Page 28 of Ground Zero

Wake me when

you come to bed.

Copy that.

Cock Rocket out.

<3

Chapter 14

June 2, 2010

Just after midnight

Crockett

My phone rings,and I jerk awake. As I sit up and grab it, I reach for Nina. She isn’t in bed.

A call coming in at night? My girl not by my side?

Not good.

I stifle the emotion that threatens and focus on the number calling. It is Hardcore.

“Crockett,” I answer.

“Crockett, Hardcore. I’ve got a situation in Alabama.”

I throw off the covers at the urgent tone in his voice.

“What kind of situation?” I ask, standing.

“My sister-in-law is missing.”

“Give me the details.” I walk to the closet and grab my rucksack as he explains that there was an apparent break-in at his sister’s home. She was attacked and knocked in the head. Before she lost consciousness, she called him.

I throw my gear on the bed.

When he arrived, he found her alive, but her wife was not there. A K9 tracked her scent and, based on the direction of travel from the house and the fact that her phone was found on the street, they concluded she did not choose to go along.

“Roger that. The team is here at the Hotel. We had a week of training scheduled. We will leave San Diego within the hour.” I pause, but he doesn’t say anything. “Don’t worry, Hard. We will find her. Crockett out.”

I stare at my phone and decide my immediate course of action. I call Nina.

She answers on the second ring. Her voice is sleepy. I see her bed hair, puffy eyes, and pouty mouth, and my heart hardens. I tell myself, ‘Stay frosty!’ I have to stay focused on the mission and lock down my emotions.

She apologizes. “Rocket, I’m sorry. I fell asleep on the couch with Bri. I’ll be right there.”

“Foxtrot, listen up.” I tell her, “Hardcore just called. There is a possible kidnapping in Alabama. Get here now.”

“What? Oh my God!” I can see her eyes sharpen and her whole demeanor changes, and I can hear it in her voice. The targeting officer is back. “I’m on my way.”

She hangs up, and I dial Mike. “Motherfucker, there’s a situation in Alabama that needs our skills. Wheels up to The Chicken Ranch in one. Briefing in the lobby in ten.”

“Copy that.” He answers. “I’ll notify the others.”

I call Meghan. “Ambassador, we have our first mission. Unfortunately, it is with Hardcore in Alabama. ETA to the Chicken Ranch, two hours. Make sure License understands this is not a drill. We are live.”

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