Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Bondi’s answer to luxury rooftop bar escapism was The Beach Room—an elegant beach-inspired setting in 360-degree glass.

Here, guests ascended to the skies above the famous sandy shores to enjoy made-to-order cocktails, lush spirits and top-end entertainment.

The seaside gem offered uninterrupted sky views as punters drank and ate.

Surrounded by views of glistening water to the East and the city skyline in the distance, it glowed in gold as the sun went down.

At night, it was an illuminated wonderland. During the day, guests could play in the massive rooftop pool next to the outdoor bar or indulge in a cheeky daytime cocktail inside.

Ash was oblivious to the stunning setting as he stalked through the bar towards a private corner booth.

Inside, Saint sat slumped in a seat with Cole and Kris across from him. All three men shared grim expressions.

As Ash approached, Cole lifted a hand, signalling him over.

He fell onto the booth seat beside Saint.

‘What a cluster-fuck.’

‘You don’t say.’ Saint sliced Ash with a probing look. ‘She OK?’

‘Nah, man, she’s ropeable. She not only hates me now, she probably distrusts me and never wants to see my mug ever again.’

‘Sucks, man,’ his brother called out.

Ash sat forward, running his hands through his hair. ‘I need to fix this for her but also Liam. He doesn’t deserve this. He’s not the enemy. His stepfather is.’

Cole grimaced. ‘Do we know where they took him?’

‘Probably an ADFIS facility or safe house. Where doesn’t matter. We just need to bust him out. With Kitt’s help.’

Ash leaned back and slid his phone from his back pocket. He swept through his contacts and found a number that he tapped on. He placed the call on speaker as they waited.

‘You have reached the voicemail of Senior Inspector Kitt. Please leave a detailed message -’

The men groaned at the automated words.

‘Damn.’

Ash fell back against the back of the couch, his forehead creased. ‘Had a thought. Still have those Ks, Saint?’

‘Liam’s snow?’

‘Yup.’

‘Think we can use it as a trap?’

Saint quirked a brow. ‘For the general?’

‘He’s looking for it. He seems desperate for it. Given the texts that he’s left Liam and the goons, he’s sent after him. Let’s use the product as leverage.’

‘OK,’ Cole drew out the word. ‘What are you thinking exactly?’

‘We go to Owens. Tell him if he gives Liam back and lets him walk, we’ll get him the general. And deliver him to his door.’

The four men shared a long gaze, and then Saint nodded. ‘Let’s do this.’

Ash made a call, placing the phone on speaker.

Someone picked the line, announcing herself as Senior Inspector Owens’s assistant.

‘I need to speak with the Inspector. Now. It’s urgent.’

‘May I ask who is calling?’

‘Major Ash Falconer.’

A sharp intake of breath. His name had the desired effect. It seems he still had some pull in the armed forces.

‘I’ll put you on straight away.’

Seconds later, Owens’ voice sounded out loud and irritated. ‘What do you want, Major?’

Ash launched straight into it. ‘What if I handed Joseph Mirren to you?’

Owens inhaled in a rattle. ‘What’s the quid pro quo?

‘Who said anything about a quid pro quo?

‘I always expect one.’

Ash nodded, pursing his lips. ‘Then you have your answer.’

‘As I thought. What is it?’

‘Liam won’t give you much in an interrogation. However, we have it on good authority that his stepfather is after him. For a cache of drugs that Liam hid from Mirren, who entrusted it to him for obvious purposes. However, when Liam left dealing and went MIA, the general panicked. He’s sent men to hunt his son down. If you hand over Liam, I could persuade him to lead us to his old man.’

‘Why wouldn’t I try the same?’

‘Is Liam talking? He singing like a bird?’

Silence.

Ash gave a grim smile. ‘He’s not cooperating, is he? But I know he’ll work with me. He trusts me. And we also need the general to believe him. You take this on yourself, and Liam could fuck it up for you.’

‘Why?’

‘It’s not rocket science, Sir. Out of spite for snatching him against our agreement. You won’t get much out of him, and your play will fail. You want that on your record?’

He could almost hear Owen’s inner mental cogs spinning. ‘No,’ came the reluctant reply.

‘What do you say?’

A long pause followed, punctuated by a separate muffled conversation on Owen’s side. Finally, the man came back on the line.

‘Falconer, we’ll hand him back.’

Ash gave a silent fist pump. At the same time, Saint, Kris and Cole exchanged nods of triumph.

Outplayed, Owens cleared his throat. ‘How long will this take? Senior Inspector Kitt will be back in three weeks from his overseas tour. I need this wrapped up before then.’

So the man wanted to chalk up a win for himself,Ash thought. True to his character every step of the way.

‘I’ll take a few weeks to organise, but we can’t have any interference,’ Ash cautioned. ‘You need to trust us in entirety. Like your boss did. We’ve done this for many years, and you can be confident we won’t mess it up.’

‘Better not. Your neck will be on the line.’

Ash doubted that. Instead, it’d be Owens in the lurch, as Ash had the respect of senior Defence officials and didn’t need to prove anything to anyone.

‘We’ll make it work. Sovereign always comes through.’

Owens sniffed, unconvinced. ‘Hmmm. I’ll get Raine to reach out to you.’

The line went dead, and Ash ensured the call ended before he leaned back on the couch with a whoop. ‘Game, set, match.’

‘Still got it, Falcon,’ Kris grinned.

Cole rose to his feet with a laugh. ‘He always had it.’

He stalked to the empty bar and pulled out a bottle of amber liquid and four glasses, which he thumped on the table and poured.

‘To lashing Owens ass.’

Ash huffed, tipping back the fiery liquid down his throat. ‘Delicious. So it should be. It’s our 2017 batch.’

Saint savoured the tipple. ‘Not bad.’

‘Got a new macadamia liquor for you.’ Ash nailed his brother with a look. ‘I’ll have a batch sent up next week. It’s sublime.’

‘Bring it on. I want the Beach Room, Smoke Room and Toby’s to have the widest and most reckless selection of whiskies and liqueurs.’

‘How’s it all going?’

Cole ran The Falcon & Eagle empire with his best friend David Webb, also a member of the Sovereign crew. Almost a decade ago, Cole established the now-famous Northern Suburbs pub, Toby’s Place, in honour of his close friend and fellow soldier he’d lost in Afghanistan.

He sold the pub and took the proceeds to renovate a Potts Point speakeasy. He called it Toby’s, and the place soon earned a reputation for being one of the hardest velvet ropes to slink past due to its strictly enforced door policy. Months later, he opened The Beach Room, now one of the Eastern Suburbs’s most famed bars.

He went on to set up The Smoke Room, a watering hole so exclusive it was only accessible by a password at the door or black card membership.

Followed by The Smokin’ Yacht, a floating saloon in Sydney Harbour. Amid it all, he, his business partner Dave and Ash launched the wildly popular Smoky Toby whisky brand.

‘Good, Busy. When he’s not saving the planet, Saint works nights with me, and we’re flat out on weekends.’

The bald headed man in question nodded. ‘True. Haven’t been this busy in years.’

‘Good problem to have.’ Ash rose to his feet. ‘Dinner tonight? Hopefully, Raine will have got in touch by then, and I’ll have a plan to share with you both.’

All three men grunted in agreement.

Ash nodded. ‘Sweet. Later. I need to check in on Jake and -’

‘Cece,’ Saint added.

Ash’s face fell. ‘Her too.’

With a wave of his hand, he stalked to the lifts.

Before he got to the doors, Ash heard his name called out.

He swivelled around to find Cole bearing down on him.

‘Hey dude, you OK?’

In the face of his brother’s concern, Ash’s bravado dropped.

His raw frustration showed on his face, and he didn’t care.

Cole was the one person who knew Ash’s deepest, darkest secrets and had always had his back. The human before him was his keeper, and he could be as honest as possible with him.

Cole caught his unguarded emotion, stalked forward and wrapped his arms around his older brother.

They stood there in the shadowed corridor for a moment.

‘Listen,’ Cole rumbled into his ear. ‘You’re incredible. You’re dealing with a serious and shitty situation. But for as long as I can remember, no matter how much life knocks the wind out of you, you’ve always fought back, risen up, dusted yourself off with grit and got on with life. I’ve admired your ability to do that for a long time and learned to do it through you.’

Ash pulled back, his face twisted. ‘Fuck it’s hard.’

‘The op or the woman?’

‘Both are kicking my ass.’

‘You’re gone for her?’

Ash pursed his lips, running his tongue over his mouth. ‘I’m roadkill.’

Cole chuckled. ‘Knowing you, you’ll devise a harebrained plan to win her back. From what I saw earlier today, she’s got sass and strength. You wouldn’t want anything less.’

‘True.’

‘You’ll make it happen.’

Ash gave Cole another hug. ‘Is that your blessing?’

‘Maybe. I’m a commitment-phobe, so don’t take any relationship advice from me.’

‘What happened to Flávia?’

Ash was referring to Cole’s stunning on-and-off international model girlfriend.

‘We’re a mess. More off than on.’

Ash’s brow rose. ‘And Bella? My adorable niece?’

Cole’s eyes gleamed. ‘Light of my life. She’s doing great.’

The brothers shared a long look until Ash broke the silence. ‘Thanks, little bro, for the gee-up. You, too, are amazing, smart and strong as fuck, and I’m proud to be your blood.’

‘Stop it with the fanboy moment. Go get ‘em champ.’

Cole took off as Ash watched him with a half smile, thinking how much he freakin’ loved his sartorial, wise-ass kid brother. Now one of the city’s most influential players.

Who knew two runts like them would have made it in this big, bad, messed-up world?

Ash made his way down to Level 9, back into his suite.

Inside, he made two calls. The first to his mother. She reassured him that all was well. And that Jake was loving life, as usual.

‘He and Mace are outside playing in the pool. It was a hot day today.’

‘Mum, please have Mace ready and packed. His mum is flying in as we speak, and she’ll race straight to you to pick him up.’

His mum paused. ‘Is this her?’

He took a beat to reply. ‘Yeah. And she’s coming in hot.’

‘She’s angry?’

‘Steaming.’

‘Mad at you?’

He sighed. ‘Partly.’

‘Something you did to her?’

‘I didn’t stop someone with something to prove. And they made a regretful move, which her brother is now caught up in.’

Rose tinkled. ‘I have no idea what you’re saying, my gorgeous son. All I can do is gauge her mood and see if I can help.’

‘You know I can’t say more. But do what you can, and I’ll pay you back in -.’

‘In your endless devotion. It’s all I need. I got you, honey.’

‘You’re the best. Give Jake my love. I’ll call back later this evening to chat with him.’

He rang off, then glanced at his watch and the screen again. Cece would be landing in Byron right about now.

He found Reg’s number and called it.

His 2IC picked up in seconds. ‘Boss.’

‘Has she landed?’

‘I see the Phenom taxiing in. I used real-time flight tracking to monitor its arrival. It’s on time, no delays.’

‘Good. Please get her to the farm to pick her son up, then bring her back to Falcon House when she’s ready. As soon as you can, put one of the crew on her in an unmarked car out of view. All day and night until I get back. ’

‘Got it, boss.’

Ash ended the call. He leaned back in his chair and breathed in deep.

Closing his eyes, he let go of what was out of his control.

As soon as the plane came to a stop, she was on her feet.

Cece nabbed her bag and rushed for the exit, her mind on one thing alone. Getting home to Mason.

She stepped out into the late afternoon sunshine.

‘This way, please.’

Cece gave a friendly nod to the valet, who’d appeared with her luggage and was now trundling it towards a dark SUV where a man stood.

He had the same military air as Ash, a thick, muscular build with striking Asian features. His expression was hidden behind dark glasses.

‘Miss Mirren?

‘That’s me.’

‘I’m Reg Akimoto. Ash’s 2IC.’

She met his gaze with a shy smile, overwhelmed by the reach of the Sovereign team. ‘Pleased to meet you.’

‘I’ll be taking you wherever you need today.’

‘My son first. Please.’

‘Falcon Farm it is.’

‘Thank you.’

He led her to the back passenger seat and opened the door, delivering her into air-conditioning and butter-soft leather bliss. Her bags also found their way into the back of the vehicle, and they were off.

Reg turned on a soft jazz album as they drove through Byron’s enchanting surroundings. He was a quiet driver. A fact Cece appreciated as she lost herself in the gentle purr of the supercharged engine, the soothing hum of nature outside, and the simplicity of being present.

Speeding down the highway, she took in the lush greenery, pristine beaches, and secluded beauty spots hugged by the rhythmic waves of the ocean, a world away from chaos.

A wave of peace washed over her. As if the place was a solace and sanctuary from the emotional roller coaster she’d endured in the last few days.

It felt like home, which was uncanny given she’d only lived in Byron for under three months.

She took the drive time to continue processing her feelings from the last few days.

Guilt rushed her, alongside a fear of what would happen to Liam.

She’d also tried to wade through her anger at Ash for letting the MPs take him away. Knowing he was the only one who could turn this fuck-up around.

The clench of his jaw and the withheld rage during the faux arrest convinced her he was just committed to getting Liam back. She just hoped Ash got to him before any irreversible damage was done.

‘We’re here.’

The SUV turned off the highway and pulled into a long driveway.

One that had Cece catching her breath as they drove along a treelined avenue.

In the gaps amongst the branches and leaves, she spotted a sprawling orchard and stunning gardens overflowing with natural trees and flowers.

Followed by glimpses of a genuine Queenslander-style home, then another gleaming white in the sun. In the distance was an extensive barn with a double-story office building attached.

The SUV stopped at the centre of the property, in front of a prestige homestead with sweeping views over the Byron and Ballina hinterland.

Its wrap-around verandah was dreamy. In an instant, Cece imagined herself sitting on one of its chaise lounges, sipping a cocktail as the sun set over the ranges. It was heaven.

As she stepped out of the car, the front door of the magnificent home opened. An explosion of legs, arms and shouts thundered in her direction.

Seconds later, she had her arms around Mason, his gangly arms clinging to her so tight she fought to breathe. They swayed together as she ruffled his hair and spoke sweet nothings into his ear.

‘Missed you, mum,’ he announced, pulling back to give her a shaky smile.

She wiped away the wetness under his eye, doing the same to her own. ‘Missed you too, handsome.’

‘Welcome to Falcon Farm.’

Cece glanced up to see an elegant woman walking down the steps and towards her, eyes filled with life and twinkling with cheer. She recognised her as the same woman she’d seen occasionally picking up Jake from school.

‘I’m Rose. Ash’s mother.’

‘Of course. Hi. I’m Cece, Mason’s mum.’

Cece darted towards her, sticking out her hand.

Rose gave her a slight shake of her head and opened her arms. ‘If I’ve been looking after your gorgeous son for three days, I deserve a hug.’

To her surprise, Cece found herself folding into the embrace. She wasn’t a hugger of strangers, but something about this woman let her guard down.

The pair parted with smiles.

‘Has he been doing fine?’ Cece was anxious about the response, knowing phone reports sometimes differed from reality.

‘He’s been a dream. He’s helped cook, clean up, made his bed in the morning and even got me a cup of tea. His manners are rubbing off on Jake, too, who’s now making his bed.’

As she spoke, the boy in question came barrelling down the stairs with a grin. ‘Cece! Hi!’

‘Hi, gorgeous.’

He, too, kept coming and wrapped his arms around her.

Nonplussed, she pulled him close until he darted away with his customary laugh. Jake’s smile was so full of joy that Cece’s heart stopped as she recognised Ash in the gangly boyishness of his son.

Both boys launched into updates on all their recent adventures, talking over the other in excitement to share their escapades.

Cece smiled, lost in their tales until a gruff cough came from behind.

She whirled around. ‘Reg, I’m so sorry.’

‘Nothing to apologise for,’ the man murmured. ‘Just wondering whether you still need that ride into town.’

‘Oh my, I forgot for a moment.’

She turned to Rose. ‘Thank you so much for taking care of Mace.’

‘My pleasure.’

‘I hate to rush, but we should get out of your hair.’

Her son ploughed into the conversation. ‘Mum, do we have to go?’

Mason sounded so wistful that Cece sighed. ‘I don’t think -’

‘Why don’t you stay for an early dinner?’ Rose said. ‘That way, the boys can say their goodbyes without rushing. You also won’t need then to get home and scramble for dinner.’

‘But Reg?’

‘I’ll then drive you back to Falcon House.’ Rose’s words were kind, but her eyes firm. She wasn’t a woman used to being told no.

Cece hesitated until Rose touched her arm. ‘I’ve got way too much chicken pie and salad for Jake, Kit and I. There’s more than enough to go around.’

Cece relented. ‘Sounds good,’ she said, not wanting to turn down Ash’s mum and curious about the woman who’d raised him.

She whirled to where Reg was unloading her bags and smiled at him. ‘Thank you for the lift.’

He jerked his chin at her and carried her luggage to the wrap-around verandah.

‘They’ll be fine here, honey,’ Rose told him. ‘How is the family?’

Cece stepped aside as the two caught up while her gaze lingered on Jake and Mason racing each other over the front lawn.

It was an idyllic, stunning view, and she relaxed even more.

‘Miss Mirren, I’ll see you around.’

Cece waved to the taciturn man, who vanished into the confines of the dark SUV.

Rose joined her and linked her arm with hers as they tracked him drive away.

‘Come inside. Have a drink. We’ll set up for dinner and be done and dusted before you know it.’

Resistance seemed futile when it came to Rose’s innate charm. Which matched her natural elegance, from the clear pores of her alabaster smooth skin to her effortless style.

Cece studied her as they walked along.

Rose stood about 5’8’ and was long limbed. She was elegantly dressed in a bright purple long-sleeved silk tunic.

She had Ash’s dark brown hair, which was short, layered and flecked with silver.

Her pixie haircut framed her oval face and petite features. Her slim nose was adorned with a tiny diamond stud.

Her eyes were a startling hue of jade with a bright sparkle that so resembled Ash’s that Cece shivered.

Rose gave Cece a reassuring smile as she guided her into the provincial-style residence.

The house was impeccable, elegant, and furnished in light creams and gold accents, yet it still had a lived-in look. An abandoned magazine on the sofa, the part Lego build on the floor, and a knitting basket left midway through a purl stitch.

Cece’s nose lifted at the delicious smells wafting through the house. Rose led her into a custom-designed kitchen featuring state-of-the-art appliances.

Outside the glass sliding doors was an external kitchen and seating area with glorious views of a sizeable pool, a burbling spa, and a pretty pool house surrounded by landscaped gardens.

Cece took it all in, biting her lip to stop gaping. ‘Your home is amazing.’

‘Thank you. What would you like to drink? A red, perhaps.’ Rose gestured at a copper and brass drinks cabinet. ‘I also have white wine in the bar fridge if you wish.’

Cece thought a little. ‘I’d love a glass of white.’

‘It’s a Pinot Grigio,’ Rose called out as she bustled to the cool room. ‘Why don’t you sit on the verandah? I’ll bring it by.’

‘Sounds perfect,’ Cece replied, easing her way to the inviting outdoor scene.

She wandered towards the edge of the white railing overlooking the gardens and pool. Admiring the view, she sighed.

‘Such a beautiful setting,’ Cece exhaled.

‘It sure is.’

Cece turned around to face Rose, who was toting two glasses while she continued speaking. ‘What a treat to be spending time with you. I was looking forward to meeting the executive kicking off the wedding portfolio at Falcon House. And Mason’s mum, of course.’

Cece smiled at the older woman. ‘I appreciate everything you’ve done. I’ve never left Mason with anyone other than a sitter for an evening. So it was generous that you stepped in without even meeting me.’

‘Ash vouched for you. That’s all I needed. And caring for your boy was my pleasure,’ Rose replied before she handed Cece a long-stemmed glass. ‘It brought back memories of raising Ash and Cole. They were a trip!’

Cece lifted a brow. ‘Were they now?’

‘Oh, the things those two didn’t get up to!’ Rose exclaimed as she settled into her seat. ‘From sneaking out of the house for parties to getting into fights with each other and their schoolmates. But they always had an unmatched protective streak between them.’

Cece nodded. ‘I can see that.’

‘They even got into trouble with the cops once or twice,’ Rose chuckled. ‘But they turned out alright, joining the military and making me and their dad very proud. And I have no doubt Mason will, too.’

Cece couldn’t help but imagine the two brothers growing up together, causing chaos while being loyal to the core. It made her smile, and then her face tightened. ‘I wonder about Mace and all the discovery he has yet to do, not all of it legal.’

Rose touched her arm. ‘Don’t worry, dear. You’ll get the hang of it. You’re doing an awesome job as it is given how zero trouble and all joy he’s been to have around.’

Cece smiled gratefully at Rose and sipped, enjoying the crisp, fruity flavour. ‘Tell me more about Falcon House. I’m sorry, I don’t know the history.’

‘That’s fine, hon,’ Rose said with a smile. ‘It was a long-owned family home that Kit and I renovated and turned into a B&B. The boys were young then; I think Ash was eleven. Rose continued. ‘We ran the hotel for another twenty odd years before Ash came back from service, took over and revamped the place with Cole. They both turned it into what it is today.’

‘Impressive.’

‘I’m proud of the garden most of all,’ Rose continued as her eyes trailed over the Hinterland view. ‘I planted and maintained myself for years. Now Ash has gardeners do it.’

‘They’re gorgeous. The Conservatory is especially stunning.’

Rose served Cece with a smug grin. ‘I designed it. I made a few rough sketches on paper, and Kit brought it to life.’

Cece smiled, impressed. ‘Maybe I’ll run some ideas past you for our planned wedding decor and set-ups.’

Rose shot her a look of delighted surprise. ‘I’d like that. I try not to pry into Ash’s work. Maybe this will allow me to be involved without being in his face too much.’

‘Done. I’ll drink to that.’

The women clinked glasses and shared a smile.

Rose’s face softened further as she leaned into Cece. ‘How did this week go?’

Cece’s face fell. ‘It was intense.’

‘I can imagine.’

‘Ash kept us safe, though.’

‘He is good at that.’

‘We disagreed on how he handled my brother, but I’m letting Ash deal with it.’

Her candid sharing with Rose surprised her, and she suspected the woman had a way of soothing souls, so they revealed their deepest, darkest secrets to her. Cece also sensed that the older woman saw past bullshit and appreciated honesty.

‘We’re in an uneasy truce. I’m not even certain we’re talking.’ Cece wasn’t sure why she added the last sentence.

Ash’s mother gave her a soft, non-judgemental look. ‘He’s giving you space. You need it. To work through what you experienced. Knowing Ash, he’ll move heaven and earth for the desired result. So trust him. But if you need to vent, I’m here.’

Cece cocked her head to the side. ‘You’ve done this ‘talk someone off the ledge’ thing before, haven’t you?’

‘I’m the Mum of two men who’ve fought in some of the most bloody campaigns in recent times. I’m pretty good at calling it like it is, being the bearer of bad news and knowing when to panic. This is not it.’

‘True.’ Cece nodded, taking in the woman’s wisdom.

The conversation shifted as they exchanged stories about the boys. She couldn’t help but feel grateful for the warmth and kindness Rose was showing her.

As they sipped and chatted, Cece’s stress fell away. The anxiety of the past few days dissipated in the warm glow of the sunset and Rose’s company.

She learned Rose was a whizz in the kitchen, willing to try new recipes once. She loved sports, music, reading, theatre and travel. The latest dream destination on her list was India, and she’d booked tickets for an end-of-the-year trip.

Most of all, Rose loved life and was passionate about family. ‘I firmly believe in shared connections and values that I try to instil in my sons and grandson.’

When the sky turned a deep shade of purple, and the stars began to twinkle, Rose suggested they start prepping dinner.

Cece offered to set the table while Rose called the boys to wash their hands.

Kit, Ash’s father, soon wandered in.

He was a handsome man, with Ash’s height and wry smile. He sported silver hair cropped short, and a longer beard adorned his chin and cheeks.

He looked like a movie star from the golden age of cinema. His every movement was precise and calculated but, at the same time, graceful.

He greeted Cece, his hands calloused and rough, his grip gentle and welcoming.

‘You’ve had quite a week, I hear.’

‘I have.’

‘Yet you survived, Ash.’

‘That remains to be seen,’ Cece murmured.

His parents laughed, exchanging glances that foretold of a long private discussion later.

‘Regardless, welcome to my home,’ he called out to the two boys, who jumped on him, chattering, laughing as they wrestled him to the ground.

Kit’s robust laugh filled the room as the two women watched on, amused.

‘He’s going to break something.’ Rose rolled her eyes as her husband went to town with both boys on the rug. ‘He loves it though. Makes him feel young again.’

Soon, the food was served.

Cece couldn’t believe the spread in front of her.

Kit served her a succulent chicken pie with a golden crust, creamy filling and crispy edges, just as she liked it.

Rose added a medley of roasted vegetables and a bowl of fragrant white coconut rice. Accompanied by a fresh salad tossed in a tangy lemon dressing.

The aroma of the food wafted up, enveloping her senses and making her mouth water. She dug in, suddenly starving.

Cece couldn’t help but notice how Ash’s family interacted around the table.

They were close-knit, and it showed in how they teased each other, laughed together and shared food off each other’s plates.

It was different to her life experience. Cece masked a shiver as she remembered silent dinners, the lack of conversation and the worst punishments for the slightest infractions.

Cece forced herself into the present, which was far more enchanting.

She took a bite of the perfectly cooked chicken and savoured the flavours that burst into her mouth.

The wine that Rose chose to pair with the meal was exquisite, and she couldn’t help but compliment her on it.

‘This Semillon is amazing, Rose, fantastic pick.’ Cece meant every word as she sighed at the ambrosia she was enjoying.

‘I’m glad you like it,’ Rose replied with a smile. ‘It’s a fascinating variety from the Hunter Valley, the beating heart of Australian Semillon production. It’s long-lived and light-bodied, and we’ve one too many cases of it.’

As they ate, Kit regaled them with tales of his brief time in the military and the adventures he experienced before returning to farming.

‘It was a different time back then.’ Kit gave a wistful smile. ‘But I wouldn’t have traded it for the world. I must have talked it up so much that Ash had to try the service himself.’

Kit paused mid-sentence. ‘Speaking of talking up, Cece. Ash speaks well of you.’

A flush rose to her cheeks. ‘He does?’

‘Indeed. He says you’re among the most talented event managers he’s ever worked with.’

Cece blanched. ‘That means a lot coming from him.’

‘It does.’ Rose’s words were heartfelt, and Cece’s heart lurched.

Especially when she caught Mason’s delighted face. He was eating this up. Not just the fare, but the love.

With a wistful pang, she wondered whether he was missing out on the big family warmth that the Falconers shared.

Her thoughts were swept away with the arrival of Rose’s famous baked cinnamon and apple pie with a side of ice cream.

Both boys were over the moon and hoovered the sweet treat as the adults chatted.

After dinner, Rose drove Cece and Mason home.

As they wound down the hinterland roads, Mason falling asleep in the back, Cece repeated her appreciation. ‘Rose, I can’t thank you enough for your hospitality.’

The older woman smiled. ‘Think nothing of it. You’ve been such a revelation and Mason such a breath of fresh air.’

The kind words gave Cece a lift all the way to her cottage at Falcon House.

They said their goodbyes to Rose and waved as she drove away.

A late summer dusk hovered in the sky as they trundled their bags inside. They’d made it home before 8:30 p.m.

The house smelt musty, so Cece opened the windows and left the front door angled open while Mason showered and brushed his teeth.

As she tucked him into bed, he gave her a sleepy kiss and made a bold announcement. ‘I think the Falconers should be our new fam, mum.’

Cece felt her heart jolt as she smoothed back his hair. ‘Why d’you say so?’

‘Because they fit us like a glove. His dad and you are perfect together, Jake and I rock, and even grandma would be Rose’s BFF.’

With those prosaic words, he turned to his side and snuggled into his pillow.

She huffed in surprise and kissed him before turning down the lights and closing his door.

Leaning against it, she let her head fall back and closed her eyes. ‘Out of the mouth of babes,’ she whispered.

She let herself indulge in the picture that Mason’s words evoked.

Her body tingled and electrified as she remembered Ash’s hands on her, his mouth pressed to hers, the heat of his length.

She let out a frustrated, silent scream and pushed off, memories of Liam being marched away replacing her momentary lapse of weakness.

A sound cut through her thoughts. Her phone buzzed from the kitchen table where she’d left it.

Rushing, she leaned over it and sucked in a breath at the sight of the caller ID.

She stared at it for a moment, wondering whether to take it.

‘Don’t be a wuss,’ she scolded herself.

Tapping the phone, she answered the call.

No one spoke for the first few moments.

‘You weren’t going to pick up, were you?’

His crackled drawl reverberated through the room.

‘I was contemplating the idea.’

‘What changed your mind?’

‘It’s like a loose tooth Falconer. The sooner you pull it out, the faster the ache goes away.’

‘And I’m the ache?’

‘In my core. All day, every day.’

She threw the words back, flushing when she registered her unintended meaning. Ash also got the memo because a distinct snigger came through the line.

‘Don’t say it,’ he warned. ‘I know you’re thinking it.’

She sucked her teeth. ‘Ash, sometimes the amount of self-control it takes not to say what’s on my mind when I’m with you is so immense that I need a nap afterwards.’

He let a laugh rip, and she found herself muffling a chuckle in reaction to him.

Damn, he was so appealing when he let loose.And their banter was something she was beginning to live for.

He calmed his baritone chuckle. ‘I take it you made it through the Rose and Kit gauntlet.’

‘I did. They’re why I’m speaking to you with some semblance of control.’

Rose’s attitude and words had helped calm Cece’s fears. If she had complete confidence in her son, Cece, too, owed him the benefit of the doubt.

This she didn’t share with him. Instead, she told him about her night with his parents. ‘They’re beautiful, Ash. You’re very blessed to have them both. And Jake, he’s such a cool kid. You’re doing something well.’

Ash paused for a slight beat as he absorbed her words. ‘I must be, though some days I have doubts,’ he agreed, his voice softening. ‘Mace go OK with them?’

She almost let slip what her son told her, but this was not the time nor place.

What hit her, though, was how easy the conversation between them was.

It was like he was a partner asking after their children. She felt a stab of need, not just for Ash, but for the life he represented.

With a shake of her curls, she pushed away the thought of the unlikely scenario.

Whatever they were, they were not in a committed relationship, and she had no expectations they’d ever be. They lived a world apart, and as she reminded herself as often as possible, he was her freakin’ boss.

So she changed the subject. ‘Anything further on Liam?’

Ash paused for a beat. ‘Rest assured of some developments in a positive direction. But nothing I can share right now.’

His voice was more raw than usual, and Cece heard his exhaustion for the first time in their call. ‘Where is he?’

‘He’s safe, and I hope to see him soon.’

‘Please let him know I love him and can’t wait to see him.’

‘I will.’

‘So what happens now?’

‘We wait. I’ll keep you posted and check in with you every day. If that’s fine with you.’

‘It is.’

They fell into silence as Cece stood looking out to a dark sea and quarter moon, his breathing in her ear, a longing in her heart.

‘I’ll let you fly,’ he paused. ‘Babe.’

She melted at the word. Even though logic screamed at her to pull back, to guard her heart, that ship had long sailed. ‘Goodnight, handsome.’

He chuckled. She sensed part in relief and part in triumph.

‘You’re still on probation, Falconer,’ she warned. ‘Don’t get too cocky.’

‘Me? Never.’

‘I’d beg to differ.’ She made sure to lace her voice with faux innocence.

‘Goodnight, beautiful.’

‘Goodnight, cocky.’

He huffed as he tapped off the call, cutting off her laugh.

Because Cece was beginning to enjoy her and Ash’s swordplay way too much.

She went to bed smiling and offered a little prayer for her brother as she slid between the sheets and fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

Now that she’d simmered down, hearing her voice, how husky and sweet she’d sounded filled Ash with new fire and energy.

He owed her the best of his efforts in getting Liam back.

‘Ready, man?’

Saint emerged from the low-lit gas station with two water bottles and a handful of snacks and crisps.

‘Salt and vinegar?’ Ash called out.

‘Nah, brother, hot chilli all the way, artisan baked. So the heat level will blow your mind - and keep you awake.’

‘You’re a sadist.’

Hangry and tired, Ash groaned, easing off the bench he’d been sitting on to make the call and loped towards Saint’s SUV.

They pulled out of the lay-by and raced into the night.

They’d already driven for hours into the wilds of the state’s North West Slopes. Heading to the location where they’d been advised, Liam would be waiting.

He’d taken the opportunity at their only pit stop in a lonely roadside lay-by to call Cece.

It took another hour and fifteen minutes before they walked through the doors of the unremarkable building—smack bang in an equally nondescript facility far from civilisation.

The car park they’d left their vehicle in was deserted.

Ash guessed a vast underground parking lot lay hidden from view to account for all the uniformed staff milling inside the doors this late at night.

‘How else would they get from wherever they lived to the isolated facility in the middle of the sticks?’

He whispered this to Saint, who shrugged.

His bald companion then cocked a brow as the reception adjutant, a few years out of his teens, stared at him with detachment. The young soldier pointed to the waiting lounge.

‘Please sit, Majors. I’ll let you know when the Inspector will be ready to meet with you.’

Both men walked over and fell into chairs designed for utmost torture. With straight backs and no armrests, made of plastic with zero cushioning or ergonomics.

Saint glanced at Ash. ‘Wonder what Kitt told Owens to get him moving so fast.’

‘He probably stated that he doesn’t take to fuck ups or efforts to crawl up his ass by stepping all over you.’

‘Which just proves the toes you step on today may be connected to the ass you have to kiss tomorrow.’

‘You are ever and always prosaic,’ Ash murmured.

Still, Saint’s words were tinged in truth.

Earlier, S.I. Owens had hemmed and hawed on when they could pick Liam up until Ash received a call from S.I. Kitt.

The man apologised for being caught up in an overseas joint military exercise. After listening to Ash’s concise issue breakdown, he promised to look into it as a matter of urgency.

In less than an hour, Owens sent a message with a time and coordinates for the handover.

His message sounded terse and no wonder.

Kitt was known to be affable until he wasn’t. Usually, when ops went off track due to poor decision-making from the officer in charge.

In this case, Owens.

Ash imagined the reaming Owens had been given, and the thought gave him a grim amount of satisfaction.

Twenty minutes went by.

Officers in various ranks walked through the waiting area, a few raising eyebrows at the sight of Ash and Saint.

Their legends still abounded in these hallways. The two men nodded to those who managed to ID them and, in turn, received a slew of salutes.

Finally, the junior adjutant marched up to them. ‘Senior Inspector Owens will see you now.’

Saint and Ash followed the officer through meandering corridors to a drab office in the far corner of the building.

Owens was sitting behind a desk near the window. The view outside was of a dark, shadowed wildness—part desert, part scrub and not a building or town in sight.

Two grey chairs covered with plastic pushed up against the wall.

The walls were off-white, with photos of Owens in full military garb and at ADFIS ceremonies. His desk was accosted by the weight of clipboards and piles of paperwork. The air from the aircon, even this late at night, blew at refrigeration levels.

Owens didn’t look up as they sauntered in.

Instead, he tapped away at his laptop for a few more minutes. Saint and Ash exchanged an amused glance. It took another minute before he deigned to acknowledge them. He nodded to the two men, giving them a cold once over.

‘You’re here for the prisoner.’

‘Witness.’

Owens was acting like a peeved loser and doing his level best to comply with his boss’ orders with malicious intent.

Ash didn’t let him get any satisfaction from his dick swinging. ‘Owens cut out the shit. Where is he?’

‘He’s already turned it for the night. So why don’t I offer you some hospitality and have you stay here overnight on our dime? You can bust him out in the morning.’

Ash sighed. There was some practical sense in what Owens was proposing. Even if they walked out with Liam now, there was nowhere nearby to hole up for the night. So he glanced at Saint, who shrugged, then turned to the S.I.

‘Fine. Show us where we can kip and then have him ready at 6 a.m.’

Owen’s lip curled. ‘I wish I took orders from you, Major Falconer. He’ll be ready when I say he is.’

Ash used his trump card. ‘I’ll mention that to Kitt when I speak with him later this evening.’

Owens blanched. ‘There’s no need to kiss ass.’

Ash twitched his lips but didn’t say anything. He didn’t need to. Only one of the three men in the room had played the one-man-up game and lost.

‘I’ll get the guards to have him ready for you at 6,’ Owens said between clenched teeth.

He made a call, summoning back his assisting officer, then dismissed the pair with a careless wave. Ash and Saint gave the man a sarcastic salute and swivelled away from his presence.

‘This way.’

The officer led Ash and Saint to a sleeping wing on the far side of the building.

He put them in a drab room with two utilitarian cots, each covered in a scratchy blanket. The mattress was thin, the sheets threadbare, and the pillows lumpy.

A single window dominated one wall, and in it, a single sheet of frosted glass. A lamp bolted to the floor delivered a fraction of soft, bright light.

Ash sat on the cot and swung his feet onto the horizontal surface, letting himself fall back. He stared at the blank olive green and white walls.

Saint settled into his cot, sighing. ‘So what are we doing with Liam after tomorrow?’

Ash turned to face his friend. ‘I’ve been thinking. First, take him to Sydney for the day, and we get a crack at understanding what he knows. Like we’d always planned.’

‘Re-establish trust,’ Saint added.

‘That too. Once we have what we need, I’ll fly with him to Byron the following morning. The farm is the best place for him to hide away, where I can keep an eye on him until we have a solid plan. It’s ideal if he’s still detoxing. Next, we lure Mirren to visit his son and daughter while also picking up those K’s.’

‘I love the traps you set, Falconer. A spider spinning his web for the unwary fly.’

‘You better believe it. This time, though, I need to catch the right fly.’