Page 47 of No Mistake

Everyone was gathered in the war room when Ryan arrived. Sam shot him a look as he entered, then focused his attention back to the front of the room. Dex, sitting on the opposite edge of the table, didn’t so much as glance at him. OK, he knew he shouldn't have disobeyed his team leader, but seriously, he’d just left them to search the house. Dex had done way worse shit in his time. Staying by the door, he tuned in to what Sanchez was saying on the video screen.

“We might have a lead on the buyer. A shipment of AK-47s went missing a couple of months back and the Vitelli Cartel was a main suspect. They’ve offloaded weapons in the US before to a couple of known organizations. We’re working with DEA, and Adams and Lopez are working their CIs, and I know Kelly and Mira are lending a hand. Right now, I’m more concerned about who else has joined this little party.”

Woah, what did he miss? He looked around at his team, but they were all looking at Sam as he began talking.

“The fact that Alejandro Vitelli’s son was shot, and he hasn’t returned to Mexico tells us that this deal is important. The size of the shipment of guns that went missing would make it very important. Looks like Vitelli possibly hired some extra help.” Sam turned, facing Dex. “You said professionals?”

“Yeah. They were coordinated. The way they moved, the weapons. I’d say ex-military.”

“And you think one of them recognized you?”

Dex nodded.

What the fuck was going on? Dex had spotted someone? Ryan looked at Dex, but he was focused on Sam.

“But you didn’t recognize him?” Sam asked.

“He was wearing a mask.” Dex paused. “Sanchez, any previous connections to mercenaries or guns for hire?”

Sanchez raised his eyebrows. “We’ve suspected the cartel has used them, but never been able to verify it for sure. What are you thinking?”

“I’d bet my life that’s who these guys were. Vitelli Cartel aren’t going to use some local hired muscle, and they would have the money to fund a private, highly skilled, contractor with US connections to help facilitate a deal here.”

“You got any friends in that area?” Sam asked.

Dex stood up. “Maybe. Let me make a couple of calls.”

“Alright. The rest of you get some rest. You’re on standby.”

Dex turned, finally facing Ryan. “Outside now.”

Ryan followed him across the hall to another room. It was time to face the music.

“Look, I know, I was way out of line, I was pissed off man, I’m sorry.” Ryan said.

“Don’t you think we were all pissed off? We all want to get Chloe back. I get that there’s something between you and Sophie, but that doesn’t mean you get to do what the fuck you want.”

Oh yeah, Dex was furious.

“Jesus Dex, come on. You’ve done a hell of a lot worse and you know it.” As soon as the words were out, he regretted them. Dex’s face turned to thunder. He stepped closer, getting right up in Ryan’s face.

“Yeah, I’ve done some shit. But in case you’ve forgotten, I am team leader. Whatever happens on this team is on me. So, when I do shit, it’s me that will answer for it. But the one thing I’ve never fucking done in Onyx or SEALs is walk away from my team during an op. Not once, Ryan. You never leave your fucking team!” Dex hissed.

“You were just searching the house. Fuck, Dex, give me a break,” Ryan snapped right back.

Dex shook his head, a look of disbelief on his face. When he spoke his voice was ice cold.

“Yeah, we were searching the house. But then a group of armed assholes tried to storm the fucking house.”

Oh shit. Shit, shit, shit. Ryan’s shoulders slumped, his temper evaporated. Guilt taking over. “Dex, I had no idea—”

“What? You had no fucking idea they were coming? Guess what, neither did we.” Dex didn’t move. They stared at each other. Ryan felt sick to his stomach. Dex was right, you never leave your team. There was no excuse. He’d fucked up big time.

“What happened?” he asked quietly.

Dex stepped back, putting some space between them. “They were as shocked to see us as we were to see them. But we handled it. One of them got the jump on me, looked me straight in the fucking eye and hesitated. Next thing, they started retreating. We tried to follow, but they’d shot up the engines. They literally disappeared into the night. Base couldn’t even find them on cameras.”

“Thank God, you’re all good.” Hell, if any of his team had been hurt. Fuck...he’d never forgive himself.

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