“No. They wore masks over their faces. I did recognize one. He swaggers like he’s a lady’s man, Hayworth,” she choked out.
Leo turned toward Hollywood and gestured for him to wait before calling Bear.
“Did they say why they did it?”
“They called me a nosy bitch, sir. I took it as a compliment after all the other names they called me,” she breathed.
“What’s the damage?” Leo addressed Patch.
“She has a concussion. Multiple cuts and abrasions, bruised ribs, and a nice shiner to go with it.” Patch pulled down the sheet, indicating her torn clothes.
Leo’s nostrils flared as he saw the bruises on her thighs. “Did they rape you, Sargeant Taylor?” he asked softly.
She chuckled a second before wincing. “They tried. After seeing two of their buddies die, they decided I wasn’t worth their effort.”
“I need my corpsman to take photos of you,” Leo said. “You’ll be leaving tonight.”
“I’m scheduled for the day after tomorrow,” she said, refusing. “I’m not letting these assholes win.”
“We won’t let them. Where did you plan to go after you leave the army?” Leo asked.
“I don’t know, sir,” she said, wincing. “My dad passed away last year, and I don’t have any relatives. I hoped to find a security job somewhere.”
Leo leaned over her. “You risked your life for us and for those who died because of these fuckers. It tells me everything I need to know. My friend, Julio Hernandez, has a team in Embers, Texas. You’ll have a job there if you want it. First, I’m sending you to Serenity. My friends will get you fixed up and off the radar. Once you’re healed, Chase and Kassie Winters will get you to Texas.”
“You don’t need to do anything, sir. It’s a pleasure working with you,” she said as Patch taped the cut above her eye.
“They have a team there to rescue trafficking victims. Something tells me you’ll fit in there. You’re doing me a favor,” Leo replied. “Don’t die on me while I work on getting you out of here.”
“Fat chance,” she replied. “I refuse to let those bastards have the pleasure.”
“Go to Texas and kick some ass,” Leo said before leaving the room.
“Knight, you and Taco keep an eye on Hayworth,” Leo said, walking toward their mini war room. “Saint, hang tight near Sparky. Hollywood, we’re officially in mission mode. Call Bear. Have him dig up everything on Hayworth and Cole’s old boss, Sargeant Ford. See if they have any ties. When you’re done, we’ll take a little drive.”
Hollywood headed to their coms room to place the call.
“Bear speaking.”
“It’s Hollywood,” he said. “Leo requests info, asap.”
“What does he need?” Bear asked.
“We need information on four men,” Hollywood said, listing their names. “He wants you to check for a link between any of them and Sergeant Ford.”
“Will do. Jones and Sullivan will be multiples. I’ll check for any common links between them and will get back to you,” he said tiredly.
“Thanks,” Hollywood said, glancing at his phone. The time in Seattle was way after midnight. He noticed a text from Addy, making him smile. “Talk to you soon.”
He tapped his screen to read her text.
I miss you holding me in your arms. Question of the day: What’s your favorite ice cream? I love pecan and mint chocolate chip. I’m off tomorrow. I’m meeting the women for lunch at Ty’s. Then we’re taking a little shopping trip.
Grinning,he texted back. I like Moose Tracks ice cream. It’s vanilla swirled with chocolate fudge and peanut butter cups. Since I’ve moved to Serenity, Eddie makes the best vanilla ice cream I’ve ever tasted. I bet it tastes better if I lick it off you. I’m happy you’re going out with the women. I bet they’re thrilled to have you.
A text immediately popped up.It’s technically tomorrow. I can ask another question. Do you prefer lace or silk?
A picture showed him two pairs of panties, nothing like the ones he saw Addy in. She usually wore her cotton panties, which made his cock stand at attention. Imagining the different materials against her soft skin, he replied.
