Page 22 of Embedded
“Yeah, he just left to join Frank’s team,” Ty answered. “He needed to be closer to his family.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to meet him.” I looked to my side. “West and Rush.”
“Impressive!” Mark beamed with pride. “I taught her all that.”
“And I appreciate the help, so thank you.” I smiled at him. Then I looked at the man next to Rush. “And you must be Summit?”
“That’s right, ma’am.” Summit rubbed the scar that ran down the side of his chin under his bottom lip. He gave me a wave. “Us three,” he pointed to Rush and West, “are on team Stonewall.” Paul finally joined us, but I didn’t look at him as he sat down. “And that’s our team leader.” Summit nodded at Paul as he took his seat.
“Oh.” I glanced at him then. He seemed a little uneasy. “So, do you guys get to jump onto different teams for certain missions?” I wondered why Paul had been with Team Blackstone to rescue Chase if he was Stonewall’s team leader.
“That one was a little different than the norm.” West stepped in before Summit could reply. “We all have our place in the working wheel of Shadows. Blackstone and Dark Water are the teams in the field, while Stonewall works from downstairs. We fly the drones and give a bird’s eye view for the teams in real time. Give them a heads up, if you will, of any potential danger lurking ahead.” He nodded at Paul. “It was Paul who discovered what the Cartel was up to when the teams rescued your buddy, Ben.”
“And for that, I’m forever grateful.” Ben looked at Paul and placed a hand on his chest. “That was ugly, and a time I don’t ever want to relive. I’m so glad you were able to go on the mission to rescue that poor child. Not to mention my gorgeous friend over there, and she’s still in one piece.” He pointed at me and grinned.
“Barely in one piece, but I’m here.” I pretended to wipe sweat from my forehead.
Mike held up a glass of beer. “To coming home in one piece.” The table raised their glasses, and new conversations took off among them.
Dinner was fantastic, and afterward, we moved into the living room to have drinks and mingle. It was a casual gathering, and I was sure it was meant for me to relax and get to know the housemates.
This place was spectacular. The cast iron chandeliers matched the iron railing that went up the grand staircase. The stone fireplace made a gorgeous focal point in the living room and gave off a delicious warmth that relaxed your body as well as your mind. I could imagine myself just sitting in this room for a whole day doing nothing. My eyes went to the stone archway that led into the dining room. The huge table looked like it was made from the same wood as the mantel above the fireplace.
I gave a sigh as I moved to the large windows that gave a stunning view of the mountains and the lake behind the house – no, mansion. Whoever their decorator was needed a serious raise because w-o-w.
“Overwhelmed yet?” Savannah appeared by my side and replaced my empty wine glass with another. “I was when I first came here.”
“No, not overwhelmed, just taking it all in.” I glanced around the room and loved how happy everyone seemed. “Is it always like this when they come back from a mission?”
She swallowed. “They have a dangerous job, and every time they come back, it’s celebrated with hugs, a family dinner, and normally a trip to Zack’s restaurant and bar in Redstone. Which, by the way, we plan on doing, but we wanted you to have a chance to get your head on straight first.”
“That’s kind of you.” I glanced around. “Where are the children?”
“Olivia, that’s our oldest,” she nodded, “has the kids under wraps. Believe me, they can be quite a handful. We don’t want our guests overwhelmed right at the beginning.” She laughed. “You’ll meet them all soon enough.”
I nodded then studied the row of photos on the wall above the bar top. They were all in black and white, and it took me a second to recognize a young Daniel staring back at me.
Savannah’s eyes followed mine. “That’s Cole’s grandfather, Edison. He created Shadows after his son got back from Vietnam. Daniel was struggling, and Edison knew he desperately needed something, so he created this masterpiece.” She pointed to a photo. “That’s Cole’s mother, Sue. She’ll be back tomorrow, so you’ll meet her then.” She glanced around the room. “Frank was a huge part of all this right from the beginning, and he still is.”
“Frank and Mia are family?” I tried to piece everyone together.
“Yes, Mia is Frank’s daughter.”
I made a surprised face. “Wow. Did Mark know she was the general’s daughter when he asked her to marry him?” I sensed a story there but pushed it down. It wasn’t the time to let my reporter imagination go to work.
“No, not at all. But he loves that woman, and Frank knows it. So, that’s all that matters.”
“Agreed.”
“Excuse me, but Savi can I speak to Nicole alone?” Mike joined us and looked a bit uncertain.
“Of course.” She looked at me to make sure I was fine with it. I deeply appreciated that she felt the need to check with me. I forgot what it was like to have a real girlfriend. I nodded at her, and she left us.
“Hey, what’s going on?” I studied his face.
“You tell me.” He folded his arms over his massive chest, and I suddenly felt very small. “You said you knew about my wife because you did a story on Catalina and her family. I dug a bit, because that’s what I do, and I didn’t find any story, article, or even a photo attached to your name. So, how do you know so much about my wife?”
Shit.
