Page 12 of Evening Shadows

The in-residence Hamilton brothers strolled into the war room, most carrying their gear, bag, and weapons. It was odd since a typical investigation didn’t require tactical gear. “What’s going on?” he asked.

“Trent needs some help,” Jesse stated. Ken missed running the team with Trent McKenzie—the Hamilton’s half-brother. Although he’d taken to ranching in Montana instead of his spot at HIS, the brothers remained close. Well, as close as they had before. The brothers always respected Trent on the team and since they’d grown up together, they knew each other better than most.

“What kind of help?” Ken nodded toward the bags that AJ and Matt—Brad’s twin—carried. With Jake and Brad augmenting Bravo team, that would leave Jesse and Devon—their former CIA computer guru—as the only Hamiltons at HQ—minus Rylee and Kate. He couldn’t forget that Emily would be there also.

“Someone’s slaughtering his cattle. He also found a stallion dead in his stall. His throat had been slashed. Plus other cruel actions,” AJ said with a heavy dose of anger and disgust.

Hell.Anyone who harmed animals—and children and old people, heck anyone—deserved punishment. “Why aren’t you sending my team?” He felt slighted, no, more like fully insulted at being overlooked.

Jesse hesitated. “We’re not sure your team is ready without you.”

Ken couldn’t help but bristle, even though Jesse was in all probability correct. Individually they were strong, but with a new second-in-command, they needed time.

“Besides,” Jesse continued, “we’re making it a family reunion of sorts. The wives and kids are going.” Jesse lifted two tactical bags that Ken imagined were for Kate and Rylee.

Unbelievable. Hadn’t they just spoken of danger? “Are you sure that’s wise?”

With a cheeky grin, Devon said proudly, “Have you forgotten two of those wives were FBI before they joined this elite group?”

Of course he remembered. Kate and Rylee were incredible assets on the team. Together, they could clear an area faster than any of their spec ops brethren. “No, I remember. Does this mean Devon’s going too?” If Rylee was going, that probably meant her husband would travel with her. They’d need Devon’s skills if another op came up.

Devon shook his head. “No. Jesse and I are staying back since we have Bravo team in the field.”

He nodded, thankful they would have support if needed. He’d let them figure out the family thing and danger. Although, none of it was new to them.

When the brothers went back to planning, Ken sought out his team.

“No, on the second run, I got the drop on the tango in the back room,” Cowboy insisted.

“Bullshit,” Stone said. “Sugar clearly had the bead on him first.”

A frisson of pride filled him that Sam held her own, not that he doubted her for a second.

While he quietly held fast at the door, no one said a word to him even though he knew every single one of them was aware that he stood there. They’d have acknowledged him had he strode into the room bearing news, but for him to stand there meant nothing more than he’d been observing.

Sam smiled without lifting her head from her task. “I do believe I did, Michael.”

Looking up, Cowboy narrowed his eyes at her and muttered, “Don’t call me that. The name is Vaughn or Cowboy.”

“Whatever you say, Michael,” she taunted as her grin broadened.

Cowboy’s face turned red, and Ken held his breath. Cowboy could be lethal, and he appeared to be headed toward angry. Then he surprised Ken by relaxing and shrugging. “Okay,Samantha.”

Her animated interaction with the team fit in well with the dynamics. It sucked keeping that professional distance from her when he wanted to pull her into his arms. First, he’d ask her why she broke their kiss, told him to leave, and avoided being alone with him.

Sam regarded Cowboy a moment and laughed. “Touché.”

With that, Ken walked into the room to the tables where the team completed their task.

“Hey, Boss,” Doc said, without breaking from his work.

Taking an empty seat, he nodded in response—even though Doc couldn’t see it. “The remaining brothers are taking off.”

Everyone stopped what he or she’d been doing and snapped their attention to Ken. “What’s going on?” Franks asked.

“Some trouble at Trent’s place.”

Cowboy whistled. “That’s a big place with a shitload of land to cover.”

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