Wounded Honor: Strike Force Zulu, #3

Chapter 1

Trust and Tragedy

Newport News, VA – Seaside Star Restaurant

Lieutenant Nicole Farris squeezed lemon into her water as a man joined her at the table. Thanks for meeting me for dinner on such short notice.

I’m surprised you called after the way we left things five years ago. Why did you?

Nicole gripped her glass to steady her hand. Usually, she would be rock solid, but the reason for this encounter rattled her to the core. Let’s order first.

George’s eye caught the slight tremor most wouldn’t detect. He only nodded and waved over the waitress. He ordered the sea bass for himself, and Nicole ordered a shrimp salad. When she fidgeted again, he realized whatever she had to say hit her deep, but he waited for her to engage.

Steeling herself, Nicole said, I need your help. I understand if you’re reluctant, but you’re the only person I trust. She lowered her voice, The matter is highly sensitive, and I believe people’s lives are at stake.

Who’s lives? George leaned in closer. Nicole was spooked; he was sure of it now.

I can’t tell you yet. You need to promise me you won’t divulge what I tell you to anyone, and I mean anyone. Not even those you are certain you can trust.

Nicole, what have you gotten yourself into? Concern lit George’s weathered features.

Promise?

I give you my word. I hope it means as much to you now as it did years ago.

Nicole inhaled sharply, regretting the words she said to him the last time they met. She hoped he heard the sincerity in her tone, It does, or else I wouldn’t be here now.

George smiled and extended a hand across the table, letting her reach out if she desired. His grin grew when she took hold. Tell me, sweetheart, what’s got you worried?

Drawing strength from his touch, Nicole said, Dad, I think my boss is trying to kill my team and blame me.

Believing his daughter without reservation, George Farris said, Never trusted Athole. What do you need from me?

Virginia Beach – Near Chuck’s Creamery

A light breeze blew as Max and Cali strolled down the sidewalk arm in arm. With Max leaving for deployment in three days, Cali enjoyed their simple date tonight; a stop at her favorite ice cream shop and a double scoop of cherry vanilla. She teased Max about his choice of plain chocolate topped with orange sherbet—the combination seemed odd to her.

Max halted at the corner, scrunched his face, and hissed.

What’s wrong? Cali’s eyes surveyed him, searching for a non-existent injury … still jumpy from the few he suffered.

Brain freeze, Max groused.

Cali laughed.

Hey, not funny. Max cracked open one eye.

Told you not to eat so fast, Cali replied with no sympathy, still grinning.

The pain ebbing, Max’s face relaxed, and he chuckled. Been a long time since I had ice cream. Didn’t want it to melt.

No fear of it doing that today. Perhaps in the middle of summer, but not now.

Something about Maxwell Stirling made Cali willing to risk being in a relationship with an elite warrior who could be called away at any moment. The more time she spent with Max, the more drawn to him she became. Instead of focusing on what the future may or may not bring, she endeavored to take pleasure in the simple things life offered, like a lazy stroll downtown.

As Cali leaned in to kiss his cheek, a tiny ball of energy plowed into Max as it rushed around the corner.

Max peered down at the child, who ran into his legs and now sat on the ground, gaping at him with surprise.

Sorry, Kami’s excited about visiting Chuck’s Creamery, Kami’s mother said.

Crouching, Max grinned at the little girl, who appeared to be no more than four years old. I really like ice cream too. Make sure you don’t eat too fast. Brain freeze is no fun. He helped her up as he stood.

I wreally, wreally like chocolate. Mommy said I can have fudge on top too, Kami said in a cheerful voice, her brown eyes alight with delight.

You should try orange sherbet with chocolate. Yummy, Max suggested.

I luv orange! Turning to her mother, her bright eyes begged. Can I, please?

Smiling, Kami’s mom reached out her hand to her daughter. Sounds interesting. Let’s do it.

For several moments, Max stood in place with a grin on his face as he watched Kami skip, hurrying her mom along to get her frozen treat. Cali wrapped her arms around Max’s waist as she stood behind him. You’re a softy.

Yeah, well, don’t tell my brothers.

I promise. Your secret is safe with me. Cali giggled.

In the next moment, their pleasant night erupted in chaos. A ball of fire exploded from Chuck’s Creamery, sending glass, debris, and people flying. They stared in horror as the tiny girl and mother reached the entrance only to be flung in the air like unstrung marionettes before crashing down in the plaza.

Heedless of the fragments of glass, brick, metal, and burning debris raining down, Max raced forward into the hectic scene as others ran from it. He knelt next to Kami, and his breath caught in his throat as he shielded her tiny body.

His action would not change the result. Lifeless eyes, which had only moments ago held such promise and joy, stared up at him. His face screwed up in agony, and his eyes pooled with liquid. If anyone asked, he would claim the tears were from the acrid smoke billowing out of the now-destroyed creamery.

Max had no idea how long he covered Kami, but when multiple pairs of hands pulled him up and away, he sat back on his heels, and the scene came into focus. Firefighters, cops, and paramedics swarmed the area. Blankets covered several bodies. A sheet draped over Kami as sound returned to him.

Sir, are you hurt? a paramedic near him asked.

Cali? Max frantically searched to his left, his pulse beating a rapid staccato, fearing he might’ve lost another love.

I’m here, Cali’s quavering voice came from his right.

Max turned to her and pulled Cali to him, his embrace bruising as he clung to her. She’s gone. She never … he couldn’t finish. There were so many ‘nevers’ for Kami. Never got to try orange sherbet with chocolate. Would never grow up. Kami never stood a chance being so close to the blast.

Pulling back was difficult because Max didn’t want to release her, but through her tears, Cali managed to peer into his eyes. I know. You need to let them check you. You’re bleeding.

I’m okay. Max scanned Cali’s body for any wounds. Are you hurt?

No, I was standing behind you. I’m fine. But you have a myriad of cuts on your face. Allow them to clean you up, at least.

Max stood and shook his head. His gaze methodically moved as he surveyed the area, and his stomach clenched at what he observed. This isn’t supposed to happen here. This isn’t a war zone. Children don’t die in explosions here.

Cali waved off the medic as she said, I’ll take him home and tend his cuts.

An officer stopped them and asked if they witnessed the explosion. Neither one provided much detail, only that the blast occurred. They didn’t see anything or anyone out of the ordinary. Dazed, they wandered back to Max’s place.

Though Max’s external wounds were minor, the one to his soul, only visible through a pair of troubled ocean-blue orbs, would require a different curative.

Seaside Star Restaurant

Nicole’s phone buzzed on the tabletop, interrupting her before she shared the full details with her father using the cryptic communication he taught her when she was a child. It had been a way for them to connect during his long absences and made her feel special and loved.

She set her fork down and peered at the text. Sorry, Dad, I gotta leave.

Want to box up your meal to go? George started to lift a hand for the waitress but stopped when Nicole shook her head, stood, and pulled out her wallet.

No, this is urgent. I’ll grab something later.

Stop, sweetheart, I got this.

But I invited you.

George smiled. Make your dad happy. He rose and gave her a hug as he whispered, I’ll do a little research on your issue. When you can, send me more details.

Pulling back, Nicole nodded. Thanks. Love ya. I’ll call when I can. Hurrying out, Nicole hoped Athole wouldn’t be too upset with how long it would take her to arrive.

Sitting down, George sighed, pleased Nicole came to him. The last time they met ended badly, but now he had a chance to make things right. He would do all in his power to help his daughter determine if Captain Athole was trying to crater her career by snuffing out her team. George might be retired, but his steel-trap mind had not deteriorated one damned bit. As he finished his meal, he began a mental review of the ambitious serpent.

Chapter 2

A New Threat Emerges

Zulu Team Room

Max's plan to spend a quiet day with Cali after last night’s tragedy changed when he received a text as they sipped coffee. On his drive to base, the radio news program’s nattering nabobs proclaimed a gas leak caused the explosion. His gut didn’t believe that, but he had no proof otherwise.

Approaching the team’s briefing room, he wondered why they caught a spin-up only a few days before deploying. His hand paused on the doorknob, not eager to field questions about the bruises and cuts on his face. The image of little Kami’s lifeless body was still too raw, and he didn’t want to talk about it.

Placing his cell phone in the holder, Max steeled himself for the coming stares and queries from his brothers—unsure how he would answer or if he would.

Bout time you joined us, Princess Sleepyhead, Finn McBride said as the door opened, knowing it would be Zulu Six since everyone else was in the room. He sneezed three times, and when he glanced at Max, he spotted his messed-up face. Wow! Who’d you go ten rounds with? When the rookie didn’t react, Finn teased, Did Cali get upset with you?

Noting Sierra Team in the back, Max assumed his seat and ignored Finn’s playful comments. In no mood for joking, he kept silent, but everyone’s eyes landed on him.

Master Chief Jake Marshall studied his young teammate, noting the cuts and contusions. Something happened, but he could tell Max was not in the talking mood.

After the mission brief, he would speak to him and ensure he was up for the op. He trusted the kid to be truthful with him after the kidney infection debacle.

Nicole stood. I assume you are all aware of the explosion at Chuck’s Creamery last night. Tragic. Fifteen dead, including seven children. She brought up stills of the devastating scene, displaying them on huge monitors.

Zulu and Sierra members nodded, though they wondered why Nicole had broached the horrific accident.

After clicking the remote, video footage of four different explosion sites began to play as Nicole said, We received this video shortly after the ice cream shop exploded. The other three locations are a daycare in London, a busy family park in Paris, and a children’s dance studio in Toronto.

Jake bolted out of his chair. Roll it back!

What? Nicole turned a confused eye on Jake.

The video of here. Rewind it. Jake strode to the front of the room as Farris complied with his request. When it started playing again, he waited, then said, Stop.

The entire team spotted what caught Jake’s eye, and almost everyone turned to peer at Max.

Well, fuck! Gut-punched, Finn stared at an image of Max kneeling next to a deceased little girl.

Lieutenant Commander Bryan Lockwood captured Stirling’s gaze. Did you know her? Are you alright?

Max sucked in a breath, and in his peripheral vision, he spied Grant moving towards him. He preempted any molly-coddling. I’m fine, sir. Only superficial abrasions. And no, not really. Kami bumped into me at the corner only minutes before the blast. She was excited about getting ice cream, so she was running.

His voice dropped to a whisper, not realizing he spoke his thoughts out loud. Wish I chatted with her a little longer. She would still be alive.

The mood in the room plummeted. Rocketeer, the team dog, moved to Max and laid his head on his boy’s thigh. Unconsciously, Max started petting the canine, drawing a bit of comfort.

Bryan took a deep breath. This mission just became personal for the team … never a good thing. He considered scrubbing Zulu and calling in Charlie or Delta. Marshall wouldn’t like that one damned bit, but he needed to make sure cool heads prevailed. He decided to wait a moment and not kick a hornet’s nest yet.

Nicole’s heart wrenched for Max. She couldn’t believe she missed him in the footage. Though to be fair, her focus had been on digging up info instead of viewing the clips in detail. However, if she had seen him, she would’ve requested a different team. Too late for that, she cleared her throat to gain everyone’s attention. As you probably guessed, each of these attacks is focused on—

Attacks? The creamery was a gas leak, Dave stated.

The fire department assumed that to be the cause, but this footage comes directly from a new cell, whose name roughly translates to Compensation. Little is known about the group, but intel from the CIA, MI6, and Canadian Intelligence confirm they are taking responsibility for all four acts. The silver lining is we got a lead on where these videos originated. They’re not computer savvy and didn’t mask their IP address.

Or it could be a trap, Finn offered. Wouldn’t be the first time some asshole tried to draw us in.

Nicole pursed her lips, unable to confirm the same thought crossed her mind too. She refused to send the team on another half-baked op, and with the recent string of bad missions, she put in an all-nighter to ensure she vetted every detail possible. This one passed her test and appeared to be on the level.

Lockwood said, True, but considering these images came with a message indicating the Compensation cell plans more bombings, you have been greenlighted for a recon mission.

Why do they need Zulu for recon? Dave Katz inquired since Zulu typically executed ops after a support team did recon.

Where are we going? Jake asked.

A remote village in Pakistan near the Wahkan Corridor.

Ah, makes sense now. Dave shared a slight knowing grin with his best friend Jake as Farris displayed a map of the Taliban-controlled region.

Nicole pointed to a spot on the map. The signal came from somewhere within this radius.

Dave, Zulu’s second in command, pulled a corresponding map to him and studied the area. These mountains are littered with caves used by various terror cells.

Nicole nodded. Yes. This will not be easy. But if you identify the source and grab a member of the new cell, I can interrogate them and, hopefully, prevent the deaths of more children.

Let’s do it! Finn banged his fist on the table. His persona conveyed a hard-assed SEAL, but he had a soft spot for kids. Terrorists targeting areas that appealed to children pissed him off, and the asswipe needed to be found and hung up by his balls.

The men huddled around the maps to scope out their observation locations and reviewed the little detail available on the area’s caves. Within thirty minutes, they agreed on a workable plan and moved to their cages to pack their gear.

Zulu Equipment Cages

Jake stopped outside Stirling’s cage as his men gathered their weapons and supplies. He worried about the kid after discovering his presence at a scene littered with senseless carnage. Are you good to go? If not, tell me, and you can sit this one out.

My head’s in the game. Max checked his sniper rifle.

After watching Kami die? Remember the first rule of Zulu, don’t lie to your team leader. Jake crossed his arms and waited.

After zipping up his case, Max pivoted to face his master chief. "Not hiding any physical injuries. I want these bastards, as do the rest of you. I took Cali there yesterday because Dave said his kids love the place.

If not Kami and the others, it could’ve as easily been Dave’s children, yours, or even Cali. So, yeah, this is a bit personal for me, but no more so than for everyone here.

Jake nodded, noting the glint of conviction in Max’s eyes and conceding the kid made an excellent point. Val took their kids to Chuck’s more times than he could count. You sleep at all last night?

Not much, but I will on the flight, Max admitted.

Okay. Satisfied his rookie was centered and his head on straight, Jake moved back to his cage to finish packing.

Sierra Equipment Cages

Stewart Babcox, Sierra Seven, packed his sniper rifle and hoped for another opportunity to prove to Jake Marshall he picked the wrong man for Zulu Six. Stirling didn’t possess the skills or experience required to fulfill the needs of the team. Soon, Marshall would realize his error and kick the jerk to the curb. Stewart tuned in as the team’s medic spoke to their team leader.

Scott asked, Rob, you think Max is up for the op?

Halting as he grabbed extra mags, Rob peered at Sierra Two. The kid said he is fine, and I believe him … physically, that is. Mentally, he might be a bit messed up, but Jake will ensure his head’s in the game, or he’ll bench him.

Just … wow … I can’t imagine watching that little girl die and not being able to do anything to save her. Scott shuddered.

Rob patted Scott’s shoulder. We’ve witnessed a lot of death. Life’s not always fair.

Yeah, ain’t that the truth. Scott turned to finish checking his medkit. Thanks to Grant, Zulu’s medic, he now had some new toys … um, supplies, tools, and meds. Well, perhaps it had more to do with Zulu Team drafting a young pup who managed to end up hurt as often as he saved someone’s life.

As Scott shoved the new thermometer into his bag, Stewart went back to packing his gear, entirely agreeing with the comment. If life were fair, he’d be on Marshall’s elite team now instead of Stirling. Stewart determined to be patient, observe, and wait for the chance to prove to everybody that the cocky upstart with zero skills didn’t deserve to be part of Zulu.

Aircraft En Route to Bagram Air Base

Max moved toward Kira Draper, the team’s logistics support and all-around miracle worker. Though this was only his third official mission as a Zulu team member, he already discerned if they needed something, she found a way to procure it—no matter its significance.

She appeared to be dozing in a seat at the back of the plane. In all honesty, he didn’t want to disturb her, but he must. He tried to follow through on his word to Jake to sleep, but for the past three hours, every time he closed his eyes, Kami’s sweet face, as she smiled up at him, entered his mind, followed by her lifeless eyes as she lay too late under the shelter of his body.

He tapped Kira on the shoulder, and when her eyes cracked open, Max grinned. Sorry to wake you, but—

I got you covered. She reached into her front pocket and withdrew a tiny plastic baggie. Took longer than I expected for you to come asking for this. She handed over the sleeping aid.

Max chuckled. How’d you know I would?

Kira smirked. If I told you, I’d have to kill you. And I’m not interested in pissing off Jake … or Finn … and most especially Rocketeer.

The last name confused Max until he felt a familiar furry head rub against his leg.

He’s quite protective of you. Kira smiled at the team dog.

Chuckling, Max said, We bonded over bullets.

Kira laughed out loud, then covered her mouth as she received glares from those she disturbed from their sleep. There was truth in Max’s claim. Rocketeer protected him, taking one in the leg, and Max returned the favor by covering Rocky with his body and taking bullets in his vest, which would’ve ended the canine’s days. Go grab some rest now.

Max popped the pill and dry swallowed as he made his way to his hammock. He glanced back at Draper and almost offered her his swinging bed. With all she did for them, she deserved someplace more comfortable to sleep on these flights too.

After positioning himself in his comfy hammock, a place he usually found relaxing, Max stared at the ceiling, waiting for the sleeping pill to kick in. Twenty minutes later, he was snoozing.

Finn stood from his seat and finally hung his bed near Max. His concern for the kid ebbed. He would deny it with his dying breath, but taking Max under his wing had been what he needed. Something about the young buck he liked … even if he could be cocky and annoying at times.

Although Finn still had reservations about Max’s age, mostly due to less experience in the field, he trusted Stirling to cover their six. And with the right mentoring, Max might not end up like his father. He and his Zulu brothers would guide the rookie and teach him not to be a brash glory seeker like Preston Stirling.

Finn chuckled as Rocky hopped up into Max’s hammock and settled his head on the kid’s chest. Max didn’t stir, and the pup appeared as happy as a clam. Finn glanced back at Zach and caught the soft grin before their dog handler shut his eyes.

Since Zach didn’t talk much, Finn learned to deduce Zach’s opinion of people by watching Rocky’s interactions. If Rocky liked someone, as he did Max, Zach did too—no questions. If the hairy rocket with fangs avoided someone or, worse, peed on their backpack, as he had with Babcox several times, then Zach steered clear of said person.

As he settled in his hammock, Finn coughed, then sneezed as he studied Max’s relaxed face. The beard the kid now sported made him appear a little older, but when clean-shaved, Max still looked several years younger—he was indeed a kid brother.

Drifting to sleep, now glad they agreed to draft Stirling since he fit in well with this team’s ethos, Finn also believed they gave Max something he lacked … a family.

Chapter 3

Into the Labyrinth

Three Days Later - Pakistan – Caves

Adrenaline pumping and body primed for action, Max continued on point through a narrowing offshoot tunnel of the main catacombs. Grant, Devlin, and Stewart followed him as they sought one of five men who squirted from the encampment half a click away. When the men scattered, Zulu and Sierra separated into four groups, all going in different directions.

Compelled to apprehend them alive for Farris to interrogate, believing them to be Compensation members, Max’s group chased after the guy who raced for the network of caves. Aware they might come face-to-face with a contingent of terrorists, the four entered the unknown. Requiring intel to locate the extremist cell’s mastermind and prevent future attacks on children, they charged ahead despite the possible dangers lurking in the dark.

Deep into the labyrinth, Max halted when the path forked again. Turning to Grant, he held up two fingers and pointed to the left and right. Zulu Four nodded in agreement to split into pairs. Max went left while Grant took point on the right.

Devlin motioned Babcox to trail Beckett before tapping Stirling’s shoulder. His world swathed in eerie green, Devlin followed Max, hoping they located their quarry and got the hell out of the claustrophobic caves soon.

Ten minutes later, after passing one of the countless junctions they encountered, Devlin slammed to the ground after something hit him from behind. His left knee twisted and took the brunt of the impact, causing pain to ricochet up and down his leg from the central point.

His fall and guttural groan alerted Max, who pivoted. Though in extreme pain, Devlin managed to roll and bring his weapon up, ready to shwack his attacker, but he couldn’t fire as Max surged forward and engaged in hand-to-hand combat with a knife-wielding man.

Devlin searched for an opportunity to shoot as both bodies repeatedly rammed into the stone walls while they fought for dominance and control over the knife. At one point, Max’s helmet smashed into a rocky outcrop, but he didn’t falter in his efforts.

A scream rent the air after Max snapped the man’s wrist but trailed off when Max plunged the blade into his throat, severing the carotid artery. Blood spurted from the tango’s neck and bubbled out of his mouth as his eyes rounded in a death stare before his body went limp.

Max allowed the corpse to drop and scanned the area for more threats. Finding none, he moved to Devlin, who now sat with his back against the cave’s wall. You okay?

Been better. Devlin grimaced. That our guy?

No idea. Similar clothing, but it might not be. Can you stand?

Devlin peered down at his leg. Yeah, but my knee hit hard after twisting. I’m unsure if I’ll be able to bear much weight. Reaching out, he grasped the offered hand and used his right leg to push up, then leaned on the wall. He maintained his hold on Max as he tested his injured leg.

Groaning, Devlin shook his head as agony shot through him with the slightest weight. Shit. This is bad.

I got you. Max shifted Devlin’s arm over his shoulders and wrapped his other arm around his waist. They took two tentative steps, but Max halted when wet warmth penetrated his gloved hand. You get knifed too?

Don’t think so. Why?

Max positioned Devlin against the stone for support before disengaging. I need to check your side. It’s wet and warm.

Likely busted my water bladder, Devlin suggested, but the truth of the matter became apparent as he became lightheaded. Um, gotta sit … or … fall.

Catching Sierra Three before he toppled over, Max lowered his friend to the ground again. Don’t think it was your water.

Yeah. No shit.

Adrenaline is wonderful, isn’t it? Max scanned both directions again before lifting Devlin’s shirt. His world went pitch black as his night vision cut out. Crap. Can’t see.

Misinterpreting Max, Devlin said, Your head struck hard. Should’ve asked if you were okay.

Not that. Think my NODS battery died. Though he didn’t want to make them a target, Max flicked on the tiny penlight attached to this helmet.

Assessing the wound as he reached for his first-aid kit, Max wished Grant or Scott were with them. He learned basic field medicine, but a knife wound bleeding this copiously needed someone with more skill.

How bad?

You’re gonna have another scar and story to tell. Max clamped down on his emotions as he began to pack the gash with hemostatic gauze and applied pressure.

Devlin clenched his teeth, refusing to cry out and give their position away to any potentially passing terrorist. Sweat beaded on his forehead, pooled, and ran down his face as a low growl from deep in his throat emitted.

Sorry. Max continued to press on Devlin’s lower right side.

When Max’s hand let up several minutes later, Devlin panted a few breaths before he could speak. Using humor, he attempted to lighten the crappy situation. Scott and Grant never apologize. Think they might be sadists.

Despite the circumstances, Max chuckled. You do realize you’ll be in their hands soon. What are you gonna give me not to repeat that to them?

Baked goods. Two dozen of whatever kind of muffins or cookies you want.

Make it four, and you got a deal.

Deal.

Max finished wrapping Devlin’s midsection with an elastic bandage to keep pressure on the wound. He wished he had something to stabilize the knee too, but he only carried a bare minimum of first aid supplies—a single-use morphine injector, hemostatic gauze, and the wrap he used. That should hold until we’re out of here. You want morphine before we go?

No. Want to stay clear-headed. I can handle the pain. You should take my NODS. Truthfully, I lost track of our path. I hate this damned labyrinth.

After swapping equipment and taking a photo of the man he killed for Farris to check against known terrorists, Max tried the comms, but as expected, the solid stone surrounding them prevented radio communication.

Devlin allowed Max to take most of his weight as they began a painful and slow trek, retracing their original path. Thankfully, they didn’t encounter more tangos during their protracted exit, but Devlin’s condition continued to deteriorate. Max ended up having to sling Devlin across his shoulders and carry him the final two hundred yards to the cave’s entrance.

Setting him down just inside, Max gripped his weapon and prepared to scan outside. The last thing he wanted to do was walk right into a group of terrorists, especially with a brother in dire need of medical attention and barely conscious.

Relief surged through him when Max found the area empty. He went back to Devlin, picked him up, then carried him to a spot that provided cover for them until their team arrived. Free of the impediment to the radios, Max keyed his comms. Zulu Six to Zulu One. How copy?

Strong copy. Where are you?

Near the cave entrance. Sierra Three’s down. Need help.

Stay put. We’re coming, Jake responded.

Pakistan – Surveillance Position

On lookout with his teammate Orlando, as the sun crested the horizon and Zulu racked out, Babcox seethed at the turn of events last night. He blamed Stirling for Devlin’s injuries and reducing the number of boots on the ground for this op.

With Devlin incapacitated and unable to fend for himself, Rob, Scott, Terrance, and Rakeem had to carry him on a litter for ten miles over rough terrain to reach the designated evac point in Afghanistan since the helo couldn’t breach Pakistani airspace.

After Rob and the guys dropped off Devlin and the four detainees, they would hunker down in a different location today before trekking back here tonight. Now, if they had to go after more tangos early in the evening, they’d be short-handed. All thanks to Stirling allowing a tango to get the drop on Devlin.

Stewart’s ire increased as he glanced at a sleeping Stirling. Angry not only at him but the damned Scottish cowboy and Zulu’s medic. McBride and Beckett both pissed him off when they made it out of the catacombs empty-handed fifteen minutes after Stirling and Devlin exited. When Marshall demanded why it took them so long to exit, Beckett pointed at him and told Zulu One he took a wrong turn and got them lost.

Grant had been leading the way deep into the tunnels while searching for the fifth tango, so it was Zulu Four’s responsibility to remember which turns they took. It rankled him when Beckett blamed it on him. Then, between coughs and sneezes, Zulu Three began making mocking comments directed at him—not Beckett.

Hey, Stewie, Orlando whispered.

Stewart or Babcox. I hate being called Stewie. Babcox glared.

Orlando coughed into his elbow to muffle the sound. Yeah, right. Anyway, can you believe the fight Max engaged in? Took guts to take the tango down without just shooting him.

I wouldn’t believe him. He probably exaggerated things to make himself look better.

Why would he do that? Orlando shifted on the rocky ground, trying to find a halfway comfortable position.

Snorting, Stewart explained, The answer is so obvious. He wanted to cover up his error. Making himself out to be some badass saving a teammate diverted Marshall’s reproach.

Orlando scrunched his brows. Sounded legit to me, and Dev would’ve spoken up if things went down differently.

Babcox shook his head. He was high on morphine. I’m telling you, Stirling has no honor and didn’t deserve to be selected for Zulu. Mark my words, he’s gonna be the reason somebody is killed, just like his father.

Stewart wished it would be both Stirling and McBride that ended up dead. Marshall would regret his decision when he lost more teammates to Stirling’s reckless behavior. Then, Zulu’s master chief would grant him the position that should’ve been his after Axel Chase was medically discharged.

Whatever, dude. I disagree. Dropping the subject, Orlando returned to scanning the area. He didn’t understand why Babcox continued to despise Max. Zulu Six was a first-class guy as far as he and the rest of Sierra were concerned. No one ever made it to Zulu if they didn’t earn the honor of being on the elite team. Max had demonstrated his abilities during several missions, both as a member of Zulu and even before.

Although Jake kept his eyes closed, he overheard the entire exchange between Sierra Seven and Sierra Five. The animosity Babcox showed for Max concerned him. He resolved to keep the two apart as often as possible to protect Max and speak to Rob once back in Virginia. As the leaders, they needed to nip this in the bud before it disrupted team dynamics.

Kabul – TOC

Lockwood lifted his head as the door to their temporary technical operations center opened. Didn’t expect you in so early. Sun doesn’t set for another three hours.

Petty Officer Draper held out a paper cup to the Lieutenant Commander. Thought you might like some coffee and an update on Devlin.

Bryan took the offered cup with a smile. Thanks. He inhaled the aroma before sipping, hoping the news regarding Devlin Allard wouldn’t be career-ending. The man was a superb operator and one helluva driver. They relied on his skills in many past missions. How’s Allard?

Kira leaned against the work table. Patellar dislocation, plus partially torn anterior cruciate ligament and lateral collateral ligament. The doctor said the outlook is positive with rest and physical therapy.

Excellent.

When the portal opened again, admitting a rush of air and Lieutenant Farris, Kira said, I would’ve brought you coffee too if I knew you were up.

Nicole shook her head. Thanks, but had more than I can stomach. She lowered herself to a chair with a sigh.

You sleep? Bryan noted the fatigue in Nicole’s features.

No. Been questioning the men Zulu captured last night. Nicole pushed her hair behind her ears. None of them is the Compensation leader, and they wouldn’t give any details on who is or the mastermind behind the planned attacks. However, I did confirm the photo of the dead guy Stirling sent is part of their group. One of the detainees reacted upon viewing the snapshot. Turns out, he was his nephew.

Bryan nodded. Well, at least no one got away and can warn others of our presence.

Perhaps, but if someone misses any of the five, the cell might be on edge, Kira voiced her opinion.

Point noted. I’ll update Jake when he checks in. Bryan appreciated Kira’s input. Her continuation with Zulu epitomized a finely-honed, two-edged sword. With her abilities, he wanted to encourage her to apply to Officer Candidate School.

Unfortunately, with advancement came what he feared more—the cutting edge and separation. He didn’t want the blade severing his association with such a capable, well-rounded team member. He depended on her skills as much as any of his men in the field.

Chapter 4

Twisted Revenge

Pakistan – Surveillance Position

Tired, dirty, muscles a bit achy, and frustrated, Max shifted but maintained a visual on the location given by one of the detainees as being an operational center for Compensation.

In the five days they’d been surveilling this place, they snagged eight men and sent them off to Farris for interrogation. However, they were no closer to determining the cell’s next targets or finding their leader.

Hold still, Dave groused as Max moved again.

His voice coming out gruff due to his sore throat, Finn joked, He can’t. He’s got crabs in his pants.

You mean ants, Zach corrected as he portioned out Rocketeer’s kibble.

Nah, crabs. A sneeze and a husky cough punctuated Finn’s words. He wiped his runny nose on his sleeve since he didn’t carry tissues. Stupid chest cold. Not gonna let this stop me from taking these assholes down. I’ve worked through worse.

Only someone like you, who chases every skirt he spies, needs to worry about crabs. Probably where you picked up your cold too, Max retorted.

Kid’s got a point. Remember Manila two years ago? Grant grinned, recalling when he doled out Malathion to Finn after spending time with a couple of less-than-clean ladies of the night.

Doesn’t count. They drugged me, Finn groused, wishing Grant hadn’t brought up Manila. He made several poor choices on that deployment, one of which was going to a local bar with the guys from Echo. He was certain someone slipped him a mickey because he held his liquor better than anyone but had no recollection of anything after a few drinks.

Cut the chatter, Jake admonished before keying his comms. Zulu One to TOC. Are we greenlit for an assault on the house?

No go, yet, Lockwood responded.

Cake-eaters are still fighting over whose AO this is and whose decision it falls under, Draper said, as frustrated as her boys waiting for permission to round up all fifteen men who entered the structure this afternoon.

Copy. Zulu One out. Jake hated waiting. Zulu and Sierra were positioned to strike, and if their go signal didn’t come within the next hour, they would need to wait until tomorrow since they wouldn’t make it back across the border before daylight.

So far, they had been lucky not to be discovered during the two treks to deliver persons of interest to a team waiting at the Afghanistan border, who then shuttled them to Kabul for Farris to question. Each trip increased their exposure. Rounding up the remaining potential members tonight might net them the break they needed.

When Finn started coughing again, Jake took a moment to study him. He considered making Finn stay in Afghanistan when they dropped off the detainees last night. However, Finn insisted he was good to go, and Grant believed the cold to be minor since Finn knew better than to go on a mission impaired. Jake hoped his decision didn’t come back and bite him in the ass like the operation with Axel.

Max sat up. Gotta take a leak. Be back in a moment.

Don’t go gettin’ lost … or we’ll leave you here, Finn teased.

Dave took over scanning as Max went to relieve himself. Stirling held his position for four hours, covering the second half of Finn’s rotation after Zach covered the first to allow Finn to sleep longer.

Not happy Finn’s cold appeared to