Page 5 of Deadly Rescue
“Looks like I’ll be photographing the bomb once ground zero is located.” Celina appeared at his side, a folded piece of paper in hand. They had arrived early to get their assignments, though Cooper wished they’d spent more time rolling around in bed.
“Were you expecting to do something else?” he teased.
“Smartass.” Her mouth twitched with a grin. “No, being the main crime scene photographer is right where I need to be. What are you doing?”
Cooper held his paper up, tucked between two fingers. “I’ll be tracking the bomb and collecting evidence before you get called in. I figured as much.”
“That makes two of us.” Nelson held up his own paper before stuffing it in his pocket. “We gotta play nice with the local boys for this one.”
Cooper grinned. Nelson wasn’t the type of guy who liked others on his turf. “We’re all on the same team here, Cruz. Better get used to it.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Nelson grumbled, rubbing the back of his neck.
“You have got to be kidding me.” Polly hurried towards them, her face scrunched in disbelief. She waved her piece of paper under Celina’s nose, eyes wide. “I’m teamed up withhim.”
Celina tried to hide her grin, failing miserably while Cooper arched an eyebrow, glancing between the two women in confusion. “Himwho?”
“Dr. Garand,” Celina explained, finally giving in and releasing her grin. “Polly’s new beau.”
“The hell he is,” Polly growled, crumpling her paper and tossing it into a nearby trashcan. “Did you set this up? You did, didn’t you? I should be on the crime scene investigation unit with you, Celina. Not running around with some CDC physician.”
Celina burst out laughing, shaking her head. “I wish I could take credit, Polly, but I didn’t have anything to do with your assignement. Maybe this is the universe’s way of saying you two are meant for each other.”
“That’s bullshit and you know it.” Polly snorted derisively, rolling her eyes. “The man may be smart, but he’s got too much caveman in him for my taste.”
“Ahh.” Understanding dawned as last night’s conversation came back to Cooper. He had only caught bits and pieces, but he’d noticed them checking the doctor out. “You don’t think he’s your type?”
“My tablet is my type.” Polly waved her gadget around. “Dr. Leo Garand? Big, fatno.”
“Guess we’ll find out, won’t we?” Celina mused, bursting out laughing when Polly swatted her arm.
“Not funny, Celina.”
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I have your attention?” a loud voice boomed over the microphone system, drawing their focus to the middle of the arena’s gymnasium where a stage had been erected. “I would like to personally thank each and every one of you for coming. This weekend’s training session has been a long time in the making. We hope with the data we collect today we will gain the much needed insight on how to handle an explosive device containing radioactive materials in conjunction with a natural disaster. For those of you who don’t know me, my name is Director Alejandro Vance, and I’m with the San Diego Anti-terrorist Unit.”
“Dude’s a real badass,” Nelson mumbled from the corner of his mouth. “Last month his unit hit the Hands of Columbia group with three consecutive strikes and shut them down for good.”
Cooper whistled low. The Hands of Columbia was a terrorist group responsible for multiple mass public bombings scattered throughout the western United States. Their members were self-proclaimed martyrs who went into large crowds of people strapped with C4 with the single goal of taking out as many bystanders as possible. Up until recently, no one had been able to track them, but it sounded like Vance’s crew had figured it out. Being able to take down not one, but all three of their core operations in a single blow took calculated precision and demanded respect.
“By now, each of you should have gotten your assignments. Head to your post and check in with your team leader, they will direct you on what to do. Remember not to go into the restricted areas marked by the fluorescent pink tape across the entrances and exits.” He pointed to several nearby. Those doorways led to “contaminated” areas or ones declared unstable from the earthquake—more problems to compound the main issues, but important to the training exercise to ensure teams followed procedures and instructions during a real crisis. “Good luck everyone!” Vance dropped down from the stage and faded into the crowd as it dispersed.
“Guess that’s our cue. Good luck, guys.” Polly turned on her heel, gave a fortifying sigh, and headed toward one of the medic areas.
Cooper faced Celina, drinking in the excitement dancing in her dark eyes. Sexy. As. Hell. Who would have thought a little training exercise would bring on so much anticipation? Then again, whenwasthe last time his wife had any real excitement that didn’t involve changing Via’s mystery diapers?
“You ready for this?” he brushed his knuckles over her cheek, reveling in the feel of the silky skin beneath his touch.
She grinned, rising on tip-toe to press a kiss to his lips. “You bet your ass I am.”
“Just be careful,” he growled, slipping an arm around her waist to hold her close for a second longer. “I know it’s a training exercise, not the real deal, but I want you sharp and focused. Take in as much information as you can so we can share details later and bring everything we learn back to our respective teams.”
“If you wanted me sharp and focused, you shouldn’t have worn those tight fitting jeans,” she purred in his ear, stepping out of his embrace before he could tighten it. “Catch you later, hot-stuff. Good luck.” With a final saucy wink, she hurried away, disappearing into the crowd.
That woman is going to be the death of me.
But damn, what a way to go.
“If you’re done drooling over your wife, can join me in finding our group leader?” Nelson’s tone was droll, but there was a hint of laughter in his eyes.
