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In a flash, Jac tackled Walker to the ground. They grappled furiously, exchanging blows. But rage fueled Jac. He smashed his fist into Walker’s face over and over until he went limp. Cash and Carter dragged him away from the ex-compadre.
Panting, Jac staggered to his feet. Garrett wrenched Callie away from the scene as she flew into his arms, clinging, hesitant sobs escaping.
“It’s over,” Garrett soothed as he allowed Monroe to examine her neck in the safety of his arms. “You’re safe now. Let it go, baby.”
“Looks good to go home,” said Monroe.
Garrett mouthed thanks as he headed toward the exit with her, but his girl resisted leaving as she pulled herself together. Garrett sighed. He’d almost gotten her outside. He’d have to talk to her about this job, he thought as she walked over to talk toCarter and Kaden. Might be time to review the strategy. As the eldest of the group, he was the old man. And this old man, at forty-six, was beginning to feel his age. Training with the guys, but sticking to the admin was where he needed to focus.
The team regrouped, slapping each other on the back as they tied up the men they had subdued. Other than the man Levi had killed, there were no other casualties. Monroe checked on Jac, who was recovering a little slower than he liked. “Might need to hit the gym a little more often, brother.”
Jac laughed. “Or have less stress in my life.”
“Nah,” answered Monroe. “You thrive on stress, but this was a little too close.”
“A hell of a lot, too close.” Jac rubbed his short haircut. Monroe nodded.
“Fuck yeah.” The relief was nearly debilitating for Levi. He wasn’t used to having skin in the game, and this one was heavily involved. They had survived the nightmare. He looked around and made eye contact with Cash. The relief was easily seen.
Walker and his men would face justice alongside Caleb and his men. The Feds showed up quickly and another round of explanations were given. Jurisdiction wasn’t his problem, and Jac waved as the locals showed up. Good thing they had practiced this bit, too. The scenarios were well practiced and executed with precision. The retelling would be the same.
Garrett approached, embracing Callie from behind. She leaned into him, suddenly exhausted.
“Let’s go home,” Garrett said. Callie nodded.
Levi sighed in relief. Home, where they could rest and recover. He took one last look at the building where they’d almost lost everything. Then he turned away. This fiasco was finished. Their family and friends were safe. That was all that mattered now. Levi was sure he wasn’t the only one who felt weary.
Callie climbed into the vehicle beside Garrett. As they pulled away, Levi watched as she laid her head on her husband’s shoulder. He wanted what they had. What all his team members had, forever. Levi took the driver’s seat.
“It’s over,” Garrett murmured.
Callie closed her eyes, allowing herself to believe it. “What’s going to happen to Darcy? And will the Colonel stay or leave the group?”
Levi drove with one hand on the wheel, the other wrapped around his phone, debating if he should call Finley or not. The adrenaline of the mission was fading. In its place crept in exhaustion and relief.
“You were amazing in there,” Garrett said to Callie. “As always, but I wonder if it’s time we reassess our position. After we get married, of course.”
Callie gave a tired smile. “Couldn’t have done it without you watching my six.”
“Always.”
“But if you think that is an acceptable proposal, you need to talk to some of the guys.”
He laughed. “Roger that.”
Cash laid his head back on the seat as he listened to the comradery that his friends had. He had that with Finley, but the banter wasn’t as good as it could be. They had lost that when things got serious and then deadly. Time to relax, get his girl back to embracing life, and enjoy their future together.
They rode in silence for a few miles, decompressing. The rest of the team followed in a convoy, everyone ready to be home.
.
The message went out. Debrief tomorrow morning at nine a.m. at the house. When Levi saw it while Finley was in the shower, he sighed. The last bit of business before this wholeshitshow was over and they could go back to protecting VIPs unrelated to their personal lives.
“What are you thinking?” asked Finley as she walked out of the bathroom, steam trailing behind her. She tucked the end of the towel between her breasts. She smiled when Levi grinned largely. He reached for her, and she twisted playfully away from his grasp.
“Stuff. Sharlee sent out a group text. Debrief downstairs tomorrow at nine. Gives us time to sleep in.” Levi held up his phone. He continued to follow Fin with his eyes but made no move on her.
“Good. There is always an incredible breakfast on those mornings, and I am already salivating over it,” said Finley.
