CHAPTER THIRTY
The explosion rocked the Osprey just a bit, forcing her pilots to swerve left, then right. As the men leaned toward the windows to see the handiwork of their ex-ghost, they all smiled at him.
“Well done, Marcel. Uncle Pierre will be pleased with you,” laughed Rett.
“It was spectacular, was it not? I must say, I now understand why he is so utterly addicted to sinking ships in this manner. Had I possessed these tricks, I would have ruled the world.” The men all raised their brows at him, smirking. “Oh. Not that I would want to rule the world. God awful job. No one wants that.”
“I do have a question,” said Leo. “Why not just shoot them all from the ship immediately? Why let them know who killed them?”
“We didn’t tell them who we were,” said CJ. “But killing someone without facing them isn’t a noble death for anyone. Facing your enemy so that your image is burned in their brain seems much more cruel. She needed to know that we weren’t there for the cargo. The cargo meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. It was the killing of our brothers.”
“It was really an honor watching all of you work. I truly can’t wait to be a part of your team in a few months.”
“We’re ready for you, Leo. Just a question,” smirked Matt. “Are you married? Girlfriend? Anyone you’re interested in?”
“No. Is that a problem? I mean, I just never seemed to have the time to develop a serious relationship with anyone.”
“It’s not a problem for us,” laughed Kev, “just beware of Mama Irene and Claudette.”
“I’m not sure what any of that means, but believe me, I’d be happy to have someone fix me up with a nice young woman. I seem to attract all the wrong kind even when I’m not trying to attract them.”
The others just chuckled, shaking their heads.
“Food is ready,” said Hiro. “They stocked us with the good stuff. Let’s eat.”
“Eat and then rest,” said Ham. “CJ is about to go home and celebrate his marriage.”
“Oh, shit! I forgot,” he grinned. “I’m married.”
The team was greeted by the senior leadership team, thrilled that everyone had survived the mission that ended as well as expected.
“Cyprus police reported that the ship exploded due to illegal cargo stored incorrectly,” said Cam. “They also said more than forty individuals were killed by bullets that were fired during the explosion from the open cargo hold. Including a woman.”
“What about Irena?” asked CJ.
“She spilled it all for leniency. What she hasn’t figured out yet is that all that means is she’ll get two consecutive life sentences instead of the death penalty. If I had to guess, she’ll be dead before the trial begins,” said Eric.
“Intentionally?” asked CJ.
“Not this time,” said Hex. “We let the living family members of Fayha, Messina, and Tehren know through an anonymous tip that Irena was very much alive and in prison. I’m going to guess they’ll handle this business for us.”
“How did Leo do?” asked Luke.
“Damn fine. He’s a natural. It’s going to take some time to beat the conformity and formality out of him, but he’ll be great once that’s done. He’s also single,” laughed CJ.
“Oh, shit. Don’t tell Grandma,” smirked Luke.
“Don’t tell Grandma what?” said Irene, sneaking up on the boys. They all jumped, gripping their chests.
“Grandma!”
“Mama Irene!”
“What? Don’t you think I listen to Trak and Hiro? I need to be sneaky sometimes too. Now, don’t tell me what? Spill it.”
“We have a new man joining the team. Leo Hunt. He’ll be here in a few months. He’s, umm, single.”
“Single,” she smiled. “Is he handsome?”
“I don’t know, kind of,” frowned CJ.
“It won’t matter. I’ve got some thoughts in mind. You boys sure know how to make an old woman happy.” She waved and walked away, and they all squirmed.
“She might be happy, but Leo might end up hating us all.” CJ just laughed at Hex then caught sight of Jill walking toward him. She had a smile on her face, but she also looked different.
“Hey,” he said, hugging her, kissing her passionately. “I missed you.”
“I missed you too. I was listening to everything but didn’t want you to know. It’s done.”
“It’s done, baby. Tim knew everything. So did Adam. They were working together to stop Alana. They didn’t know about the sisters.”
“I heard. I feel a little better. I just wish he would have been honest with me. I could have reached out to Ham for help.”
“It’s done now. Are you okay?” he asked, feeling concern for her.
“I am. I mean, I think I am. It really depends on you.”
“On me?”
“CJ, I’m not sure what is in the water here or how things work or, well, anything! But I’m pregnant. I got sick twice after you left, and Gray made me take a pregnancy test. It’s as positive as it can be.”
“And did you think I’d be upset by that?” he smiled. “Honey, when I said I was all in, one hundred percent, I meant it. We’re having a baby.”
“Two,” said Kelsey, walking by them with a laugh and a smile, “you’re having two babies.”
“Twins?” he asked with wide eyes. He spotted his parents and waved them over, his great-grandfather walking with them. “We’re having twins! Twins!”
The entire grove erupted in laughter and applause.
“You’re really happy?” asked Jill.
“Honey, there is nothing that would make me happier except if you were pregnant with three.”
“Do not wish that! CJ! Look at us. We’re Amazons. I have two Amazon babies inside of me. No. Two, that’s it.” He kissed her neck, laughing as she giggled.
“We’ll see about that, baby. We’ll see.”