CHAPTER SEVEN

"So, how long have you two been in love with my sisters?" smirked Ellie.

"Don't start, El. I've loved Maddie since I was seven years old and gave her my cookie at lunch because Katie Baxter took hers. I knew then that I could never allow that girl to be disappointed again. I just couldn't bring myself to tell her how I truly felt," frowned Forrest.

"Why not?"

"I don't know. We've known each other since the day we were born. It was hard getting any one of you alone. It was always all of us. Together. For a while, I thought Alistair had a crush on her, and I didn't want to fight my friend."

"I did," smirked Alistair. "Hell, I had a crush on all four of you at one time or another. But I knew it wasn't love for me. For the rest of you, it is."

"Alistair, I didn't know," said Ellie.

"That's the point," he laughed. "I didn't want you to know because it was only a crush, Ellie. Leif loved you, loves you. For me, it wasn't that deep. I mean, I love you, but like a sister, so it didn't make any sense to say anything."

"Ew," she said, wrinkling her nose.

"See, that's why," he laughed. "I love you, Ellie. I love all of you, but I've never been in love with you."

"I get that," she nodded. "I never looked at Walker the way Mags did. Or Sebastian the way Em did." Sebastian's head popped up, staring at the woman.

"What way was that?" he asked quietly.

"Like you were the only man in the room. Look, I'm sure you guys talk at least sometimes," she smirked. "But my sisters and I talked about almost everything. They knew that I was holding back, hoping that Leif and I would reconnect at some point in our lives. I knew that Mags still loved Walker, although she didn't really say anything about the two of them seeing one another."

"He damn sure never told us," frowned Leif. "I wish he had."

"I guess what I'm saying is that I think you guys are underestimating Maddie and Emelia. I think they've been thinking of you as much as you've been thinking of them. Just don't let ten years pass you by before you say something," she said, reaching for Leif's hand. "Time and life are too precious for all the bullshit."

"Agreed," said Leif, pulling her close and kissing her. She was freshly showered and dressed like the rest of them, and they were anxious to get back out into the field and find the men responsible for what happened to Magnolia.

"Let's grab some chow and head into the city to see what we can find. I think we go in groups of two or three. Alistair, you come with me and Ellie. Forrest and Sebastian take Garr with you. Brix and Major, you're on your own."

Major just grunted, nodding at the rest of them.

"Nice to see you're still as talkative as ever, Major," smiled Ellie.

"I speak when spoken to or when necessary. That's it."

"I get it," smiled his friend. "I just always liked the sound of your voice. It was soothing. Sort of like Trak's voice."

"Trak's voice?" frowned Leif. "I've never found his voice soothing. It was scary as shit, and I always stood a little straighter when he was around."

"I think that's the point. It commands respect without demanding it. Kind of cool if you ask me."

"That's why you're my favorite, Ellie," smirked Major. "Don't tell your sisters."

As they were eating their breakfast, Jenny approached the table carrying a peace offering with her.

"I've secured several jeeps for you. They're unmarked, beaten up a bit, but good cover for you. Weapons are in the back with ammo. Check them to be sure I'm not doing anything sneaky with you. Although, I suspect that your weapons are better than mine," she smirked. Holding up her hand, she stopped them before they started. She tossed an envelope on the table. "It's okay. You have reason to be wary of spooks. I understand. There's cash in the envelope to get whatever you need."

"Thank you, Jenny," smiled Ellie. The older woman nodded.

"I would leave the agency for him, too." She winked. "Oh, one more thing. We heard chatter this morning that someone tried to storm some dig sites in the Valley of the Queens. It's an area near Luxor. I've made reservations for you at the Jewel Howard Carter Hotel."

"Like Howard Carter, the guy who discovered Tut's tomb?" frowned Brix.

"That's the one, handsome."

"Don't tempt me, woman. I've been alone for a long time," smirked Brix. Jenny just laughed, shaking her head.

"You couldn't handle me, junior. Anyway, they're under aliases. But that's in the envelope as well, along with passports."

"Wow, that was fast," said Leif.

"I'm a spook. It's what I do. I'm headed to Aswan to meet with a few contacts. Whatever the Sudanese rebels are trying to do here, it's not good, but I honestly don't think it's connected to what happened with your sister and what happened in the Valley of the Queens."

"They don't have a lot to lose," said Sebastian. "Sudan has been in its own shitty state for a long time now. It seems just when they make a few steps toward advancement, everything goes down the drain."

"I know," said Jenny. "I'm going to try and stop this, but I will need your help. Find out how they're getting our weapons. Someone is selling them or giving them away. I want to know who."

"Jenny? Thank you," said Ellie. "Be careful."

"Honey, I haven't lasted this long without being careful," she smiled. "You've got good men around you. You'll be just fine."

"Jenny, I can send one of my men with you," said Leif.

"No. No, I'll do better alone, and I don't want to draw attention. An old lady with a young, handsome man would make people think I'm a cougar," she winked. "I have a reputation to uphold."

They all chuckled as the woman walked away. Ellie just stared at her back, watching until she was gone.

"You okay, babe?" asked Leif, staring at Ellie's face. There was worry and concern etched in the fine lines around her eyes.

"Why do I feel as if this is the last time I'll see her?"