Page 95 of No Going Back

Sam stood, folding his arms across his chest.

“Enough, both of you. We are not going back to Daram, or to Pakistan, on some wild goose chase. If we get a credible lead, and its approved, then and only then will we go. We go poking around out there now, it could cause an international incident. You both know that.”

The rest of Onyx watched the exchange without comment. They all wanted Reborn, but ganging up on Sam Harrison, their boss, was not going to help.

“Bullshit, Sam. This is exactly the type of operation we do,” Tyler pushed. “We’re used to working under the radar. Aziz is probably at his hotel in Islamabad, with Lazir’s wife and child. All we need to do is put a little pressure on them.”

“Let me tell you all something, so that we’re clear,” Sam said calmly. “We are still the US military. We get orders and we follow them. In and out, fast. That’s what we do. Moving around and asking questions in countries we are not meant to be in has never been an option, and it isn’t one now. It’s not how we operate. When there is a connection to Aziz, we will be the ones to go get him.” Tyler went to speak, but Dex interrupted him.

“So, we just wait until they attack again, kill more innocent people? Reborn has threatened my team. Who gives a fuck about orders? Isn’t that enough?” Dex turned away.

“Just what will it take, which one of us has to die, before we are allowed to go and destroy them?” The words were out of Tyler’s mouth before he could stop them.

“Enough!” Ryan and Liam spoke in unison, jumping from their seats. Dex walked from the room. Ryan and Liam followed. Tyler sat back down, holding his hands up in surrender.

“Mason,” Sam said, “I’m going to let that comment slide. But unless you want me to remove you from Onyx permanently, you better think carefully about what you say and do going forward.”

Tyler stood. “Yes sir. Understood.”

Fuck. Way to go, Tyler. He’d gone from having a heart to heart with his captain to jeopardizing his place on the team in less than ten minutes. In all their previous interactions with Reborn, he hadn’t acted this way. He had been angry, sure. But their job didn’t allow for any of them losing their shit. They had to keep cool heads and obey orders to get the job done. Exactly what Raven had done to bring Kelly home and rescue both Ryan and Sophie. But this time it was Mira who had been hurt. His feelings for her were clouding his judgment and obliterating his normal rational behavior. Sam left the room.

Sinking back into the chair, he waited, expecting the rest of Onyx would voice their opinion. Mackie moved to sit next to him.

“What the hell is going on with you, man? You can’t speak to Sam like that.” Mackie’s voice was low. The rest of Onyx began talking among themselves, apparently letting Mackie deal with him.

“I know. I’m angry that we have to wait for all the pieces to fall into place. It just pisses me the fuck off.”

“We’re all angry, but lashing out at Dex and Sam is not the way we handle things.”

“Maybe not. But I only said what we are all thinking. You heard Dex. He agrees with me.”

“We all agree with you. That’s not the point. As Sam said, we can’t just go and take Aziz without evidence or orders. Put pressure on a woman and child? Seriously? What does that say about you?”

Tyler faced his friend. “Sometimes rules need to be broken.”

“This attitude of yours is because it’s Mira that got hurt, isn’t it? Man, if this thing between you two is serious, you are going to have to find a way to handle your feelings for her and your role on this team.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” Tyler snapped.

“Ever since you two got involved, you've been different. I thought being with Mira would make you a better person, not worse. Something is wrong, and I can only assume it’s connected to your past. Whatever it is, you need to sort it out.”

“Or what?”

“Jeez, Tyler, What the fuck? I’m trying to help you here as your friend. Stop pushing us all away.”

The door opened. When a nurse stepped in, Tyler bit his lip.

“Mira is out of surgery. The surgeon will be along to talk to you shortly.”

“How is she? Is she OK?” Tyler asked. His conversation with Mackie could wait.

“I don’t have any other details. Once she’s settled, the surgeon will update you. It won’t be long.” The nurse left and Tyler stood.

“Where are you going?” Mackie asked.

Tyler ignored him and followed the nurse out.

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