Her Survivor: A Black Eagle Ops Novel Read Online Free Page A

Blackhawk to Phoenix to get her.”
    “Hell, man, what were you thinkin’? You mentioned a helo to her and I lay you dollars to donuts she remembered her helicopter ride when we flew her out of that hellhole ISIS had imprisoned her in.”
    “I remember how you two clung to each other, and you kept whispering in her ear. Just how close were you two?”
    “Friends. That’s it.” He lifted a shoulder. “Not that we both didn’t want more, but a white woman is still looked down on for being with a black man. Not as much as years ago, but someone as sweet as Ashley deserves respect and the best of everything. My job as a man, who cared for her, was to protect her—even from my affections. She kept saying she didn’t care, but I knew she’d get it from both sides, both cultures.” He sighed. “Especially as long as we were in the service. Men use no filter there. You know that. I wanted better for her.”
    This was the most ZQ had ever heard JJ speak. “Next time she calls, you should answer.”
    JJ shook his head. “When she’s in panic mode? Hell no. The last thing she needs is a surprise. You keep talking to her. Just don’t expect to hear from her for a couple nights. She’ll go deeper inside herself for a while.” He stood and vanished into the darkness. Nance walked next to his heels, silent as fog on a phantom’s feet.
    A smile tugged at ZQ’s lips. He’d set that project in motion. But he’d have to move carefully or JJ would leave the ranch the same way he came, in a noisy cloud of dust. Someone else would need a light touch, too—Kelcee. She was in hiding. He didn’t know from what or whom, but he recognized the signs. And so would nosy Dustin once he started doing odd jobs for her. The kid could never resist a mystery. That was one of the things that made him such a good SEAL—his innate curiosity and instincts.
    —
    Dustin counted three rings before ZQ answered. “Moving kind of slow for an Old Man.”
    “Was hanging sheets on the clothesline for Mom. Her arthritis is bad this morning. Rain must be coming.” ZQ cleared his throat and the tone of his voice changed. “And what goddamn business is it of yours? Just when was your long nose assigned to keep track of my handsome ass, you brainless bastard?”
    It wasn’t often one could rile the Old Man, so Dustin was quite pleased with himself and his decision. “The doctors gave me the word. I’m out of here tomorrow at oh-nine-hundred. If your invitation is still open…”
    “It is. I’ll be there. Have your comic books and pretty nightgowns packed.”
    Dustin stretched out on the bed, relieved he’d have someplace to go where people understood his moods. “Kiss my ass.”
    “Seriously, what size jeans or shorts do you want? I know you’ve lost weight and you didn’t exactly arrive there with a suitcase of clothes. Oh, and Dust?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Make sure you call your mom. Tell her where you’ll be.”
    “I will as soon as I hang up. I’ve been warming her up to the idea of my staying with friends for a while. She’s relieved to have a phone number to reach me.”
    True to his word, the next morning ZQ was standing in the doorway of Dustin’s ward at oh-eight-thirty with a bag of clothes. Even in his chambray shirt and jeans, ZQ’s haircut and military bearing gave away his past status as officer in charge. That and the Trident pin he wore over the pocket of his shirt. The Old Man was still a mass of hardened muscle, only now he had some silver at his temples. Fit, cool, and intelligent as hell, the retired commander had always been a case in point that brawn without brains would never cut it. He’d earned Dustin’s respect years ago.
    The day ZQ made him LPO, leading petty officer, of Alpha squad, Dustin knew he’d earned the Old Man’s respect as well.
    He strode over to Dustin and handed him the bag. “You’re looking good, kid, and I mean that.” A few of the men in the ward recognized ZQ and called his name.