Page 17 of Her Fearless Warrior

Linc was pretty sure he heard Rankin’s sergeant laugh in the background.

“I’ll get back to you when we have more information,” Kostya assured the lieutenant.

“In the meantime, my men will head out. How many men will you be bringing?”

“Eight.”

“We’ll bring two vehicles for you to each site.”

“Obliged.”

“Safe travels,” Rankin said before hanging up.

Kostya turned to his team. “Get suited up and meet me up on the flight deck in fifteen minutes. I want these people found and returned before tomorrow. Got it?”

Everybody nodded and got up from their chairs, as they responded ‘yes’ or ‘got it’.

Linc wasn’t surprised to see Gideon hang back with their lieutenant.

4

The hand-off to the Humvees had been easy. The team had pulled off at an electrical power station before the small town of Al Qaryatayn. This way, they could easily do a roadblock.

“Big doings in Quarry Town,” Jase said.

“I don’t know. I saw the truck of chickens go by twenty minutes ago. It looked like they might be having a party.” Ryker smirked.

“What do you think of the boss being a dad?” Linc asked the car in general.

“Have you seen him with his niece and nephew?” Mateo asked. “I did. I was at the carnival with someone, and I saw him with two kids who looked just like him. It was clear they adored him.”

“Someone?” Linc asked, his eyebrows raised almost to his hairline. “When was this?”

“Two, maybe three years ago.”

“What was her name?” Linc persisted.

“I can’t remember her name. Like I said, it was two or three years ago,” Mateo protested.

“Cut the guy some slack,” Ryker chided Linc. “Three years in Mateo time means thirty-six months. Three months per woman, means twelve women. How can his brain be expected to remember that many names?”

Everybody laughed, especially Jase.

“Don’t be laughing too hard, Drakos,” Matteo called out to his friend. “You’re just as bad.”

“I used to be. Haven’t you noticed? I’ve sobered up. I’ve taken a sabbatical.”

“Oh really? Since last week?” Matteo chortled.

“Actually, it’s been almost a year. The last couple of women I dated were just women I dated. They weren’t people I would ever want to call a friend. I really didn’t enjoy their company all that much. What was the point?”

“Uhhhhm, to get laid?” Matteo pointed out.

“I can date my right hand and spend less money, have less hassle, and a lot of times have a better time.”

“Damn, that’s harsh.”

“That’s what I thought. It’s the reason I’m on a sabbatical. I think part of it was seeing Nolan, Kostya, and Gideon pairing off. They found some good women, so I know they’re out there. Now I want a shot.”