Flint’s Battle (Team KOA Bravo #3)

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20

“Seriously, McClane? What part of ‘stay out of the line of fire,’ didn’t you understand?”

Emery leaned into the pillows stacked behind her back, watching her boss study her. As if she might grow another head or spontaneously combust at any second. “I told you I should have stayed at Snider’s, but you didn’t listen.”

Milligan huffed, crossing his arms over his chest. “As if you would have been safe there.”

“Maybe not. But Flint would have been closer.”

Milligan chuckled. “I think Flint’s plenty close. Though, it does make me wonder if you played it this way to get more time off with him.”

“Yes. I definitely screwed up my shoulder, cracked a couple ribs and somehow bruised a kidney so I could stay home with Flint. It’s not like the pain will get in the way.”

“No one likes a smart ass. Speaking of which, I don’t want to see yours anywhere close to the station for the next three weeks. And no, that’s not negotiable. And you’ll have to get Kian to sign off on you returning because unlike the other doctors who you seem to sweet talk into writing good things on your chart, I know Kian will tell it to me straight. When he clears you for active duty, call me. Until then, stay home.”

Milligan didn’t wait for her to answer, just gave her those creepy, “I’m watching you fingers,” then stormed out, pointing at Flint when he passed him in the doorway.

Flint frowned, following Milligan until he walked out of sight. “Did he just signal that he’s watching me?”

“Us.”

“Was that before or after his lecture for you to stay home?”

“After. And something about Kian having to authorize me to return to work because I can’t sway him with my puppy-dog eyes.” She smiled at Flint when he furrowed his brows. “Paraphrasing but that’s what Milligan meant.”

She wiggled her fingers at him. “Please tell me that latte has my name on it.”

Flint shook his head, handing her the cup. “I’m not sure it qualifies as an actual latte when it’s ninety percent caramel.”

“You’re just sore because you didn’t ask for extra.”

“I prefer not to slip into a diabetic coma while on duty.”

She snorted. “You’re not on duty.”

“We’re both breathing, so, it’s my watch.”

“You’re such a nerd. But I love you even more for it.”

Damn, his smile. It was sin and promise and so beautiful she nearly cried.

Flint leaned in close, his sexy mouth an inch away. “Say that again.”

“You’re a nerd.”

“The other part.”

She brushed her lips over his. “I love you.”

“Of course you do. I’m irresistible.”

“In an infectious disease sort of way…”

She laughed when he pouted, cursing the stab of pain through her ribs. “Fine. You’re irresistible. Just try to curb those vibes until I’m fit enough to fight off all my competition.”

His gaze softened, all that love he’d said he felt staring back at her. “You don’t need anything more than your smile for that, sweetheart. Though, I do enjoy watching you hand someone their ass.”

She beckoned him closer with a nod, losing herself in his mouth until a throat cleared behind him, a chorus of groans sounding through the room.

Flint ignored them for a few more seconds, brushing his thumb along her lip once he’d eased back before finally glancing over his shoulder. His team filed in, followed by Blake, Kian and Porter. All looking more than a bit amused.

Bowie tsked. “Don’t you two have any restraint?”

“After nearly losing her, again, you’re lucky you only walked in on us kissing.”

Bowie shook his head. “Pretty sure that’s got more to do with her injuries than your restraint, buddy, but keep telling yourself that.”

Flint flipped off Bowie then nodded at Porter. “Adam, I didn’t expect to see you here, today. Thought you’d be busy cleaning up that factory.”

Porter smirked. “Maybe if you’d left anyone alive to talk to, I would have had something to do. And Milligan’s the one still ‘cleaning’. Which reminds me. He told me to tell you that the two of you need to have a chat. Whatever that means.”

“I’m sure it’s about how I was told not to shoot any more bad guys. And I left Lewis alive for you.”

Porter shuffled on his feet and Emery knew things were about to get worse. “So, there’s been a development…”

Flint groaned when Porter stood there. “Just spit it out.”

“He’s dead.”

Flint was on his feet in a heartbeat. “Dead? No way. I only hit him twice in his vest. Sure, he was bruised, but he was alive. And trust me, that was definitely me executing self-restraint.”

Porter nodded. “You’re right. But I guess someone was afraid of what he’d say because he was found dead in his secure cell this morning. Single gunshot to the head.”

“A professional hit? Inside a secure cell?”

Porter leaned against the wall. “My money’s on someone loyal to the Russos. While you guys definitely thinned the herd, there’re obviously a few still breathing. But you should celebrate the win. It’ll be a long time before the Russos or any other cartel can rebuild the network they had established. Thank you.”

“Except for that Coast Guard connection. That’s still in play.”

“About that…” Porter grinned as he looked over at Blake. “I was going to tell Blake and Kian, first, but I’m sure they won’t mind sharing in the good news. That guy who got away in the boat last night wasn’t quite the sailor he thought he was when he got caught in the storm. His fellow teammates picked his ass up when his boat got trapped against a reef. Lieutenant Commander Greg Hansen won’t be handing out any more classified schedules or information for a long ass time.”

Blake stepped forward. “It was Hansen?”

Porter sighed. “He’s already confessed to letting Henry and his men in through the gate. Had been working with them on the side for years. But he swears he’s the only one here.”

She crossed her arms, leaning against Kian when he placed his hand on the small of her back. “Is he asking for WITSEC?”

“It’s come up. Personally, with Henry no longer truly running the show, I’m not sure how much of his intel will even be relevant. And there’s the part where he gave Russo our plans so they could grab you.”

“But it’s a possibility?”

Another sigh. “Unfortunately, yes. The lesser of two evils, I guess. And before anyone starts in on me, I don’t make the rules. WITSEC has been harboring felons since it started. And generally, it pays off — we save the smaller fish in order to bring down the nasty shark. But I know that’s not the answer you want to hear.”

Porter walked over and nudged her. “If it makes you feel any better, if the asshole does end up in the program, I’ll ensure he gets sent to Alaska. Or some small town in the middle of Iowa.”

Blake huffed but relaxed.

Emery studied Porter, noting the tight lips and tense back. “There’s more? Because you would be more relaxed if that was the only bad news we were getting.”

Porter chuckled. “Just once, I’d love a case where the people involved are just regular folk. And it’s not news, really, just a friendly tip. The Russos know who you are, now, Emery. That you were instrumental in collapsing their infrastructure. True, you actually did them a bit of a favor by eliminating Morgan and the others. But in the end, their connections are compromised and their plans for expanding to Indonesian and the Philippines, ruined. If I were a betting man — and we all know I am — I’d be worried you just put a target on your back.”

Porter focused on Flint. “Though, it might help if the Russos knew that at any given time, a Navy SEAL would be home. Permanently. I don’t suppose that’s on the table, Flint? Even if you all re-enlist, it would be a huge deterrent.”

Flint looked at her, lips curved into a stunning smile. Warmth coloring his cheeks. “Can you do me a favor, Porter, and have your Miami crew pass along a message to Thomas and James?”

“I could swing that. Would you like my guys to tell them?”

“That if I get even a hint that someone from their organization is tailing Emery. Hell, thinking about her. They’ll have four SEALs on the next flight to Miami. And I promise them… they won’t see us coming until it’s too late.”

“Make that eight.” Kian grinned. “Waylen, Raider, Lane and I will definitely join in the fight. And you can let them know we won’t offer them the same courtesy of going to jail that we extended their father.”

Flint nodded his thanks. “And that promise doesn’t have an expiration date. Because I’ll be here. No matter how our situation pans out. For as long as Emery will have me.”

Porter snorted. “Well, Detective McClane? How long should I tell them that’ll be?”

Emery smiled. “We’ll start with sixty years and see how it goes. But I’m not above haunting this place with Flint at my side.”

“Understood. I’ll give Miami a call.” He turned and headed out the door, stopping in the threshold. “And Flint? You might want to work on that restraint. I stopped by Jack’s room, first, and he was already arranging for the nurses to have him and Emery share a room. At least for tonight.”

Bowie laughed. “And that’s our cue to get the hell out. Before Flint and Jack start measuring shit.” Bowie walked to the foot of the bed. “Moana said she’ll be by later… in case you need another X-ray and she has to go all Rambo on some fake doctor’s ass.”

Emery sighed. “I’ve created a monster.”

“An adorable one. Flint, we’ll go grab everyone some food — another latte with way too much caramel for Emery — then be back. Try to keep all your clothes on until we can drive you both home.”

“No promises, Bowie. My guy’s hot.”

“And now, I’m going to puke. One hour. don’t make us walk in on anything.”

Flint returned to her side, dipping the bed as he shuffled her over — tugged her good side against his chest. “Ghosts, huh?”

“I has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

“I think you’re crazy. But I happen to love your brand of crazy.”

“Good, because you’re stuck with me, now.”

“That’s my line.”

She stretched up and kissed him. “I know. Now, kiss me, again, before Jack gets here.”

“Sure thing, detective.”

“I love you, sailor.”

“You’d better. Now shut up, already. I hear a wheelchair rolling down the hall.”