Chapter Fourteen

Rafael

I have Keys, Lincoln an IA from the Investigators, Springer and Miguel in the tactical Ops situation room. Miguel is observing so he can take over tonight. He’s been in here before watching different Ops but showed just before this one started.

Wheeler is in transport giving his men the plan and locations on the map. Walking into armed, angry men is never good. When they’re lighting shit on fire and firing into an opposing crowd, it’s a volatile situation. When the crowds are both known for the violence they inflict, it’s as dangerous as it gets.

“Where is my video?” I ask as Waite comes in. Some of the Aramis team is onboard, so I’m not surprised to see him show up.

Keys pops the video of the stage up. The protestors and Antifa are mixed around the outside staying off the street, so there’s a small buffer between them and the White Supremacy group filling the park square. It’s not much, but it’s something. They’ve had two GSWs and a few injuries since before the speakers started talking twenty minutes ago. Why they’re still talking up there is obvious. They’re attacking the protestors telling their group they need to take back America. I can’t figure out who the fuck they think took America, but the job doesn’t require my understanding.

Wheeler has his team ready. They’re all wearing masks and gloves, so the team doesn’t take on more shit than they need to. The military doesn’t see race the way some Americans do. Women are a different story, but I’ve never been assigned to a unit that shows the disrespect I’ve heard about.

Wheeler gives his breacher - Holbrook and SWAT - Mingo and James, the plan to remove the men speaking and disable the equipment. The governor revoked their permit after the first GSW .

“Pan the outside for me, Keys.” He does showing this is a little podunk town with a very small center. “Why the middle of nowhere?” The plane is landing at a municipal airport just outside of town. The chopper is following but will be twenty minutes behind.

“Small town, open carry in a live and let live state. The permit was for speakers of equality. Nothing in there about hate groups. A bigger town would have picked up the open calls for protestors and the ads in the surrounding cities’ newspapers,” Springer answers.

“These towns get slammed and don’t have the police to handle this kind of crowd. It’s happening more and more,” Keys says turning back to his computer.

Lincoln turns my way. “The Antifa is tagged yellow and mixed in pretty good with the protestors. The Supremacists in red. They’re showing guns and challenging the protestors.”

I watch thinking this looks a lot like the African mission I went on. “The protestors?”

“For the most part peaceful. The yelling starts with Antifa answering the WS. If you watch around them, people join in, but the rest are just holding the lines and keeping quiet.” He pans the protestors showing me pretty much what he just said.

“Keep an eye on the protestors and Antifa, Lincoln. Keys, watch the WS. Waite, run team body cams. Springer, I want the stage up at all times, give me a screen that’s not center.” I get rogers and watch the screens change position.

Wheeler is landing and a box truck is waiting. “Masks on,” he calls. The team hitting the stage has black flags covering the FBI on their gear. As soon as the plane stops Wheeler is up and at the door. “Move, move, move.” They run for the truck and its moving as the back door closes.

“Shots fired, Commander!” Keys yells zeroing in on the protestors. “An older man is hit. The crowd is pulling him back.”

The police are aiming at the WS from the road. Jesus. “Get me on with the Chief there. ”

“They don’t have video.” Springer hands me a phone. “Vasquez.”

“Chief Vasquez, this is Commander Saber. I need your officers to stand down. My men are pulling into the center now.” The guy is freaked right the fuck out. Another shot has the police screaming and trash being thrown at them. “Chief, your men are going to get themselves killed if this continues to escalate. Stand down and let my men handle it or we’re boarding a plane and leaving you to deal.” I take a breath waiting for his answer.

He’s got a cop that’s in a WS’s face. He’s going to get himself shot. Finally, the Chief radios for his men to stand down.

“Wheeler, it’s a go.” I watch the men jump and run from the road behind the stage and up both sides of the street. “Thank you, Chief, my men are in place. I’ll have a report on your desk in the morning. Keep your officers on hand to take custody of prisoners. You have an older man down that needs an ambulance on the protestors’ side.”

The guy has no idea what to say. He’s stammering while I watch Holbrook make it up the stairs of the stage.

“Springer, get Wheeler the stage video.” I look at the phone. “Chief, I can call you back when we’re done.” I cut him off but don’t have time for this now.

I throw the phone on Springer’s desk. “Wheeler, Macalister has a man holding a gun low coming toward him at ten o’clock.” He rogers me and repeats for Macalister.

I scan the screens and go back to Macalister holding his gun at the WS who is still walking his way yelling. As soon as the WS’s arm raises Macalister hits him with laser and one of Ford’s runs in cuffing him. A group of WS start walking toward him. Wheeler has two standing by Macalister with guns drawn.

The stage erupts in laser light. Everyone turns watching a man by the speaker fall. Holbrook keeps walking and moves the man at the mic. “The governor has revoked your permit.”

The protestors cheer, the WS start yelling and Holbrook holds his hand up. “There are a group of military heroes from Special Forces here to ensure everyone makes it home in one piece. If you raise a gun at any one of us, our orders are to shoot. Since you are American citizens, we will most likely shoot with a laser that knocks your brain into next week. The White Supremacy group will stay in the center while the protestors are escorted out safely. Protestors, disperse now.” Holbrook points his gun at the crowd.

The outside of the WS try for the street and come up against the team standing about twenty feet apart. The chopper is shining light through the crowd in the center.

“Wheeler, the north side is going to challenge.” We watch two from Aramis stand behind Porthos team. The WS group steps back.

Mingo is cuffing an Antifa member while James holds the WS back. The moron thought he would get through. He’s lucky they didn’t kill him.

“Commander, the speaker,” Springer says drawing my eye to the stage.

“Wheeler, the equipment disabled?” The man holds up a bullhorn. “Shoot him.”

He rogers and gives the order. Holbrook turns and shoots sending another flash from the laser. “We are not the men you play with. Military elite can and will shoot first.” He stands in the center of the stage watching the crowd.

The guy he hit is flopping around on the stage and everyone quiets.

“He’s a genius pointing out that they’re military. Even fanatical nuts respect military,” Miguel says sounding surprised.

“Wheeler’s feeding him the words. He’s done hostage negotiations before,” I tell him turning to Springer. “Make sure the Chief has a picture and charges for each prisoner handed over.” I count twelve so far.

It takes about fifteen more minutes to get the protestors clear. When the last car pulls out, I tell Wheeler to give it ten then release the WS. The officers are standing behind the team getting shit from the crowd. Since there are no protestors to fire up, I guess they’ll try the cops. Brown and Petrov aim at men and they stand down. The officers are not responding which surprises me. The chopper circling is keeping them alert, but shows we’re not taking shit today .

When Holbrook announces they can leave the WS move to the road yelling but without any further altercations. The team moves to the field where cars are parked and stands ready watching them leave.

I turn to Springer. “I need the Chief back. Did the information with charges get to him?”

“Yes, sir.” She punches in numbers and hands me the phone.

“Chief Vasquez, Commander Saber. You have your charges with pictures of the men that committed them to hold them over. I’ll have someone contact you with charges that are guaranteed to stick. The laser stuns for four minutes so you should have coherent prisoners. The report will be on your desk by morning. Your town center is clear and my men will be leaving once the last car leaves the field.” I look at Waite smiling. “I’ll see if we have a spare in the team gear.” He thanks me and my hand is rolling for him to hurry the fuck up. “Yes, sir. They’ll just clear out. No, I won’t forget the gun. Commander Saber out.” I cut him off again, but I have men waiting on me.

“Mic on! Mingo, Move!” He jumps to the side just getting missed by a car heading straight for him. “Shoot him, cuff him and charge him with attempted murder. Miguel, get Perez in here.” I look at Springer. “Sell his fucking car and anything in it.” I watch Mingo stand and dusts himself off. Jesus. He was walking to the entrance, so the car going to the gate wouldn’t alert him, but it turned causing him to jump onto the rock wall that separates the property. The wall crumbled sending him to his ass on the other side.

“Yes, sir. It will go with that nice RV sitting right there.” Springer points and I smile. She likes the auctions.

“Wheeler?”

“Commander, the team is transferring custody of the driver. The passenger is calling for a ride home.”

“Roger, Wheeler. Have him wait at the police station. The Chief would like a spare with a laser if you have one.” I look at Keys. “Get the Chief info on the gun.”

He rogers smiling. Wheeler laughs, “Roger, Commander.”

Perez comes in with Miguel following. “Waite, get the video of Mingo up. I want charges that will stick. I said attempted murder.”

Perez watches then goes to Springer. “Send the video of the whole scene. Attempted murder of a Federal Agent. The car can be brought in at trial. I’ll get it to the State Attorney. They’ll pick him up. Anyone else that raised a gun to the team falls into felony assault of a federal agent, but the charge has to be attempted murder. They’ll plea down from there. The federal charge will hold better than a straight threat of assault in the local courthouse with no chance of parole.”

Miguel hits my arm.

“Wheeler, transport when readied,” I say then look back and Miguel is smiling. Wheeler rogers.

“Good to have lawyers around,” he says low. “‘ Mic on’ opens, so you talk to the whole team?”

I nod and watch the team get in the box truck. The chopper made the trip and even called in flight plans for the plane. He didn’t do anything but circle, but it was another layer of security that registered with the protestors and WS.

I wait watching the team transfer to the plane. When they’re up, I relax. “There had to be a thousand people there.” Turning I nod for him to go on. “Twenty-two Agents, a thousand protestors and no shots fired while boots were on the ground.”

I tip my head to the side not quite agreeing. “We stunned, so shots were fired, but none from the WS or Antifa.” I see he has more, but I know where he’s going. “With the media watching, it would never fly with us shooting Americans. The laser gives us the option of stunning them and taking them in. In public, we stun. Someone pulls a gun on you and you have a second to respond, a shot may be the answer. So to answer what’s next. If you or Nelson had hit Haddad with the stun instead of a bullet, he would have been in custody sooner. The laser is new. Teams are just learning how to use them. If you’re looking to inflict pain, shoot, but not to kill. Our mission is not to kill Americans but recover, apprehend or stop criminal activity quickly, ensuring the safety of innocents. We’ll do that with the laser more and more, but until it’s comfortable, we do what we know. Training is helping for the other teams. Yours will get that too.”

His face shows surprise and hurt. I’m not asking him here, so I turn back to the screens.

“Commander, the Chief has the charges and the State Attorney is on his way. They like the video. I heard about it for five minutes and then the thanks for the gun. Commander Wheeler approved the report. I just need your print.” She’s damn good at her job.

“Thanks, Springer. The vehicles?” I put my print on the tablet.

“Being picked up soon. We’ll be able to get the rest of the cameras you wanted.” She’s excited.

“In a perfect world,” I tell her walking out. “Keys, stay with Wheeler until he lands. I’m in with the Investigators.”

“Roger, Commander.”

Miguel follows me out. “Why didn’t you tell me I fucked up?” he asks as soon as the door closes.

“Because you didn’t. You did what you know. The guns are new. You hadn’t been trained on them and it isn’t normal to stun anyone where we come from. Even Nelson took the shot. In a couple of weeks, we’ll all be running with the stun first mentality. Right now, we’re learning. The thing to remember here is everyone we come up against are Americans. We’re still defending America but in a different way. If we have to shoot to kill, we will, if not, we apprehend. Keep running virtual with Waters. She’s drilling it in my head. She’ll do the same for you.”

He stops me before we hit the ISR. “You’re a good Commander, hermano. Thanks. I’ll get with Waters.”

It’s the gray area that throws him. “You come see me, Miguel. Any questions, confusion, anything that makes transitioning hard, come see me and I can explain. I need you and you’ve seen why. You are the highest ranked all around. That experience is needed right here at home and by me, hermano. This is new for everyone, especially me. I don’t know what Perez does, but I’m learning. We’ll get there together, all of us together.”

He smiles. “The Three Musketeers.”

“Fucking Ford.” I walk away smiling. The whole all for one and onefor all does fit.

* * *

Cassidy

“A drink, counselor? This one is worth celebrating.” Turning I see a partner from the law firm I just won the case against. He usually ignores me like I’m not worthy of his acknowledgment.

“Mr. Prescott, thank you, but I have arraignments I need to get to.” I nod at Brad, so he knows I’ll meet him there. I don’t need more ice princess shit to be told around the office.

Prescott smiles like that’s cute. Kicking him is probably not worth the aggravation he’ll cause. “Doesn’t the DAs office have bottom feeders that can do arraignments? You’re worth more than running from a win like this to sit with twenty petty charges.”

Pompous jerk. “The arraignments are the start of the process that allows me to win cases like this. Your client went through that same arraignment process.” I don’t add that he’s now a convicted client.

That wiped the fake smile off his face. “I have an offer for you, Ms. Warner. A meeting with the partners at six tonight. They believe you to be someone that would fit the firm and be an asset to our team.”

As if! “Since a large number of my cases are represented by your firm, is this a way to finally win?” My record is public and I’m proud of my ratio. This twerp won a couple of big cases in the media but has lost a lot more than that.

“They’re offering a partner position. You’d be smart to hear them out. No more arraignment duty and the pay...”

I interrupt his pitch. “I’m not interested in dealing with firm politics, bringing the firm clients or your partnership offer. Arraignments are not a job I loathe. It begins the process of taking criminals off the street and sets up the cases for trial. I like the process and making sure I have charges that will hold up in court. I win those cases because every assistant DA handles those arraignments. Now, if you’re finished, Mr. Prescott, I have to get to the next courtroom.”

I start walking and he grabs my arm jerking it back. “Get your hands off me!” I say loud enough to draw attention.

Moving his hand, he steps closer. “Your prima donna attitude is cute but a turn-off. They’re offering partner to a lowly assistant DA. You could be someone that the legal world admires as an equal. Don’t walk away from an offer like this without even considering it. You’d make the money to keep you in your designer clothes for life. Show up and listen to them.” He turns as if I’m going to listen to his advice because he said so.

“Mr. Prescott.” He stops and turns along with everyone in here. Maybe I was sharp with that. “I apparently am someone the legal world admires as an equal. Your firm is offering me partner. I have no problem buying my clothes, but I’m impressed that you’ve noticed them. I’m not interested in your firm’s offer and will not be told to ‘show up’ at a meeting I’ve already turned down. This is the difference between the lowly DA that your firm wants and you. Your job here was to make sure I make that meeting so you can make your partners happy. I have no one to jump through hoops for and I like it that way.”

“Since your boss has been indicted that’s not surprising. The DA’s Office is a joke.” What a jerk.

“A joke that your firm is offering a partnership with and just won another case against one of your associates that the legal world admires . Just so you understand completely, I turned the DA job down earlier today, Mr. Prescott.” I push past him and feel someone take my hand. I spin fast and Donna hugs me.

“What an ass. Don’t let them give you shit.”Egad. She had to hear that.

I smile relieved it’s her. “Never. I have to get to court. I’ll call you later.”

Brad is waiting with a smirk on his face. “You slammed him. He’s a lousy lawyer anyway.”

I didn’t see him, but he was watching. Dammit. “That’s what I heard.” I unpack my briefcase and look at the cases.

“Why did you turn down DA?” He knows I’d never leave. That makes me smile.

I turn from the laptop toward him. “I’m getting married and would like to have time with my husband before kids start showing up. After my life settles down, I may accept, but right now I have other priorities.”

He’s so young and doesn’t know how to hide his feelings. I see confusion. “It’s the woman thing. You shouldn’t have to choose between kids and a job you love.” He’s cute with his indignation showing.

“I’m not. I’m choosing time and experience over jumping to a new job with more responsibility. I’m already changing my personal life. My dad taught us to live our lives and experience the changes we make. I’m doing that. One thing at a time, Brad.”

He nods and the bailiff calls us to rise.

* * *

Rafael picks me up from court looking very happy. “Good day?” I ask smiling just because he is.

“The program is picking up support, so the Director’s call was positive. My men and the agencies are happy with the jobs. My woman walks out the door with a smile and her eyes shining on me. It’s a good day, cari?o. How about you?”

I laugh and let him take my briefcase. “I turned down the DA job and a partner offer from a sleaze, won my cases today and just left arraignments. A good day for me too. I’m glad you’re here.”

He stops walking and turns me toward him. “Why did you turn the jobs down? You should take what you want, Bella.”

Men are cute. “I don’t want them. I wouldn’t leave the DA’s office to be a partner in a law firm and I like my life just the way it is. I have a job I love and the man I love. Life feels good right now.”

He shakes his head. “You turned down partner? Isn’t that like captain?”

My military man makes me giggle. “If that means seventy plus hours a week and no life outside the job, then yes, captain it is.”

Bending he rubs his beard across my cheek getting his mouth close to my ear. “I love that you know what you want, mi sol. I’m glad you turned them down.” His voice pitches low making it feel like it’s dripping down my body.

I shiver when his teeth slowly release my earlobe. “Yes, well, umm, me too.”

He laughs walking me to the truck. “Some of the men are making us dinner, cari?o. I wanted another night alone with you, but they’re excited about the cases they closed and Ops running smooth today.”

My GI Joe turns into romantic Rafael when we’re alone. I love the flirty way he talks and how he makes our time all about us. It’s one of the reasons I turned down the jobs. I don’t want to lose that. “What’s for dinner?”

He smiles. “They didn’t tell me. I only know it’s not pizza.”

Ford and his pizza. The ride home is quiet. I like that he’s planning or whatever he’s doing in his head. It gives me a chance to go over my day tomorrow in my own. Cars and trucks are on the side when he pulls in. It’s a good feeling to have people around. It reminds me of the bar. I can’t say I miss the paperwork the bar generated, but I miss the people. An arrow hits the center of the windshield making me laugh. They’re crazy. He loves his truck and keeps it shiny by wiping it down daily.

“A challenge, mi sol. I have to answer it.” He kisses me fast then is out and running through the lounge.

“Boys will be boys.” Talking to myself, I get out and turn for the stairs. An arrow hits my arm and I spin. No one is there. “Oh no, you didn’t! I’m changing then I’ll hunt you down and return the arrow!” I yell at the empty rooms.

I change into my sweatpants and running shoes excited to join the game. It’s a good thing Rafael bought me T-shirts. I pull Boston on and grab the arrow running for the pole. I love the pole.

A bow and quiver of arrows are by the back door. Rafael. Picturing his smile, I laugh picking them up and run with an arrow at the ready. I don’t see anyone, but an arrow flies by my leg. I grab it dropping it into the quiver and run for cover. One of the twins is at the next tree, stopping me in my tracks. He’s looking toward the soccer field. I raise and shoot him.

“Sonofabitch!” He turns with his hands up.

“I’ll take the arrows quietly.” I smile sweetly then look around. His yell is sure to draw someone our way.

Sure enough, Owens, the bomb guy, comes running our way. I hit his leg and stuff his arrows in my quiver. “Nice doing business with you guys. Gotta go.” I run into the area that’s thicker trees. Miguel steps out with a raised arrow and I freeze. Egad, I’m dead already. He lowers his bow smiling. I guess he’s my new ally. This is cool. As soon as I move his bow goes up and he shoots just to my right. Marks swears. I walk over and take his arrows.

Miguel laughs until I hand them to him. “Thanks for covering me.” I get a nod and he’s gone.

Men are walking through the trees to the path. Their posture tells me they’re dead. I move toward the park dodging behind trees. I feel someone close but don’t see them and they’re too damn quiet. “Mi vida, Ford is closing in.”

Dammit! I move my arm back and it connects to Rafael. “Tell me you’re an ally too,” I whisper.

“I will defend you with my life, mi amor.”

I roll my eyes at him and see movement to the left. “Stay still.” I lean right and shoot.

“Fuck!” Ford yells making me laugh.

“Shhh.” Rafael turns and lets an arrow go.

I don’t see who he hit, but I hear another, “Fuck.”

I move to Ford stealing his arrows and wait. Movement has me shooting, then running. Growing up with Harper has taught me well. She’s incredible at games like this. I get behind a tree and look to see who is moving out there. It’s an Investigator, but I don’t know his name. He moves out and I hit him right in the chest. As I run for his arrows, one flies by my head. “Damn!” I duck and run behind him.

He moves and I move with him. “You can’t use me as a shield. I’m dead.”

“Use what you got, Kimosabe,” I say over my shoulder as I run the other way.

I hear Rafael laughing and turn, stepping softly moving toward him. “I think it’s just Miguel, Waters and Swanson left.” He’s right here?

I look up. He’s sitting on a branch smiling down at me. “The women are good,” I tell him.

“They are, mi vida,” he says turning as he aims. The arrow flies far enough that I don’t see who he hit, but I know that attitude.

“At least it’s you, Commander. I’d be pissed getting beat by a girl with no training.”

I giggle and get hit. “Damn!”

Tabby moves away from a tree smiling. Then she’s not. “Fucking Sniper bastard. ”

I laugh right out. Rafael drops to the ground beside me. “Nice shot, hermano.”

Miguel takes her arrows and Summer hands hers to Rafael with an evil glare making me laugh more.

I hand my quiver to Miguel, but he won’t take it. “I’m not taking your arrows, Cassidy. Rafael didn’t let it go, but he would have hit me.”

I hand it to Rafael and he puts it over his shoulder with the others. “He defended you, mi vida. I couldn’t shoot him.”

“Next time you’re with Tabby and me. We could have had them.” Summer stalks away pissed.

“Okay!” I yell making Rafael and Miguel laugh. “It’s a smart-girl thing.”

“You’ll always be protected by me in any game, Bella.” He takes my hand and starts walking.

“That’s why I said it’s a smart-girl thing. We’re guaranteed a win.”

Miguel laughs and we hear the men ribbing Summer and Tabby. Ford is at the grill and I’m wondering if dinner will be edible. The man only eats pizza. Looking around I don’t see bows anywhere. Miguel walks to a bin and drops his in. That’s why. I follow Rafael and drop my bow.

“The Commander had home field advantage,” one of the twins says.

Miguel and Ford laugh at him. “You got hit by Cassidy,” Ford tells him and everyone laughs.

I pull Rafael’s arm and he bends. “Can Ford cook real food?” There’s a lot of smoke coming from the grill.

“I’ll supervise.” He walks away fist bumping the men as he passes.

Sitting, I watch them pick at each other for getting shot. I don’t understand this part, the whole game is shooting at each other, we all got shot but Rafael and Miguel.

Tabby sits and we talk about the wedding. I’m glad we’re doing it here and the teams are coming. I like them even with the weird pizza thing and picking on each other. Rafael is moving food around and I watch thinking he’s a good man. We may get an edible dinner tonight. I smile and Tabby slaps my arm.

“You are so whipped.”

She reminds me of Donna. “I am and I don’t care who knows.”

She’s got a pretty smile. “Everyone knows.”

I don’t tell her, but I’m glad they all know. He turns like he knows we’re talking about him. I stick my tongue out and he smiles with his eyes lighting up.

“Holy shit. He gave you the look and I’m shaking,” she whispers.

“Yeah,” I shiver knowing just what that look meant. He smiles bigger and winks.