Page 57 of Fighting for Family

“Whatever you need,” Patch said. “It’s a good thing we got here when we did.”

Knight sent him a relieved expression before getting into the driver’s seat and heading toward the hospital.

Peering at his wife, he recalled her last pregnancy and the unexpected difficulties during labor. Fear ran through him. Dr. Greene assured him the pregnancy progressed without any indication of complications. It didn’t change the fact that things happened. His leader didn’t plan to leave his wife alone with four children. Knight gulped and concentrated on the road. Life suddenly seemed fragile and precious at the same time.

CHAPTER 18

Shadow wiped his brow and lay in the sand, waiting to see who entered the K-9 base. Sergeant Ford paced impatiently in the dog training area, peering outside the gate.

“Ford seems a bit edgy tonight,” Shadow said into his comms. “I’m afraid to fart in case he hears me. He seems vigilant about something.”

“Bear said the Air Force intends to bring investigators in. They have struck too many times, and Leo’s death complicated things for them. Even though we’re considered ‘contractors,’ they’re unhappy about an American hero getting killed saving their own men,” Saint informed the team.

“Cole,” Taco said. “Can you see what’s in his hand? I believe he carried the same thing when they put something on the ground before the attack.”

“It’s ammonia,” Cole said. “We keep it away from the K-9s. It can smell like urine to some dogs and confuse them. Not to mention the fumes can hurt their noses and lungs. When I treated Brody, his lungs showed signs of inflammation. I’ll kill that bastard,” Cole seethed.

“We’ll back you up,” Saint muttered. “Why do they have it available if it’s dangerous or confusing for the dogs?”

“We don’t usually keep it on site,” Cole said. “Unless something changed, it’s not a regularly stocked supply.”

“Ammonia can be used in explosives,” Shadow offered. “Didn’t you say most of the attacks start with an explosive?”

“Yeah,” Cole said, sounding pissed. “I can’t wait to take this asshole down.”

“Don’t get your panties in a twist,” Taco advised. “We knew of his involvement. There must be more and higher up on the chain. We must cut the head off the snake. Losing your cool will not help. We observe and plan. We may not have found Leo, but this bastard will pay for hurting one of our own.”

“I wish I never told Leo,” Cole said regretfully. “Maybe then, we’d all be home, and Leo would still be here.”

“Suck it up, soldier,” Saint ordered. “Leo investigated it before you came onto the team. Ford’s review of you sent up a red flag. Leo only hires the best. He wanted to bring justice to those who lost their lives and keep any more of our brothers and sisters from getting killed.”

“Did Bear find Cora?” Cole asked. “If Sergeant Taylor were still here, I’m sure she’d know where she went.”

“She’s reassigned to the States at Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi. Bear reached out to Matthew, and he’s planning to meet with her. He’s at home supporting the Texas team in Ireland,” Saint informed his men. “We’ll see why she requested the transfer and how she got it this fast. According to Bear, she visited Colonel Rutherford, and the next day, the paperwork got approved. The military bureaucracy never works that fast.”

“She knows something or gave evidence, I’m guessing,” Shadow offered.

“It’s my guess, too,” Taco said. “Heads up, we got a black SUV coming about a click away.”

“All right, gentlemen, we’re playing for the win,” Saint said. “Taco, be ready to move when the SUV departs.”

“Yes, sir,” Taco said, sliding on his belly until he made it out of sight and headed for the truck.

“They’re at the gate,” Shadow reported. “The guard waved them through,” he said, surprised.

“Cole, let me know when you have a good view of who steps out of the vehicle,” Saint said, hoping Cole recognized the person.

“I have the camera ready,” Cole replied. “Come on, turn around and let me see your face.”

“They’re headed to the barracks. Can you see them?” Shadow asked.

“No. They have their hats pulled low. I need to move closer,” Cole insisted.

“No,” Saint said firmly. “Leo got his name because he thrived on waiting for his prey like a lion. They’ll eventually leave. Shadow, take notes on times and get a license plate number off the vehicle.”

“On it,” Shadow said, getting the plate number. “Shall I send it to Bear and Tex?”

“Yes,” Saint agreed. “Between the two of them, maybe they can figure out our elusive traitor.”