Hawke (Protective Hero: Noble Network #2)

Chapter 2

Chapter

Two

I t felt like a lifetime ago, but it had been less than two months since the trial in Solemn Creed and now they were back. Hawke thought of the long-legged stunner in the courtroom and threw the thought to the wind. He didn’t need the distraction. Seeing what had happened recently, it was almost deadly.

Hawke edged forward as he watched his teammate, Gunner, profess his love to CJ. The only reason she was back in Solemn Creed was her brothers, Roman and Brady, had busted her away from the program. It made sense—they had spent enough years away from CJ. She was as safe here with the entire community on lock down, those that rallied around her would keep her safe.

He dug his shitkicker into the loose gravel, spraying pebbles and rock around. All this gooey stuff had him thinking about his own life after almost losing his best friend. Gunner Ward had always been his wingman—in the military and in Noble Network Security. G had broken the rules by getting too involved with CJ. He had been reckless and got hurt. CJ had been with them from Noble Network Security’s inception. Hawke hated to admit it, but the woman was hard not to be fond of. Gunner had nearly met his maker and all the dumbass had thought of was his woman.

Hawke picked up a rock and chucked it. G’s thick skull broke the rules, but it had worked out for him, and he was alive to get the girl. He stretched his neck to the left, then to the right. CJ had balls of steel, and she deserved the best man he knew, the best soldier on the team. She was in capable hands. They both were now, after Hawke hand delivered Gunner back into her arms.

He stretched tired muscles and exhaled. It had been a straight up shit show, and he was fried. Hawke needed a little R she was as torn up as he was. “Hawke, while Gunner has a little time off, I need you to round up the rest of the team for a new location immediately.”

“On the road already?” He raked his fingertips over his scalp. “Not even a few cold ones to celebrate?”

“You’re not moving out.”

“What? Say that again.”

She cleared her throat. “You stay put. I want the rest of the team to come to you in Solemn Creed, or somewhere close.”

“Here? What the hell.”

“While you were away with Gunner as he recuperated, we took on another high-profile case. Some teams have been handling it until you get on board. We need everyone here for the foreseeable future. This is your mission.”

Hawke paced back and forth and squeezed the back of his neck. “Yes, ma’am.” Mine?

“Rally everyone but Tiny and Jett. They’re already in place. Jeffrey is finishing a location detail for everyone. This is your ward; I must have our best handler we have. You know the drill. I want everyone in on this one in the beginning. I’m running the show.”

“Haven’t you always, ma’am?” Hawke chuckled.

She laughed. “Oh you…I’m just one part of it. Without all of you, we have nothing.”

“Where’s the General? Can’t believe he doesn’t want to take over everything like he always does.”

“He’s taking a minute off; everything with Gunner has him talking an early retirement. He says he wants to spend more time with his loved ones, though he won’t let go of Hunter’s case.”

“Yeah right. Retire? We could all be so lucky. A little out of character.” Hawke laughed. “Did I just say that out loud? Sorry, ma’am.” Hawke winced and rubbed his tense neck again. “None of us will ever give up hope for Hunter. Ever.”

“You get the guys together and converse with Jeffrey Richards. We will go from there.”

“Is that all you’re giving me?”

“For now, Zane Hawkens.”

He gritted his teeth; nothing centered him on his mission more than the boss lady calling him by his given name. This was a first. “Yes, ma’am. You can count on me.”

“I know I can. If it wasn’t for you, Gunner wouldn’t be here with CJ.”

“Alright yeah—yeah—yeah. Enough of all the sappy stuff.” He squeezed his eyes tight and hissed out the last two words. He dug the tip of his shit kicker into a bunch of rocks and pummeled them. “Well, there’s that, and he deserves it.”

“Have a great night, son. We will chat soon.” There was a pause on the line, but she was still there. He could hear her voice hitch. “I’ll never be able to repay you for saving my nephew, but I hope to try.”

“Ma’am, you already have.”

“Not even close. Now, go hurry and update our lovebirds and quit kicking rocks. Take a night off, but tomorrow it’s all business. This case is epic.” She ended the call.

Hawke stilled his foot and looked around. “Gotcha. Hey, how do you—know that? Okay…” He spun around. “How does she know what I’m doing?” he said to no one. He took off at a jog toward Gunner and CJ. Tonight, they’d celebrate.

The minute he got a look at CJ, he had a boulder in his throat. The woman had earned his respect. Together, they had saved Gunner on this last mission. He rubbed his hands together. “I think it’s time for a celebration.”

CJ squealed and took off and leaped into his arms. “Hawke, thank you for taking care of Gunner.”

Her fiancé was right behind her, barreling toward him. He side-stepped but got knocked on the back. Hawke tried to use CJ as a shield, only for her to get sandwiched between them. He righted her and set her feet safely on the uneven terrain. Gunner gave him a bear hug that almost cracked a rib. “Geez Louise, Ward. Next, I’ll be recovering in the hospital. I said let’s celebrate, and I’d like to live through it.”

CJ kissed him on the cheek. “Hawke, you old grizzly bear, you know I see right through all that. We’ve been through too much together.” She giggled.

“Boss says we get a night off, but you two get a vacation from all this bullshit. You’ve earned it.”

“Hey!” Gunner barked.

“Stop growling. We have made the decision. Why don’t you two go spend a little time together for a few hours. I’ll buzz ya later where the party is.” Hawke put his arm around the two of them and directed them to follow his orders. “Go on.” he nodded. Gunner turned and gave him a wink and a thumbs up. Hawke yanked on Gunner’s ponytail. “Come on, Romeo, you’ve waited for this near a decade, and I didn’t bust ass to find CJ for you to talk business.” Hawke crossed his arms firmly over his chest and looked down at his friend. “Go get some R she’d needed to be. She was not a weak woman.

Kinley jumped as she heard the knock at the door.

“Ma’am, can I get you anything?”

“No, thank you.”

The built man closed the door and handed her a bottle of water. “Maybe you should try to get some rest. Tomorrow, we’re moving out and the rest of the team will join us.”

“Is all of this really necessary?” Kinley asked and ran her hand along her neck.

“Your boss asked for our help. Someone tried to kill you. Too risky to go back to work under the circumstances. We take threats like yours seriously.” The guard opened the door wider and leaned against the wall, his massive arms locked over his even bigger chest.

“When do you think I can go back home?”

“You mean your place where they shot at you?” He moved his head from side to side. “That’s a no go. Same with work.” He furrowed his brows. “It’s way too premature. This could go on a long time. We don’t know for sure who’s behind this.” He kicked his worn, heavy boot over his ankle. “My orders say stick to you like gorilla glue until we get the rest of the team here and we hash out a plan. Our dogs are good at security too—they’ve been trained. We need more help and a neutral place to hide out.” He tugged at his jacket. “Be patient. We should know more soon.”

His eyes softened a little. “It sucks because you’re one of the good ones. Pardon my language, but it pisses me off to see innocent people get hurt.” He sprang from the wall and turned to the door. “Get some rest, miss. You have nothing to worry about. You’re safe. When the rest of the team gets here, you’ll wish it was this quiet. Your handler outranks us even in our civvies. He finished another mission and he’s a tough motherfucker.” The guard craned his neck and gave a quick piercing whistle for the dogs. She jumped. They were all ears, waiting for his next command. “Focus. You’re up. Keep her safe. I’m checking the perimeter.” He tipped his head and shut the door behind him. The black dog bounded and chased his tail. The other dog, a little higher in the training chain, spun around and looked at her.

“I don’t think he meant you have to stare at me.” The watchful dog cocked its head.

Kinley ran her hands over her arms, trying to warm the chill that had been tearing through her since the attempt on her life. She looked at the plate of uneaten food from earlier and her stomach rolled with waves of nausea.

“Why me?” she said in a whisper. She crawled under the covers, but her jaw jackhammered as she wrapped the heavy patchwork quilt tighter. One dog pounced onto the bed, tucking itself at her feet and watching the door, and the other used her as its personal dog bed. The German shepherd didn’t budge. He was steadfast, his eyes focused on the door.

The other dog was all about the loving. She rubbed its stomach and gave the pup a tap on the snout. In return, the dog burrowed closer, and gave her a lick on the cheek. Kinley wrapped her hands around the dog, inhaling her surroundings, then exhaled, releasing all the built-up tension. She snuggled close to the dog and closed her eyes, finding a sliver of peace from all the drama. “Thank you,” she said in a whisper. “I really needed that.”

Hawke grabbed a half dozen bottles of brew from the downstairs refrigerator in Cade and Connor Winslow’s family bar. This was a perfect setup for everyone, and they would be safer here than in a public. There were three houses—an older home where Connor Winslow, his wife and two children lived and a newer industrial modern home where Cade and Lina lived with their two adopted children. The party was happening in the third house, which was nestled further back on the property, surrounded by huge evergreen trees, aspen trees, and a few old oak trees.

The residence was a glorified three floor bunk house, including the basement, with four bedrooms and a balcony spanning the length of the house with a couple of three-car garages and an old barn nestled within the twelve-foot-high foot high fences, sitting on several acres. Security cameras would appear a little paranoid for most, but after all the attempts on their lives, it was a smart call.

And this family banded together. Smart people didn’t mess with them or anyone who loved them. Hawke didn’t enjoy being without his weapon, however. His holster and gun were a part of him, but they were in a locked safe for the evening. Tonight, there were families and children present, so he’d gladly go without for a night off. Jeffrey insisted he put them in the safe in the mobile tactical unit.

“Dude, do you ever relax?”

Hawke’s attention was drawn back to the present. “Rarely.” He tipped back a beer and gave it a gulp. “Do you have an ETA on Gunner and CJ?”

“Anytime now.”

“You sure you should do that?” Hawke asked. “Assuming is full of risks. We deal with facts and a solid plan.”

“I know it’s risky, but I know a couple of details I haven’t shared. We start here and end up where the wind takes us.” Jeffrey clinked his dark brown glass bottle against Hawke’s. “Cheers.”

“Enough business talk for the night.” Hawke eyed his phone. “Luca and Ryker should be here any minute.”