Page 28 of Garr

“Well, don’t jinx me. We’re just getting to know one another.”

“I’ve known you a lifetime, Grip. When you meet someone special, you fall fast,” smirked Doug. “It’s okay to fall fast for this man if he’s worthy.”

“We love you, Grip,” smiled Macie.

“I love all of you. Thank you.” He turned to leave, and Claudette called out to him.

“Where are you going?”

“I need to speak to someone about something important.”

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

“Did you get to see him?” asked Evie.

“Nope,” said Garr, falling onto the overstuffed sofa. “He made an appointment at 0730, but we were warned he might not show up.”

“He won’t,” said Evie.

“What do you mean? How can you be sure?” She pointed to the television, turning up the volume on the news.

“He’s headed to overseas bases for the holidays. He wants to show his genuine support for the troops. I personally don’t buy that bullshit, but that’s what he says,” said Evie.

“When?” growled Leif.

“He will leave sometime in the early morning hours. Sounds to me like you need to make a late-night visit to his home and make him understand a few things.”

“We have an address,” said U-Jin. “It’s in Fairfax, Virginia. It will be dark in less than an hour. I say we find the house and wait for him there.”

“Agreed,” nodded Garr.

“Storm should let up around 0330,” said Evie. “I’ll be waiting at the bird to take us home.”

“You heard the lady,” said Leif. “Let’s go.”

The drive to Brockman’s home took longer than expected due to the weather and traffic in the D.C. and Virginia area. At least it was further out, away from the neighborhoods and any surrounding homes.

In fact, he lived on a large farm, complete with horses, a few outer buildings, and a barn.

“We’ve got a security system and at least two guards,” said Garr, looking at the drone footage. “The wind is wicked. I’m not sure how much longer I’m going to be able to keep her up.”

“It’s okay. We know what we have to do,” said Leif. “U-Jin? Do your thing, brother.”

Stepping out of the vehicle on the side of the road, he crossed to the white fence, easily hopping over it. Sebastian hit a few keys, and they saw the spotlights go out, then the gates opening, seemingly of their own free will.

“Security is off,” said Sebastian. He looked up, trying to find U-Jin somewhere in the darkness and falling snow. “Damn, he’s hard to see.”

“Bastard is fast as lightning,” said Garr. “That’s one guard down. That’s two. Heat signatures say there are two inside the house. Seems the Colonel has a lot to worry about.”

“What do you mean?” asked Leif.

“How many colonels do you know that have four guards on their home? He’s not married. There’s no one else here. Why the four guards?”

“Let’s go,” said Leif. “I’m not going to let U-Jin walk into some trap. U-Jin, hold up.”

“I’m inside. Only two guards. Both down. He’s not here yet.”

“Told you he was fast,” smirked Garr.