Page 17 of Silent Dust
“All’s well on that front, Sir. But I need to bring you up to speed on something. This matter with Flora may be more complicated than we initially assessed. Lindsey returned fromthe hospital with some concerning details about security. I’ve gone over what she told me carefully—there’s a chance they’re using a telephoto lens, but it’s clear someone’s got authorized—or at least close—access to get those kinds of shots up close.”
There was a pause on the line, and Hawk could hear the shift in Michaels’ tone—urgency, straight out of the gate. “Damn it,” he said. “How long has this been going on?”
“Two months,” Hawk replied, frustration bubbling just beneath his skin. “I plan to contact Hank Patterson—see if he can trace those texts and photos back to whoever’s behind this. We need to find the source before it escalates. Flora’s in real danger if this guy gets more daring.”
“Good idea to contact Hank, he doesn’t have the red tape to go through,” Michaels replied. “I’ll start investigating how someone could be taking pictures in those areas. We need to tighten security on the base—immediately. I'll have someone conduct a full review of access protocols. Whoever’s doing this clearly has inside connections, and we’re not leaving any stone unturned.”
“Thanks, Commander. I’ll keep you posted with what I find on my end,” Hawk said, feeling some relief seeing that Michaels was fully on board. This was serious. After hanging up, Hawk turned to Lindsey, determination etched in his features. “The Commander is in the loop. Now, let’s get in touch with Hank and see what he can dig up.”
To speed up the process, he asked Lindsey to send a text to his teammates, to meet at their house as soon as possible. “I’ll explain everything when they get here,” he added, hoping to rally the support he knew he’d need.
Lindsey took her phone and started a group text, her fingers flying over the screen. “I’ll also get some coffee going and grab plenty of snacks for the guys,” she said, glancing at himwith a knowing smile. Food and caffeine were essential for any planning session.
Hawk settled onto the couch, pulling up his contact information for Hank. He felt a flicker of gratitude that he had arranged for the three kids to go to a movie with several of the other wives and their children. It meant the team could focus on the situation without worrying about the kids being around to overhear things that they don’t need to know.
Hank answered the call, his familiar voice a steady anchor amid the chaos swirling in Hawk’s mind. After a few minutes of catching up—sharing updates about family and life—Hawk steered the conversation toward the urgent issue. He explained everything: Flora’s attack, the threatening messages, and then her accident during the autopsy that landed her in the ICU. He told Hank that he and Lindsey were taking care of the kids while Bear was overseas on a mission.
The weight of his words hung heavy in the air, each detail a reminder of the precariousness of their situation. Hawk could feel the tension building on the other end of the line. There was a brief pause, and he could almost hear the gears turning in Hank’s mind.
“I’d be more than happy to help, Hawk,” he finally said, his voice steady and resolute. The reassurance in his tone was a balm for Hawk’s frayed nerves, but he knew that words alone wouldn’t be enough.
A wave of relief washed over Hawk, warm and soothing, like sunlight breaking through a heavy cloud cover. “I appreciate it, Hank. I didn’t know how busy you guys were these days. I just want to make sure Flora and the kids are safe.” The words came out stronger than he felt inside, but he was determined to keep his focus sharp.
“Things are always busy, but you know we take care of our own. Trust me, we’ll make this a priority,” Hank replied, histone reassuring, a solid anchor in the storm of Hawk’s thoughts. “I have enough men to take over things here while Swede and I work with you. Do you have Flora’s phone? I can have Swede start work on it as soon as we get there. Besides, I’ve been following Bear’s career for a while now. I’ve always hoped he’d consider joining Brotherhood Protectors once he’s had enough of the Navy life. He’d be a hell of an asset.”
Hank’s words about Bear being a potential recruit for Brotherhood Protectors sparked a swell of pride in Hawk’s chest. He had been Bear’s mentor ever since he became a SEAL, guiding him through the grueling challenges of training and the harsh realities of combat. Hearing Hank recognize his potential meant a lot to him, a validation of the countless hours he’d spent shaping Bear into the warrior he was today.
“Thank you, Hank.” Hawk replied, his voice thick with emotion.
“We’ll figure this out,” Hank assured him. “Swede and I’ll fly out immediately. You take care of Bear’s family, and Swede and I will track down this threat and end it.” Hawk could hear the sound of Hank typing as he made arrangements. “OK, Swede’s packin’ the equipment he needs, and I’ll grab my go bag. The pilot is filing the flight plan, and we should be in Norfolk in about five and a half hours.”
“Thanks, Hank. I really appreciate it. One of us will pick you guys up; text me your arrival time.”
As they wrapped up the call, Hawk felt a flicker of hope ignite. With Hank and the Brotherhood Protectors on their side, he knew they had a fighting chance. But as he hung up, the reality of the situation settled back in. Flora was still in the ICU, the kids were still scared, and the threats were still looming.
Just then, the sound of boots hitting the floor echoed through the house, signaling the arrival of Hawk's team. He could hear Lindsey’s voice, warm and welcoming, directing them to thekitchen for coffee. A smirk tugged at his lips as he stood up, shaking his head at the familiar banter that filled the air.
The teasing and laughter brought a wave of nostalgia crashing over him. He had missed this—working side by side with these guys, the easy jabs, the shared experiences that forged their bond. It was a reminder of the brotherhood they had built through countless missions and challenges.
Hawk made his way to the kitchen, the rich aroma of brewing coffee mixing with the sounds of his team catching up. The warmth of their presence offered a sense of comfort amidst the chaos of the situation.
After a round of back slapping and playful shoves, Hawk poured himself a fresh cup of coffee and turned to face his teammates, ready to brief them. “Alright, listen up, fellas,” he said, his tone steady but urgent. “We need to talk about what’s going down with Bear’s wife, Flora.”
The chatter died down as they gathered around, their expressions shifting from relaxed camaraderie to focused attention. As he laid out the situation, he watched their faces shift from concern to anger to determination.
The room fell silent as they processed the information. Hawk continued, “We need to set up a security rotation for Flora’s hospital room.”
“I’m in,” Red said immediately, his expression serious. The others nodded in agreement, their commitment evident.
“Thanks, guys,” Hawk replied, feeling a surge of gratitude. “We’ll coordinate shifts so someone’s always with her. I don’t want her alone until we know who we’re dealing with.” He ran a hand through his hair, adding, “Hank and Swede will be here in about six hours to start tracking down the person behind those texts. Bear’s house next door will be command central and Hotel California all in one. We can work away from the kids.”
“Got it,” Ghost said, already pulling out his phone to start organizing the schedule. “We’ll make sure she’s covered. I’ll handle the shifts. Anyone at the hospital right now?”
Shaking his head, Hawk replied, “Commander said he’d put MPs at her door, but I’m not sure we can trust them.”
“Alright, I’m heading out,” Ghost said, nodding at Red. “Relieve me at 0600.” He grabbed his bag, calling over his shoulder, “Text me her room number and the names of the doctors and nurses cleared to enter.”
Hawk quickly typed out a message to Ghost and the rest of the team with the hospital details while addressing Zulu. “Zulu, can you pick up Hank and Swede from the airport and get them back here?”
