Chapter Ten

Cassidy

He’s not here. I stretch my arms out feeling the pull of the bandage on my skin. I missed him last night. Since my briefs aren’t all over the bed and I can see the dip in his pillow, I know he was here. I smile thinking he’s always going to be here. He went after Haddad last night. My GI Joe isn’t afraid of anything. He’s so sweet too, asking what he can do for me and checking on me as if I was an invalid.

Sitting, I wonder about Harper. They needed her for forensics last night. I hear movement and turn watching my real-life GI Joe carry a tray of coffee and danish toward me with a cute little smile on his face.

He looks from the tray to me. “Have you been up long, cari?o?” His smile turns to a frown.

“Just stretched and wondered what you were doing up already.”

“Laps, then the bakery for breakfast. I wanted to surprise you, mi sol.”

I love all the endearing little words he uses, but this one makes me smile. I like being his sun. I know it could be darling, honey or whatever, but I like sun. “Your awful chipper for someone that didn’t sleep and has already had a full day.”

He kisses my lips. “Your eyes shining on me starts my day, cari?o. Now it may begin.” He gives me that smile.

The damn guy has some good lines and should be wearing a warning label. I giggle like a school girl and take my coffee hoping he sees I’m an actual adult.

His whiskers slide against my cheek to my ear. “I love that sound, beautiful. How do you feel this morning?”

When the shiver stops I turn kissing his neck. “Better than I expected. Thank you for breakfast in bed. ”

After a couple of sips, he sits taking my coffee, moving it and the tray to the side table. “I have an ulterior motive, Bella. I have your permission to ask and have been carrying around your ring. The plan I had seems to have vanished with the scene I saw walking into that bathroom yesterday. I want you to know that I’m here for you, with you always, even when we’re apart. You own a place in my heart, mi amor. I want to own that same place in yours.” He flips my hand over and puts a beautiful pale blue ring in the middle of it, then lifts it kissing the ring and my palm. “Mi amor, mi vida. My love, my life. You’ve changed me just by being you. You make me better, you make me want to be better, for you, for us and for the children we’ll have.” I see his smile through my tears. “Both of them. Marry me, mi amor. Make me a better man and I’ll use that to make you happy forever, mi vida.”

I laugh throwing my arms around him. “Yes!” Oh my God! I’m so glad I only have to answer. Tears run down my face while I’m smiling like a Cheshire cat I bet.

He holds my face wiping my eyes with his thumbs. “Mi amor, mi vida. Cuándo serás mi esposa?When?” His eyes snap right to intense.

Oh damn. I should have thought about that. I thought about how he’d ask and how I’d answer. It didn’t happen that way, but getting attacked changed that plan. I never thought about the when. “Soon?”

He smiles kissing the edge of my lips. “Yes, soon. Tell me the day when you have it. My family will be here soon. They’ll want that day.”

His family is coming? Soon, like hours? “When will your family be here? I should have a dinner with everyone. My mom and Stella will cook.”

He starts laughing. “My mother will cook, cari?o. It’s the way. In your mother or Stella’s house, she would help, but here she’ll cook. She’s as crazy as your mom. Well maybe not that crazy, but she’s very traditional about food and first meetings.”

“Oh, shit. Three crazy women in one kitchen? ”

He nods seriously. “Especially a first meal. She’s fanatical about how that meal is delivered and received. She’s nuts. She planned everything for the embassy dinners and thinks she’s still living there. She’ll even bring plates and shit.”

“Oh, dear Lord. This is going to get interesting. When are they coming?” I hope next year.

“My brother, Miguel, will be here Monday. He’s my new On-Site Commander. I have a new team coming for Ops and more for the Investigator Team.” He’s smiling so big, this makes him happy, really happy.

How bad can a dinner be? I think about Stella. Shit. It just hits me. “You have more men coming for new teams? You must be doing good for them to expand so fast. You just opened the program or unit or whatever it is. I’m proud of you, Rafael. Damn! That’s so good.” I kiss his lips and laugh. He’s so damn smart and good at his job, he’s expanding after like a month.

His whole body freezes. I watch fascinated as his breath slows and eyes turn from happy to intense so fast. “Rafael?”

He just went from Rafael to GI Joe. The thought makes me smile.He watches me. “You’re happy I’ve done a good job.” His voice sounds odd, almost like he’s trying out the words.

Really? “Of course. It can’t be easy changing your whole life to run a different agency. You not only did it, but you did it so well, your new boss is giving you more men and I bet tools to excel at that job. That’s something you should be happy about too. I’m so proud of you!” I hug him, he’s so cute. My confident Rafael/GI Joe is surprised people are proud?

He holds me tight against his chest. “I didn’t think today could get any better, mi amor. Thank you.”

Okay? I move back so I can see him. “For what?”

“Just being you. I love you, Cassidy Warner.”

“I love you too, Rafael.” The bell rings and I smile. I’m glad he changed from the shrill firehouse sound. Our day is beginning and I’m not ready. I am, however, engaged! “You get the door and I’ll get a shower. ”

He kisses me at the edge of my lips and jogs away. I keep forgetting to ask why he does that. I call Donna on the way to the bathroom and squeal with her. I give her word for word quickly then tell her I have to go. She’ll call my mom and Harper.

* * *

Rafael

Nelson is with Cassidy today. I was happy to see her dressed for court instead of the FBI issued polo and cargos. That’s not entirely true, I picked the uniform for the program keeping us all equal and consistent on a daily basis. Suits are expensive, status symbols and useless in our work. Sitting at a computer or out on Ops, Agents need comfort, versatility and a lot more pockets.

I drop the tablet on my desk and pull up my hologram. I want to see where we’re at with the cases and Haddad before I show in the Investigators situation room. I run through stations and reports making notes to the Agents. Waite and Benavides are good about mapping similarities and keywording for the database. It watches trends and alerts local law enforcement of escalating crime in their areas. I’m reading through Lecompte’s report with the last victim from four years ago open on the side of it. The man follows routine. I’ll give him that.Cassidy is the only surviving victim. The thought has me pissed. Changing her bandages this morning left a picture I’ll never forget. The bastard needs to be ended.

Perez knocks on the door jamb. “Come on in, Perez. I was just looking at where they are before coming to see you.”

My phone rings, stopping him from talking but he sits reading the autopsy reports. “Commander Saber.”

“I knew no sleep wouldn’t keep you down, Commander. Your email came in just before three. Since you’re already busy, I’ll give you answers, then answer your questions.”

I look at my watch. It’s after ten. I ran Ops already and he’d have that report. “Thank you, Director. It’s been a busy morning.”

“One. You are not the new Field Office for Providence. You have a serial killer on the loose and a DA’s request for help. This is like any other job.

Two. All jobs are by request only. We bill the agency requesting. Since the job is done quickly and effectively it saves them time and money.

Three. Keep the video in the reports. It’s genius and stops any issues of faulty memories and allegations of not following orders against exactly what is requested.

Four. Your men will start arriving today. Perez should have a list of their itineraries.

Five. I agree the database is important, but the other offices are not using it. Brice will address ineffectiveness with the offices and get rid of the dead weight. That means you’ll be called upon more frequently.

Now for your questions.” He stops and I shake my head smiling.

“We need vehicle and supply management.” It just comes out of my mouth and he surprises me again.

“Done. Three supply and three transport maintenance from the army will be at your facility Monday.”

Holy shit. “Sleeping accommodations for the men coming in.”

He takes a minute and I think I’ve pushed my luck as far as it’s going. “With Agents and men not directly from the military, urge off-site accommodations. Some of these men have lived only on bases, make them a priority for the beds you have. Just a minute, Commander.”

I wait writing down military priority for rooms so Perez can see it. He nods and starts scrolling on his tablet. I’m still waiting when he starts typing. Grabbing my tablet, I type out what the Director said point by point.

“Commander, are you still there?” Finally.

“I am, Director.”

He laughs. “Anyone else would have hung up by now.”

I doubt that.“You didn’t give me permission to hang up, sir.”

“That’s why I like you, Commander. Orders are followed, rank is respected and you don’t know how to fail.”

That’s the job I signed up for. “Thank you, sir, but it’s my job.”

“Did you have any other questions?”

“No, sir.” I’m not asking for anything else.

I hear voices in the background and know we’re done. “You’re doing better than expected. I’m presenting letters attesting to that in a meeting right now. We’ll be opening a program in the D.C. area using your numbers. Just keep doing what you’re doing, Commander.”

“Yes, sir,” I answer, but he’s gone.Blowing out a breath I type the rest of what he said. It’s like Christmas.

Perez pushes his tablet to me.“I’ll trade you.”

I read the email and scroll down the pictures. This is perfect. An apartment complex three blocks away and they’re willing to open it up to us. “How the hell do you know about this?” He’s not from around here, he’s from New York.

“I put an application in two days ago. The building is brand new and they’re screening for tenants right now. The rent is a little high but with no other bills. Everything is included. Even military will like that.”

I look at the prices. A thousand a month is high? No other bills. “Get the men in for a meeting today. Thirty minutes. On-cycle will sleep here like the fire department policy. The rest of the rooms for military wanting to stay military. Food will be available to all. The kitchen may need to change meals or whatever they do for that, so we’re not wasting the food.” It really is like Christmas.

“I’ll handle it and get the applications filled and over to them. So we’re not the new Field Office. That takes some pressure off. The list he sent last night will work for Investigators, there are five that I refused. I don’t know the Ops men, so my opinion isn’t necessary.”

Since I don’t know the Investigators, I understand and will stand by what he’s approving. “Send your approved list. Don’t ask for anything else right now. Army will need rooms. Make sure they get them when they come in on Monday. Do I need to appoint someone for personnel?”

He smiles. “No, with Waite, Marks and Benavides taking lead roles I can do both. Once everything is settled with the new men, it’s just some paperwork. Thanks for the supervisor grade, by the way. I was already higher than assistant SAC signing on, but knowing I’m respected means a lot.”Him saying it shows that.

“I hope to show respect to all my men, but leadership should come with more than just the title. My Commanders all get the same pay grade based on experience, performance and ability. You deserve the pay just like any other Commander. It’s one of the things I didn’t get about the FBI. A million fucking pay grades just for training. We simplified it and will stick with the two levels.” I watch the smile and know we’re done with that.

“Haddad?” I ask knowing we’re sitting with nothing.

“Two teams are hunting him. No known contacts or places frequented because he was in jail. They already hit all the old places with no sightings. Ms. Warner has one on personal protection and two in the building. I have one from cyber monitoring with courthouse surveillance while she’s there.”

I nod and get through the rest of the cases. He gives me status of the DA case, but I’m not really interested. My interest does peak when he says the detectives were charged. I need to ask Cassidy about their tie to her other cases. I shake it off. The whole department is being investigated, they’ll look at that.

When he’s done, he stands. “A week on-cycle will work with the new men coming in and give me night and weekend coverage with the firemen set up.”

I nod watching Ford and Wheeler walk in. “I like the week cycle. It will keep the men in training and on maintenance of our gear and equipment,” Ford says sitting.

Perez looks at me and I know he’s torn. “Am I needed?”

I look at Wheeler. “The list and we’re moving off-site.”

“Not for this. Thanks, Perez,” I tell him.

“Sir.” He walks out.

Ford laughs.“He’d be a good soldier. I hate when everyone just walks away.”

I nod. I do too. “He’s learning just like we are. You’re moving?” This will work out well.

“We’re buying the bar. We can live above it once it’s rebuilt, but we found a place for now. It will be perfect. Perez told us about it yesterday.” Wheeler is proud and happy.

I can’t help laughing. “I was told to urge nonmilitary to live off-site. Perez just got the apartment building’s approval for the men to move there if they choose. A meeting is set for later today.”

Ford hits the desk. “Fucking sweet! No crazy assed neighbors to deal with.”

I’m not so sure about that and I hope they have pizza delivery in the building. “The list?” I pull it up on the hologram board.We go through and approve a full team and one sub, leaving twelve names. Neither seems interested in them, so I don’t push it.

“Miguel is gonna love this,” Ford says then tells Wheeler about my brother while I send the list to the Director.

“What’s up with you and Cassidy?” Wheeler has my head snapping up.

“I’m marrying her.” When the fuck did this become anything but a work meeting?

Ford has surprise written all over his face. “You just met the girl. Don’t get me wrong, she’s great and a knockout but you’re finally free to live how you want.”

The look I give him stops anything else he plans on saying. “Is there anything else?” Congratulations would be good here. Free to live how I want means with Cassidy in my life as far as I’m concerned.

They stand. “No, sir.”

“Wheeler, you’re on-cycle next week. Miguel will run the next, then we’ll return to alphabetical order.”

He stands at attention and I almost smile. “Yes, sir.”

“Commander, can we get names for the teams now?” Ford looks uncomfortable asking.

I roll my eyes. “Pick names. Make sure they stay in order to match the schedule.”

That makes him happy. “The Three Musketeers. We’ll keep them in order.”

I look at Wheeler’s face and laugh. “Get out.” I point to the door.

Ford runs out with a, “Yes, sir.”

Wheeler mumbles walking out, “We could have gone Greek.”

Jesus, he’s going to drive me crazy.I get my shit together and make it to the Investigators situation room just in time to see Perez laughing.

“The Three Musketeers?” Marks asks but can’t hold a straight face.

Jesus. “Don’t fucking start. You’re not changing the team name in here.”

His hands go up. “Investigators is a fine name, Commander.” Marks is a smart man .

The room laughs and I look at my feet. “I wouldn’t mind being Sherlock,” Waite says on the side of me.

“No,” Perez says and I look at him.The command is delivered in a way that can’t be mistaken.

I give him an approving nod.“Nicely done.”

He smiles, “I’m learning.”

The team settles and I get the new cases that were started and requests that came in. I just make it to Ops where I’m informed the Aramis team is readied. Looking down I talk to my shoes, “It’s going to be one of those days.”

* * *

Cassidy

I walk out smiling. Hale is waiting by the car and May stays behind me until I get in. I have to say I don’t miss driving. “We need to stop at the mall on the way home,” I tell Hale.

He groans making May smile. I never got to go shopping and I need more panties, slips and bras. Our parade moves through the mall quickly. May stays by my side and I grab my favorite styles fast, not wanting to cause any more of a stir than we are. May’s not talkative and hasn’t said much all day. It’s weird shopping and not talking, but I get it done. When I have a good selection and cute pajama sets, she follows me to the register but watches the door. Hale is talking to another Agent out there. I pay and grab the bags, but she stops me from walking out.

He’s here. Just thinking it has me shaking, I watch the Agents while taking breaths to keep calm. Another Agent comes into the store and nods. May takes my arm and walks me out. This is getting ridiculous. By the time we get to the car, I’m seething. I’ve had enough. He spent more than six months terrorizing the community the last time. I’m not willing to do that again. “Take me to Rafael.”

The Agent looks at May. She shrugs and he closes the door. I hear him talking but don’t know what he’s saying as he leans against the car facing away.

“The Commander is in Ops with an active shooter, but Perez said to bring you in,” May says.

I’m a little excited to see his office. “Perez can give permission?”

“Yeah, he’s Commander of the Investigators. He runs the team that’s on you now.” She smiles like that’s funny. I don’t know why, so I nod. It’s a short ride to a brand new building I’ve never seen. Rafael is in there dealing with an active shooter.

“Your phone and computer won’t work in here,” the Agent says. I haven’t met this man before and he doesn’t seem thrilled with me being here.

I take my bags and briefcase and climb out. “What’s that?” A tall, wide, white pole is on the side.

“Wind collector. The building is green with solar panels on the roof and windows.” The man keeps walking when I want to look around. Government buildings have to be environmentally friendly now, so I’m not surprised, but I’ve never seen a new building and really want to check it out. It’s a big non-descript box from the lot, but coming closer I see drain spouts going into the ground. The windows look mirrored. Inside is a bland white room with FBI on a wall. How boring.

The Agent touches a glass panel and opens the door. May touches it and guides me in saying my name as she does. “Cassidy Warner entering.” That’s kind of cool.

We come to a big room that looks like it’s right out of a movie. TVs are everywhere and information is scrolling down glass on the sides. I start at one side and take everything in.

“Ms. Warner.” Dallas surprises me standing so close. I didn’t notice him moving.

“Hi, Dallas. This is impressive.” I keep looking around.

“You didn’t ask to come here for a tour,” he says it like a question.

I didn’t, but this place is really impressive. People are talking at tables and some are on computers. They have hologram things all over the place. “No, but now that I’m here, a tour wouldn’t be turned down.”

“Haddad was sighted at the mall you just left. A red extraction doesn’t end our ongoing Op.”

I turn toward him and focus. “You’re right. I’m sorry if I’m keeping you, but I want you to use me to catch him.”

He looks interested then blank. “The Commander will have to agree.”

“This isn’t his decision. I’m not saying we don’t tell him, I’m saying I want, no, need to do this. He’s killing women out there. Again!” I keep my voice low, but I’m not giving in.

“The ring on your finger, it’s an engagement ring?”

I want to roll my eyes at him. “Yes.” How did he notice? I bet Donna told him.

“You accepting it means the Commander has a say here. Because of who he is, that is likely to be a yes from him, but you’re not cleared by your doctor and you were assaulted yesterday. Those are wild cards that he’ll see first.” He’s warning me?I nod, but I’m not giving in. He turns. “Nelson, take her to the Commander’s office to drop her things.”

“Yes, sir,” May says and I follow her down the hall. It hits me he’s a Commander like Rafael. For some reason, I thought Dallas was like a lead detective/lawyer with a bunch of people above him. Interesting.

She turns and I stop at the door. “Wow. He’s got a nice office. You think he’d let me use it?” It’s way bigger than mine and really clean. Like no papers and files anywhere.

She laughs taking my bags. “It’s filled with technology like the situation rooms and none of your technology will work in the building.”

Damn. It’s a really nice office that fits him perfect. Masculine, professional and damn if it’s not gorgeous. I like the military plaques too. I put my briefcase on a chair in front of his desk. “Am I waiting for him to be finished with his Op thing? ”

She smiles. “It’s an active shooter in Plymouth.”

Oh shit, that’s right, this may take a while. “What do you do, May?”

“I’m a tactical driver. I drive everything from military equipment to tractor trailers. I’m trained for high-speed tactical pursuit.”

Egad. “Why are you guarding me?”

She laughs. “I’m a Special Agent too. The driving is my specialty. We all have a specialty like that.

Rafael said they are the highest ranking in their fields. “So, you’re all GI Joe superheroes?”

She shakes her head walking out. I hurry to catch up, but my thigh is killing me. Of course, Rafael opens a door as I’m going by. Limping. Damn! “Hi.”

“What happened, Cassidy?” Seeing his eyes intensify so fast I know he’s in GI Joe persona.

“Nothing, I’m fine. I asked to be brought here.”

He looks down the hall to where May is waiting by the big room. “What happened, Agent Nelson?”

“We stopped at the mall and Hale spotted Haddad but wouldn’t leave his post to pursue. Perez split a team and we extracted Ms. Warner without incident. She requested to be brought to you. Perez approved saying here is safer than a split team at the fire station.” That’s pretty much it.

Turning to Rafael, I see he’s still GI Joe. “Were you scared, cari?o?” His eyes soften.

I could lie, but he’d see it right away. “I was at first, then I was mad. I want you to use me to catch this sicko before the whole city is in a terror frenzy again.”

“No.” He looks at May and I’m seething again. “I’ll take her to my office. Tell Perez Ford is on his way in. They picked up the suspect in Berkley so no Ops tonight. He can use some of Ford’s team. ”

May smiles. “Yes, sir, but don’t you mean Aramis?”

He smiles. Aramis? “Don’t start.” He takes my arm and walks me back to his office that I’m thinking isn’t really so nice. Right now, that heavy furniture and masculine air about it is overpowering.

“I want to do this, Rafael. You don’t know what it was like before. Women were terrified.” As soon as I’m through the door, it closes and he turns me around.

“I’m glad they brought you here, Bella.” He kisses the edge of my lips, but his eyes are still intense. “I understand your need to do something. Right now, you’re limping in pain because he already took some pieces out of you. Your breath is shallow but steady. You are not going out as bait like this.”

“But I will! It’s my decision!”

His head snaps back and he gives me a look but it’s not one I like. “It is our decision and no Commander would put you out as bait when you can’t defend yourself or even run. What kind of man would do that to a woman? You’re the woman I love, that makes me a bigger piece of shit than anyone else.”Well damn, that does sound bad the way he says it.

“Tomorrow?”

His eyes close and he takes a deep breath. I roll mine. When he opens his eyes, I have my blank face on. “You’ll ask every day until I say yes. Hopefully, Perez has him and this will be the end of it.”

“If he doesn’t I’m the best bait you have. He blew up my house, came into the courthouse and followed us to the mall.”

He sighs and I know he gets it. “I have to check in with Perez and we have a unit meeting before I can leave.” He holds my cheeks andI get another kiss on the side of my lips. Now is not the time to ask about kiss location and I’m not happy with him telling me no in the sweetest way possible. He walks me through a bathroom, closet and into a bedroom. How cool is this? GI Joe superhero living quarters! “You can relax in here or my office until I get back. ”

I keep my blank face on, but I’m itching to see what’s in here. “I have some work I can do. This will be fine.” He watches me and I want to push him out the door, so I can snoop. Finally, he nods. “I’ll try to be quick, cari?o.”

I get a real kiss and he puts me down while I’m breathing heavy. “The bed is so close but I have work, mi vida.”

I nod trying to slow my breath down. “Go, I’m fine.” That sounded normal.

He smiles then walks out and I lean against the dresser. Oh, my Lord, the man needs a warning sign. When I catch my breath, I go for my briefcase and close the bathroom door on my way back. I’ll hear the door before he catches me snooping. The closet is spotless. Three suits all blue. Four button down shirts for the suits. There’s an empty hanger making me smile. He used that one for the dinner. Five pairs of his black cargo pants and five FBI shirts. There are no spare hangers. Ties are on a rack. He has good taste. Dress shoes, boots and running shoes are lined up neatly. He does the same thing at home, everything in its place.

His dresser is the same. Everything folded and put away. There is nothing personal here but pictures of his family. This was a bust. I check out the pictures then sit on the bed and read the file for my first case tomorrow.

* * *

Rafael

Pulling into the house, I see cars and a truck on the side. I know Keys is here with another Agent, but I didn’t think we were missing that many. I’m glad so many men want to move to the apartments. I hope they have enough openings to fit them all.

“I hope you don’t mind company,” Cassidy says getting out of the car.

Since I was just thinking it’s the men, I shake my head no. I need to talk to her about them being here all the time.

Her face lights up with a smile. “Good.”

Keys tells us people are upstairs. I carry her bags and the briefcase up and hear her mother’s voice. Shit. Walking in I see Stella and turn. “I’m out if this is a girl thing.”

Cassidy laughs and pulls my hand holding me right here. “I’m so glad you stopped by!” she says like it’s true.

“Congratulations!” they all yell while coming toward us. That’s more than I got. She’s bouncing with excitement. I watch smiling and think I can do this for a few minutes.

Donna hugs Cassidy and I take a step back keeping them in front of me. Movement on the side catches my eye.

“Watch your ass with that little one.”

“Mi hermano!” I can’t believe he’s here. I walk to him staying away from Stella and Myrna. Dropping the bags on the couch, I hug him. “They said you come in on Monday. You should have called.”

He laughs slapping my back. “I never call. I show up. I start on Monday. You look good, Commander.” He’s called me that since the day I was promoted. It feels good knowing he’s still proud.

I let him go and turn. Cassidy is watching with her eyes shining on me. “This is Miguel, my little brother. Miguel, Cassidy Warner soon to be Saber.”

“You’re like twins. It’s nice to meet you, Miguel.” She walks closer to me and he hugs her lifting her right up.

“We thought Rafael shaved all but that little bit. He won’t give me the look either,” Stella whines making me laugh.

I hit his shoulder. “She’s hurt, Miguel.”

He puts her down gently. “Sorry, bella.”

“You can hug me,” Myrna says and Donna laughs.

“Watch that one too.” He gives me a look. They must have both tried for his ass. “They thought I was you. Donna kept them away once she realized I was telling the truth.” He gives them a weary look .

Cassidy starts laughing then coughing. I find her purse mixed with the bags and hand it to her. “Sit, everyone.” I sit before my ass is grabbed and pull Cassidy beside me. “I’m glad you’re here early. Keys didn’t tell me you were here. He just said people.”

Myrna huffs like that’s offensive. I keep my eyes on Cassidy as she uses the inhaler. When I focus on Miguel, he looks concerned. I give a quick shake of my head, so he doesn’t ask.

“So, you’re getting married and Mom doesn’t know.” He thinks I’m in trouble. The fact that it makes him happy has me punching his arm.

I smile. “Yeah, I asked her this morning and it’s been a hell of a day. Did you tell her you signed on?”

“No. She’d be here already if I did. Don’t tell her I’m here yet. She thinks I’m in Germany.” He looks away.

“What happened?” If he was in Germany, he or someone close got hurt.

He looks around, so I do. He’s not talking in front of them. Stella and Myrna are staring at us like they’re watching a show. I touch Cassidy’s arm. “Are they okay?”

She laughs then catches it stopping quickly. “They’re star struck. You two look alike. I think their brains exploded.” She finds it funny. I think it’s weird. I look and they don’t react to that.

“I think you’re right. What do we do?” Miguel asks.

Donna laughs. “They brought food. I’ll get them cooking so we can eat tonight.”

Jesus, a dinner? Cassidy stands, so I do. “Cari?o?” I don’t want to be in the kitchen with them.

Her eyes smile. “Stay and talk to Miguel. I’ll take the re-pubescent elderly in the kitchen. Are more of the team coming?” She turns to Miguel smiling as he laughs. He doesn’t need the re-pubescent explanation.

“Dallas is,” Donna says pulling the two women away.

I turn her chin getting her eyes back on me. “I don’t know. If they show, Ford will order pizza. I’ll make sure he gets enough.”

She smiles shaking her head. “I got this. Sit and visit with your brother.”

I take the bags from her and tell Miguel I’ll be right back. She stays in the kitchen, but I keep walking. Stella and Myrna are talking again. That’s always a reason to be alert. Dropping the bags on the bed, I shake my head. She’ll deal with them when everyone leaves but seeing them there bothers me. Unfinished business I guess.

I catch Cassidy at the back counter wrapping my arms around her. “Thank you, cari?o. It’s been a year since I’ve seen him.”

Her body shakes making me smile. I love that reaction. I give her a squeeze. I love all her reactions.

“The perfect end to add to the perfect beginning of this day,” she sighs out.

Pulling her closer, I moan with my lips against her ear. “The perfect end is your legs wrapped around my waist, mi vida. That can happen later. This is a good moment until that one.”

“He’s giving her the look!”

I jump at the shriek. “Jesus, I was just talking to her.”

Stella comes at me and I turn with Cassidy, so she blocks me in. “She’s barely breathing, her eyes are glazed! She’s dropping her panties right now! You gave her the look!”

Miguel starts laughing. Donna pulls Stella back. Myrna moves forward and Perez catches her by the waist lifting her right up in the air. When did Perez get here? “They’re fucking crazy, cari?o. I need you to guard my ass again.”

Donna laughs blocking Stella at the other side of the island. “She needs a minute for that one, Rafael.”

“That panty dropping is hard work, hermano. I’m out before they try to jump me again.” Him talking about her panties gets him a look. If I were closer, I’d smack his fucking head. “I’m going. ”

I kiss her and get the fuck out too. “Thanks, Perez,” I say going by.As soon as I’m at the couch, I hit his head. “Don’t talk about my woman’s panties.”

“Fuck off. I got it with the look, mi hermano. Those women are fucking off, Rafael.”

I laugh. “Yeah.” I get serious. “What happened?” He was in Germany for a reason.

His hand wipes down his face. “Our Op changed while we were in transport. We got new masks on the ground. The contractors run everything. They sent new masks and we took them running for the choppers. No one looked, hermano. Not one of us. It was night, we just went. The plan was sound and we ran it perfect until we were hit by an explosion. There were no fucking filters in four of the masks.”

“Jesus.” I put my hand on his shoulder. His team. No wonder he was upset.

I can feel the pain etched on his face when he looks at me. “They weren’t just breathing that shit in, Rafael. Their skin was burning. It was fucking bad. We hit Germany and lost two. Two are in quarantine outside of DC. They won’t let us in. Everyone went through checks to get off base. I called the Director and told him I’m in if it’s still open. I can’t go on another Op like that one, hermano. There were no filters. We’re fucking SEALs. Our gear should have been there. They’re buying more fucking planes, drones and ships but can’t get the teams gear that works.”

Squeezing his shoulder, I don’t know what to say. “I’m sorry for your team, Miguel. What can I do for you, hermano?”

The sadness I see in his eyes makes him look older, but he’s got determination in there too. “We bring our gear and have maintenance time?”

I nod thinking that’s a hell of an easy fix.

“That’s what you can do. My men are willing to sacrifice, but I need that to be for a purpose. Money has never been our purpose. I can’t lose another brother to greed, hermano.”

“You won’t on my watch, Miguel. We run it by the book. Team gear is team responsibility.” I want to hug him, but Perez appears and sits across from us. Miguel won’t allow him to see that.

“I’m sorry for the men you lost, Miguel. Thank you for your service. I wish there were more I could say to make that easier to hear right now.”

I nod to him. That was a good thing for Miguel to get. “Thanks, you’re Perez?”

“Yes. Dallas Perez, FBI.”

Miguel smiles taking the edge off the sadness in his eyes. “We got saddled with a title from hell.”

“We use Agent or just our names. The Commander says men. To outsiders, we say Special Agent and our name. The rest is political bullshit,” Perez tells him with a smile.

“I’m all for getting away from political bullshit. So, what’s the job and how does this work?” There’s that determination. He’ll push through this and be happy with the way we run.

Perez leans forward ready to explain. I sit back and watch. “Military are not signing up like they were. Regular enlisted men aren’t being taken care of the way they were promised. Their families are suffering on base while they’re fighting overseas. If they come back hurt, for the most part, they’re discharged drawing only a little of the pay they were getting. Some are being deported breaking the serving equals citizenship they were promised. Morale is low.” He stops and waits until Miguel nods. He does that with his jaw tight understanding better than Perez knows. “The FBI Director saw good men walking away. He had surveys go out and found that even Special Forces were not re-signing, but they wouldn’t say why on the surveys. The enlisted men did and he figured it was for the same reasons.”

Now that he says it, I remember the surveys. My men had to submit them within a day.

“FBI get more money, better benefits and the Director wasn’t happy that the Field Offices weren’t producing half the results as their military counterparts. He started coming up with a plan a couple of years ago. This year, with no real constraints in place, he decided to implement it within the FBI budget. The Director is determined not to lose the better soldiers to the private sector. With the need growing right here at home, he had them reassigned to his program. It’s working. The Director doesn’t believe the need for SWAT, Bomb and Cyber Intelligence at every Field Office. It’s costly and ineffective. The teams he’s putting together are the best mix of men he can find that are not happy with their current agencies. With budget cuts, he’s working to cut out FBI waste and use the Enhanced Special Agents to work whole territories. It comes out cheaper, the men are happy with the pay and benefits and they’re doing a job they love. Using one Commander in the program stops political bullshit and military gives him men that follow orders to get the jobs done quickly and effectively. It’s a win all the way around.” He didn’t mention the database.

Miguel takes a couple of seconds then nods looking at me. “We’re building a database onto the FBI’s with every case. Cyber is keywording to build links to cases we work for other agencies. Our job is for any agency in need. It keeps us busy, pays for the program with billing outside the FBI and cuts Field Office budgets. They’re getting rid of agents that underperform and jobs that rarely see any action. It also centralizes and shares information between the FBI and those agencies that request help. We give them everything we collect on a case including video. With Perez Commanding Investigators they get airtight cases closed faster and cheaper than they can get with their own departments.”

“The Army I saw in the kitchen are getting FBI benefits?” Miguel asks. He already got a tour of the office. I shake my head smiling.

Perez nods. “We have one we sponsor for citizenship and they’re reassigned just like the teams. They don’t really understand it and work as if they’re still Army. They’re paid FBI support wages through us. The Commander gave them the choice of uniforms and they stuck with Army.”

He laughs. “I’m glad I signed on.”

Perez makes me smile. “We are too, Commander M. Saber.”

I laugh at Miguel’s face. “Just Miguel works,” he says smiling.

* * *

Cassidy

“Donna didn’t tell us about breakfast in bed. That’s so sweet,” my mother says stirring the sauce.

“I was in a hurry this morning, Ma. I had like three minutes.”

Stella flicks her towel at me. “So, the mother is coming soon.”

Donna sighs. I yank Stella’s towel from her. “Don’t do that. Not the mother, Rafael’s mother. She raised two great men that we’ve met. That says a lot. You treat her respectfully, or you’re not invited.”

“Cassidy!” my mother hisses at me.

“Don’t Cassidy me. This is my future family. I’ll guard her like I guard Rafael’s ass. You be respectful, or you won’t be invited when they are.”

“Mi vida, I hear fighting words for my ass and family that make me proud. Thank you, beautiful.” He kisses the edge of my lips smiling.

“I have to guard all my parts and future family. I may need them to hide out from these two,” I tell him pulling his shirt and kissing his lips.

“I’m coming with you. They’re fuckin’ crazy,” Harper says making us laugh.

Stella’s towel is coming my way and Rafael grabs it. “Be good, Stella. I’ll make sure Cassidy is protected, always and by any means necessary.” He gives Stella a look that has her hand holding her heart.

I’d step in, but the woman is getting out of hand. The look may work. Stella nods and he lets her towel go.

I get that beautiful smile. “Mi sol, we have four extra and Ford has three pizzas.”

My mom turns our way like she wasn’t watching that whole time. “Why does he always bring pizza to dinner?”

“I like pizza,” Ford says making her jump.

I look at Rafael. “So it begins. Keep your ass, dick and heart close enough for me to guard them all,” I whisper.

Donna laughs on the side of me and I kick her. “Ouch.”

“What’s wrong, babe?” Dallas asks standing behind her. Everyone stops talking and watches. Babe? Donna is holding out on me.

“Nothing, I heard something I wasn’t supposed to and it hurt,” she tells him.I love her quick wit.

He kisses her head and sits on the side of her. I look at Rafael then Ford and Miguel. They all look surprised.

My mom saves us from our nosiness. “Let’s get this food on the table.”

Everyone jumps into action.