Page 2 of Summer Heatwave
Oh, fuck.Staying out of the spotlight was going to be impossible with the commanding officer’s son-in-law under his command.But he didn’t call the lieutenant his son-in-law, simply his grandchild’s father.Hmm.He’d have to check scuttlebutt to get the complete story.
The captain quickly added, “it’s not exactly a secret, but we don’t advertise the fact that Dylan and I have a relationship.What that means is, don’t go easy on him.If he fucks up, I’m not going to bail his ass out.I don’t want you to treat him any different than you do your other lieutenants.Am I clear?”
“Yes, sir.”That explained a whole hell of a lot.Just last week, Mike and every officer in Group 1, had gone to the funeral of the captain’s daughter who had died in childbirth.No one had mentioned the baby’s father.Now he knew why.
Redirecting the conversation, the captain announced, “Since this involves multiple agencies, I’ll be joining Lieutenant Chaney.Unless you have something else pressing, I think you should go with us.”Although it wasn’t an order, Mike knew the captain expected him to join them.
“Yes, sir.Do you want me to drive?”Mike offered.He had a big SUV.The captain would be comfortable and there would be plenty of room if anyone else needed to go.
“My driver will be around to pick you up.I’d rather this look as official as possible.”The captain continued, “I don’t want these people to think they can snap their fingers and we’ll hand over our men for interrogation.”
There was a knock at the door and his administrative assistant stuck her head in and whispered, “Lieutenant Chaney’s here.”
“We’re ready to go whenever you are, sir.”Commander Gallagher held the lieutenant’s gaze.
“I need to let Vice Admiral Maddox know about this,” the captain announced.Mike cringed at the thought that the vice admiral might insist on going along also.“This was his initial idea, but what started as a military investigation blew up into a multi-organizational takedown.How we were ever able to pull this off, I’ll never know.Somebody over at Immigration and Customs Enforcement really has their shit together.Give me a minute to make this call.”
Ten minutes later all three officers were headed over the bridge to the mainland.
“Commander Gallagher, do you have any idea how long this will take?”Lieutenant Chaney turned to look at the senior officers in the backseat.He quickly glanced at the captain.“I might need to call my babysitter and see if she’s available to take care of my son for a little bit longer than usual.”
“I’ve already called Genevieve to tell her I might be late and that you’re with me.”The captain grinned.“She’s good with it.”Then he added, “Your commanding officer knows of our relationship.”
“Thank you, sir.”Relief visibly washed over the junior officer’s face before he returned his gaze out the windshield.
Stopping in front of the nondescript white stucco building, the three SEALs exited the car.
“Lieutenant Chaney, you are not required to be here.You are here voluntarily.”The captain spoke in low tones as they approached the building.“We’re going to listen to what they want and then step aside together and make a decision.If at any time you want to leave, mention Ian.We’ll get you out of here.”
“Yes, sir.”
Chapter2
“Captain Hubbard, what a surprise.”Special Agent in Charge Kameron Hood absently rubbed her sore cheek and hoped her cringe didn’t show as she greeted the three men in crisp white uniforms who she’d kept waiting in the lobby for at least ten minutes.But it couldn’t have been helped.
Who knew there were over a hundred and twenty-five different languages spoken in the Philippines?And not all the girls were from that area of the world.Although they all spoke a little English, they were much more comfortable, and descriptive, speaking in their native languages.It had taken all night to round up several Tagalog translators, some of whom had only arrived an hour ago.
Kam had been in San Diego only a few weeks but knew the importance of the United States Navy in the area and had been made aware of their power and prowess while coordinating the multi-area bust of one of the largest human trafficking rings she’d ever seen.She was able to quickly read the men’s ranks.Lieutenant Chaney had brought some heavy brass with him.She hoped she wouldn’t be obligated to brief the senior officers.They were just getting into interrogations, and she didn’t have time to deal with nosy men.
“Nice to see you, Kam, as I know you prefer to be called.”Captain Hubbard glanced at the other two officers who both gave a small nod acknowledging they’d received his message.
She appreciated that small gesture.He was such a nice guy.A true gentleman.
The captain continued his introductions, “I’d like you to meet Commander Mike Gallagher, commanding officer of Team 1 and Lieutenant Chaney’s C.O.”
She smiled and shook the lieutenant’s hand, totally ignoring Commander Mike Gallagher.That’s the way she would always think of the arrogant ass, using name and rank.He’d been belligerent to her on the phone with his denigrating tone.She didn’t have time for men like him.“Dylan, thank you for coming so quickly.”
Kam turned her attention to the other two officers.“Gentlemen, we just need Lieutenant Chaney.This shouldn’t take long, so, if you’d like to take a seat in the lobby?—"
“Special Agent Hood, we don’t turn our highly trained SEALs over to other agencies and leave them hanging alone.”Commander Gallagher frowned down at her.“SEALs work as a team and in this instance, Captain Hubbard and I are on Lieutenant Chaney’s team.Where he goes, we go.”
She hated when men used their height to intimidate women.She’d pegged Commander Mike Gallagher at six-foot-one.Sure, he had four inches on her, but she was tall for a woman and much stronger than most men gave her credit.
Anger mixed with impatience started to climb up her chest.She didn’t have time for this shit.She also didn’t have time to argue about it.
“Fine.”She gave her antagonist two rows of straight white teeth that clenched in the back.“Follow me.”Kam’s long legs covered a lot of ground.After she’d already taken several steps down the hall, the manners her mother ingrained in her surfaced.She added, “Please.”
“That cheek looks like it hurts,” the captain noted.“Were you able to get some ice on it last night?”
