Hawke (Protective Hero: Noble Network #2)

Chapter 21

Chapter

Twenty-One

H awke lifted the vest over Kinley’s head, pulling on the side tabs snug and securing the Velcro. He pulled at it to make sure the fit was exact, and all the vital areas were protected. “You’re going to carry a few weapons on you like we discussed, but they’ll be hidden. Use them if you need them. Left or right-handed?”

She raised her left hand.

He opened and closed the folding switchblade, tucking it into her pocket. Hawke checked the chamber of a small gun.

“It’s so cute.”

He raised a brow. “Your cute firearm will pack a punch. It’s a 9mm Glock 43. It should fit your hand and is perfect for conceal and carry. It has six rounds.” He placed the weapon in Kinley’s left hand. “You remember everything they taught you about the safety. Here’s the 411. Stop me if you don’t understand. Here’s how you rack the slide on a Glock. Number one, load the magazine, two, lock slide back, insert magazine and drop the slide. It’s loaded and the safety’s on.” He knelt and patted the top of his thigh. “Give me your foot.” He rolled up her pant leg and secured the gun into an ankle holster. “Tell me now if you’re uncomfortable using this. You don’t have to wear it.”

“I remember and heck yes. I’m ready.”

“Take the safety off and fire, simple as that. What’s one of the most important rules?”

“Don’t point the weapon at anyone unless you plan to use it.”

“Now this.” He held up the brass knuckles. “Remember these?”

She nodded. “They will knock someone’s lights out. Go for the nose, the chin, the Adams apple, and the groin. Or just start swinging. Land it where you can.”

“Okay, big stuff. You have these weapons if we can’t get to you, but There should be someone close. You will also have an earpiece. I’ll talk to you the entire time.”

She took a sharp inhale and nodded her head faster. She stuffed her nerves further away. “What the hell was I thinking, doing this?”

“My thoughts from the get-go, but it’s a little late in the game for second guessing your decision. You’re intelligent, have self-defense training, and you’ve been instructed on the weapons. It doesn’t mean you have to use them, but we need to be prepared for every scenario.” He zipped up her jacket and squeezed her tight. He pressed the mic on his earpiece. “Kinley’s ready. Are we in place?”

“Situation normal,” Hawke heard over the radio. “Everyone better be on high alert and memorize our mission. We don’t want a poorly planned soup sandwich.”

“Roger that,” Gunner replied.

“The vehicle’s back here.” Hawke hitched a thumb in the direction. “Kin, you take the wheel.” He opened the driver’s side door. “I’m in the back so no one sees me. Take it slow—you know the route. I’ll walk you through the rest when we get the all clear.”

“Where’s everyone else?” she said with concern-laced words. Kinley’s gaze darted around, then back. The severity had just hit home. He’d grown accustomed to the cues, even though she tried to play most of it off. She was strong, but most would be terrified. Neither could afford to show fear. Emotions needed to be thrown to the side.

Hawke inhaled and steadied himself. He focused on the mission. “You may recognize a few of us. Most you won’t see, but we are right there with you.”

“Okay…” She gulped hard.

He ran his palms up and down over the thick coat covering her vest, pulling the stocking cap over her head, smoothing the blonde strands of her hair. “Counselor, tell me what you do when you prepare for a trial, before you enter the courtroom?”

She swallowed hard. “Uhm.” Kinley raised her voice an octave, “I go over every statement and point I want to address and do what I have to do.”

“This is just another day in court, but this time you are defending you. Focus on the training and what you learned in your self-defense classes. This day is the most important of your career.”

“This day is for me. I will do what I always do. My best.”

“Damn straight, that’s my girl. Today is for you.”

She rubbed her hands together. “Yes, I will fight as hard for me as I have for anyone.”

“So will I, and everyone else.”

“What are we waiting for?” She waved him on. “Come on.”

“One more thing.” Hawke reached into his pocket and placed the lucky rabbit’s foot into her hand. He squeezed her like it could be their last, gaining strength from her. Hoping she felt everything he was putting into it for her. Hawke tucked the luck charm into one of the pockets.

Kinley shifted the weight of the vest as Hawke lifted the back end of the SUV. He checked the ammo another time, even though he had done it twice before. He rolled in the back and nodded before she closed the hatch. Her movements were heavy, uncertain if it was from all the metal and hardware she was wearing, or from her jumbled nerves. I can do this, just another day in court. She jumped into the driver’s seat and fell back. “Geez.” She yanked the strap of the seatbelt and latched it. “Who was in this thing?” she said under her breath before she adjusted the mirror and inched the seat closer. “Now we’re in business.” She revved the engine and pulled the vehicle into drive.

“Turn the radio power on the GPS. Should pop up already set to where you need to go,” she heard in her earpiece.

“Gotcha.” She swallowed hard to dislodge the boulder in her throat. The pulse ticking in her neck amplified when she heard the miles to the destination. Kinley white knuckled the steering wheel, rehearsing her entrance as the District Attorney, a role she’d earned and worked tirelessly for. Being in hiding, she’d lost her edge. She needed it back. They probably don’t think I can do it. A mantra she used to use to prove everyone wrong. Getting in that headspace had given her a lot of success. Today she would show her father and uncle who they were messing with. Kinley went over each step. Something about controlling the narrative would give her strength in the process.

“They don’t know who they are messing with,” she said with vigor and attitude.

“Damn right, they don’t,” Hawke replied into her earpiece. Kinley jumped. “I almost forgot you were there. Who’s listening?”

“We all are on the same frequency. Some of us may be radio silent, but we will hear everything from you. Feel free to keep talking, but once we’re out near the training camp and in the clearing, you need only to whisper. Don’t worry, you aren’t walking in there alone. As soon as we round the corner, you will see what I mean. It’s been all over the media you’re going there to research a case. There will be undercover agents in fire gear. We also have a mobile dispatch working there. You have a role. Play your part.”

“But if I’m doing my job as K. Lincoln, District Attorney, I wouldn’t be wearing this outfit.”

“Though I’d love to see you in your suit and sky-high heels, I don’t think it would be appropriate for the mountainous terrain.”

“You’ve thought of everything.”

“We use every resource available to us. We do whatever it takes.”

The GPS voice gave her an ETA of two minutes. Kinley’s stomach rolled in waves; she was already sweating bullets. She wiped her forehead with the back of her hand and balled it into a fist to stop the trembling. Kinley inhaled deep and the words shot out of her mouth as they always did. “Don’t talk too loud in the mic. Noble Network has my back.” Breathe. “Gun’s loaded, it’s on my left ankle, the knife is in my left pocket, and brass knuckles.” Breathe. This heavy vest I’m wearing could save my life if I get shot. Shot? “Find a familiar face with red hair and start a conversation. They will be near the Solemn Creed mobile task unit. If I don’t know them, stay clear.” Stop talking to yourself. “ If I’m in trouble, scream.” I’m not alone. “Hawke’s here.” She blew out a succession of quick breaths and stretched her neck from side to side. Full- blown panic averted. “What? How did I already park?” She pried her hands free of the steering wheel and shook them wildly.

“Kin, you, okay?” She heard a deep voice in her ear and jumped.

“Uhm, yeah, why?”

“Just asking. I recognize what you’re doing and it’s okay. If you’re having second thoughts, we have a back-up plan. We can shift gears. This is going to be your biggest case.”

“No. I haven’t come this far to back out.”

“If it makes you feel any better, you remembered most of the key points, but one or two. It has to do with your weapon.”

She snapped her fingers. “You must always practice safety first. Make sure the safety is always on. Take the safety off before shooting and don’t point your weapon at anyone unless you plan on using it.”

“You got this. Great job,” Hawke said as he cleared his throat. “Kin, damn straight I’ll be there. I’m extremely proud of you.”

Tears threatened her vision, but she shook them off. Unlatching the seat belt, she looked into the rearview mirror and gave herself a quick nod. “You have this, Kinley Lincoln.” She jumped out of the vehicle.

Kinley shifted the hat lower and, counted her steps over the uneven terrain. Walking thirty paces, she pressed the key fob, lifting the back hatch,