Page 44 of The Only Reason (The Trident Trilogy 2)

Chapter Twenty-One

In-Flight

Virginia Beach to Baghdad

July 30, 2011

“Hey, asshole,” Chase said, kicking Mack’s hammock. “I asked you a question. Twice. You want to give me an answer? Or do I need to slap it out of you?”

Mack’s mind snapped back into focus. “What was the question?”

“Man, what’s wrong with you? You’ve been out of it all day,” Chase said. “You better get it together before we land, or I’m pulling you from the mission.”

“You thinking about that curvy, little brunette at the bar the other night?” Harry let out a long whistle. “Because I’m going to be honest, I’ve been thinking about her myself.”

“Shut up, Culver.” Mack reached over and gave the side of Harry’s hammock a hard tug, almost sending him tumbling to the floor.

“What’s the matter, man?” Harry said as he repositioned his body. “Don’t tell me you couldn’t close that deal?”

“Yeah, like that’s ever happened,” Mack said. “But you’re welcome to call her now. The only thing you’re ever going to get around me is sloppy seconds.”

Chase laughed. “So what were you thinking about? I’ve never seen you that deep in thought. You trying out meditation or something?”

“Naw, I was thinking about Millie.” Mack paused a second to control the shaking that was trying to come out in his voice. “If something ever happens to me, y’all have to promise that you have her—that you’ll take care of her no matter what’s happening in your lives.”

Chase pulled himself up and looked over at Mack. “What are you talking about? You’re two months away from retirement. You trying to jinx yourself? Keep that bullshit quiet.”

Mack sunk down deeper into his hammock, so no one could see the tears that started forming in his eyes. “Just promise me, man. I’m all she’s got. If something happens, go get her away from my mom and take care of her. Please.”

“Nothing’s going to happen to you,” Chase said. “But you already know we’ve got her if something does. Mar and I will adopt her. She’ll be a part of our family. I will never let her out of my sight. I promise you that.”

“I’ve got her, too,” Harry said. “If anything happens to you, she’s going to be smothered with attention from all her new uncles. She’s going to be so sick of us, she’ll probably try to hide.”

Mack cracked a smile. “Actually, she probably will. She’s developed a feisty, little independent streak. Don’t let her push you away.”

“When has anyone ever been able to resist me?” Harry said. “Everyone loves me—mothers, daughters, babies, animals.”

“Those goats in Ramadi really liked you a few months back,” Clem chimed in from across the plane. “A little too much, for my liking.”

Harry scooped up one of his boots from under his hammock and sent it flying across the plane—landing perfectly on Clem’s stomach.

Mack turned to Chase and said quietly, “Just swear to me—”

“I’ve got you,” Chase said. “Man, what’s wrong with you? You’re putting off some weird vibes. You starting to second-guess your retirement? Honestly, I am. I’m not sure if I’m ready to leave yet. The only thing that makes it right is that we’re going out at the same time. And we’re both moving to San Diego. You know?”

Mack took a deep breath. “Yeah. It’s all going to be different now. But we have to do what’s right for our families. Everything’s about them. Have to keep them safe. Millie is the only reason I do anything. Since the day I first saw her in Sarajevo, everything has been for her. It’s always going to be for her. Do you think she knows that?”

“What are you talking about, man?” Chase said. “That girl absolutely lives for you. She’s devoted to you. You think she doesn’t know you would walk through fire for her? Believe me, she knows.”

“Yeah. I know she does,” Mack said quietly.

“Whatever’s bothering you, snap out of it. You’re going to be with her in a few days,” Chase said.

Mack looked across the plane and saw their CIA strap trying to discreetly signal him to the other side of the plane.

“I’m going to hit the head,” Mack said to Chase as he walked away.

“It’s going to happen tomorrow,” George whispered as Mack got close to him. “You’ll be clearing a little village outside of Fallujah. There’s a house with a tunnel underneath. It has a red door, and it will have a black X on the side of it. Get in there alone. The tunnel is under the only table in the front room. We’ll have agents in the tunnel. They’ll blow the house when you’re clear.”

“How are we going to make sure no one else gets hurt in the blast?” Mack said.

“You need to be fast. See if you can bring up the rear of your clear line. We’re going to have some distractions pulling the team forward and away from your house. They’ll be fine. Our agents have radios. If anyone tries to follow you in, we’ll call it off and try again later. You clear?”

Mack nodded his head. “Yeah. What happens after the house blows?”

“We’ll get you to Baghdad, and then your buddy Azayiz is going to have some of her people meet us there. They’ll help you get out of Iraq. I’m not sure how. Once we get you to Baghdad, we’re done.”

Mack nodded again. “Roger that.”

“Good luck, Mack. I mean it,” George said as he walked away.

---