Hawke (Protective Hero: Noble Network #2)

Chapter 20

Chapter

Twenty

H awke sipped his coffee after gathering everything he needed from downstairs. He watched Kinley put up her silky blond hair high on her head. She gave him a smirk as he looked at his watch.

“You’re wearing a vest like all of us, and you will have an earpiece. You’ll have weapons, but you probably won’t need to use them. You’ve been trained, so it’ s reckless not to have you pack them.” He hitched a thumb toward the pile he’d brought up.

She turned and rested on the counter. “Do you think the stragglers from the bike club will show?”

Hawke looked at her reflection and nodded, running his hands along her arms and gave her shoulders a squeeze. “Probably, but they won’t be alone. We need to keep in mind the vehicles with the logos might be there, and whoever that was at your apartment.”

“It won’t be my father or uncle, but those they employ.” She swiped beads of sweat off her forehead. “Keeps getting better.”

“We’re ready for all the above. There’s not a scenario we haven’t worked through.” He handed her a pair of combat boots. “I think these are your size.” He slapped his hands together. “Come on, we need to head out.”

“Good times.” She took off into the other room, sat on the bed and laced up her boots. She blew out a breath.

“Kin, we’re here for you.”

She wiped a finger under her nose. “I know. It just hit me that this is going to happen. What the hell was I thinking, using myself as bait?” She shook her head. “I usually have better sense than that.”

Hawke lifted his hands up and winced. “I tried to tell you and talk everyone out of it.”

“You should have tried harder.” She snapped her fist on her hip and gave him a smirk.

“I ask myself everyday about this very thing. Too late now. You tend to be very persuasive, counselor.” Hawke eased into his leather shoulder harness and strapped it on, checking the rounds in his weapon. He tucked the smaller gun in his bootstrap and a blade on the other ankle. Hawke turned a ballcap backward and positioned his sunglasses on his head. “Come here.” He ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms. “You won’t be alone. All eyes will be on you.” He said the words more to convince himself. Rubbing the deep-seated ache in his chest, Hawke moved quickly, flinging his vest over his head. He eyed Kinley as she bit her thumb nail. Hawke stepped closer and laced his fingers through hers. “I won’t let anything happen to you, I swear. My solemn oath. You trust me, right?”

“With my life, apparently.” Her brows rose and she forced a smile.

“I won’t let you down.” He meant it, but visions of years past when he’d lost part of his team rose to the forefront. He still blamed himself, but it wasn’t him who had shot the missile and certainly wasn’t the friendlies shooting at them. I will not let anything happen to my woman. I must protect what’s mine. Mine.

Kinley shook Hawke and he was zapped back to present. “Don’t go there. Not now. None of what happened to you in the military was your fault. You were at war.” She drew him in and caressed his head.

Hawke chomped down on his back molars. What he really wanted to say to her was if anything happened to her, he’d go ballistic, but that wouldn’t help any of them.

“You said I was in good hands; I think they are better than good. So, I believe you. Nothing will hurt me.”

“No one will hurt you.” He kissed her cheek. “You ready? Richards is waiting.”

Kinley studied Gunner, Jeffrey, Jett, Tiny, Axel, Luca, Ryker, and her Hawke, the powerful former military operatives known as Noble Network Security. She stood off to the side with CJ, who was there for moral support, and she jabbed her hard in the ribs. “Ouch.”

“This is my favorite part. Nothing like a smorgasbord of hubba-hubba sandwiches.”

Kinley shook her head. “Hmm. What did you say?” She drew back and gave CJ a stare. “What?”

“Hubba-hubba sandwiches?” she said with a laugh.

“Inside joke. Something my sis and I used to say. Was male meat sandwiches, but I’m trying and failing to refine my vocabulary.”

“I think it’s a perfect description, like man sandwiches. They are something else.” Hawke was leaning over the table and their eyes locked. “That one is very extra yummy.” Kinley’s voice shot out of her mouth with a smack of her lips.

Slowly, the rest of them turned in their direction.

“Did I just say that out loud?” She blushed.

Gunner piped in and snickered. “There she goes again. CJ, we’re trying to focus on the mission.” He pointed a finger at her and winked.

“Sorry, honey. Couldn’t help myself, I had to bring out the obvious to my gal pal.” CJ turned and laughed. “Now you can’t unsee it either.”

“Thank you. I needed a laugh about right now.”

CJ ran a soothing hand along Kinley’s back. “Humor always helped me get through the toughest situations. They’re the best of the best, and all of us are fighting for you.”

Kinley examined the men again in their element. Warriors. A platoon. Going to battle.

Each was focused on the task, analyzing diagrams, and maps. She tried to listen to everything being said, but the heartbeat in her ears was making it difficult. The panic gravel was harder and harder to swallow. The wild beating behind her chest knocked wildly. She ran her sweaty hands across her denim jeans. She closed her eyes tight.

CJ put her arm around Kinley. “Just breathe. This will be over lickety-split.”

Kinley forced a smile. She was nervous, but something in CJ’s eyes gave her strength, if this woman who spent a decade in the witness protection and put a mob behind bars managed what she did. She’d handle her part in this nightmare.

“I wish I was as strong as you.”

“Oh, how many times I thought the same thing of you when we met through video chat, when I did my witness statement in your office, and don’t even get me started about the courtroom. What I observed in all of it was a strong woman who appeared composed and driven. A woman who believed in justice and being the voice of people like me. I wouldn’t have been able to put any of them behind bars if it weren’t for you.”

Kinley looked at her hands. “I don’t feel like her anymore.”

CJ raised Kinley’s chin. “Look at me. I see her, and you will find her again when you least expect it. It’s sink or swim and I’m rooting for warrior goddess Kinley Lincoln.” CJ gave her a quick nod.

Kinley pulled her shoulders back and took a deep breath. “I’m praying that inner warrior gets here…how did you put it? Lickety-split.” Kinley shook her head and chuckled. She spotted Cade Winslow and another DEA agent high tail it in their direction. Her emotions were everywhere, her gut sank. Cade pounded at the door of the camper, and by the look on his face, it wasn’t something positive, which she really needed right now in a big way. Hawke swung the door open.

“I need a word.”

Hawke gave Kinley a side glance and took off out the door. She guessed he read his face too.

“What’s up?”

“Plenty?”

“Figures. My gut suspects this shit show keeps giving and giving. I was hoping I was wrong.” Hawke whistled and gave a hand signal the rest of the team to gather close.

“Here it is, as straightforward as I can make it. There was a small group of bikers, the guy in the hospital was working with. We tailed them to their meeting ground, but we weren’t the only ones. We heard a lot of commotion inside and a shot. When we finally got inside, there were three guys tied up and gagged. One of them had a superficial wound. They were pissing themselves. They said a big dude threatened them and it wasn’t the person who hired them. He bolted out the back. Whoever it was said if they ever so much as get close enough to breathe the same air as Kinley Lincoln it will be their last . The pansy ass three amigos were pooping the light fantastic in their skivvies when we showed. It was either Curly, Mo, or Larry, said the guy who hired them mentioned if they didn’t take care of Lincoln, they were dead men. It took little persuasion before the three were giving us the entire plan and the big bucks they were offered to scare and kidnap Miss Lincoln in hopes of making a deal with us.”

“Did the bozos give you a name?”

“They didn’t have a name, just a voice over the phone, but they said he’d personally be there to make sure Miss Lincoln didn’t make it out alive.”

“Whoever this joker is hasn’t dealt with us. If I get my hands on the weasel peter, he will regret it.” Hawke pounded a fist against his hand.

Cade shifted and gave a nod. “We’ll make sure nothing happens to the district attorney.” Cade looked around. “We have enough ammo, manpower, and a solid plan; he’ll regret it. We have the three in custody, they won’t make the party. They also mentioned during their word vomit that the big dude will be waiting.”

“Good to know.” Hawke replied.

“We need to bust a move. We will stay with the same plan, but with a few less players to worry about, our chances look promising.”

Hawke swirled his finger in the air. “What are we waiting for, ladies? Let’s roll.”

Cade gave a knuckle bump to every one of the team. “See you on the other side.”

“Damn straight,” Hawke said with gusto.

Hawke leaned into the Winnebago. “Let’s do this.” He tipped his head to Kinley. “You ready?”

Her voice shrilled, “As ready as I’ll ever be.” She winced; her stare was glassy. Kinley brought a shaky hand to her forehead. She looked as if she would crumple to the floor.

“Time to suit up. We’re traveling in this with CJ, Gunner, and Richards. The rest of Noble Network and the DEA will meet us there.”

Kinley’s leg muscles tightened, her movements were jerky, she felt the need to run. Her chest constricted and her vision blurred. She blinked rapidly, hoping this would all be over soon. Words did not come to her. She couldn’t speak, her jaws locked tight. I don’t want to die. She flinched at the roar of the engine. “I’m going to be sick.” She staggered to the small bathroom onboard. She hurled herself over the commode. “I’m scared. I want to live,” she whispered as bile rose from her gut. Images of what-could-be-flashed through her mind. Hawke.

Kinley heard muffled voices outside the door. She covered her ears. Her heart knocked against her sternum, nearly exploding. She fell to the floor and grabbed her chest. “I—don’t—want—to—die,” she stuttered, pulling her legs close. Pressing her temples, she heard shouting through the door.

“I got it, Hawke. Give her a minute,” CJ’s voice echoed. “Damn you, let me take care of her. I’m sure she doesn’t want you to see her this way.”

Kinley gripped the sink ledge in the tiny bathroom, attempting to regain her strength and stand, but her legs weren’t complying.

“Kinley, honey. I’m coming in. Are you decent?” CJ tapped at the door. “Back off, Hawke. Give me some space.”

Kinley clawed at the door. “O—kay,” tumbled out of her mouth. The door cracked open; her vision blurred. “Come.” She swept a shaky hand across her forehead.

“Honey, it’s CJ. Just me. I have a wet cloth. I’m going to put it at the base of your neck.” CJ unscrewed a bottle of water and handed it to her.

“I’m sorry.”

“Why would you be sorry?” CJ sat on the little toilet. “Rest your head on my lap.”

“Thank you. I don’t know what came over me.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. This happened to me nearly daily for the first few years. I was wondering when it might rear its ugly head. What took you so long?” She gave her a pat on the knee.

Kinley attempted a laugh. There was a knock at the door.

“Hold your damn horses, will you, Hawke? I got it covered. Make yourself useful—go into the kit and get me a toothbrush and toothpaste. If there’s anything else you might think will help, have at it.”

Kinley rubbed her eyes to regain clarity. “Thank you for being here,” she said as her voice cracked.

“Someone must keep that man out of here. He’s a damn mess. Can’t say I’ve seen him unhinged. I mean, did he think he’d fit in here?” CJ kept a straight face for a second, but both started laughing, followed by crying.

“I know you’re scared. We all are. I want you to breathe.” CJ inhaled. “Come on, do what I’m doing.”

Kinley kept her eyes locked on CJ and followed her cue.

“Thatta girl.” CJ opened the door and squeezed her hand through the small opening of the door.

“Thank you, Hawke. Everything’s okay in here. We’ll be out momentarily. Maybe you should take a seat.”

“Yeah, whatever. CJ. Thanks,” Kinley heard him grumble.

She shut the door and unwrapped the toothbrush and small travel size toothpaste, applying the minty paste to the brush. “I’ll help you stand, who knows what’s on the floor, then sit here. I’ll clean you up.”

“This bathroom is hard enough for one person while we’re driving, let alone two people.” CJ wedged herself in the corner and pulled back Kinley’s disheveled hair, securing with the tie from her wrist. “I never want you to apologize for being scared. It’s a normal emotion, and this is overwhelming.” She wiped Kinley’s face. “You’ve helped me through some of the scariest times in my life, and I want to return the favor. You’ve slayed. Therefore, I want to be part of the Noble Network family. I know every emotion, and I’m honored you are my first person in protective custody I can assist. Besides, what are friends for, if it’s not to have your back? No one needs to know anything that went on here. None of the men. This is between two gal pals helping one another in the best girl squad everrr…”

Kinley smiled. “Thank you.” She gazed at herself in the mirror. “I’m glad we met.”

CJ leaned in and gave her a squeeze. “Now pull those beautiful shoulders back or Hawke will end up worrying more about you than the end game. And we don’t want that, right?” CJ raised her head up and down. “We need him hyper-focused.”

Kinley nodded in return. “We need him extra—extra sharp.”

“There’s my girl boss.”

Kinley peeked her head out of the bathroom. Hawke was laser focused on the door, but the line between his brows was dominant, which was a tale-tell sign she’d caused him worry. He tried to get up, but she stopped him by raising her hand. “I’m fine. I just needed to get the nerves out of my system. Some of the stress might have projectiled, but they’re gone.” The nerves were still there, but he didn’t need her as an extra distraction with everything else going on.

He grabbed her hand. “You sure?”

Kinley braced her other hand along the counter as the Winnebago weaved and bobbed along the road. “I’m positive. Now, what do we need to do to get me ready?”

CJ inched her way out of the bathroom in the narrow space, she gave Kinley a squeeze on the arm. Taking her place beside Gunner, who was in the passenger seat next to Richards.

Hawke stood and towered over her. “We have about fifteen minutes before we make the first checkpoint. When we stop, it will be safer to go over the weapons, you’ll have on your person along with the bulletproof vest.” He ran his hands over her shoulders and down her arms. “Once we get there, we’ll go over the last-minute details.” He tapped her on the nose. “I’ll be there every step of the way.”

“I’m glad you’ll be there.” She gulped hard and gave him a forced smile giving him a high-five.

Tension lined his face. “You can do better than that, Kin.” He leaned closer, his lips nuzzled to her ear, and whispered, “I know you can.”

She turned and they were nose to nose. “Yes, I can.” She wrapped her arms around his waist and stuffed her hands in the back pockets of his camo cargo pants. “I know I can, but today I’d rather be left with the memory of us together earlier. Not a kiss on the way to whatever we’re walking into.” She closed her eyes and opened them. “It’s right there every time I close my eyes,” she hummed.

He snatched one of her hands from his back pocket and spun her around. “When this is over, we need to revisit it just to make sure neither of us forgets.”

“I look forward to the day is over and I can be back in your arms for a week at least. ”