Chapter 11

Chapter 11

The siblings took off.

Liam nabbed a canvas bag from his pantry, cleared the safe and stuffed the bricks of coke, his devices and wads of money into it.

After some frantic whispered directions from Liam, Cece ran upstairs. She raked through his cupboards and threw his clothes in a duffel carry-all.

Downstairs, Ash stalked to the windows and peeked under the shade.

Two men stood in the path leading to the house, peering up and down the street. He studied their approach.

They moved back to back, giving the other cover.

Their hands were angled to the ground and extended. Ash cursed under his breath when he spotted handguns in their hands.

Withdrawing his Glock, he inched towards the door.

Ash took position behind, ready to push his weight against it if needed. He didn’t have long to wait.

Voices muttered. He couldn’t make out what they were saying but could imagine their debate.

Decision made, they announced themselves with a frightful banging on the cheap plywood.

After a beat came another round of banging, accompanied by shouts of Liam’s name.

Ash decided to play with the irate visitors. He lowered his voice to disguise it. ‘Who is it?’

‘We’re after Liam. Where the heck is he?’

The stranger’s voice had traces of a Slavic accent.

‘Not here. What you after?’

‘He owes us cash.’

So these were the general’s goons coming to collect. ‘Told you he’s not here.’

After a short pause came a loud thump on the door. The uninvited guests were nothing if not insistent.

Ash leaned back to look at the hinges of the door and the piss-poor bolt and latch. They wouldn’t hold.

So he stepped behind the door and raised his weapon, readying himself.

In seconds, the lock caved to the repeated battering. Ash jammed his thigh and boot against the lower half of the door and braced himself.

A litany of frustrated curses followed.

Then, a snub-nosed barrel inched through the open crack.

The weapon spat out. Sending bullets flying through the house just as Cece and Liam rushed down the stairs.

The staircase was behind the front door.

Ash waved a frantic hand, so the pair skirted his position, flying past him towards the back of the house.

Taking Liam’s haul with them.

Once he confirmed they were clear, Ash turned his attention back to the invaders.

A hand extended further into the house.

One of the assailants growled. ‘Let us the fuck in, Liam, or I swear we’ll kill you.’

They let loose another two shots, which went wild. One of them shattered the television. The other crashed through the kitchen window.

Ash was done. He pulled back, took careful aim and squeezed his trigger.

His weapon whispered, and a cry ensued as the rogue’s gun flew. A spray of crimson arced into the air as the invader withdrew their injured hand.

A thud followed as the man fell back into his friend, screeching in agony.

Seconds later, a barrage of bullets carpeted the doorway, and Ash ducked away from the live fire.

Not before he got hit with a sting against his lower left arm.

He’d been grazed. He ignored his broken skin as a second body tried to insert itself into a small crack of the now-sagging door. Ash threw himself against it.

His weight plus the door’s slammed against the protruding hand. With a cry, the new assailant’s weapon fell to the floor, and they, too, fell back, cursing.

Ash moved fast. He stuck his gun into the small space between the destroyed door and peered at the pair.

Both shouted at the top of their voices as they lurched down the pathway.

‘Bludgers,’ he whispered to himself.

‘Fuck!’ Irate, one tried to rush the house again, but Ash aimed above his head and squeezed again.

The bullet whizzed above the man’s head, just missing his cranium.

The man jerked in fright, realising the shot had been a warning.

Ash’s sniper skills were on point due to his annual maintenance.

He grinned as the pair woke up to the fact they were up against a crack shot and took off in a stumble down the path.

A wash of headlights flooded the front path as a European model SUV roared up. Both men bundled in before the vehicle screeched off.

Ash moved away from the door and took a cautious step outside. The street was quiet, but it wouldn’t last long.

Soon, every nosey neighbour in close vicinity would be swarming about.

He went back inside, not in the mood to be ID’d or blasted on social media.

Jamming the couch against the listing door, he retreated, grimacing at the broken windows and shattered TV screen.

He loped out the rear of the house, locked the back door and proceeded to the alleyway.

Where Saint’s SUV idled.

Behind it was the Range he’d driven to the spot.

At the wheel, he caught a glimpse of Tiny Tim, another of Sovereign’s Sydney-based crew. Ash acknowledged him with a chin lift, which the driver returned.

‘All good? Heard some fireworks,’ Saint murmured, sucking on a match stick. This was his MO, which he swore kept him from a previous smoking habit.

Ash huffed as he tucked his weapon away, sliding it into the holster behind his waist. ‘Sent them packing with a few shots. We need to let the local command know so they don’t get complaints from the neighbours.’

‘On it. You’re wounded,’ Saint added, nodding to Ash’s forearm.

He glanced down at the slash across his skin. ‘Got clipped with some lead.’

Saint peered at it. ‘Looks shallow, but you seem weak. Shall we swing by emergency?’

Ash narrowed his eyes at him.

Saint grinned, jazzed at his attempt to poke the bear. ‘Just checking, brother. Don’t need you bleeding out on me. Get in. I’ve got a first aid kit in the car. Maybe Cece can help you with it while I get us out of here.’

Ash nodded and opened the back door. To a pale-faced Cece and Liam, the latter slumped against the leather, looking wiped out.

‘How are we doing?’

Cece shook her head. ‘Liam’s almost out of it. Still in shock. We’re both reacting from that near miss.’

Ash’s heart lurched at the vulnerability in her eyes. ‘I wouldn’t have let anything happen to you.’

She nodded, licking her lips. ‘I know.’

Ash turned to her brother. ‘Liam, please scoot to the front. I need Cece’s help.’

While Saint swung behind the wheel of his SUV, Liam eased out of the back and into the front passenger seat.

Ash took his place. Seated and buckled in, he and Cece’s eyes met as untapped feelings jacked between them.

Saint opened the glove compartment and tossed a red box into the backseat. Ash caught it with one hand.

‘What happened?’ Cece said, staring at his arm.

‘Collateral damage. It’s superficial, but I’ll need your help tying a bandage around it.

‘Of course.’

Saint flicked a glance over his shoulder. ‘Anyone else want anything more?’

‘Liam needs fluids, food and downtime,’ Cece announced.

Saint reached into the same compartment. He pulled out a bottle of water, which he handed over to the man by his side. Liam nabbed the water and unscrewed the top, drinking in gulps.

Saint slid the car into drive, and they crawled away from the alley. He accelerated away once in the street to lose any unwanted tail.

Cece worked fast to wrap Ash’s arm.

First, she cleaned it out with a disinfected wet wipe.

She removed a cloth bandage from its plastic cover and wound it over his wound. He reacted to her warm hands and silken touch as she worked.

She glanced up at him, and they stared at each other before she finished securing the bandage.

He gave her a slight lift of his lips. ‘Thank you.’

Zipping the first aid kit, he tossed it in the console between the driver and the backseat.

‘Where are you taking us?’ Cece said, her voice soft and uncertain.

‘A Sovereign safe house, the most secure place for you right now,’ the burly Maori man called out from the front.

Ash heard Cece sigh, and he glanced at her through the rearview mirror.

Emotion washed over him as he saw her lean back and close her eyes. As if shutting out the tempest of the day.

Conflicted, he swung his eyes back to the front of the car, wanting to reach out for her and wrap his arms around her. If only.

Outside, dusk was settling over a bustling city. As the SUV headed towards Bondi, Sydney’s colour-changing sky went from rosy pinks to warm orange shades. The sunset was a near picture-perfect panorama that cast wild-hued light over its skyscrapers.

Soon, they pulled up to the front of a modern multi-level building.

Ash gave Liam and Cece a low-down. ‘This is where my brother has his Falcon & Eagle offices. It’s also HQ for Sovereign Allied, located in the basement and ground levels.’

They gazed up at the looming tower.

‘Above that are two or three apartments assigned to Sovereign Allied. The uppermost floors are dedicated to Falcon & Eagles offices. However, the rooftop is its most famous feature, The Beach Room, one of Sydney’s most popular bars.’

Given the dual role of the building, it had two entrances. The main one was a glitzy entrance with elevators that whooshed guests straight to the rooftop bar.

A second less obvious entryway led to private elevators, offices, and apartments. Ash guided the siblings towards it after they unfolded from the car.

The discreet entrance was set behind a glass door.

The hallway beyond was carpeted a deep royal blue and lined with potted palms. Its walls showcased a unique art collection.

It led to an expansive reception where Ash swiped his key card at a touchscreen monitor and stalked to the elevators, which opened with a chime.

He ushered Cece and Liam inside. Saint followed behind, and Ash filed in after him. The doors whisper-closed as the elevator started its ascent.

After a quiet ride, the elevator pinged. Its doors swished open to let them out on Level 9.

They turned a corner and walked down the hallway to an unmarked door. Ash unlocked and powered inside.

The interior of the apartment they walked into featured a sunken living room. With glass walls, sliding doors leading to the balcony, and a magnificent view of Bondi.

The warm, off-white interior featured a long, dark wood bar with a mirrored liquor cabinet dominating one end. Packed with bottles of the best drop and rows of crystal glasses.

The living room invited relaxation in contemporary leather, light fabrics and wood.

‘Your new pad for the next few days,’ Saint announced.

Liam inclined his head. ‘Thanks, man.’

‘Looks like you’re about to fall asleep on your feet.’

‘I am.’

‘Not on our watch,’ Ash murmured. ‘Saint, please show Liam his room?’

Liam lifted a hand and extended the canvas bag in his possession. ‘Before I crash, what are we doing with this?’

‘I’ll take it.’ Ash nabbed the goods. ‘Saint can store it in Sovereign’s safe room until we decide what to do with it.’

Saint jerked his chin and led Liam to a room just off the living area, leaving Ash and Cece alone.

Ash turned to her. ‘Will this do?’

Cece nodded. ‘It’s a palace. But you could give me a cot in the middle of a hovel, and I’d be fine.’

‘That tired?’

She nodded. ‘What’s going to happen to Liam? Where do we go from here?’

‘I think you and I agree he needs some rest. After that, I’ll meet with our federal contact to decide what happens next. But please don’t worry, Cece. I’ll take care of you both.’

She reached out and touched his arm, the one free of a bandage. ‘Thank you, Ash, for all this and for getting us out in one piece.’

He eyed her. ‘Not a hardship,’ feeling the temperature rise from their shared connection.

Cece took a deep breath. ‘I think I need to settle down, I mean in, settle in.’

Ash’s mouth quirked. ‘Agreed. Find something to calm you down after the shot to your nerves today.’

‘Got a book I can read.’

She nabbed a paperback from her handbag, and his brows shot up when he caught sight of it.

Its cover featured a half-naked man, and the title was just as seductive.

‘What’s that?’

‘A throbbing manhood.’

He bucked, not quite sure what she’d said. ‘A what?’

‘A steamy romance book. Packed with sex, intrigue, feels - and throbbing manhoods.’

Ash tipped his head back and burst into a throaty laugh that went on for ages before he sobered up.

Cece waited with a half smile on her face.

‘Damn woman, you got me. Looking so ever loving pleased with yourself.’

His eyes turned molten, and he leaned in to whisper. ‘You want a throbbing manhood; you know where to get one.’

It was her turn to burst out into a chuckle.

Unbidden, their eyes met in a clash of heat, and they swayed toward each other.

It wasn’t until Saint walked back into the room and cleared his throat that they stepped back.

Saint stared at them, eyes glinting. ‘Cece, the fridge is stocked. We’ve even got cold beers and a bottle of wine chilling for you. We always do,’ he added at her surprised ‘oh’.

‘You’ll find some milk and bread. If you want a full meal, use this QR code,’ Saint said.

He pointed to a brochure on a stand on the dining table. ‘Put in your order, and you’ll get delivery in about 30 minutes from the Beach Room’s kitchens. It’s part of the service we offer.’

‘Fancy,’ Cece muttered.

‘Matter of fact, Ash suggested it a year ago. He thinks we need to keep up to Falcon House standards.’

‘So you should,’ muttered Ash.

He met Cece’s gaze once more, nodded at her and prowled to the entrance. ‘If you need anything, and I mean anything at all, I’m just next door.’

He paused at the doorway as Saint pushed past him after serving Cece with a wave. ‘Keep a close eye on Liam. A detox, even in the tail end, can be nasty. Monitor his fluid intake. Call me if he gets unruly, sweaty, overly anxious or dizzy.’

‘Will do. I appreciate everything. Please get some rest as well.’

Her expression was so beguiling that Ash wanted to charge back in and take her into his arms.

Yet somehow, he sensed that would push her away. Given the vast ocean of trust that they still had to traverse with each other.

So, instead, he served her a salute and eased out, letting the thick, heavy door shut behind him.

‘What the fugly fuck was that?’

Ash twisted to find Saint leaning against the wall outside.

He grimaced at his friend and moved towards the next door, muttering. ‘Don’t know what you mean.’

Saint stepped before him, pushing open the door Ash had just tapped a card to open. ‘You know. You. Her. The ‘next level’ tension.’

Ash huffed as he made his way into his new digs. ‘Let’s say I gave her a hard time before discovering her innocence in all this mess.’

‘A hard time, huh?’

Ash gave Saint a side jab. ‘Let it go, brother.’

‘She’s sweet.’

‘That she is.’

‘On you.’

‘Hell nah. She hates my guts.’

Saint huffed, twirling the matchstick between his lips. ‘You recall how you thought I was the best warrant officer? And still do? Because of my uncanny gut feelings and nose for the truth? I sense what stirs between you two is flaming. She sees through your mask. Through to the red hot passionate man we all know you are.’

During his military service, Saint proved himself a legendary warrant officer.

His uncanny spider sense for danger and cool-headedness meant he was the guy people wanted in their foxhole.

Because if one was in a fistfight and all else was equal, he was the ‘get shit done’ guy who would win.

He had the will and the ability to cut through BS.

The long-range vision to see danger before it hit.

The split-second decision-making needed to hit first and keep hitting you until the threat diffused.

That was why Ash and Cole fought to get Saint off drugs after his first tour. Also, the reason Ash appointed him his 2IC on his squad while on active duty.

Right now, though, that ability to see through bullshit was getting on Ash’s nerves.

‘Brother,’ he warned.

‘Haven’t seen you rip into laughter for a while. She makes you happy.’

Ash’s eyes widened in realisation. ‘I’ll give you that. She’s funny as hell. A whip-smart and badass lady with a kickass A-game.’

‘So she’s game-changing? For you?’

Ash sucked his teeth. ‘Not there yet, brother, let it go.’

‘I can tell my time is up.’ Saint raised his hands in casual surrender, then leaned against the jamb of Ash’s open doorway. ‘I say we call it a night. Catch up tomorrow with Cole and Kris on how to handle Liam.’

‘Good plan. Take the blocks of snow, cash and Liam’s drives. Place it in the secure room under lock and key.’

‘Done. Later.’

The bald man took the canvas bag, draped it over his shoulder and walked away, light on his feet, silent as a cat.

Ash called out after him. ‘Sweet dreams, sunshine. I hope I haunt them.’

Saint gave him a raised finger as he stalked away.

‘Now you’re giving me the silent treatment? About damn time.’

Smirking, Ash didn’t wait for Saint’s response. He just let the door thud to a close.

He stalked inside, throwing his duffel bag onto the bed of the one-bedroom apartment and kicking off his shoes.

Ash made a quick phone call to check in on Jake and Mace.

He chatted with the kids and his mum for a while. After a few minutes, Mason announced that Cece was calling him and left.

‘They doing all right?’ Ash asked Rose.

His mother nodded, lowering her voice out of Jake’s earshot. ‘They’re pretty great kids, and Mason is super well-behaved. He’s nailed his please and thank you and has been helping with chores. Jake’s having an awesome time too.’

‘Thanks, Mum, for helping out.’

‘Anytime. How are you?’

‘I’m OK. It got dicey a few hours ago, but we made it out safe.’

‘Good, please keep it that way.’

For years, Rose’s stance on her sons, tour after tour, was one of maintaining a brave face. Most times, she reined in her fear. She’d only let her tears flow after Cole and himself had been injured in their last stint in theatre.

Ash knew how much his mother carried her family in her heart, and he cherished her for it.

‘We will. Tell the boys we’ll be home soon.’

‘Will do. I love you, son.’

‘Love you too, mum.

Ash tapped off the call and attempted some admin on his laptop, but his mind drifted. Restless, he stepped away from his screen, placed his weapons in the room safe and stripped off his clothes.

Heading to the frosted glass confines of the shower, he flipped on the overhead rainwater head.

A drenching of cool water cascaded over him, hitting his skin with icy needles. It did nothing to alleviate the thoughts that threatened to overwhelm him.

Cece.

He’d been fighting off his need for her for days. Being close to her all day today only sent him into overdrive.

It still cut him up at how shitty he’d been to her, yet she’d taken the time earlier to make him laugh, clean his wound, and share her care.

Overwhelmed, he slumped onto the floor, water sheeting over, as his body, mind, and soul yearned so much for what was so near, yet so far.

Damn, he was a wreck for her.