SEAL of Approval Page 7

  “You know the rules. No business at dinner,” his wife said.

  “This is important.”

  She frowned, but dismissed him with a wave of her hand.

  “Thank you, darling.” Leaving the dining area, he answered the call as he entered the living room. “Speak!”

  “Boss, it’s me, Eduardo.”

  “What have you got?”

  “I’ve been following this guy for a week now. Every day he goes to a veterinary clinic in Iron Canyon.”

  “Why?”

  “I think he’s seeing the woman who works there. They’ve been spending a lot of time together with a dog.”

  Ramirez grabbed a packet of cigarettes from the coffee table. “So, our target has a woman. That’s good.”

  “It would be easy to grab her.”

  He tucked the phone between his shoulder and ear, and tapped a cigarette into his palm. “Not yet. Keep watching. I need to get our people in place.”

  “You got it, boss.”

  Terminating the call, he scooped a lighter off the table and strode outside to smoke. Lighting up, he gazed out over the wide expanse of desert dusted with saltbush and cacti. Sunset bathed the harsh landscape in a soft orange hue that masked its true nature. He exhaled. It was a lot like the happy family life he maintained with his wife.

  As he smoked the howl of a coyote filled the air. Within a matter of moments another joined the first animal’s call. He smiled as he listened to their chorus.

  Once he finished the cigarette, he flicked it off the porch into the sand and punched a number into his phone. “Pedro, we’re going to need two vehicles, eight men and clean passports with US visas.”

  “What’s the mission?”

  “We’re going to take care of a problem for our good friend.”

  “So, it will pay well.”

  “Of course. I want the best we have.”

  “When do you need them ready?”

  He stroked his mustache as he considered the question. “Twenty-four hours.”

  “Done.”

  Terminating the call, he considered another cigarette when a voice startled him.

  “Are you going to finish dinner with your family?”

  His wife’s tone implied it was not a question. “Yes, my dear.”

  “What was the call about?” she asked as she led him back into the house.

  “Business, darling. I may have to leave, later in the week.”

  “How long? Remember, your son’s football final is this weekend.”

  Ramirez took his seat at the head of the table. “A few days at most. It’s a simple in and out job.”

  ***

  Wearing a one-piece swimsuit, Ali stood in the portable rehabilitation spa set up in the yard. She watched as Mike led Axe, in a bright yellow vest that resembled a lifejacket, toward the spa.

  “Ali, I’m not sure this is going to work.”

  “Why?”

  “He hates water.”

  She placed her hands on her hips and cocked her head. “That information would have been useful yesterday.”

  Mike smiled but his eyes never left her curvaceous frame. The plain, one-piece suit did little to hide her curves.

  “Hey sailor, how about we focus on rehab and not the merchandise.”

  As he lifted his gaze back to hers he caught the smile on her lips. With a grunt he picked up the dog and lowered him into the spa. “Your call. But, he’s not going to like it.”

  Growling, Axe laid his ears flat and struggled.

  Mike stepped back from the water and put him down on the grass. “See. I told you.”

  Ali folded her arms and arched an eyebrow, her lips pressed firmly together.

  “Mike, he’s a dog. He doesn’t get to decide what’s good for him, that’s your job.”

  “Fine.”

  He lifted Axe over the lip of the spa and placed him in the warm water. The dog’s legs cycled as they broke the surface, his ears flat against his skull as he paddled frantically.

  Ali held him as he attempted to swim for the edge of the pool. “It’s OK, Axe.”

  Mike leant against the tub. “So what’s this supposed to achieve?”

  “He’s guarding his damaged muscles resulting in atrophy. This will let him exercise them to their full potential, without weight.”

  “Making them stronger?”

  “Yes.”

  Axe looked anything but strong as he panicked and tried to hook his legs over the side of the tub.

  “I think he would be more comfortable if you held him.” Ali struggled to keep him inside the hydro bath.

  “I told you.”

  With a scowl, she snapped, “Michael, get in the tub.”

  “Yes ma’am.” He stripped off his shirt.

  It was Ali’s turn to gawk. She knew SEALs trained hard but this was ridiculous. Every inch of his bronzed body looked like it had been chiseled from rock.

  Climbing into the tub in his shorts, he stood alongside Ali in the warm water. Grasping Axe’s vest, Mike pulled him back from the lip of the spa, forcing him to float. “Hey bud, it’s OK.”

  Axe fought the water for a moment then adopted a powerful swimming stroke. Mike struggled to keep him in the middle of the tub.

  Ali gave him a pat. “Not so bad, is it handsome.’

  “Yeah, it’s alright.”

  She glared sideways at him. “I wasn’t talking to you.”

  He grinned. “Oh, my bad.”

  They stood side by side in the water as Axe continued to swim powerfully. It took the two of them to stop him reaching the side of the tub.

  “Damn, he’s strong,” Mike grunted.

  “This will make him even stronger.”

  Together they held the dog as he paddled at a steady pace.

  “Is Axe your first military dog?” she asked.

  “No, I had a dog before him…”

  “And?”

  “He was an explosives-detection dog. We were on a mission in Afghanistan. When we made entry on a Taliban stronghold he sniffed out an IED. He saved a lot of lives that day.” Mike swallowed. “Most of us got clear, but when the bomb went off, Captain was on top of it.”

  “I’m so sorry,” whispered Ali.

  A tear ran down his cheek. “Two dogs have saved my life, Ali. I couldn’t save Captain, but I can save Axe.”

  The compassion in her face was not something he’d ever seen in any of the women he had dated, certainly not in Stacey. Leaning over he kissed her gently on the lips. She responded tenderly, their mouths pressed softly together.

  Mike’s anguish was washed away in a sea of passion as her mouth opened slightly and he nibbled gently on her full, lower lip. He released Axe and slid his hand behind her head as the kiss gained in intensity. Their tongues touched and everything outside the kiss ceased to exist.

  A bark quelled their passion. They broke apart, laughing as Axe barked again.

  Mike turned his attention back to the dog. He ruffled Axe’s ears. “I guess he thinks he should be the center of attention.”

  She smiled. “He seems to be pretty comfortable in the water.”

  “Well, technically he’s a SEAL.”

  “Look, Mike,” she said softly. “I’ve been hurt before–”

  Mike grasped her around the waist and pulled her close. Pushing a strand of hair from her face, he kissed her again. There was no warm up this time. For a precious few minutes, he felt like he was a teenager. Then, Axe once more, voiced his displeasure.

  Mike pulled back slightly. “I think he might have had enough.” He gave her one long final kiss. Then, grateful that his shorts hid his excitement, he climbed out of the tub. Together they managed to lift the waterlogged dog out of the spa and onto the grass. Then, when he removed the float vest, Axe snorted and shook, covering him in wet strands of fur.

  “Thanks, now I smell as bad as you do.” He laughed as the dog rolled onto his back and wriggled like a furry worm. Then he jumped to his feet and tro
tted around the yard. “He looks better already.”

  Ali climbed out of the pool. “A few more sessions and you’ll see a different dog.” Wrapping a towel around her hips, she asked, “Do you want to have a shower before you go?”

  He shook his head. “I’d love to. But, I’ve got to run. I’ll get into clean clothes at work.” He caught the flash of disappointment on her face. “Hey, I was wondering if you’re free for dinner tomorrow night.”

  She wrinkled her nose. “Are you asking me out? Because I don’t want things to get weird between us.”

  He grinned. “Yes. Yes, I am. Although, technically it’s our third date. Look, I really like you Ali and I want to see where this goes. We can take it slow.”

  She returned the smile. “That sounds good.”

  ***

  Mike was making adjustments to his equipment when Rick joined him inside the submarine lockout chamber. He glanced up and gave the Corpsman a nod. Like Mike he was dressed in a black wetsuit, scuba tanks, and a combat vest.

  “You’re spending a lot of time with this girl, brother. You telling me you still haven’t squared her away?”

  “I’m not telling you anything.”

  Rick adjusted his equipment. “Come on, Mike, we’re supposed to be a team.”

  “Quit it. I’m not going to kiss and tell.” He checked that his dive mask was secure around his neck.

  “You hear that? Our boy’s in love,” Rick announced as TJ and Ernie joined them in the chamber.

  “You falling for the dog doctor, essé?” asked Ernie as he spun the handle that sealed the men in the chamber.”

  “Guys, Ali’s cool, I like her. But for now that’s it.”

  TJ fixed him with questioning look. “Like! That sounds awfully close to love, Romeo.”

  Mike shook his head. “I give up. You guys are out of control.”

  The three members of his squad burst into laughter.

  “Commencing flood up and equalization,” said Mike as he hit the button for the valve that released seawater into the chamber. “Watch your ears.”

  The men were still laughing as salt water rose rapidly to their knees.

  “I’m in love. Boom, I’m all shook up,” sang Rick until he had to stuff his regulator into his mouth. He continued humming until the water rose to the ceiling.

  Mike gave all three men thumbs-up before he turned the locking arm and opened the outer door. They finned out onto the sleek black hull of the Virginia class attack submarine and hovered in the water. Then, when they were ready, TJ gave them the signal to move off and they swam in single file behind him.

  Bringing up the rear Mike was happy to follow the others through the murky green water. He was completely preoccupied with thoughts of dinner with Ali.

  ***

  Mike lifted his glass and flashed a smile at the gorgeous woman sitting opposite him. “To Axe, his recovery and his match-making skills.”

  Ali touched her glass to his as their eyes locked. “To Axe.”

  Sipping his champagne, his gaze lingered on her. She wore a black, slim-fitting halter neck dress that showcased her elegant throat and ample cleavage. With her hair up and only enough makeup to emphasize her full lips and hazel eyes, she was stunning.

  “I wanted to thank you for how much time you’ve spent with Axe. You’ve worked wonders for him… But, that’s not why I invited you out to dinner.”

  She took a sip of champagne. “Really, then what’s the reason?”

  He leaned forward and whispered. “I’m trying to seduce you.”

  Eyes sparkling she pressed her lips together and swallowed. “Well it’s working.”

  “Sir, your entree.”

  They both jumped at the waiter’s voice.

  Ali blushed as he placed their dishes in front of them and refilled their glasses.

  “How did you find this place?” she asked once the waiter had left.

  “A buddy of mine raved about it a few months back. I thought it was worth a try.”

  Ali finished a mouthful of scallop. “Well, if the starter is anything to go on I think he was understating. If the meal is this good, I’m not going to have room for dessert.”

  “I know a great little café around the corner that serves an amazing pecan pie.” He smiled suggestively. “They’re open late.”

  She put on her best southern accent. “Why, Michael Saunders, you do know how to show a girl a good time.”

  As the lovebirds made eyes at each other another pair was watching them closely. Rick stood outside the French restaurant with a curvaceous blonde on his arm.

  “Come on Ricky, you promised me dancing and a good time?”

  “Damn it woman, give me a second.” He could see that his boy Mike was completely smitten. He assumed that the pretty brunette was the veterinarian and it was clear that Romeo more than ‘liked’ her.

  “Are you checking out that girl?” the blonde asked indignantly.

  Rick scowled. “No, I only like hot pieces of ass like you.” He reached around and grabbed her buttocks. “Come on, let’s get out of here.”

  As they walked down the street he sent a message to TJ.

  Our boy is out to dinner with the vet and he’s all loved up… Time for selection?

  A moment later a reply hit his phone.

  We’ll get to the bottom of this tomorrow.

  Chapter Eleven

  Yawning, Mike dumped his gear bag on the bench in the team room and stretched his neck. He smiled to himself as he opened his locker and searched for a stick of deodorant. Last night had been the most fun he’d had in months and all they had done was talk.

  He and Ali had left the restaurant at closing and continued flirting in a local café. They’d remained there till the early hours of the morning when the staff had forced them to leave. Only then, had Mike hailed her a cab then walked home.

  He’d finally reached his apartment at four in the morning. Two hours was all the sleep he’d gotten before reporting for duty.

  Rick entered the room. “Late night, brother?”

  “Yeah, I could murder a cup coffee.”

  “There’s a pot in the briefing room. I’ll grab one with you.”

  “Sounds good.” Mike closed his locker and followed Rick into the lecture room they shared with the other squads. As he stepped through the doorway he spotted Ernie and TJ sitting side-by-side. Rick took the seat next to them. All three sat facing an empty chair.

  He frowned. “Hey, what’s up?”

  “Take a seat, Mike.” TJ nodded to the empty seat.

  “What’s this? Some kind of intervention?”

  “You could call it that.”

  Mike turned the chair backward and straddled it. All of them, even Rick, sported stern expressions.

  “Where were you last night?” TJ asked.

  “Guys, seriously, what’s this about?”

  “Are you in love?” snapped Rick.

  “Jesus, Rick, you couldn’t interrogate a chimpanzee with a fist full of bananas,” growled TJ.

  Mike laughed. “So that’s it?”

  “You’ve been spending a lot of time with this Ali chick, brother,” said TJ.

  “Guys, she’s been treating Axe. It’s been kind of hard for me not to spend time with her. Why, is that a problem? You boys getting jealous?”

  TJ shook his head. “Given your track record with women and relationships in general, we’re concerned you’re heading for another train wreck.”

  “Oh come on. I’ve only been on three dates with her.”

  TJ’s eyes narrowed. “Rick, tell him.”

  “I saw you at the restaurant last night, Mike. I saw how you were looking at her. This is a bit more than a hit it and quit it.”

  Mike clenched his fists on his knees. “Fine, you got me. I really like this girl. There, I said it.”

  “Rick thinks you’re head over heels in love with her,” said TJ.

  “He wouldn’t know what love was if it punched him in the dick
.”

  Rick let out a raucous burst of laughter. “Did I just get dissed on love by the guy whose last girlfriend was a psycho? Oh, and didn’t the one before that steal all your shit when we were in Afghan?”

  Mike scowled.

  “This is for your own good,” added TJ.

  “What exactly is this?”

  Ernie rocked back on his chair. “You remember, essé. The ‘selection’ course.”

  “Guys, that was a joke. You don’t…”

  All three men frowned.

  “If she passes, we’ll embrace her as one of our own,” said TJ.

  “But, if she fails,” added Rick.

  “Then she’s out,” finished Ernie.

  Mike paused in thought. “Look, this girl isn’t like the others. She’s stable, compassionate and grounded. I don’t think–”

  TJ interrupted with a shake of his head. “Your track record suggests you don’t think, slick. Trust me. This is for your own good.”

  Mike sighed. “OK, where do we start?”

  “Tomorrow. It’s Saturday. You're going to invite her on a hike with you up Mount Otay.”

  “What if she doesn't want to go?”

  Rick laughed. “Then last night wasn't as special as you thought.”

  ***

  “So why the sudden urge to go hiking?” Ali asked as Mike pulled his truck into a parking lot at the base of a rugged mountain range.

  “You mentioned you liked the outdoors and I thought it might be a good chance for us to get to know each other.”

  “Good idea, I like it.” She pushed open the door and jumped out. “Come on. Let’s do this.”

  Mike grabbed his backpack, locked the truck and led her through a camping ground to the trailhead.

  As they climbed a narrow path up the side of a canyon, she turned to him. “Have you been up here before?”

  “Once or twice.”

  “You bring all your girls up here?”

  “No. Most of the women I’ve dated wouldn’t climb into my truck much less a mountain.”

  “Really? Have you always dated princesses?”

  Mike laughed. “Yeah, I guess I have. Let’s just say you’re nothing like them.”