Page 2 of A Touch of Frost
“And you know that for sure, do you?” Jesse spat.
“Mozart, I have an idea.” Tex’s voice cut through the silence. “But I’m gonna warn you, you won't like it.”
“It’s not like we have many choices right now.” I sighed. “Let's hear it anyway.”
“Frost.”
That name was like a kick to the gut.
I harrumphed. “You're right. I don't like it.”
“Um...what’s a Frost?” Jesse looked from myself to Tex.
“Who.” I corrected him.
“She’s a...” Tex began.
“Whoa. Wait a minute.” Jesse interrupted. “I thought there were no female SEALs.”
“There aren’t yet.” I cleared my throat. “Not really. It's a long story. One we really don’t have time for right now.”
“One that if we told you about all of it, we’d end up in prison.” Tex frowned. “Just know, she’s the only person we have free right now.”
“Okay, so let’s ask her.” Jesse told them. “Let’s go.”
“What Tex seemed to be forgetting is no one knows where Frost is.” I explained. “She’s been missing for about a year now. And even if wedidknow where she was, she’d rather put a bullet between our eyes than help.”
Jesse tossed his hands up. “What? Y’all just go around pissing everybody off? Is that a part of the job description?”
“Jesse.” Mozart started.
“Ever heard not burning your bridges because you may wanna cross back?” Jesse pushed. “This is one of those cross-back moments! And you guys seem to have fire-bombed every fucking bridge on your way over. Am I getting this right?”
I grunted. I wanted to tell him it wasn't all of us. It was only a few giving the rest a bad name. Still, I didn’t reply.
“We could ask Tink.” Tex pushed.
“Okay.” I nodded.
Tex set to work and soon Kandi “Tink” Knowlton’s face popped up on the screen. She had a new haircut—pixie style and dyed black. Her brown eyes were curious as she leaned forward to smile at Tex.
“Hello, handsome.” She smirked. “Mozart.”
I greeted her by tipping my chin up but otherwise I said nothing.
“To what do I owe this wonderful pleasure?” She asked.
“Aww, Tink. You say the sweetest things.” Tex laughed. “But I’m callin’ because I need your help.”
“What you need?” She wanted to know.
“We’re lookin’ for Frost.”
Kandi shook her head. “Ask me for something easier—like the answer for world peace.”
“Come on, Tink.” I leaned over Tex’s shoulder. “This is kind of an emergency.”
“First of all, I have no idea where Frost is.” Tink lounged backward in her chair. And secondly, if I did, I wouldn’t help you. The last time she did, it didn’t end well for her.”
