Chapter Thirteen

Rafael

I usually go over my day while I’m getting ready to do laps. Today is our first Op with Cassidy and I can’t get out of bed. Her breathing against my chest is more important than laps. Lecompte put the bands on her thigh. The bruise on her head is faded. Her arm still has stitches but is healing nicely even after getting wet last night. My Bella’s breathing is still a concern. The pills seem to be working, but there’s no telling her reaction in the middle of an Op. Lecompte is on-cycle and can’t be there, so Rioux is scheduled. I’m not happy with it because Lecompte calms her, but Cassidy isn’t waiting until next week when she’s off-cycle.

I take a deep breath. Nothing is going to make me feel good about using her as bait. I run through the Op again. She’s covered, she’s healed enough to move freely and she’s breathing better. I need to trust her and my men to do their jobs. Once it’s settled in my head, I go over it again.

This is the first time I’ve ever been in this position and it sucks. Love is hell. I smile at that. I love coming home to those happy eyes shining on me. I love how smart and logical she is. I love the masks she puts in place that always get her through every situation. I guess love isn’t so bad. I kiss her head and slide out moving the pillow against her. Laps would be good before I start writing fucking love letters.

* * *

We get to the bank and Ford follows us in. I see Petit sitting at a desk and Cadieux in front of him. They’re talking but sitting at angles, so they have the whole room covered. I relax when we’re brought into an office for the closing. Sitting where I can see out the glass, Cassidy is on my other side and Ford sits across from me. Signing takes less than thirty minutes. Cassidy went over the paperwork with Ford and Wheeler already, so nothing needs to be explained. They bought the building for a song, but Cassidy gets the insurance money covering everything that was in it. They’re all happy with the numbers and my contractor is drawing up the plans to rebuild.

As we’re walking out, two more from Ford’s team are in the lobby. One walks out in front of us the other lags behind.

“Let’s celebrate with coffee. You’d think they’d serve something at a closing. I’ll buy,” Ford says walking toward the coffee shop two doors down. Our Op is planned for this building. Cassidy is talking to him, but I’m scanning the area and don’t add to their conversation.

“A drone is coming down the road,” Perez says in my ear.

As we turn into the shop, I look back quick seeing it. Perez has Waite and Robinson working to get the remote location. Hank is pulling the video. I sit listening and wait for the location feeling like I’m missing something. Scanning the room, I don’t see him but feel he’s close. “Check here,” I say softly. Ford sits straighter and gives me a nod. He feels it. Cassidy is talking about the building as if we’re just out for coffee making me smile. She leans over and I kiss the edge of her lips. “He’s close,” I whisper.

She nods smiling and tells Ford about the stuff Lecompte found in the debris. She’s happy about the jewelry and gifts from her dad, but I see her eyes are wide as she looks around.

“It’s good to have that back, mi sol. Your father’s gifts should stay with you forever.”

She turns her head back my way and I see him. “Perez, the back patio.” When I look over her head, he’s gone. “Out of view.”

“Decker, do you have a clear shot?” Perez asks in the middle of everyone calling in location.

Fuck. He doesn’t see him. Our waitress brings coffee out blocking my view. Ford stands. “Thanks,” he says to her. “I’ll be right back.” He turns toward the bathroom and I see him bend. Jesus, Donna looks surprised, then nervous. She walks to the counter and picks up her coffee then moves to the door.

Something about her being here raises the hair on the back of my neck. “Cover Donna.”

“Donna?” Perez yells.

She screams and I’m up. “Ford, stay with Cassidy.”

“What is Donna doing there?” Perez asks.

Haddad has Donna against him as he’s backing away with his arm against her throat. His other hand is pointing a gun at me. Miguel is coming up behind him, but I keep my eyes on him and my gun pointed down. “Yours is next. It’s unfortunate that you picked here to celebrate, Saber. You won’t get to find her body now.”

People are screaming and moving away causing the perfect distraction. If Perez would shut up with the questions, it would be good. “Will I?” Miguel asks as his gun touches Haddad’s head.

“Take the shot!” Perez yells.

Jesus! “Stand down!” I tell the men.

He raises his arm and I shoot on laser. Miguel pulls Donna to the side and Haddad falls the other way.

“Nice shot, Commander.” My brother is smiling like I didn’t just shoot a man a foot away from him.

Perez is yelling in my ear again and I pull the bud out.

I nod and take Donna’s arm. “Are you okay?”

She grabs onto me and holds on tight. “You shot him.” She starts crying. Oh, Jesus. I put my arm on her back looking for anyone to deal with her. Petit is cuffing Haddad and everyone is looking around. Miguel shrugs at me turning away. Bastard. I wish Lecompte were here.

Cassidy comes running out of the coffee shop. “I got this. Get that piece of shit out of here.” She kicks Haddad’s shoulder making the men laugh. I smile at my Bella and hand Donna over before she does any more damage that I’m going to have to explain .

“Take her inside, princesa. Ford, stay with them.” I put my bud back in. “Perez, Donna is fine. Not a scratch on her. Get the men back to the office. Pettit and Decker can transport the prisoner to the PD. Get everything you have on him over there including the video.”

“Roger, Commander. Thank you.” He gives orders in a more relaxed manner. I’m relieved to hear it. I know how it feels to be helpless when you care about someone, but he lost it and could have gotten someone hurt or dead. I remind myself that he doesn’t run Ops. Everyone here today volunteered. I should have had Miguel running this one. We didn’t expect Donna to show up, but that’s not a good enough excuse to jeopardize her, my men or Cassidy. I won’t make this mistake again.

Miguel is talking to the people on the street making me wonder where the police are. A gunman in the center of the city should warrant a cop car showing up.

Ford is watching me when I walk in. Donna is shaking, but she stopped crying. Cassidy is calm and talking softly with her hand on Donna’s arm. She smiles looking up at me. “Thank you.”

“You’d never forgive me if your maid of honor got hurt, Bella.” I bend closer to her ear. “Purely selfish on my part, but it worked out and I get your eyes shining on me, mi sol.” I smile watching her body shiver.

Donna laughs. “Stella is going to be pissed.”

* * *

I’m surprised Ford held it until we were alone. “Your mic off?” he asks as we get in the car.

“Yeah.”

“He could have gotten her killed.” He’s pissed.

I nod. “Perez isn’t tactical Ops. I should have had Miguel running it.”

“He ran an FBI office, Rafael. He’s done Ops before. ”

This isn’t on Perez. “I should have had Miguel running it. Perez didn’t run tactical Ops. He’s not trained and he saw his woman held by a known serial killer. No one is prepared for that.”

He takes a minute, but he isn’t done. “Miguel was behind him and you were in front of him. He called for the shot.”

He did. “Yeah. He’s not trained like we are.”

“That’s bullshit. If it were Cassidy, you wouldn’t have called for that shot. Miguel was right there.”

“I didn’t let Cassidy go alone. Because it was Cassidy, half of a tactical team was there plus two On-site Commanders. It’s different when it’s your woman. Trusting your men is one thing. Trusting them with your woman’s life is another. I was on-scene, Perez wasn’t. He’s not trained like we are and I put him in a position that he shouldn’t have been anywhere close to.” Shit, I fucked it up and Perez is going to feel responsible.

Ford is quiet until we pull in. “I see what you’re saying. I don’t know how I’d react, but I know you. I wouldn’t think twice about letting you handle the situation. That could be training or trust, I don’t know. What I do know is the men think Cassidy walks on water. She took down the old DA. She went through an explosion, attack, being stalked, Lecompte stitching her and her biggest complaint to date is Nelson’s driving. A whole team would have been there if you would have let them.”

I think she’s amazing too. “Nelson’s driving?”

He laughs hitting the glass panel and looking at the camera. “Ask Miguel.”

First, I have to deal with Perez. “Stay with the Investigators while I talk to Perez.”

“Yes, sir.”

* * *

Cassidy

Parker catches me before I’m even sitting. “Donna is okay?” He hugs me like I’m the one that Haddad was choking .

“She’s good. She took the rest of the day off. My mom is going over to keep her company.” I’m not sure that was a good idea, but Donna didn’t want to be alone. She’s like a sister to Harper and me. My mom treats her like she’s one of her daughters, so it’s good, but it’s my mom and she’s a little crazy. Donna’s mom lives in New York and doesn’t seem to remember she has a daughter. A crazy mom might not be bad. I smile thinking about my mom hugging Donna and telling her they’re baking today. I hope it’s brownies.

“Why are you smiling?” Parker asks stepping back.

Umm, brownies, but I don’t say that. “Haddad is in custody. Donna is fine. I’m free to go anywhere I want. My GI Joe shot the man with a cool laser thing like you see at the movies. I sold the bar this morning and I’m getting married. Pick one.”

He laughs walking out.

* * *

I drop my statement off at Carl’s desk. He’s the assistant that has Haddad’s case. Everyone was happy today including me. The man had everyone nervous. Two more bodies were found, but he’s in jail and not likely to ever be let out again. I’m so glad they found and charged the clerk at the prison. I think he’d get off on insanity, no one would let Stew Haddad loose unless they were insane. I’m keeping it to myself, so it doesn’t happen.

Miguel is waiting by the door when I step off the elevator. “Rafael is on Ops. He asked me to pick you up, bella.”

He always says Bella in a different tone than Rafael does. I need to ask why. “Thanks, Miguel. My car is at the fire station.”

He smiles taking my arm. “Will you ever call it home?”

Home? “I think of it as home, but it’s an old fire station that Rafael worked to convert into that home. Maybe I’m just showing respect for his work. ”

He opens my door and I remind myself to thank their mother. “He showed me a service station down the road. I’m not sure about it because of the tanks. If one leaked, I’d have to deal with excavating and the EPA, well someone. I think the EPA is gone now.”

I nod and wait for him to get in. “If you want to live close, there is an old diner and a storefront less than four blocks from us.”

He looks interested. “Yeah?”

“Drive, we have time to look.” I’m always surprised they know right where to go. All the agents I’ve ridden with and not one has gotten lost or asked how to get somewhere. I get lost when I’m out of the city. It just doesn’t seem fair. “Where did you live before here?”

“California before I took the DC job. It was beautiful, but we lived in New York after my dad died. I missed changing seasons and good pizza.”

Not another one. “Ford has a thing with pizza too.”

He smiles and I see Rafael in that smile. “Ford is crazy with pizza. He has been since I’ve known him. I swear he lives on it.”

“The next block on the right.”

He pulls in front of the old diner. It’s a two-story building with big windows in the front.

“The neighborhood businesses are slowly dying out. Everyone is eating from drive-thrus or the mall. Since the mall went up, businesses are closing all around it.”

I follow him to the windows and we look in. “This is nice. The counter and coolers are still here.”

“I always liked the floor. That black and white pattern will never look old fashioned. Me and Harper used to play a sort of hopscotch on it.” Thinking back, I’m surprised we did. My dad always let us be kids. He was strict, but only with the important stuff.

He moves looking at something behind the counter. “Did you eat here a lot? ”

“After judo. It was our weekly ritual when my dad was home. They had good food and my dad would catch up with his friends from the neighborhood. He grew up in a tenement house down the road.” I point, but he’s still looking in the window.

“Good memories to carry.” Something in the way he says it says he has good memories too.

“He gave us a lot of them.” My dad was the best. I wish he could have met Rafael. I smile shaking my head, he did, I just wish he knew we’re together. Whenever I’ve dated someone for a while I always ask myself, would dad be proud? I know he’d be proud to have a son-in-law like Rafael. They’re a lot alike.

He goes back to the other window. “My dad was like that too. Everything was a lesson with him, but we didn’t know until it was done. He taught us so much with everything we did.”

I can see that in Rafael. Miguel is three years younger, but he’s a Commander too. Their father must have been a very special man to raise such great men. “How did your father die? Rafael never said.” It’s weird that he didn’t answer, but I never asked again. His eyes snap to mine. “I’m sorry, you don’t have to answer.” It must be bad to cause the pain I see in his eyes.

“I’m surprised he didn’t say, but he was there. It’s harder for him.” He walks me back to the car and I think he isn’t going to say when he types on his phone. I get in feeling bad for causing him to relive what must have been a painful loss. My dad was shot on base by a lunatic that killed four men, then himself. I’ll never not feel that pain.

When he closes his door, he doesn’t start the car but keeps looking straight ahead. “We lived close to the embassy. It was a nice neighborhood with some of my mother’s relatives that were always dropping by. I loved Spain for the culture, but it was more than just that. The family that we had there is nothing like here. Everyone knew us and cousins, aunts and uncles were like a web around us. They showed us we aren’t alone in this life. My dad loved it. His family was spread out, but they didn’t stay in touch. Seeing and feeling like you belong touched him. He was like Rafael. He never saw what he did but always saw every little thing someone else showed. He was an amazing man. A humble man.

“He was supposed to pick up Rafael on his way home. It was his first job and my dad was so proud. Rafael was late getting off work and my dad was waiting in the car. As Rafael walked out the back of the building, my dad’s car exploded.

“We weren’t told anything. They had us on a plane back to the US that same night. It was the worst day of our lives, especially Rafael. He was smart. He wanted answers that no one was willing to give us. He read everything that came to the house. We weren’t allowed to talk to the family we grew up with. We just existed for a couple of months.

“Rafael started working out and kept the rest of us in line for my mom. He handled everything as if it was his duty. He went into ROTC in high school then enlisted. He found out that there were threats against the embassy a few years ago. I know he feels responsible for my dad being out there, but I’m just so glad that Rafael wasn’t in the car too. I never told him that.”He looks at me. “Don’t cry, bella. It was a long time ago. The pain will always be there, but it fades with good memories and our family supporting each other.”

I pull napkins from the glove compartment and wipe my face. Rafael didn’t tell me because it hurt too much. He was so happy when Harper brought me some things she found from my dad. He understood better than I thought he did and knows what those precious gifts are worth in my heart.

I shake my head. “I’m sorry that pain touches you, but I’m so happy that he was an amazing man. His life shows through you and Rafael. He’d be proud of his boys. Thank you for telling me.”

His head tilts to the side. “You know that pain. Your father raised amazing women too. Thanks for saying, it helps coming from somone that lost like we did. I’m sorry that anyone has to live through the pain of losing a parent to such violence.”

I don’t know what to say, so I nod. He turns around. “Don’t you want to see the store?”

“I will if this one doesn’t work. I can do something with the diner.”

I laugh hearing those words until we get to the fire station. I think it’s just the stress of the day. Pulling in, I calm and feel better. Home. No one is at the little desk. I’m not sure if I like that it’s empty or not. No threat is a huge relief, but the guys kind of grew on me.

As the door closes, I hear a car pull in. Miguel goes to the door. “I’ll get it.”

I walk up the stairs slow wanting to see who it is. An agent walks in with a case of beer smiling. “Hank and Ford are coming. No one else has the PS.”

Miguel laughs. I smile going up wondering what a PS is and happy that we have one.

Dropping my briefcase on the couch, I go right to the fridge and take out the chicken from last night. Rafael pulled it out of the oven and came right back to the bathroom to carry me to bed. He had a lot of plans. A shiver runs through me. I love his plans. Even the egg sandwich sitting on the island was a good plan.

I change into slacks and a cute blouse from Lafleur, then get busy cutting the chicken from the bone and chop the onions into small pieces. My mom and Stella know how to stretch food. I’m stretching. With grapes, apple bits, quartered cranberries, celery and chopped walnuts I add the chicken and some mayo, then pop it in the fridge and clean up.

Getting the lettuce and tomatoes ready I think about Rafael’s dad. He told me about New York and I always get the feeling that moving back was hard for him. He says things like he’s American just like me as if it’s a point to be made. Kids can be mean. I bet his citizenship was challenged with him being the new kid in high school. Losing his dad the way he did, feeling guilty, moving away from the family he loved, then dealing with mean kids, must have been hell. I’m glad he joined the ROTC then the military. They helped make him the man he is today.

Arms wrap around me causing me to freeze. “Bella, I’m jealous of vegetables. Why do they make you so happy?” His beard caresses my neck just before he kisses behind my ear.

I melt into him. “I was in my head and didn’t hear you come in. I’m happy because of who you are. My romantic GI Joe always makes me smile.”

“At least we’re all one now.” He kisses my head. “What can I help you with? Ford has pizza.”

He always does. “I just need the rolls and the salads Stella sent over.”

He moves to the fridge. “The woman is crazy, but she can cook. I like both of these.” He stops with the door open and I watch him smile at the food. “When I first went shopping with you I thought the fridge looked pathetic. I wanted your food in here. This is better. We have everyone’s food, even Stella’s.”

He’s a nut. “My mom took Donna home to bake today. We may get brownies too.”

He drops the bowls on the counter and lifts me up. “Tonight is going to kill me, isn’t it, mi sol?” His lips just touch mine when my mother yells.

“I hope the counter is clean!”

* * *

Rafael

Jesus. “Fucking killing me, Bella.” My forehead hits hers and I watch that smile play across her face.

“I love you, but if she’s here, she made brownies.”

I can’t do anything but laugh. “Think of me when you eat it, mi amor.”

Her body shakes as I lift her down. Everything is foreplay with her. I can’t complain.

“You gave her the look again. That’s getting to be indecent,” Myrna says.

Donna laughs. “He breathed on her, Myrna. Leave him alone. ”

I’m smiling at Cassidy. “She’s excited about brownies. She’s got a thing for chocolate.”

Her body jerks and she’s shaking her head as if to clear it. Jesus, she’s easy to get started. I clamp my mouth shut thinking her panties are wet right now. Taking a step closer, she puts her hands on my chest. I can work with that. Taking her hand, I kiss her ring then wrist. “Dessert before dinner, princesa,” I whisper.

She pushes against me. “Anticipation, mi amor. Chocolate is always better when you’re relaxed and can enjoy it.”

I drop my hands stepping back. “Fucking killing me, Cassidy.”

She laughs. “I’m learning.”

They start talking about the Op and I open the salad bowls. Perez comes in and starts cutting the rolls I threw on the island. He’s okay with what happened today. I’m glad he understood and didn’t give me shit about being able to do all the jobs. I think he was relieved, but he didn’t say it. The rest of the day I saw him confident with no problem running his men. I didn’t fuck up too bad and now I know why the police never showed. He called the Op in letting them know we had a possible fugitive apprehension. He’s a smart guy.

“Can we help?” Miguel asks coming through the living room followed by Hank, Marks and Nelson.

“Yeah get plates and silverware.” I point to the cabinet, but they have it.

When I look over Cassidy is smiling at them. She likes that they’re here. I do too.

“I brought an antipasto plate. I’m glad I wasn’t late.” Shit. Who the hell let her in?

“Stella!” Everyone yells like we’re in a Cheers episode.

“Bella, my body parts are in your hands. Guard them with your life.” I smile when she shivers.

“I wouldn’t mind them in my hands. I’ll guard you, Rafael.” Myrna looks serious.

“Eeuw!” Donna hits Myrna’s arm.

“MOM!” Cassidy yells.

The men laugh. Jesus. Stella stops at the other side of the island. That’s an improvement.

Miguel is talking to Hank about the jump we have scheduled. Hank’s a little nervous. The Investigators training is a source of pride for Waters, but she’s pushing them for more. I figure it can’t hurt.

“I want to jump out of an airplane too,” Stella says and my eyes snap to Cassidy.

They’re all going to want to go. “No. Civilians can’t be on military training exercises.” The men start eating again, but Cassidy is watching me.

“I’ll go with you. That sounds like fun. My husband did all that training stuff.” Myrna looks at Donna. “You should come with us. Harper can be there making sure we’re all fine.”

Fuck. I’m shaking my head no at Cassidy. As soon as I see the mask slide down, I know I’m fucked.

“I want to go too.” She’s determined and I look at my plate.

“Breathing will be a problem for you.” Miguel tries to help me.

She gives him a look and I know she’s not giving in. “They don’t have masks for people to jump with? I’ve seen them on TV. They take up cancer patients.” She turns my way. “You jump out of planes too, right?”

Shit. “He goes on all the jumps. The Commander has the most hours.” Nelson helps her out.

I level a look at her. “Stop helping this.”

Waters sits smiling. “I’ll go with them. This will be a trip.”

Fuck. “Jesus. ”

Myrna jumps up getting a plate for Waters. “When can we go? Now I’m excited.”

Perez tries to help. “Stella had a heart scare, Cassidy has asthma issues and Donna is afraid of heights. I don’t think it’s the trip you’re making it out to be.”

Donna is nodding and I’m relieved. She can talk to them.

“It was gas, not a heart scare and Cassidy can wear a mask. She saw it on TV,” Stella says like they’re all set to go.

I clear my place and walk away. They’re fucking crazy and now that’s jumping out of a plane.

Ford is playing air hockey with Grant. I’m glad I know the twins better and can tell them apart. Grant is more outgoing and vocal, but Rhett is always up for anything which keeps them together more times than not. Since Rhett is on-cycle Grant is alone tonight.

“Commander, you want to play the winner? I’ll be done beating him in a minute,” Carlson says making me laugh.

Ford hits the puck hard and it flips off the table. “I’m just hungry.”

“Yeah, Carlson. You know if you eat a real meal you won’t be hungry every ten minutes. Go eat, they have a ton of food upstairs.” He looks at me and misses the puck going in.

Carlson is laughing. “You lost anyway. Go eat, Commander Ford. Maybe you’ll have enough energy to try to beat me when you’re done.”

Ford walks away mumbling about pizza being good. “Don’t encourage the women wanting to go on a jump,” I tell him getting set to play.

“They want to jump? Cassidy can’t fucking breathe to jump. She’s not carrying a tank on her back!” he yells like I’m all for it.

“I know. Waters said she’d go. Stella and Myrna are excited.” I stop the point and watch Carlson’s play .

“Those women are fucking crazy!” Ford says going up the stairs.

Carlson laughs and I hit it in. “Shit.” He starts playing more determined, but the first point will play over in his head. I use it as soon as he overcorrects and slam it in again. “I should know better.”

A scream has us turning. Stella comes sliding down the pole with Nelson wrapped around her. At the bottom, she’s laughing. “I can do this, I’m going again, alone this time.” She hurries to the stairs and Myrna slides down with Waters.

Carlson looks at me and runs for the stairs. I give up and wait at the bottom of the pole. Perez comes down with Donna. Her eyes are closed and she screams the whole way. Cassidy comes down laughing. I’m fucked.

“I always want to do that! I’ll be right back.” She runs for the stairs with her heels clacking as she goes.

I’m never going to win this one. I think about what we’ll need and start a plan.