Chapter 31
The team gathered in the common room. Leo went over the plan one more time.
“Does anyone have any questions?” he asked.
The men stood tense and ready as he glanced at each of them.
“I ran into Wolf and his team last night. Does everyone have Tex’s gift to us?” He gazed at his team. Hollywood appeared confused.
“When we get home, I’ll issue you one. Our friend, Tex, monitors us when we spin up.
If something goes wrong, he’ll send the cavalry.
I apologize for neglecting this detail. Stay close to the team.
Whatever happens, we never separate. Saint’s in charge of Hawk Team.
Keep your heads on swivels and watch those K-9s.
You see something, let us know. If anyone asks, a piece of our equipment broke, and we left to retrieve another from the plane while you set up. ”
Leo and Shadow gathered their gear and walked out the door. They walked side by side, battle-ready. Getting into the truck, they stopped at the guard station.
“You’re off early this morning,” the guard said.
“Damn piece broke off one of our tools. I have to pick up a spare. My team will be behind me to get to the next outpost. Hopefully, they’ll have their asses there and ready to work. Assholes didn’t tell me about it getting broken until this morning,” Leo bitched to the guard.
“Sucks, man. Stay alert out there. Don’t you want to wait until it gets lighter?” the guard asked. “These rebels scurry in the dark.”
“I’m not burning daylight for these assholes to lounge around. It gets hotter by the hour. I want it done today,” Leo said, acting disgusted.
The guard waved them through, and the men sighed.
“Here we go, gentlemen. Ready or not,” Leo muttered. They drove past the spot where Sparky suggested the attack might take place.
“We need to hide the vehicle and hike back. They’ll want to see the damage and chaos. They’ll most likely go to the highest vantage point on the rocky west side. We’ll stay back until we see them and follow them up.”
They hid the truck behind an abandoned clay hut. Taking their gear out, Leo said, “Alpha team check.”
“Shadow check.”
“Saint check.”
“Taco check.”
Leo clicked the coms button. “Team Hawk check.”
“Patch check.”
“Knight check.”
“Sparky check.”
“Cole check.”
“Hollywood and Apollo check.”
They moved silently through the desert until they approached the ridge and hid farther back among the brush. Then they waited…
* * *
Samantha turned Addy around in the chair. Her mouth dropped open as she saw herself in the mirror. The highlights drew attention to her bright green eyes. Her hair waved down her back and framed her face. Samantha did her makeup in a light, natural style she loved.
“Oh, Samantha. You’re a genius,” she breathed out.
“Addy, it suits you,” Kassie complimented her. “You’re a knockout.”
“Thanks,” she said, rising from her chair. “I feel like it.”
Bryanna sat in the pedicure chair, getting her toes done while Lizzy enjoyed a manicure.
Addy joined Kassie on the couch. “Did you not get anything done? I saw you on the phone almost the entire time.”
“Chase sets me up with a once-a-month spa day to relax. I didn’t need anything done, and I missed Leo’s text while I argued with the new food supplier.”
“Uh. Hollywood texted. From the tone of his text, they’re busy today,” she informed Kassie.
“Hopefully, he’ll be able to call her this evening once she gets her phone fixed. If you don’t mind, I want Catherine to get a new phone sorted out first. If not, she’ll fret about it the entire time,” Kassie said, glancing at her phone.
“It’s no problem. When Sam deployed, I lived on a ship, which kept me busy. I didn’t have time to worry,” she confessed. “Waiting to hear from Liam feels like torture.”
“Oh, save it for dinner. We planned to grill you about his new call sign,” she giggled. “Chase seems extra restless these days. I think he misses his playmates. They’ve never stayed gone this long since we settled on the mountain. I’m sure they’re anxious to get home.”
“Do we need to wake Catherine?” Addy asked.
“We’re letting her sleep until the last possible moment. She’s incredibly stubborn and turns down any help we offer her. I promised Leo to watch over her.”
“Dr. Greene seems concerned about her pregnancy. Did her others not go well?” she asked.
“She’s usually the picture of a glowing, healthy mother. This one started off shaky, but hopefully, we got all the bad stuff out of the way,” Kassie said cheerfully.
“I can’t imagine how hard it must be to take care of three littles with no help. What can I do to help?” Addy asked.
“We’re here for emotional support. Carol and Jake stay with her in the evenings. The nanny helps with the morning routine, and we will entertain each other until everyone’s home,” Kassie said, thoughtfully.
“She’s lucky to have friends like you,” she encouraged.
Kassie smiled and snorted. “I’d say it’s the red hair, but then I’d have to admit my own issues.”
Bryanna came over to join them as Lizzy put her hands in the nail dryer.
“Where’s Claire and Gabby?” Bryanna asked.
“They’re baby shopping. The Grans picked them up and will keep them busy while we plan their baby shower. Avie sends her regrets. Deni has strep throat. She took him to see Michael this morning.”
“Oh, no,” Bryanna groaned. “They’ll all get it. It’s spreading at school.”
“The community clinic has only gotten a few cases. Hopefully, it won’t get out of hand,” Kassie replied. “I’ll go wake Catherine. Samantha’s cleaning up her station and will join us for lunch and shopping.”
She walked upstairs, gently knocked on the door, and cracked it open. “Hey, Catherine. It’s time to wake up,” she said, gently rubbing her legs.
“I don’t want to,” Catherine mumbled. “I dreamed Leo returned, and he called out to me. It felt real.”
“He’s probably thinking about you. Did you have a good rest?”
“Yes, I did. Thank you. I don’t mean to act like a bear. My hormones seem to go all over the place. One minute, I’m deliriously happy, and in the next, I feel like I can tear everyone’s heads off.”
“No, I’ve never noticed,” Kassie said exaggeratedly.
Catherine winced. “Have I acted mean?”
“No. You’re pregnant and worried about Leo.
We ignore you,” Kassie argued. “If Chase left, you know you’d be the first one at my house.
Excepting help doesn’t mean you can’t do it.
It means you’re blessed with people who care about your well-being.
Leo’s like a brother to me. He knows I’ll take care of you until he returns. ”
“I’ll try. Today felt like a gift I didn’t know I needed. I know you said Leo ordered it, but you made it happen. I appreciate you even if I get testy,” Catherine said, rising and hugging her. “Tonight, I’ll thank Leo for thinking of me.”
“Your friends are downstairs and waiting for a nice, relaxing dinner. I’ll give you a minute to dress and meet you downstairs,” Kassie said.
When Catherine arrived, they drove to Ty’s for dinner. As usual, Ty spoiled them with a taste of his new appetizers. He made Catherine a mocktail and poured wine for the ladies.
“Have you heard from the team?” he asked anxiously.
“Leo texted this morning and tried calling Catherine,” Kassie said as she took the broken phone from her friend.
“They don’t have your phone in town. One of my men will pick this one up and exchange it for your new one.
I’ve already called the store, and they’re holding one for you and will switch over your contacts. ”
“Thank you,” Catherine said, picking up a menu and scanning it. “Everything sounds incredible. What are you ordering, Addy?”
“I’m getting the steak, twice-baked potato, and a kale salad. I might even spring for dessert,” she answered. “Ty’s portions usually give me two days’ worth of food. Chocolate’s a girl’s best friend.”
“Oh, you have the right idea,” Catherine said. “I’m not sure if I’ll remember how to eat without cutting up your food.”
Addy giggled. “What do we want to do about the baby showers?”
“I think they should each have their own,” Kassie suggested. “We can do Claire’s since she’s due first. How about a nice tea party for one and brunch for the other?”
“Claire loves her tea. We can throw her a tea party,” Catherine agreed. “Hopefully, Sparky will be home to attend.”
“Then, we’ll do brunch with Gabby. We can ask Ty to block off the private room and have it there,” Kassie suggested. “Then everything will be nice and fresh.
Tess ran inside and kissed everyone. “Sorry, I’m late. I brought Julie with me. She’s on the phone with Bear.”
“What’s wrong?” Kassie asked.
Tess grinned. “He’s changing Melissa’s diaper, and it’s not going by the instructions. She keeps crawling away.”
The women erupted in laughter.
Addy smiled as she glanced at the table with all these lovely women. She missed out on two years of this, and she refused to let it happen again.