Code Name: Luminous (13 page)

“In war, we understand when we fight for this country
it may mean we die for this country. I have no explanation why someone like me
escaped that end and others have not.” His lips pressed together for a second
and then he spoke again. “We put it on the line to protect our families and
what we believe in. Nina is like a sister to me.” He scrubbed away a tear and
kept talking. “That woman has a fire that burns in her and will until her last
breath. Mace, I will not stop until we have the antiserum in our hands, but we
have less than twelve hours to find it. I will use everything in my power to
keep Nina alive.” He put his gaze on his wife. “Kayla?”

All eyes turned to her, and she nodded slowly
and took a deep breath. She filled the team in with every detail she had
gathered since they’d been taken.

As Kayla spoke, Ditz searched data files.
Filling them in when he found what he was looking for. “Callum Dafoe is a
businessman and producer of small and medium-sized arms. He sold his weapons to
the highest bidder and then sold more to the next highest. His wife and son, as
Kayla suggested, were killed in a bombing in Kabul three years ago.”

“I don’t give a shit about his motivation.
Where is he?” Ghost growled.

Ditz didn’t flinch with Ghost’s sharp
response, and kept reporting. “He disappeared after that. Border services have
a record of him entering the States three years ago. He’s an American citizen,
but was born in Afghanistan. His parents immigrated thirty-five years ago.”

“Other relatives in the U.S.?”
Ghost queried.

“Searching that now, sir,” Ditz said.

Nathan and Ed brought in a table, and Fox
flattened a map on it. Tony had moved away from her and concentrated on the
map. He wouldn’t look at her and Lumin knew her suspicions were correct.

Ed stepped to her side and gave a comforting
smile as he wrapped his arm around her and squeezed her shoulder. “It’s not
your fault, Miss Lumin,” he whispered.

Tony looked toward them, but nothing
registered in his eyes. Tears threatened, but she held them back.

“Before I question our scientist out there,
and Ghost goes to town on that bastard
Azeel
, where
is the lab, Kayla?” Fox asked.

Kayla’s gaze snapped to the map on the table.
“Ditz, does Dafoe own property in Nevada?”

Ditz sat back and nodded. “Found it. Lots of
it,” he answered. “Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, and he
has
a residence in Los Angeles.”

Kayla ran a slow hand through her curls. “I
still believe the Nevada lab must be in the northern part of the state.
Azeel
didn’t give us anything on the location. They would
keep the scientists and the others sequestered to avoid leaks.” She blinked and
looked to her husband. “I’ve got an idea, but it’s going to take time. I’ll
call Base Command and tell them what I’m looking for.”

“We’re out of time,” Tony said. “They are too
far ahead of us. The only reason Dr. Carmichael is dead is because he finished
his part of the puzzle. I think the deployment of the Plague is imminent.”

“Time to find out,” Ghost said. “I’m going to
have a little talk with
Azeel
.” Kayla moved as if
going with him. “No, Kayla.”

“Nina is my best friend. You need me in there
while you
talk
with him. Call it
therapy.”

He jerked his head in approval. “Fox, put your
teams into position before you question Billings. We need to find Dafoe.”

“Aye, aye, Admiral.”
Fox stretched his neck and flexed his fingers. On Nina’s behalf,
Fox would seek justice as well as information from Billings.

Tony said, “Ed, Nathan, Stitch, question the
other prisoners.”

They all nodded, but Ed didn’t leave her side.
Cobbs joined Stitch, and they departed.

“Find a corner and get some rest, Lumin,” Tony
said, and turned his attention back to the map. The room emptied except for
her, Ed, and Tony.

“I’m sorry,” she said weakly. “I know it’s not
enough in light of what Nina is about to face. I never imagined this. I’d take
it back if I could.”

Tony kept his attention on the map. “We lose
people in our line of work,” his voice gravelly with emotion.

Ed remained beside her. “This is not your
fault, sweetheart,” he said.

Tony’s head snapped up and his gaze popped
between them.

“I don’t know Nina all that well myself,” Ed
continued. “But I know she’s a brave lady, and so are y’all.”

Tony watched silently.

“Nina isn’t just people. You love her,” she
said to Tony.

Tony’s brow flexed, his gaze riveted on the
table. “I do. We all do. She’s part of our family.”

Lumin heard the words he didn’t say,
But
you’re not
. “Maybe the vaccines we
received will slow it down.”

“I doubt it. They want people to die. They’ve
re-engineered it to be immune. If we don’t find the antiserum, Nina won’t make
it.” A harsh line of worry crossed his forehead.

Lumin removed the space between them and
clutched his arm. “I’ll help you.” Tony held her with a vacant stare. There was
no warmth in his eyes, and she couldn’t blame him. “Use me again.”

“No, Lumin. When Billings doesn’t return,
Dafoe will know we’ve captured him. You dying, as well as Nina, won’t stop the
virus,” Ed said from behind her.

Tony walked away from her, and so did hope.
What could she do? A man screaming made her nearly jump out of her skin. The
Admiral had to be
talking
with
Azeel
, but she knew they didn’t have the time for the
Admiral to wear a man like him down.
Azeel’s
hate ran
too deep, and he’d die before giving up any information.

She and Ed watched Tony walk toward the door
without another word. “I don’t know what to do.” she said, hoping Ed would.

“Hey, you’ve done enough.” He drew his arms
around her. “You’re a brave lady, you know that.”

She wasn’t brave. She wasn’t a warrior, and
she felt alone even though Ed was obviously trying to comfort her. Her heart
fell when Tony halted at the door and said, “Cracker.
Outside.
Question the prisoners.” It came out harsh and cold.

Ed faced Tony and nobody could miss his
agitation. “You really are an asshole.” Tony took a threatening step into the
room. “Stand down, Bale. I’m going to get her some water first.”

Tony seemed to draw back and nodded.
“Fine.”

“I’ll be right back, Miss Lumin.” Ed walked
past Tony and their gazes were locked on each other in some kind of silent
combat.

“Tell me what to do, Tony. I’m out of my
element,” she said, when Ed had left the room and Tony stood there as if
undecided to stay or go.

He shook his head.
“Nothing.
Stay away from the prisoners. I’ll arrange transport to get you back to San
Diego.”

“San Diego isn’t my home.” She swallowed
deeply, digging for some bravery that Ed thought she had. No way was she going
to crumble in front of Tony. “I don’t know anyone there.”

Tony’s jaw flexed. “You can stay at the base.
You’ll be safe there.”

She straightened her shoulders and wiped every
emotion from her face. If he could do it, so could she. Not that many hours ago
he wanted her to stay at his apartment, now it was the base. Although the
rising sun heated the roof making it crack as it expanded, her heart shriveled
with the knowledge Tony’s concern was all wrapped up around Nina. She couldn’t
blame him. Love had eyes of its own, and it always looked up when danger
threatened someone you loved.

“Thanks, but I don’t belong there.” She
gripped her hands together for her own security. “I’m sorry, Tony, but I know
you’ll find the vaccine, and Nina will be okay. She has to be.”

He gave her a short nod, and left her alone.

Chapter Nine

Minutes turned into two hours. Nina was quarantined to one
of the rooms they’d been held in, and Lumin slid down to the floor with her
back to the door. “Nina, how are you feeling?”

“Fine,” Nina’s voice drifted back. She must have been
sitting on the other side of the door.

Lumin folded her hands into a tight ball. “Are you lying?”

“Yes.”

“What is it?”

“Fever and my muscles ache. Lymph nodes are starting to
swell.”

“I can’t believe this is happening.” She heard Nina shift
her position.

“Considering I was sunning my ass a couple days ago in
Mexico and just married the most handsome man in the world, I’d have to agree.”

“Why did you do this if you were pregnant?”

“Couldn’t let Kayla have all the fun now could I? Kayla is
pregnant as well. She’s expecting a little girl.”

Lumin’s eyes welled and everything blurred. “Tony’s really
upset this happened to you.”

“Tony looks like he’s
kinda
smitten. I’d do anything for that man. I’m so happy he’s going to settle down.”

“He’s really scared for you.”

Kayla appeared, sat down beside her and covered her hand,
giving it a squeeze. “Some
stinkin
’ virus isn’t going
to hurt Nina,” she said.

“Hey, boss,” Nina greeted.

“How
ya
doin
’,
ya
old married boot?”

“Feel like shit,” Nina said and chuckled.

Lumin found comfort in Kayla’s warm hands. They were dainty,
but the woman exerted some kind of powerful field. Lumin felt safer when she
was around. “She’s got a fever and aching muscles.”

“It’s blistering hot outside and after
kickin
’
Azeel
in the face, I’d say that earns aching
muscles,” Kayla responded.

“Thanks for the lie, boss.”

Kayla turned her head and winked at Lumin.

“How’s the search going?” Nina asked.

“I’ve got Gord looking for routine movements in northern
Nevada on the satellite. He’ll find it.”

“What are you looking for?” Nina asked weakly.

“Supplies.
We humans are animals of
habit. If the Tangos have a group of people sequestered, they have to feed
them.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Nina sighed. “How’s Mace?”

“Fucked up,” Kayla said. “But he hasn’t known you as long as
I have. He knows you’re ornery. I know you’re undefeatable.”

Nina choked out a laugh. “Not sure I can win this one.” She
paused,
then
said, “Kayla, I have a will, and I
changed it and named you guardian for
Gabbs
. I know
you and Mace can work it out, but if he wants to keep
Gabbs
,
then—”

“Stop, Nina. I hear you, but I don’t want you thinking about
this shit. It’s negative crap.”

“It’s reality, Kayla. I’ve got ten hours and the symptoms
are coming on fast.”

“I wish you wouldn’t have come,” Lumin said, more tears
spilling.

“Shit happens,” Nina said. “You wouldn’t have made it by
yourself. We spread the love around and gave ’em a run for their money. We have
more information. That’s how this works. If someone falls in the process, it’s
part of the job.”

“You’re not a SEAL. I blame myself and I think Tony does
too.”

“Say what?” Kayla and Nina said at the same time.

She stared into Kayla’s questioning gaze. “I’m pretty sure
he loves Nina.”

“Oh, bullshit,” Nina spit from the other side.
“Listen, little sister.
Tony’s a big, old, bad man-whore,
but I think that might have changed recently. Even when we were in Las Vegas,
Tinman kept sneaking looks at you. From the way he acted when Ghost wanted to
use you as a guinea pig, I’d say he’s got a bit of a heart palpation for you.”

Kayla nodded at her. “Think she’s right. Tony’s just like
the other guys. Their jobs leave them restless when they get home. Women flock
to them, and what guy is going to say no to sex? Tony has always been a love
’em and
leave
’em kind of guy. If he didn’t care about
you, he wouldn’t have put up the stink he did when Thane wanted to use you to
find the Tangos.”

Lumin hiccupped through her tears. “I suppose.”

“No supposing about it,” Nina said. “Those big lugs all have
heart, even though they have to stash it when they’re out on a mission. Tony’s
one of the harder cases, but I think even he’s starting to settle down and look
into the future. You came along and he’s got that glazed puppy dog look in his
eyes.”

“Tony’s—different.”

“
Oooh
, would
ya
listen to this,” Nina sung out, followed by a whistle.
“Sounds
like the new girl has a bit of a crush on our Tony.
What
d’ya
think
,
boss?”

“Think she’s exactly what he needs,” Kayla said, swiping
Lumin’s hair over her shoulder.

Lumin liked both Kayla and Nina. Not having a big sister,
something she’d always wanted, she felt like she’d been adopted by them. “I did
something stupid.”

“Do tell,” Nina spurred her on. “It might make me feel
better, since I’m holding a first place position in stupid today.”

“I kind of, well—I kind of asked Tony to
take my virginity.
He didn’t want to. Maybe that was a mistake.”

Kayla tried to resist a laugh, but it came out anyway. “You
had to seduce Tony? Is…is that what you just said?”

Nina chuckled from the other side of the door. “See,
miracles do happen.”

“I think my age bothered him. We’re seven years apart.”

Kayla grinned at her, and Lumin was surprised at how
beautiful she was when she smiled. “If Tony had reservations about taking your
innocence, I guarantee he’s got a serious crush on you.”

“But he looked like he hated me after Nina was injected with
the virus.”

“That’s not hate, Lumin.” Nina sighed. “That’s Tony finding
Tony, and what you saw was him connecting with the fear of losing you. He and
Mace are like bookends.
Brothers of war.
He feels what
my husband feels, and it scared him. He’s never let himself get close to a
woman before.”

Kayla nodded. “These men don’t do anything halfway, Lumin.
That’s your first lesson in falling for a SEAL. They live hard. Fight hard. And
when they fall in love, they fall hard.”

“Tony told me your story, Kayla. What happened to you and
how the Admiral saved you.”

“
Pfft
, Kayla saved Ghost, not the
other way around.”

Kayla looked into her lap and wore a haunting smile. “No. He
did save me.
In many ways.
I thought I’d healed
myself.” She eyed Lumin. “Thane shook up everything and helped me rebuild all
the trust I’d lost in men. He never quit on me, even though I put him through
hell.” Kayla offered her a warm smile. “They say still waters run deep. These
SEALS, who live their lives in sea and sand, never give in.”

“Look at the cost. Nina’s sick because you tried to help
me.”

“Not going to argue that sucks. Just wish I could have
kicked
Azeel
in the nuts again. It might’ve made me
feel better,” Nina joked.

All of them laughed.

“The guys will find the antiserum,” Kayla said, when the
seriousness of the moment threatened to probe at them.

“I really wanted to see that movie too,” Nina joked. “We’ll
have to catch it when we finish saving the world, and for the love of God stop
crying, Lumin.”

Lumin swiped at her eyes. “I can’t help it. I wish our
places were reversed.”

“Don’t sweat it,” Kayla said, twisting on her hip and repositioning
herself
on the floor. “Nina likes being a martyr.”

“Fuck you,” wafted through the door.

“Bite me,” Kayla growled back and they both laughed.

“My throat is screaming at me right now. Think I’ll try to
get a cat nap,” Nina said.

Kayla rested a flattened palm on the door.
“Rest.
Everything is going to work out. Even if the clock
runs out, I know you’ll hang in there. You have to. No giving up,” Kayla said
to the door. She blinked away a tear. “We made a promise, remember?”

Nina let out a high-pitched sigh.
“Yeah.”

Lumin didn’t ask what that promise was, but she could see it
was one made by best friends who would do anything for each other. Kayla nodded
and brushed her cheeks, then stood. “I’m going to check in with Base Command.
You okay?”

Lumin nodded. “I think I’ll take a walk outside.” She
watched Kayla disappear into a circle of SEALs as she pushed herself to her
feet. The sunlight made her wince when she stepped outside. A few of the SEALs
were grouped together, Nathan being one of them. He wandered toward her.

“How
ya
doing?” he asked,
rearranging his weapon to his side.

How did they stand in the heat with all the clothes and
gear? She’d be a puddle of melted goo by now.
“Just talked
with Nina.”

He nodded. “She’s sick, isn’t she?”

She nodded and bit back her guilt. “Yes. What’s going to
happen to her?”

“
Areomedical
techs are on their
way.” He turned his head and looked toward the long empty road that led to the
factory.

“Are they doctors?”

“No, they’re a transportation team. Ghost had already spoken
with USAMRIID before we started the mission. They were on standby. The C-130 is
waiting at Luke AFB.”

“Where are they going to take her?”

“To an institute in Maryland.
They
have a containment facility.”

Lumin swiped away the sweat beading on her brow with an arm.
“That doesn’t sound very good.”

“It’s a specialized team that’s coming to get her. The
doctors in Maryland will be working double-time to save her.”

Far in the distance, Lumin saw dust rising in the air. “That
looks like a vehicle,” she said.

Nathan turned and spoke into a small mic on the end of a
wire.
“Admiral, incoming.
Looks like Nina’s ride.”

Every head in the group of SEALs turned. It wasn’t just one
vehicle, it was five. One was a large military
truck,
the others were SUVs, a jeep, and one panel truck for the prisoners. Several
men came out of the building, and one was Tony. She could pick him out easily,
even though they all looked the same in their fatigues. The Admiral and Captain
Cobbs appeared and the Admiral ordered something to the men who nodded and
moved away from the entrance. Lumin wanted to be there when they took Nina
away, but Nathan stopped her.

“Admiral has given orders that we all remain clear until
Nina is placed in the containment stretcher.”

“What’s that?”

“You’ll see,” was all he said, his expression severe.

A commotion and shouting came from inside the factory, and
Lumin recognized it as Mace’s voice. The Admiral immediately headed inside.
Lumin’s heart squeezed tight. Mace must be going out of his mind with worry, and
yet he had to stay with the squad. She waited with the rest of them and watched
as four men in biohazard suits emerged from the truck. They carried a stretcher
that had a square plastic container with inverted sleeves for working on the
patient. Lumin covered her mouth to restrain a cry. This is how Nina would have
to be transported. Mace wouldn’t even be able to hold her when he said goodbye.

The minutes ticked on until they finally appeared. Lumin
choked back a moan. Nina lay encased in the bubble, and Mace walked beside her.
His hand stuffed in one of the many sleeves. The Admiral and Kayla escorted
them on the other side. Tony ran to them, and so did she. They reached Nina at
the same time.

The men in the suits lifted the stretcher into the back of the
truck.

“Baby, I’ll see you soon,” Mace
said,
his words shaky with emotion.

“I love you, hot stuff,” Nina’s words were muffled from
inside of her small plastic prison.

“Don’t give up.” Mace stuffed his other hand in one of the
sleeves and gripped hers tightly. “Say it.”

Nina tried to smile, and then her brow furrowed, and tears
finally came from the brave woman’s eyes. “I don’t regret anything, Mace. Not a
second.”

She turned her head away to hide her tears from her husband.
“Tony?”

Tony leaned over the plastic covering. “Right here, Ninja
Girl.”

“Don’t you let him do anything
stupid.
Watch my husband’s back.”

“Always do. This is just a speed bump. You hang in there for
a couple hours and we’ll get that serum to you.”

She nodded quickly. “Take care of Lumin.”

Tony didn’t take his eyes off of Nina. “I will.”

“Hey, you know I love you for what you did for Mace and me.
I’ll never—”

Tony darted a worried glance at Mace, and pushed his hand
through a sleeve. Nina’s hair was plastered to her sweating skin and her cheeks
were a rosy red. He brushed her cheek. “Don’t start giving me goodbye speeches,
Ninja Girl. I want to see you on the mat when this is all over. We’ll go a
couple rounds and you can kick my ass.”

She closed her eyes with a slow blink. “I love you, Petty
Officer Callahan, and I love my daughter. She needs one of us.” Nina swiped the
tears away. “Remember that before you go all crazy SEAL.”

Mace leaned forward and kissed the covering that kept him
from holding his wife. Lumin could feel the depth of their love as the
aeromedical team pushed Nina’s stretcher farther into the truck. Mace and Tony
watched the door close, cutting them off from Nina. Mace couldn’t hide his pain
any longer and he palmed his face, shaking his head.

Tony gripped him in a hug. “Don’t even think it, buddy.
That’s not the last time you’ll see her. Hey!” He pulled Mace’s hand from his
face. “You hear me?”