I don't know about anyone else but I defiantly think is movie is one of mark whalbergs best to date. I decided to go a little further with it though. If all the facts aren't exactly as they were in the movie I apologize. This is my third fanfic so hopefully im getting better. Thanks for all the reviews and keep them coming. Enjoy
I own nothing dealing with the movie shooter. All other characters and situations are mine.
Chapter One
Just because I'm the youngest doesn't mean they have to stick me with the crappy jobs; she grumbled, going over what seemed to be the millionth bump of the day.
As the only daughter of Charles Blackmore and the youngest of four Eden Blackmore was use to having to defend herself. And getting the shaft when it came to running errands for their family security firm.
Started over twelve years ago when she'd first been forging her career in the Navy FLJ Security Incorporated had grown from the spare room in her parents Victorian home to a six thousand square foot one story complex in the Washington D.C. business district. Charlie as he liked to be called; had built his reputation on trust, honesty, and integrity. All of the things he had installed in each of his children. Of course his stellar reputation in both the Navy and Marines during his thirty plus years of service didn't hurt either.
At first it had been her father and a couple of his buddies taking care of the cases that had come in. Though they were all in incredibly good shape there was only so much a group of sixty year old men could handle. Stubborn as all get out her father had refused to ask any of the kids to help when they were home on leave. Or hire anyone to help take some of it off his shoulders. Contributing it to the fact that he didn't trust anyone but family. And that they all had their own lives to live.
So taking matters into their own hands they'd called a family meeting of sorts. The oldest of her brothers Todd had revealed that he'd had enough of the Army Rangers; having lost a couple of good friends during his last mission. He had been the first to join. That had been five years after Charlie had first started FLJ. A year later Chris; the second oldest; had decided not to re-enlist with the Air Force after seventeen years as a Delta Force Operator. Two years after that the youngest son Michael came on board; his stint with the Marines more then enough for him.
Last but not least to join was herself. The only one to follow their fathers footsteps in the Navy. Unlike him though her road to becoming a SEAL hadn't been all sunshine and roses. Most people didn't realize that woman were aloud in the special forces. Due to the fact that the government liked to keep it hush hush. Woman's rights may have come a long way in the last hundred years but there were still those who believed that a woman shouldn't be allowed in a mans world. Fortunately and unfortunately for her she'd had teammates on both sides of the fence. The ones who believed she could do it outweighed those who didn't; which made things easier.
Winning over her former CO had been harder then any mission in any god forsaken country she'd been sent to. Lieutenant Commander Hanes was of the old school mentality that a woman's place was in the home. So even though she'd passed through BUD/S training with flying colors; coming out top of her class; he'd still had a problem with the fact that she had breasts.
That had all changed after their first mission. One that had cemented her place on the Commanders good list; and changed her life forever. Sometimes she could still hear the sound of the automatic gunfire as it flew over head. Feel the heat from the Blackhawk that had caught fire from being hit in the gas tank.
Rubbing a hand over her left shoulder as she came to the end of what had to be the longest driveway ever Eden was reminded of the pain that had shot through it as she'd had no choice but to crawl on it. Dragging Chief Tillman with the other as enemy fire reigned down. Getting to the safety of the rock out cropping the only thing on her mind.
Placing those thoughts aside for another time she shut the car off; making sure all the windows were closed and keys in hand before she stepped into the cool mountain air. It was only September but already the leaves on the oak trees had started to change; littering the ground with a blanket of red, gold, and orange.
Grateful for the quilted jacket she wore over her t-shirt Eden felt the gravel crunch under her feet as she made her way towards the front porch. Even though she knew she shouldn't the ex-SEAL couldn't help but make a detour down the little path to the left. Ending in a ridge that gave an amazing view of the mountains and their snow covered peaks . Pine and oak mixed together for the woodsy scent she loved so much. Closing her eyes she breathed deep; relaxing for the first time since her flight had landed.
Being here today; in the middle of no where freaking Wyoming; was a matter of national security. Of all the things she'd done in her life; both civilian and military; this was one of the most important. All of it riding on the answer of one man who for all they knew had already made a huge mistake that couldn't be reversed even if she tried.
Opening her eyes she was about to turn around when she felt a gun barrel pressed against her temple. This guy really was as good as her father claimed him to be. No wonder he was the only one the agency thought of to use.
"Don't scream and I might decide not to shot you." A gruff voice commanded.
"Is talking aloud?" Eden wondered.
"Depends on what you've got to say." He answered.
"And if you don't like the answer?" Eden commented.
"Then I'll change my mind and pull the trigger." He stated. "Either way it's a no win situation for you."
Having had more guns pointed at her then she cared to remember Eden made no notice that the one pushed against her flesh made any never mind to her as she reached around. Grabbing the hand that held the gun she placed a finger in the pressure point at the base of the mans wrist. At the same time she wrapped her other arm around his throat; squeezing as she lashed out with her foot. Bracing herself against the impact of both their bodies hitting the ground she tightened her hold on the assailants neck.
Barely breathing hard she let go of him abruptly and stood; dusting off her clothes. Her earlier actions hadn't been necessary given everything she'd read on the man still on his knees. He would rather shoot his self then attack a woman. It never hurt however to show that if need be she could and would take care of herself.
"Now." Eden paused; waiting until he was facing her before continuing. "Seems how I've just turned this into a win-win situation for the both of us do you mind giving me a chance to explain why I'm here."
For a second she didn't think he was going to take the hand she offered; eyes wearily moving to the gun a foot away. Side stepping she reached out with her foot and getting a good hold with the toe of her boot tossed it up in the air right into her hand. In the next motion she removed the clip and the round in the chamber. Tossing it all over in the bushes she again held out her hand.
Distrust and curiosity warred against each other in the depths of his blue green eyes. Eyes that had seen too much. Too much death. Too much destruction. The old saying was that the eyes were the windows to the soul. In this case these windows were dark and bottomless. Probably once filled with life so many years ago. Despite all that she still felt herself getting lost in them. Of wanting to try to save this man who's spirit had been ripped away three years ago on that mountain top in Ethiopia.
"Most people around here don't know how to defend themselves like that. Especially the woman." He finally spoke.
"Well I'm not like most woman." Eden confessed. "Which you'll come to find if you agree to what I have to say."
At the last part the hand that clasped hers for some help up tightened considerably. It was a strong grip; rough with calluses and dry skin. Nothing less then what she'd expect from a Marine scout sniper.
"What ever it is your sellin' I'm not buyin'. So you can get back in that fancy rental vehicle of yours and drive on out of here." He cut her off before she could say anymore.
She'd been expecting this when her father had enlisted her to come all the way here. She'd also been told to pull out all the stops in order to get him to agree to what she had to say. So here goes nothing.
"That's all well and good but I can assure you I'm not selling anything." Eden explained.
"Good." He turned away from her to head towards the back porch of his home. "Then this should be the end of our conversation."
Not that she didn't enjoy looking at his backside a little too much; but Eden had been sent here to do a job and she'd be damned if it didn't get done.
"I know about the men who were just here to see you Mr. Swagger. And I can guarantee they are definitely not who they seem." She called to his retreating form.
Midway up the third step he stopped in his tracks; hand poised over the rail. Shoulders only slightly tensed; anybody who wasn't trained on what to look for would miss it.
"You must be mistaken miss. No ones been up here but me; and now you; in a very long time."
Back still to her; hand now clenched on the rail Eden knew he was bluffing. Just like she also knew his mistrust of her had gone up several notches with that last statement. Just before she'd gotten out of the car she'd had the common sense to hide a hunting knife at the small of her back. Hopefully she wouldn't have to use it. After several seconds of silence she decided to forge ahead; taking any chance she could to get this over with as soon as possible.
"I can tell by the way your acting that I'm right." She paused. "I also know that you don't trust me; or them; as far as you can throw us. But I can assure you that what I'm about to explain has the ability to change your mind."
Finally he turned to her; face void of expression. The huge dog she had noticed accompanying him looking just as sober as his master.
"What makes you think I even listened to them? Or that I'm going to listen to you?" Swagger wondered.
"Because he told you his name was Colonel Isaac Johnson. And he threw one of these in your face." Eden tossed a small black box at him. "Which hit the patriotic nail right on the head."
Giving him credit for not so much as twitching when he saw the Congressional Medal of Honor in the black velvet she braced herself for the usual question. And just like everyone else he didn't disappoint.
"It is yours?"
Sighing; sick of hearing that same comment what seemed like a dozen times a week Eden slowly edged forward. Taking it as a good sign when he didn't move away. Or draw another weapon on her.
"As surprising as it may seem; yes. I did something stupid that kept a lot of people alive." She explained.
"Saving lives isn't doing something stupid." Swagger whispered.
'So I've been told." Eden agreed; trying not to get caught off guard by the hurt and pain in his voice.
Silence settled over them as Swagger clutched the medal; debating with his self about what to do. Part of him wanted to believe her; to hear what she had to say. Another wanted to tell her to get the hell off his land and never come back. Thankfully the former won out as he tossed the box back to her.
"You've got five minutes." He told her.
It was more then what she'd been expecting so the young SEAL didn't argue as she followed the gunnery sergeant into the house by way of a wide, stained deck.
Inside the door screamed backwoods patriot. To the front was a kitchen; barren save for the basic necessities and a small wooden table with one chair. The once dark green paint on the walls had started to fade. Every other wall in the house reflected the outside log cabin feel. What looked to be a huge living room with a space off to the right was made into a kind of make shift office was as barren as the kitchen. A couch and recliner covered with camouflage blankets and one pillow each was all that made the place look lived in. No coffee table; no TV. Not even a lamp.
On the desk sat a stack of books next to a small chrome reading lamp. A holder for pens and pencils, a stapler, and a legal pad took up one corner. In the center sat a lab top. Simple black and thin as a notebook it may have looked like nothing special but was the best money could buy.
The only indication that he even tried to make the place his own was the huge United States Marine blanket hanging on the wall in the living room. Underneath that was a replica of the gun he used to shoot once upon a time.
Above his desk hung his desert helmet; last name across the front. Other then some hunting pictures of who she assumed were him and his father there was nothing to indicate he'd called this place home for the last three years.
"Nice place." Eden felt compelled to say something.
"It suits me just fine." Swagger spoke. "I'd offer you something to drink but your not gonna be here long enough to finish it."
"I guess living in the hills tends to erase a persons manners." Eden commented.
"My parents tried to teach me some but it never stuck." Swagger countered. "Clocks ticking so you better start talkin."
"Colonel Isaac Johnson is not who he claims to be. Yes he did use to be a full blood colonel in the army at one point; but no longer. And the bit he told you about the assassination on the president was a bunch of bullshit. Johnson works for a senator from Montana by the name of Charles Beecham. A man interested in only one thing; a pipeline through Ethiopia. Only the arch bishop and his people are standing in his way." Eden started.
"And what exactly does that have to do with the assassination of the president?" Swagger interrupted.
"The president has three public appearances in the next week and a half. One of them in Philadelphia were he'll present the arch bishop with a medal." Eden continued.
"I'm still not seeing the connection." Swagger told her.
"If you'd stop being an ass and interrupting me every five seconds I might be able to tell you." Eden shot back.
For a second she thought he was going to say something smart ass in response. He surprised her for the second time in a matter of an hour by doing nothing more then gesturing with his hand; and saying one simple word.
"Sorry."
"It's okay; I guess." Eden shrugged. All the fight left her when he'd kept his mouth shut . So all she could do was continue. "What's the perfect way to get rid of a high profile government official?"
Waiting for him to ponder that for a moment she took the time to study him out of the corner of her eye. He wasn't as tall as she'd expected. Only about five inches taller then her own five six. Bob Lee Swagger was a very well built and solid man however. Even under the flannel and thermal shirt he wore his muscles were well defined. Broad shoulders and a guaranteed six pack narrowed into a slim waist and sinewy legs. Though he was covered from head to toe she would bet all the medals in her case at home that if she was to see him in nothing more then his birthday suit her guesses would be dead on.
Stop thinking about him like that! Concentrate on his face. That'll get your mind out of the gutter, Eden chastised herself.
One look at that strong jaw line covered in a growth of beard and all those thoughts went right out the window. Everything about the slopes and lines of his face made it look as if it had been carved out of granite. Watching as he bit his lower lip there was a sudden urge deep inside to walk over and kiss him senseless.
"Like what you see sweetheart?" Swagger questioned.
Feeling her cheeks heat Eden prayed they hadn't turned red as she walked over and looked him square in the eye. Or at least tried too. That man could've been ugly as all get out but had the same piercing eyes and she'd be gone. Blue green as she assumed earlier they had a slight ring of brown around them they captured your attention right away. Despite what he had said they were still sad; still pained with the memories of something no one should have to see. If she didn't harden her heart against them right now she would be in serious trouble if he agreed to help them.
"First off the names Eden. Secondly there's no denying the fact that I do because your trained to read people. So now that I've answered your question do you mind answering mine?" She spat.
Those same lips she'd been contemplating kissing turned up into a half smirk of sorts as he stood to his full height. Arms crossed over his chest he was even more intimidating with only a foot separating them then ten feet. That however was something she was use to; being a woman in a mans world. What got to her was the reaction she was having to the ex-marine so soon after meeting him.
"In that case I'd have to say the feelings mutual. And as far as your question goes I guess making it look like that person was after the archbishop would be the easiest way to go now wouldn't it." Swagger offered.
Not answering would be a confirmation; however small it may be; that he'd caught her off guard. That she'd been hoping he was having the same flip-flopping reaction she was. So instead she let her sarcastic side loose; something she didn't do very often.
"I guess all Marines aren't jar heads after all."
That got his undivided attention. But not the kind she'd been looking for as he put his hand on her shoulders; turned her around and started pushing her towards the door.
"First off I'm a former Marine." Swagger reminded. "And you just used up the last of your five minutes. So take that skinny little ass of yours and whatever you came here to ask me; and get the hell off my property."
Failure had not been an option when she'd been sent here and that was exactly what was about to happen if she allowed him to shove her out on what he had just called her skinny little ass. Grounding in the heels of her hiking boots Eden felt a small bit of satisfaction when his grip on her lessened after stumbling at her abrupt stop.
"Well I hate to disappoint you but I'm not going anywhere until I finish what I have to say." She took the envelope from inside her jacket and slapped it against his very solid chest. "And that would be to warn you that Johnson and the people he works for and that work for him are setting you up to take the fall for the attempted assassination of the president and the death of the archbishop. That's why they came here under the pretense of asking for your help in planning said assassination. Not to mention that if you do decided to take their offer after everything I just told you that picture you took of their license plate isn't gonna be worth jackshit. Because according to the government that specific company is like the uncle no one ever talks about. One man can't take them all down."
Again those eyes of his looked right into hers and she forgot how angry she was. Forgot that he had just tried to man handle her not five seconds ago. All that mattered was helping the man standing before her. Who wasn't sure what the hell to do. One group was pretending to offer a way for him to help his country when really they were going to screw him over. Another was offering a chance to do what he'd been so good at; without all the complications of politics getting in the way. Both had pushed the patriotic button in him. As far as he was concerned though they could all be full of shit. It was up to him to make the right decision.
"Why did you come here? Why are you telling me this? You don't know me from Adam." Swagger was curious.
"My family and I know what it's like when your belief system collapses out from under you. When the country you stood in front of a flag and swore to protect lets you down. All were doing is giving you the opportunity to realize that not everything about the U.S. is a lie. That it's only bad people who make it that way. For you to be able to get back to doing what you love. Which is defending our country against people like Johnson."
"How exactly do you plan on doing that?" Swagger still wasn't convinced.
"By letting you make the decision yourself." Eden simply stated. "No strong arming; though I doubt I could. No deceitfulness. Not to mention my five minutes is up as you so dully noted. Which means I'll leave you with some final information. Everything you need to know as far as our organization and what were dealing with to an extent is in that envelope. If or when you decide to take the offer contact me at any of these numbers day or night."
Handing him a business card she gave a small salute and headed towards the door he'd so unceremoniously tried to shove her out of moments ago. Though she knew she shouldn't the young woman breathed a sigh of relief. One part of what she'd come here to do was done. And that had been to get Swaggers attention. The second still had yet to be determined. Keys in hand the door was open and she was about to slid in when that gruff voice called to her.
"Ms. Blackmore."
Turning she realized he was only a few feet away. Much closer then she'd originally thought. Someone being able to get the drop on her didn't bode well with the ex-SEAL. But she pasted a smile on her face and let the unease slide away.
"Yes Mr. Swagger?" She answered.
"First off it's Bob Lee or Swagger. I use to work for a living." He grinned for the first time since they'd met. "And don't forget to use your low gear going down the road or your breaks will go."
Eden could see what he wouldn't say in his eyes. Saw the hope shining there that her offer had brought to the table. In that moment she knew just as she had all along that he was the right addition to their team. He however being the stubborn man she'd expected would never admit that this was exactly what he needed. So she'd do it for him.
"Swagger it is then." She nodded. "Thank you for the advice. And your welcome."
"Welcome for what?" Swagger played dumb.
"For the second chance we've presented." Eden told him. "Everyone deserves one."
With that parting statement and a nod of her head she was in the car and headed down the road. Back to civilization and hopefully not away from a huge disappointment.