Page 1 of Death in the New Year

CHAPTER ONE

“What an amazing Christmas. Amazing gifts, even more amazing food, and a wedding for the ages,” grinned Gaspar, hugging Alexandra as they watched the great-grandchildren play.

There were nearly a dozen new babies being held by their parents, family members, or friends. Right now, all were quiet, but at any moment, they could let loose on them and show the world their lung capacity. The quads had been unusually quiet all day, so they were due for a screaming session soon, which no doubt would trigger all of the other babies.

“It’s always a beautiful Christmas, Gaspar,” she said, snuggling closer to him. “You did too much this year. I didn’t need more jewelry.”

“Said no woman ever,” he laughed, kissing her.

“You know what I mean. I would have been happy with us just taking a vacation somewhere, a little getaway with just us. No kids, no grandkids, no business.” He looked down at her, frowning. Of course, that’s what she wanted. It’s probably what all the wives would want.

“I’m sorry, babe. I should have known that.” He felt like shit for not realizing that would have made her happy. She didn’t want material things. She never wanted material things. She wanted time with him. They all wanted time with their spouses, not things.

“Don’t be sorry,” she said, shaking her head.

“What did the asshole do now that he has to be sorry for?” asked Miller.

“He didn’t do anything,” laughed Alexandra. “He bought me jewelry for Christmas, but I said I would have loved a getaway, a vacation somewhere with just us.”

“Funny,” smirked Miller, “that’s what Kari said as well.”

“Well, then, maybe you big idiots should take the hint,” she smiled, kissing her husband again. She leaped from his lap and walked toward the kids, laughing and singing along with Amanda as she played “Rudolph” for the fifteenth time in a row. She was a gem and didn’t mind doing anything that would keep the children happy.

“Kari and Alexandra weren’t the only wives to ask for that,” said Miller, taking a seat and frowning at his teammates. “The last time we did a family vacation was to Paris, and Ryan had his arm cut off.”

“I remember,” nodded Antoine, walking up. “I think we should think about doing something for the girls before summer hits. Maybe a Valentine’s trip somewhere.”

“Where were you thinking?” asked Nine, walking toward them. They all turned, wondering how he’d heard the whole conversation. “Every wife at Gray Wolf asked for the same thing. We just weren’t listening. I know I damn sure didn’t, and it pisses me off. What other things haven’t we heard from them? What else did we miss that we needed to hear? Where were you thinking of booking something?”

“Honestly, I wasn’t thinking at all, obviously. I think they’d be happy with anywhere we chose, but it would be nice to plan something different.”

“Well, we’re not stupid men,” smirked Wilson.

“Aren’t we?” laughed Baptiste. “Not one of us picked up on the hints of what they really wanted.”

“Hints? What fucking hints?” growled Ghost.

“Seriously?” frowned Trak. “Lauren asked for new luggage. Erin asked for a subscription to travel magazines. Grace and Faith both asked for ‘cruise wear’ and even sent pictures of huge sun hats and the specific type of sunscreen they wanted. If those weren’t hints, I don’t know what was.”

“Okay, wise sage, did you buy Lauren the luggage?” asked Zeke.

“Fuck you,” said Trak, looking down at his feet. “No. I didn’t. I figured it out too late, just like the rest of you. Besides, I thought she might use it to leave me.”

“Leave you? You’ve been married forever. If she hasn’t left your ass yet, she’s not going to,” laughed Nine.

“So, luggage, cruise wear, travel magazines. Sounds to me like they really don’t care where they go. They just want somewhere away from here,” said Rafe.

“I love you guys, but sometimes you’re idiots,” said Suzette.

“Do you know something we don’t know?” asked Gabe.

“Yeah. I do. In fact, everyone here knows something you don’t know, and the sad part is all you had to do was ask Martha, Yori, Nathan, or any of the other ghosts what they wanted, and they would have told you.”

“Okay, so where do they want to go?” asked Gaspar.

“Anywhere, you big idiot! Anywhere with their husbands, away from missions, death, cases, and chaos. It’s not that hard to figure out. Just take them somewhere and leave all the damn equipment at home. You’ve said it a million times. Anyone you would have fought in a mission is either dead or so old they wish they were dead. You won’t be recognized or chased out there in the big bad world. Give up the paranoia and start living your lives with your wives.”

“Do you have a suggestion for us, Suzette?” asked Miller. “I admit I’m not good at reading minds and especially not the beautiful mind of my lovely wife. I, for one, would appreciate any help you can offer me.”

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