Page 72 of Wicked and Bound

“We’d been negotiating behind the scenes for weeks. Sterling wired payment for twenty-four seven protection for three months,” Logan added. “But now…”

“Now his sons want to know if we’ll honor the agreement,” Joaquin finished.

Ethan frowned. “Sons? Sterling didn’t have children. His wife was killed years ago when she was pregnant, and he never remarried. Hell, he was a notorious recluse.”

“That’s what we thought, too. Turns out, Sterling had five sons.” Xander’s voice was firm. “He adopted them twenty-five years ago from all over the world, then kept it quiet to protect them.”

“His eldest, Graven Caldwell, is based in DC,” Javier explained. “He’s asked us to send operatives to protect him and his brothers, and help gather intel while they investigate their father’s murder.”

“Murder?” Kane’s eyes narrowed. “They think he was offed?”

Javier shook his head. “They know it.”

“Jesus…” Nash whistled. “So all the speculation about what will happen to the Sterling fortune and holdings?—”

“Everything was spelled out in a will kept under lock and key. His sons have all been notified about the businesses, properties, and other holdings he bequeathed to them.”

Hunter nodded. “It’s explosive. They need our best. This is likely to be a long mission. And deadly. Volunteers?”

Ethan’s hand shot up. “Sounds up my alley. I’m in.”

No shock there. Ethan loved the danger. And Nash had a suspicion that he knew Kaylee needed time and space to grow up—space he didn’t seem inclined to give her lately.

“Me, too.” Kane didn’t hesitate.

Matt grimaced. “With Madison pregnant again, unless you really need me…”

“Same,” Nash put in. “Plus, with the wedding and all…”

He and Haisley were just settling into life again. She was finally not having nightmares all the time. Leaving her now was too risky.

Trees grimaced. “Laila is having some trouble with this pregnancy. I’d rather not leave her.”

One-Mile and Zy, both of whom had been silent until now, exchanged a glance. Between them, they had a passel of kids—and more on the way.

“We understand,” Hunter assured them.

Logan waved One-Mile and Zy away. “If we need a sniper or a demolitions expert, we’ll call on you for spot situations.”

“Ten-four.” One-Mile saluted.

“Thanks.” Zy nodded.

“You got it,” Hunter assured, then turned to Ethan and Kane. “Oracle is sending Trevor and Ghost to assist on this mission. But I want you two to understand the risks. Whoever killed Sterling wasn’t afraid to take out one of the world’s most high-profile men. They won’t think twice about eliminating a few ex-military operators based out of bum-fuck Louisiana.”

“Exactly,” Javier seconded. “Next week our jet will take you to DC.”

“We’ve got an apartment you can crash in until Graven and his brothers give you more specific orders,” Xander added.

“What can you tell us about his brothers?” Kane quizzed.

“Knox Mercer is in knee-deep with the movers and shakers in Austin. Dominik Volkov is based out of St. Petersburg. Henrik Kruger, Berlin. And Zayn Rahimi splits his time between New York and Dubai,” Javier supplied. “All brilliant. All potentially in grave danger.”

“And all determined to find out who killed their father,” Hunter added. “I know you guys are the best. I believe in you. But this won’t be easy.”

“When is it ever?” Kane’s mouth quirked.

“Stay frosty, and stay alive,” Logan ordered. “That’s not a request.”

---