He wasn’t outside?” JoJo stepped around the counter.

Instantly Kai’s stance changed to battle ready.

“Dude, I ain’t stupid.” JoJo raised his hands. “Blake was outside just ten minutes ago. Check the feed if you don’t believe me.”

Tay looked to Kai for permission before stepping around them. “Why weren’t you watching his back?”

Kai waited for him to answer Tay’s question, watching both men’s expressions.

“I got a call from Mad. He said Dex was sick, so it was just he and Hailey today trailing after Ms. Gordon. I said that was fine. She was at the Steinem building and figured she’d be safe there. If she left they were to call me. I had just hung up when you walked in. Less than ten minutes had passed since the last time I talked to Blake. Now, have you found anything on the fucking feed, man, or do I need to look?” JoJo’s voice had taken on a shaky quality.

Recognition hit Kai. JoJo and Blake were more than just partners on a team. “Find anything, Tay?”

“You ain’t gonna like it, Cap, but we got a problem.” Tay turned the monitor around for Kai to see. A figure dressed in black walked up behind Blake. The man was a couple inches taller than their operative, and with a needle in hand shoved it into his neck. Within seconds, Blake dropped onto the concrete, his head smashing without a care.

JoJo whimpered. “Shit, I need to find Blake.”

Kai didn’t wait to see anymore, he strode out the door, the pooling blood still warm. “Fuck it all.”

Tay stood over him guarding his six, while JoJo squatted next to him. “From the video he was lifted and taken back around the corner, then thrown into a van. So fucking cliché, man.”

Anxiety laced the other SEAL’s words. However, Kai wasn’t sure if he trusted them or not. He reached over and squeezed his shoulder. “We’ll get him back. Tay, pull up the cameras surrounding the building.” Standing, he dialed Commander Lee, walking a few paces away conscious there could be a sniper in any of the buildings surrounding them. “Sir, we have a problem.” In as few words as possible, he outlined the situation. With a promise of backup, Commander Lee hung up.

Dialing Oz, Kai waited for the other man to answer, then quickly called Coyle.

“Hey, Cap. Don’t have time to talk right now.” Coyle’s deep baritone voice sounded strained.

“What’s going on?” Kai went back inside. “Lock it down, boys.” He motioned to JoJo, watching his expression at being ordered around.