The Emerald Chase by Cap Daniels

Author:Cap Daniels [Daniels, Cap]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Anchor Watch Publishing, L.L.C.
Published: 2020-05-20T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17

Breakfast of Champions

Everyone reacts differently when an intense mission comes to an end. Tier-one operators tend to perceive such missions as part of normal life and treat the hours following the action much the same as they’d treat unpacking groceries from a shopping trip. My team cleaned weapons, repaired damaged gear, and went to bed. The exception was Mongo. He skipped the cleaning and repairing portions and headed straight to sleep.

Two hours after sunrise the following morning, I called the Citation crew. “Good morning. I have some good news. Your sentence has been commuted, and you’re free to take your airplane and go home.”

“We enjoyed working with you, Mr. Fulton. My first officer will be disappointed he didn’t get a chance to fly your Two-Oh-Eight on floats, but I’ll break the news gently. If you ever need us again, don’t hesitate to call.”

We delivered the boat back to the shipyard and made arrangements to have it hauled to Saint Marys. In spite of the expense, it was far easier than running around the Florida Keys and back up the East Coast. That trip aboard Aegis would be leisurely and more vacation than occupation, but running the Mark V that distance on the open ocean would be grueling. I was more than happy to write the check.

The next call was the one I both dreaded and longed to make. Penny’s phone rang five times and went to voicemail. “Hey, it’s me. The mission’s over. Everyone’s okay except Mongo. He’s hurt, but not critical. I’ll be home this afternoon.”

Clark caught my look. “Maybe she’s still sleeping.”

I checked my watch. “It’s almost ten o’clock on the East Coast. Penny’s never slept past seven since I’ve known her.”

He shrugged. “Well, maybe she’s busy.”

“Or maybe she’s dodging my call.”

Clark played with the toothpick in his mouth. “Are you thinking what I’m thinking?”

I didn’t look up. “If you’re thinking the Pan America was just the tip of the iceberg and this thing isn’t over, then yeah, I’m thinking what you’re thinking.”

“It’s best to take the money and walk away,” he said.

“Yeah, that’s probably what’s best, but I suck at that walking away part. Remember the nun in Saint Augustine?”

He laughed. “Yeah, I remember, but do me a favor this time. Give it twenty-four hours. Go home, talk to Penny, and find out what’s going on there before you stick your nose into a human trafficking ring. Can you do that . . . for me?”

“Are you coming back to Saint Marys with us?”

He consulted his watch. “I need to get back to Miami. I’m sure the restaurant is falling apart without me.”

“Maybe you should call Maebelle and find out. If she needs you, I’m sure she’ll let you know.”

“That woman would never admit to needing anybody.”

“We have some business to take care of tomorrow morning at Bonaventure, and I’d really like for you to be there.”

“What kind of business?” he asked.

I stood. “The life-changing kind.”

* * *

Skipper had the Tactical Operations Center torn down and loaded aboard the Caravan before noon.

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