Page 3 of Condor’s Vow

Chapter 1

Clay looked around at his team assembled at their new headquarters in downtown San Antonio, Texas. It was hard to believe that he was now in charge of a multi-agency Serial Killer Taskforce, but he felt good. He was pumped to actually make a difference to people in a direct way.

The team he had was small and while not the first of its kind it was unique in that it had been set up on an almost permanent basis—funding withstanding and provided they got the results. Ryoshi Delta would hunt and apprehend serial killers, which was appropriate considering Ryoshi meant hunter in Japanese. It hadn’t been what he’d been expecting when his boss called him into his office six months ago after the Roach case but as soon as it had been mentioned, he’d known it was what he’d wanted to do.

The team would be made up of five permanent full-time members and two working on an ad-hoc basis.

“I know we’re all keen to get started, and unfortunately, it won’t be long before we have a case thrown at us. We’re all under scrutiny here, so let’s not give the higher-ups a chance to kill this task force before we have the chance to show them we can make a difference.”

Clay regarded the men he’d be putting in the direct line of fire, asking them to trust each other with their lives in some situations, and knew that all the training in the world wouldn’t build the bonds they needed.

“We’ve knuckled down and done the advanced training with Behavioral Sciences and Tactical. Our skills are there, now we need to kick back for the weekend because on Monday the hard work begins. With that in mind, Cruz has very kindly invited us to his place for a cookout with him, his lovely family, and a few friends.”

“What time?” Drake ‘Lyric’ Dean asked.

Lyric was also FBI, but had spent a lot of time undercover. To look at him, no one would ever believe he was FBI. He had a wariness about him that had allowed him to survive a two-year stint in Chico Malo’s Mexican drug cartel. He was also covered in tattoos, with long hair and a deadly vibe that Clay knew he could make use of.

“They all feds?” Hawk asked Cruz as he crossed his arms over his chest.

Thomas ‘Hawk’ Reardon was a Texas Ranger and had experience with serial killer cases. More important to Clay, he came recommended by Daxton ‘Dax’ Chambers, who was also a Texas Ranger and a friend of Cruz Livingston’s, who Clay had worked with countless times and he had become a good friend.

“Nope. Mack and I will be there, as will TJ and Milena, Quint and Corrie, Calder and Hope, and possibly a few of the guys from Station Seven,” Dax said.

Sandstorm spoke up then. “Sounds good. Do you want us to bring anything?”

Scott ‘Sandstorm’ Silverman had come from the FBI violent crimes unit in DC and had been at Quantico the same time as he and Reid were there. Clay liked him and knew he had an excellent record.

“Mickie is probably buying up the store of steaks and beers so we should be good. Don’t be late.” Cruz replied.

Clay grinned. His friends were all so gone for the women they loved, and he wanted that one day, but for now, his focus was making sure Ryoshi Delta thrived and caught as many assholes as they could. He appreciated that while Dax and Cruz weren’t a full-time part of his team, he had the authority to call on them as needed to assist.

“What about you, Omega? You going to be there?”

Aiden ‘Omega’ Jackson was a cyber analyst at the NSA and the oldest of the group at forty-three. His work had helped find more potential threats to National Security than most analysts put together.

“Sure will. I never pass up a cookout.”

He watched his men leave a few minutes later, the good-natured ribbing already showing the bond that was building as his phone rang. He saw his sister’s name and frowned. In the last six months, not only had his life changed, but his best friend was now dating his baby sister. They were blissfully shacked up and planning the rest of their lives together.

Initially, Clay had been okay with Reid and Callie together, especially as he knew what a good man his friend was and his sister deserved that, but when Reid had broken her heart, it had put a strain on their friendship. All was well now, but it still made him shudder to think how close he had come to losing his sister to a stalker.

“Hey, Callie.”

“Clay, I’m so glad I caught you.”

Clay’s spine went straight. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing’s wrong. Reid and I were thinking of flying out next month and spending Thanksgiving with his mom. We wondered if you’d be around?”

Clay relaxed at the happiness in her voice. “Sounds good and I’ll try, but I can’t promise anything. This task force is small, and if something comes in, I won’t be able to leave. Serial killers are inconsiderate to holidays.”

“That’s fine, but will you try? Please?”

“If I can make it, I will.”

“You’re the best brother in the world.”

“Yeah, yeah.”