Flint’s Battle (Team KOA Bravo #3)

Chapter 4

CHAPTER 4

“McClane!”

Emery winced as her name echoed through the factory, the sheer intensity of it rattling the windows. She wouldn’t be surprised if it was followed by a concussive shock wave because if there was one thing her captain excelled at, it was shouting.

The din of conversation cut off, everyone turning to gaze at her. Emery rose from where she and Flint were studying the weapons stacked inside one of the crates, nodding toward the man standing in the doorway.

“Here, sir.”

Captain David Milligan narrowed in on her, eyes squinted. Mouth pursed tight. He didn’t smile, simply pointed at her and Flint, then at the door. “You and your… friend. Outside. Now.”

Emery groaned inwardly. The man obviously knew Flint had been more than just an idle bystander, though, she’d wait to see how much before outing them. “Of course, sir.”

He didn’t wait for them to walk over, merely turned on his heels and left, letting the door slam shut.

Flint moved in beside her. “Wow. And I thought Castle could yell. He’s got nothing on your boss.”

“Milligan’s perfected it. You can hear him outside the station, just the way he likes it.” She snagged Flint’s arm. “Remember…”

“Let you do the talking.”

“And no more heroics. You’ve done enough for one night.”

“I have a feeling nothing will ever be quite enough where you’re concerned. But I’ll keep it in mind.” He waved at the door. “Ladies first.”

Emery turned to leave, then stopped glancing at him over her shoulder. Had she heard him right? Flint merely smiled, then motioned toward the door, again.

Now wasn’t the time to focus on what Flint had meant or how he made her feel. Especially after all he’d done for her. If she hadn’t been crushing over him for the past month, she would have started tonight. The fact she was already halfway down that rabbit hole meant she’d fallen even harder than she’d thought.

Milligan was standing off to one side, arms crossed over his chest, feet braced apart. He didn’t give an inch as they stopped in front of him, staring her down until she swore he’d already sussed out everything he needed to know without her saying a word.

Emery reminded herself not to give him more than he needed as she smiled. “Sir.”

“You know, when your previous captain told me I’d be a fool not to hire you when you decided you wanted to move back to the island, I thought the man was doing me a favor. Now, I realize that it was self-preservation on his part because you have a knack of getting in way over your head, then finding your way out by breaking just about every damn rule there is.”

He took a breath, as if he knew he wouldn’t get another chance for a while. “Before I ask you to explain how the hell a simple check-in resulted in a massive gunfight — accompanied by a high-speed car chase and subsequent crash — you should know that I just spent the past thirty minutes listening to two freshman students recount their adventure where they were rescued from an armed gunman by a lady detective and some super soldier who apparently breaks through walls and shoots bad guys while running at a full sprint.” He turned to stare at Flint. “In the head, no less.”

Milligan tugged on his shirt, smoothing his hands down the front. “So, take a moment. Get it all straight in your head. Then assure me you didn’t let one of Hawk’s men accompany you on official police business. Because you are one of Hawk’s men, right?”

Emery sighed, thankful when Flint remained silent. “He’s something like that.”

Milligan raised a brow. “Something like that? He’s either part of the Brotherhood Protectors, or he’s not.”

“Flint’s actually here training with Hawk’s crew.”

“As a recruit?”

“As one of their instructors.”

Milligan closed his eyes for a moment, muttering under his breath as if he was counting to ten, before looking directly at Flint. “You’re still active military?”

Flint glanced at her, then nodded at her boss. “Lieutenant Flint O’Connell, U.S. Navy.”

“Please tell me there’s a ‘retired’ at the end of that.”

“Not, yet.”

“Well, shit.” Milligan glared at her. “Seriously, McClane?” He groaned. “Damn, you’re probably a SEAL to boot, right? Because all of Hawk’s men are ex-Special Forces.”

When she merely nodded Milligan groaned, again. “This just keeps getting better. And how, exactly, are you going to explain this without me asking for your badge and tossing his ass in jail?”

“Perhaps you’d like to hear what’s going to be in my report.”

“I’m on the edge of my seat, detective.”

“Lieutenant O’Connell was driving me home when I was asked to perform a welfare check on Mr. Snider. After talking to Mr. Snider, I was concerned some college kids might have put themselves in a dangerous situation by trespassing in the Wilson factory. Lieutenant O’Connell accompanied me to the warehouse, at which point I entered the premises in search of the students, unaware there were armed men inside the building. It wasn’t until I was on the second floor that I discovered the two young men being held at gun point. Realizing the suspect intended on killing the students, I had no other choice but to engage the man. This was followed by a violent exchange of gunfire with additional suspects before I was able to get the victims outside. I sent the young men to the nearest police station for their safety and called for backup after which the assailants proceeded to leave the premises at a high rate of speed. I pursued and was able to disable their vehicle. One suspect died at the scene from an apparent gunshot wound, which I believe was inflicted by his own crew, while two others managed to escape in a boat after a lengthy foot chase.”

Milligan stood there, waiting. “And?”

“And that’s my report, sir.”

“You’re missing the part where your SEAL friend joined in.”

“Did he, sir? Because I distinctly remember Lieutenant O’Connell remaining in my vehicle at all times. Oh, he did accompany me to Mr. Snider’s house since it was a welfare check and Flint has advanced first aid. But otherwise, he was in my Jeep.”

“And the obvious bullet wound to his arm?”

“That unfortunately happened when the assailants rushed past. They fired on my vehicle and grazed Lieutenant O’Connell in the process. You can see the damage for yourself.”

Milligan scoffed at her. “So, you’re basically telling me the students are lying and your friend didn’t back you up during this altercation. Am I understanding you correctly, Detective McClane?”

“In the boys’ defense, it was dark. Bullets were flying and it all happened extremely fast. I’m sure when they raced out the door and saw Flint, they simply assumed he’d been with me all along. Fear does funny things to the mind.”

Milligan closed his eyes, pressing his fingers against the bridge of his nose. “I see. Lieutenant O’Connell. Do you concur with Detective McClane’s account of the incident?”

Flint crossed his arms over his chest. “I guess that depends.”

“On what, exactly?”

Flint drew himself up, looking every inch the hardened warrior she knew he was. “On whether you’re more concerned about throwing your best detective to the wolves because she was brave enough to ask a highly trained and decorated Navy SEAL — who has spent the past twenty years serving his country in every shithole known to man — to have her back than you are with the fact she just uncovered a major gun smuggling ring that has obviously been going on for some time right under your nose.”

He shrugged. “If that’s the case, then yes. I remained inside the vehicle for the duration of the altercation.”

Milligan nodded, looking back to her. “And the fact both your weapons have been fired…”

Emery glanced at Flint. “I was in a dire situation that required an extreme response. Thankfully, I’ve trained to shoot with both hands.”

Milligan stared at her for so long she wasn’t sure if he’d fallen asleep on his feet or if she had before he finally laughed. “Only you would find a way to spin this so you come out smelling like roses. And yes, Flint… can I call you Flint? You’re right. The takeaway here is that we have a major problem that needs solving. So, this is what’s going to happen…”

He straightened, tugging on his shirt, again. “I’m going to have a chat with our fraternity freshmen and advise them that unless they want to be charged with breaking and entering, trespassing, interfering in an investigation and everything else I can think up in the next twenty minutes, they’ll keep this story to themselves — forget all about Flint and just focus on your contributions. Meanwhile, you and your… friend will spend the next half hour writing down your official statements exactly as you told me and then, you’ll take tomorrow off so you’re nowhere in sight when I give a press conference on what went down here. Then, you’ll have your ass in your chair on Monday and will spend the foreseeable future finding out what scumbag is running guns on my island. Do we understand each other?”

“Crystal, sir.”

“And you, Flint?”

“I’ll back whatever Emery says.”

“Excellent. Though, you will call your CO and inform him what really went down here so if this somehow gets leaked, he and I can manage some kind of damage control. Create a bullshit joint training assignment. Agreed?”

“I’ll call Castle as soon as we’re done here.”

“Fabulous.” He pushed past them, then stopped and looked back. “And just so I understand the dynamic between you two, will you be continuing to drive Detective McClane home or is this a limited time offer?”

Flint glanced at her, and damn… the way he smiled. It was like back in the car before the night had gone to shit. When she’d imagined he’d offered to drive her home because he was just as infatuated with her as she was with him. “Ultimately, that’s Emery’s decision. But if I have a say — and I definitely want a say — I’ll be driving her anywhere she needs to go for the foreseeable future. As it happens, my team’s reenlistment papers are due by the end of the month, and we’re currently considering our options.”

Milligan glanced at her, then nodded, again. “Understood. Then, do everyone a favor and try not to shoot anymore bad guys until you’re officially retired and part of Hawk’s crew. At least, then, I have some leeway to work with. Maybe get you on the docket as a reserve officer. So I can keep your collective asses out of jail. I want those reports before you leave.”

Emery waited until her boss was out of sight before swatting Flint in the chest. “What the hell happened to not saying anything incriminating?”

Flint chuckled. “What? I said I’d back whatever you claimed happened.”

“ After you’d all but confessed you’d taken out those men. Highly trained and decorated, huh?”

“Did you honestly expect me to let you take the fall? That’s not how partners work, sweetheart.”

“Oh, so we’re partners now?”

He closed the scant distance between them, lowering his face until it was even with hers. “Like I said. That’s your decision. But I have to admit, I like the sound of it.”

He eased back, grinning when she had to blink a few times to get herself to focus again because all she could think about was how close he’d been and that if she’d tiptoed up, she could have kissed him. “Now, let’s get those reports done so I can finally drive you home.”

Emery muttered a vague, “Sure,” still wondering if Flint’s lips were as soft as they looked. If he’d taste as good as he smelled because even after all they’d been through tonight, he still held that hint of citrus and cottonwood. As if it went soul deep.

They managed to fill out the necessary reports and hand them off to Milligan in record time, making it back to her cottage by two. Though, it felt as if it had taken longer. Days instead of hours since they’d left the bar. And had it really all started with that brawl? After getting shot at, it seemed so trivial.

Though, the fact her cheek had started throbbing, again, emphasized how lucky she’d been she hadn’t gotten hurt worse. That Flint had taken the brunt of it. The graze not to mention the hit to his vest. What she suspected was one hell of a bruise beneath his shirt.

Flint stopped inside her doorway, kicking off his boots as he scanned the room. It looked innocent enough, but she knew he was categorizing every detail. Drawing conclusions about her from the shade of paint on the walls to the clean lines of her furniture. He glanced at the far bookcase, smiling as he made his way over, grabbing a framed photo then holding it up for her to see.

She grinned, tugging at the tie holding up her hair before shaking the mass free. “Me and my brothers.”

“I can see the resemblance. Who’s older?”

“They are.” She ambled over beside him after placing her purse on the counter. “Jack’s got six years on me. He’s on the right. And Clark’s on the left. He’s three years older.”

“Both fire fighters. And you’re a cop. So, who’s the black sheep? Because I know for a fact the rivalry’s real.”

“Definitely real.” She laughed. “And definitely me. My dad’s side of the family are all firemen.”

“And your mom?”

“Paramedic. I dare say she was a bit… disappointed I didn’t choose something to do with medicine or at least follow along with the family legacy.”

“What made you want to go against the grain and become a detective?”

She shrugged, fiddling with one of the other photos on the bookcase. “I usually tell people it’s because of all those police shows I watched as a kid.”

“But that’s the easy, practiced answer, right?”

“Basically.”

“Is the real reason a secret?”

“Not a secret, just… not something I talk about.”

He nodded. “Off limits. Understood.”

“No, it’s not…” She sighed. “I was in a car accident when I was sixteen. A friend’s older brother was driving us home. He lost control and we went off the road and down an embankment. It was… messy. We were trapped. But I guess this patrol officer must have witnessed it or saw the path we took because he showed up at the bottom of that cliff while I was still trying to figure out where I was. And he stayed. For hours until the rescue team was able to free us. I don’t remember a lot of it, but I remember him talking to me. Telling me I was going to be okay. That I just needed to hold on a bit longer. How my dad and Jack were coming to get me out.”

She pursed her lips together. “He didn’t have to stay. The car was balanced on this precipice, and the cliff kept breaking away. But…”

Flint inched closer, tucking some of her hair behind her ear. “How badly were you hurt?”

“The usual stuff, and I shattered my shoulder blade. Still have the plate and screws holding it together.”

“Your right side.”

She snorted. “That obvious?”

“Hardly noticeable, but I’ve been paying attention. It’s a bit stiffer than your left. Guess it’s a good thing you’re a southpaw.”

“Considering no one else made it out of that car alive, I got off pretty lucky.”

Flint muttered something under his breath as he shook his head. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”

“Piss off. It was twenty years ago. But now you know why I go for the easy answer. Everyone always gives me that look. But while we’re at it, why did you join the military? Family legacy, too?”

He chuckled. “Nothing that honorable. Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly a model citizen as a kid. I never knew my dad and my mom was a drug addict. I spent most of my time running from the cops. Then, I got caught joyriding the night after graduation and the sheriff gave me a choice. Enlist or go to jail. I was smart enough to choose the military. After that, I met Bowie, and well, I guess things changed. I changed.”

“So, no more shenanigans?”

“I still like to push the limits. I’m just good enough I don’t get caught, now.”

“Oh, that almost sounds like a challenge.”

He placed the photo back on the shelf then turned, all that heat from earlier returning. Like in her Jeep when she’d thought he’d turned the heater to full. He took a step closer, blocking out everything but the massive width of his shoulders. How his hair teased his eyes a bit, the light accentuating the bits of gold amidst the chocolate strands. She liked that it wasn’t a typical military style, with enough length she felt confident she could wrap the strands around her fingers when she captured his mouth.

Flint gave her a raise of one brow. “I was going to reply with a witty comeback but the way you’re staring at me…” He whistled. “Sweetheart you look more than a little dangerous. Do I want to know what you’re thinking?”

She met his gaze, wondering how she’d missed the hints of green in his eyes. Not much. More of a dark rim around the blue. But the added depth caught her by surprise, and she blurted out the truth before she could stop herself. “Why haven’t you asked me out?”

The question obviously caught him by surprise, too, because he jerked back, staring at her as if she’d suddenly sprouted another head. “Why haven’t I asked you out?”

“I guess I could have read that instant spark all wrong?—”

“You didn’t.”

“Then, why the friend zone for the past month?”

Flint kicked at the floor, looking oddly out of his element for a moment before he sighed. “Because you told me you didn’t want anything casual. And until recently, I wasn’t sure if that was even on the table.”

“I told you? When the hell did I tell you I wasn’t interested?”

“Remember when Bowie was trying to get Moana to go out with him? But she said she wasn’t interested in dating a guy who didn’t even have to pretend he wanted a commitment because he wouldn’t be around that long?”

Emery nodded. “Sure, but…”

“Then you agreed with her and said that you’d had enough casual flings to last a lifetime and you were finally ready for something more permanent.”

She opened her mouth then closed it, trying to recall the conversation.

Flint inched closer, again. “I took that as your way of telling me to back off.”

She frowned. “So, I’ve been sending you all these signals that I want more between us, but you choose to only pay attention to that one conversation?”

“It was a pretty powerful statement.”

She wanted to argue, but he was right. She had said she wanted something less fleeting in her life. And Flint’s team had originally thought they’d only be on the island for a month. Though, hadn’t Flint just told her boss they were considering their options? Which Moana had already confided in her. That Bowie had promised he’d stay if it was at all possible. That he’d find a way to convince his buddies, especially with their other teammate, Carter, involved with Mia.

Emery nodded, moving back to rest against the counter. She looked at Flint, loving the way he followed her every move. As if he was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. “You’re right. I did say that. Though, it sounds as if you leaving isn’t a given, anymore.”

“Like I told your boss. We’re considering our options.”

“What kind of odds are we talking?”

He grinned. “A strong sixty-forty.”

“Those are odds I can work with. Regardless… I’ve been known to be wrong. On occasion.”

He moved. Or maybe he phased from one location to the other because she blinked and he was there, sliding his fingers through her hair as he pinned her between his chest and the counter. His breath caressed her cheek, the light contact making her shiver. “God, I hope you’re implying us spending the night together is one of those occasions, because I’ve been trying to figure out how to kiss you all evening without you slapping cuffs on me.”

“Another challenge. And you can just kiss me. No stealth maneuvers required, sailor.”

If she thought he’d looked dangerous before, this was nothing short of lethal. The way his eyes darkened, burning all that blue and green into deeper shades as the corners of his mouth kicked up, accentuating the fine lines around the edges.

He gave her a ghosted brush of his lips, pausing a breath away. “Good to know. Because after the firefight and the chase — nearly letting you get shot — I’ve got energy to spare. So, take a deep breath. This could take the rest of the night.”