Chapter 6 #2
The screen buzzed, and Bear adjusted something before they came into view.
The men’s eyes searched for their loved ones.
Catherine saw Taco light up at seeing Tess.
She turned her head to see Ty wipe his eyes at seeing Sparky.
Stormy grinned at Cole while Brody and Brownie sat beside her.
Hollywood didn’t move his gaze from Addyson’s face.
The only person missing was Leo. Her heart felt the heavy dread that accompanied every video call. Forcing a smile, she greeted them.
“We’re happy to see all of you. Do you have everything you need?” she asked.
Saint spoke for the team. “We miss all of you. Yeah, we appreciate the supplies you sent with Ivan.”
Taking a deep breath, she asked the question they were all waiting for. “How’s the search going?”
Saint appeared in pain as he delivered the news. “We moved our search to the outer perimeter, and we’ve found…nothing. It’s as if he disappeared into thin air. We’re sorry to have to tell you this, Catherine, especially in your condition.”
Keeping her expression strong, she held her chin higher. “I know you’re doing your best. Leo expected nothing less.”
Saint glanced down at his lap. “We’ve heard rumors of villagers rioting with each other. Things have become more dangerous. We may not call for a while as we shift our focus again.”
Catherine heard the words Saint didn’t say. They already searched the area, and they planned to double back.
“Have they given you any trouble?” Chase asked.
“For the most part, no,” Shadow replied, staring at Avie.
“How’s Sparky getting along without Ice?” Ty asked as Ice stood and yipped.
“I miss you, too, boy,” she said, smiling tremulously. “I can’t wait to see you. Has Jake checked him out again?” she asked, taking the attention off her.
“Yes, he’s recovering fine,” Ty assured her. “He’s playing with Brownie and Brody at the facility and going for daily swims to get his strength back.”
“Has anyone else sustained injuries since our last meeting?” Kassie asked, watching the screen intently. “Where’s Ivan, and have you seen Victoria?”
The men glanced wearily at Saint, and he nodded before confessing. “Ivan and his men have spread out, hoping to hear of any rumors of an injured American.”
Catherine knew what he refused to say. “I’m sure if he can be found, you’ll find him,” she assured them as she took in the team Leo called his brothers and sisters.
They all appeared tired and worn. Saint seemed uncomfortable, miserable, and guilty of a crime he never committed.
She imagined he blamed himself. The same mannerisms echoed as she glanced at Shadow, Taco, Ragu, Knight, and Patch.
Sparky bit her lip, showing her discomfort.
“We’ll do our best to bring him home,” Saint vowed.
“Remember to take care of yourselves,” she reminded them. “Leo wouldn’t want you injured or sick.”
Shadow rubbed his scruffy beard. “How do you feel?”
“We’re doing all right,” Catherine said, faking her enthusiasm. “The baby has kicked nonstop and is already showing signs of becoming a pain in the butt like its father.”
The team grinned sadly. She saw Taco wince and shift. Her chin went up as she stared them down. “I’m sure you want to speak with your loved ones. You’ll keep me posted, all right? I want to know about any of your findings, big or small.”
“You have my word,” Saint promised. “If we find anything…”
“I know,” she rushed to tell him as her eyes filled with tears. “I know it feels like it’s futile and you must be exhausted. I know in my heart, you’ll find his remains and bring them home. Leo deserves to rest among us.”
The men swallowed and moved uncomfortably as their faces grew more determined. Sparky wiped her eyes angrily. Catherine rose from her seat and left the room.
* * *
Doc took her seat and assessed the men and Sparky. “How are you holding up, Ragu and Knight?” Two of Leo’s men insisted on returning to search for him regardless of his orders.
“The damn thing bleeds if I walk too much,” Ragu complained.
“Then stop overdoing it,” Annabelle ordered. “You won’t be any help if you injure it further.”
Doc smiled as he watched the couple argue silently. “Knight, what about you?”
“It’s stiff, but I’m holding my own,” Knight replied.
“Have you continued with the exercises I gave you?” Doc asked.
“Yeah,” he said, not bothering to hide his lie.
“Knight,” Gabby admonished softly.
“I’m fine, my love. I miss you,” he said.
“Why don’t we clear the room and give you time alone?” Chase offered, rising from the chair.
“Stay,” Saint ordered. “We want you and Kassie here. How’s Catherine, really?” he asked, letting down his guard. Worry showed on their faces.
“We’re managing her care,” Doc explained. “Obviously, she’s stressed. We’ll continue to care for things here while you’re working on things there.”
“It’s not good,” Saint broke the news. “We’ve searched this damn dessert from one corner to the other,” his voice broke.
Bryanna moved in front of the monitor. “Don’t be hard on yourself. Leo trained you. Doesn’t it seem like you’d find his body by now if he succumbed to his injuries? Why would they hide his remains?”
“To torture us,” Taco said. “By now, word has spread an American team has searched for an injured or dead man. Not all the villages are friendly, and they lie through their teeth. We’ve set up surveillance, and we’ve watched them for days. There’s nothing.”
“Not to mention, they won’t take the blame for an American’s death, especially if they’re on good terms with the units here,” Patch added.
“What about Ivan’s men? Have you kept in contact with them?” Kassie asked anxiously.
“They have an uncanny ability to get information,” Saint said.
“Unfortunately, it’s not about Leo. We’re still working the case concerning Cole’s friend and the military K-9’s.
We know Sergeant Ford is involved. We don’t know the other players.
The military took the men who attacked Sparky and Sergeant Taylor.
They won’t be seeing the light of day. They claim they acted under orders. ”
“You don’t believe them?” Doc asked.
“They all have the same story,” Saint replied, glancing at Bryanna. “We’re still investigating it.”
Whiskey moved to the front beside Chase. “I kin you’re tired. Doc and I have worked it out. We’re flying over there. Knight and Patch, you’ll return here in time to see your children born. Leo wouldn’t want you to miss it. Rocker will be joining us.”
Sparky lit up at her friend’s name. “He’s there?”
“He’ll arrive tonight and go through training with the rest of the men.”
“What men?” Ragu asked, confused.
“I’ve hired a few people in your absence. They’re working local cases,” Whiskey explained. “We’ll have everything settled before we spin up.”
Patch shook his head. “We can’t ask you to do it. Leo hired me to keep Doc at home where he belongs. You have little kids to think about,” he argued.
“Excuse me?” Kassie butted in. “Chase and I make decisions together. You will have a small child depending on you soon enough. We’re all family here.
I will watch over ours while you search for one of our own.
Don’t discount the women sitting here. You may be in a war zone, but we’re fighting to keep things normal for the kids.
We’re holding this mountain up until you all come home. ”
“Damn, PITA,” Taco whistled. “Don’t get all your red hair in a twist. We’ll put them on the plane ourselves. You should hear them bellyaching over who’s going into labor first and what to order their wives next. It’s like watching a soap opera.”
“We ain’t that bad,” Knight grumbled, making Gabby giggle.
“Dude, if I must hear about breast pumps and their suction capability one more time, I’ll scream,” Shadow complained. “What the hell makes them decide to discuss nipple cream and the effects of cooling balm versus the hydrogel version in the middle of a desert?”
“Let’s not forget about the best way to give a massage after birth, like they think they’ll have time,” Ragu teased. “We’re begging you to come get ‘em.”
Patch scowled, and Knight crossed his arms, not bothering to fight with the guys.
“We’ll leave in two weeks,” Doc said. “Claire’s not due for another three, and Gabby will be right behind her.”
“Man, we can’t thank you enough,” Patch said, shaking his head. “We’ll return as soon as possible.”
“Make a list of supplies you need,” Whiskey ordered.
“Uh, Whiskey?” Saint said, cocking his head. “You’re coming?”
Whiskey folded his arms, showing his thick mass. “Leo’s my brother. Things have changed around here. It’s time I start moving with them.”
“We’re happy for you,” Taco said. “It’s nice to have you back. How’s Sergeant Taylor?”
“She left for Texas last week. Julio said she’ll be a welcome addition to the team,” Whiskey informed them.
“She’ll fit in with our family there,” Taco said. “They’re a great bunch. Did Matthew make it home? We heard he ran into some trouble.”
“Yeah, he made it back,” Kassie assured them.
“Eh, Pita, I guess it’s as good a time as any to have you call Victoria. She’s sworn us to secrecy,” Shadow confessed.
“What has she done now?” Kassie asked, surprised.
“You’ll have to speak with her,” Saint said, frowning. “Ivan and their men have helped us scour every inch of this place. We’ve dug up two bodies and found a third. We’re hitting it first thing. It’s not in the best of places.”
“Do you think it’s his?” Doc murmured.
“No. I’m not taking any chances. The grave fits the timeframe, and I have no other options,” Saint admitted. “We vowed to bring him home.”
“You will,” Kassie said firmly. “Let’s talk about the family. You’ve sent Whiskey daily reports, and he’s shared them with us. Visit with your loved ones before you go.”
“How do you feel, Claire? You still refusing to tell me if I’m having a strong, handsome boy like me, or a little girl with your eyes?”