. .oOo.

Chapter 19

When the sun goes down on the north rim of the Grand Canyon, wildlife comes out to hunt and play. Crickets set the rhythm of the night, a back drop for the high pitched squawking of the northern Goshawks issuing a warning, and compete with the screams of the mountain loins that seems to be something between a hoarse growl and long screech that pierces the night.

This had become like a lullaby for Nia in the months that she had been here. She did not even hear it consciously anymore, and it was not what made her spring up in her bed in the middle of the night.

She had a dream to blame for waking her up. A dream unlike anything she had ever had before. In fact, the heat on her face let her know that she was blushing. Nia put a hand up to her cheek, a smile was already on her lips. And her heart was fluttering at the thought of the man who had changed everything about her world.

Suddenly frantic, Nia threw her covers aside and jumped out of bed. She had his number, that small piece of paper that somehow held her whole future. Where was it? She had to know and she had to know right now.

Of course it was on the desk, in plain sight, right where she had left it. And the relief she felt by seeing it there nearly melted her bones. Sinking into the chair, Nia grabbed her phone and proceeded to save his number in her contacts list. She was not willing to risk losing her only means of contacting him.

Once done, she sat back and let out the breath that she, only now, had become aware she'd been holding in her lungs. Flipping the light off, she sat again in the darkness. Knowing that there was no way that she would be getting any more sleep tonight, Nia let her mind go through the questions that she had been asking herself since the moment that Mitch had handed her that slip of paper. What, she wanted to know, was she going to do with it?

All of Geilen's talk of love at first sight, and the recounting of his own experience with it had done this to her. She was pretty sure all that talk was what was responsible for the very intense dream that she had had. But now that she was awake, this was her life that she was talking about.

A life that she could no longer see without Tank in it. How had that happened so quickly? Her eyes wandered over to see the clock next to the bed. Calculating the time difference in her mind, she knew that it was still too early to call him, even if she had had the guts to do it.

For another hour, she had imaginary conversations with him in her mind. All different scenarios, and all of them seemed to make her heart grow just a little fonder of him. He was so kind, and gentle for being such a giant of a man. Her interactions with him had been limited, of course she readily admitted that. But the times she had spent with him had been the best she could ever remember.

He was a gentleman, good manners mattered to a girl who had grown up with a southern belle as a mother. His touch had been so tender, despite the roughness of his hands. His eyes, so dark, so expressive, she could get lost just looking into them. And that kiss. Oh, the kiss. Nia closed her eyes and played back the kiss with all of its hopes and promises.

Another few minutes of this left Nia a bit breathless again and totally convinced that there was no way she would ever get back to sleep. Thoughts of Tank filled her mind and heart as she pulled out her suitcases and finished packing for her trip home. Now, more than ever, she couldn't wait to get as close to Trenton, New Jersey as she could.

. .oOo.

Sunlight streamed into the kitchen. A bit too bright and way too cheerful for Melissa, who was sitting at the table staring at the phone in her hand. That was a call she wished she'd never answered.

Melissa Davron had never been in so much trouble before, especially not this kind. Any other small problems that had ever come up before had been taken care of by Ben or by Nick. But neither one of them were around anymore.

That thought brought tears to her eyes again, for Ben. Finding out that he was dead had been a shock. A slice of pain that she had not been prepared for. Realizing that she missed him, that she had really never loved anyone but him came too late. How could she have been so cold, so cruel to him when he had only ever wanted to make her happy. Why didn't she see it? Regret would torment her for the rest of her life.

All kinds of charges had been brought against her. Fraud against the US Army was the worst one, and the one that she really had had nothing to do with. Nick had been the one to get the benefits back for her after she had divorced Ben. And she'd had no idea that there was a life insurance policy. Ben had never mentioned one, and she was sure that Nick had not told her about anything like that either, she would definitely have remembered that. A million dollars was impossible to just forget.

On top of it all, being sued by the publishers, for the money they had given her as advances on a book that could never be published, had been the last straw. She was going to need a lawyer now. What she was being told, in essence, was that you don't mess with the army, and she was looking at a maximum of twenty years imprisonment, or up to a half a million dollars in fines for these offenses.

Easy to say that her life, as she had known it, was over now. Her best case scenario is that she could keep the court tied up for years before the sentence was finally handed down to her. But that option did not feel any better than the sentences themselves.

Elbows propped on the table, she held her head in her hands and cried. Big teardrops that plopped on the shiny surface. But no one was here to see them, there was no one left to help her, and that was what caused Melissa the deepest pain. No matter how she tried to rationalize everything, she had no one to blame but herself.

. .oOo.

Tucked into a corner of the comm room, Binkie hunched over his keyboard. Muttering could be heard on either side of him as Roger and Miguel worked at their own computers. While all of the excitement had been going on outside, this team was methodically going through searches for more information about the terrorist group that Aban had been running from.

The frustration was that there were so many groups known by insidious acronyms that it practically rivaled the government and its alphabet agencies. Not much public information was readily available about any of them, and unless these groups had taken credit for an attack or an assassination, they did not want anyone to know about them.

That was their power, working in secret, right under everyone's noses. And that was how Aban had described the MAK that he and Mahir had worked with. Aban had walked through the intel, that he had gathered, with them. And Binkie was still amazed at how deep these organizations ran.

Under the guise of being a humanitarian group, they professed to try to spread peace in their own country as well as round the globe, But the MAK was in the business of collecting secret information that could be used as a form of blackmail against as many politicians and countries as they could.

According to Aban, many of the activities that they had participated in, at first, had actually seemed like a good way to effect change that otherwise would not have been done. Money, pressure, coercion, they were all reasonable forms of persuasion.

When those methods were not effective, however, other means were necessary. Aban had not known about the assassins in the group when he had joined it. It had not taken long to realize that none of it was what it had seemed. But he had convinced himself that enough good had been done, that it justified some of the violence that he had come to know the group was participating in.

Not until Ben Davron was killed, had he seen any of this. In relating all that he knew, all that he had seen, Aban had had to stop several times to swallow and breathe deeply. Binkie watched him try to control his emotions, but it was clear that the man was determined to see that these groups of terrorists, for they could be called nothing else, were brought to justice.

He had brought in intel about dozens of men and groups that the MAK had contacted and worked with. The list was extensive, and most of it would be turned over to Kinkaid. The general would be able to deal with all of that. It was specifically Aban's group that was causing concern at the moment. But they were good, not much of what they did, according to Aban, could be traced back to them. Covert took on a whole new meaning when it came to this group. It might have been impressive, if it hadn't been for the fact that they were so dangerous.

A phone rang, and all three men jumped a little. Startled, they all looked at their phones, but it was Binkie who had received the call. He answered, standing up and walking around as he talked. After a few minutes, he came back over and leaned back against the desk. Miguel and Roger stopped what they were doing and looked up at him.

"That was Morelli," Binkie said, holding out his phone, indicating the call he had just taken. "He is now on the case."

Roger sat back in his chair, his eyebrows drawn together in confusion. "Doesn't Morelli work homicide?" he asked., wondering why he would be on the case of a group of terrorists being held in jail.

"Yeah," Binkie said simply. "And he is now looking into the deaths of the four men that the TDP picked up here after shooting things up outside of our front door."

"So," Miguel said. "He's starting with us, in his investigation."

Binkie pushed away from the desk and moved over to sit down. "I told him we would send everything that we've got."

And that wasn't much. All three men were very aware of the lack of intel that they had to offer. Now it was even more imperative to dig deep and find it. They knew that unless all four of those men had bitten into a cyanide capsule, (and who does that anymore?) ending their own lives, someone was still out there trying to tie up loose ends where Aban was concerned. They needed something to go on, and they needed it now.

. .oOo.

The man in the taxi cab pulled up in front of the drop off area and stopped. Mahir reached forward and handed him some of the cash from his envelope, then he got out and shut the door. For the first time in years, Mahir was alone. He actually felt a bit self conscious about that fact. And he did feel very alone.

He made his way through the crowds, trying to decide what he was going to do. This blessing, of being sent home, had seemed so perfect an hour ago, but he had had the whole ride over to think about it. Now he was scared. Over and over again he had asked himself the one question that seemed to matter the most. If Aban was here with him, what would he do?

Mahir had always trusted his friend to find the best way, the right way to do things. He needed that now. But as far as he knew Aban was gone forever. Oh, how he missed him. Though it had been his own fault for so blindly following what he was told to do, Mahir knew that it was now up to him and he had to make the right decision.

Standing across the way from the ticket counter of his airline, Mahir knew what the answer to that question would be. Do not trust anyone. Simply put, for a long time now, Aban no longer had any faith in the men who had sent them here. That told him all that he needed to know. Mahir made up his mind and slowly walked to the counter.

It took much longer than he had anticipated to make the changes. He was so afraid that he was being watched, but looking over his shoulder didn't help his nervousness. The woman at the counter was kind and as helpful as she could be. Its just that there was so much paperwork, so many questions.

When it was all said and done, he had missed the flight that he would have been on. As far as Mahir knew, no one would know that until sometime tomorrow. By then, he would be far away from his home. Far away from anything that he knew. Far away from where he had said goodbye to his friend. But, he thought, he would be safe.

As he sat, tucked in a corner of the waiting area, he thanked his friend. In his heart he felt so much gratitude for Aban. All that he had ever wanted to do was bring peace to this world. This was a new start for him, and Mahir hoped that, this time, he could actually find the right way to do that. He would try, for his friend.

. .oOo.

Ella pushed a cart into the break room and started setting up breakfast. For the number of men staying here right now, she had made huge amounts of food to get them going for the day. No sooner than she had entered the room, a line of rangemen, and their guests, started coming in.

An hour later, a steady flow of hungry men had nearly consumed all of it. A smile lit her face. She loved to see her guys happy and well fed. And as always, she sensed that they were going to need it. Everything felt unsettled still, and waiting was never easy on anyone.

With the new day, General Kinkaid had wanted to call another meeting for everyone who had been involved in the action yesterday. Actually, that would include just about everyone in the building. So he revised his plan. After some consideration, he felt that meeting with smaller groups would work out better.

First up was Ranger and Aban. Stephanie was to come along too, as she had been the one to spend a lot of time with Aban when he had first arrived. She was also the one to look at the intel that he had brought them, so he considered her a valuable member of the team.

When he first arrived, Kinkaid looked Ranger over very carefully. The injuries that he had sustained in the fight with Nick had been foremost on his mind all night long. A quick look into the medical log indicated that a cracked rib had been among the cuts and bruises. He knew that that was going to be painful, and could take some time to heal. The guilt over what Nick had done was eating at him still.

Weeks ago, Ranger had put in his resignation. Kinkaid had been prepared to argue with him that he was still needed. He hated to lose one of his best men. But in light of all that had happened, he could hardly expect him to change his mind now.

Maybe, he thought, it was time for him to retire too. He had not seriously considered it before, but now it was starting to have a bit more appeal. These thoughts were put aside when Aban Lufti walked into the conference room.

Kinkaid sat back and watched as Stephanie introduced Aban to Ranger. He thought it was interesting that this man seemed so comfortable with Stephanie, but very shy around Ranger. He spoke quietly and politely answered all of the questions that were asked, but the general was sure that he was holding something back.

After a few minutes, Kinkaid stood and moved closer, he was ready to get this started. Stephanie was not the only one to have gone through the information that Mr. Lufti had brought in. He had actually been impressed with how detailed and complete so much of it was. Most of the names on the list were not a surprise to him. But the photos that put some of these people together was.

If all of it was accurate, this man had brought the evidence that was needed to bring many of these terrorists down. He hadn't dared to believe it, but after a good twenty minutes of questioning, Kinkaid was ready to pass along the intel to the appropriate channels.

One final question from the general brought the discussion to an abrupt end. "How did you know to contact Mr. Manoso here?" he inquired. Aban froze. His face showed an emotion that ran deep and was filled with sorrow.

Stephanie shifted uncomfortably in her chair. She looked at Aban, then at Ranger. It had not been on purpose, but she had not told him. They really had not had the time to talk, not with all that had gone on. So Ranger did not know what Ben's last words had been.

Reaching out and taking his hands in hers, Stephanie cleared her throat, trying to find the way to say the words. His eyes were searching hers, what was so hard for her to say? What was wrong? Just then, Aban stood. He faced Ranger and answered the question by addressing him directly.

"Ben Davron told me to find you," he said. Ranger looked confused, almost angry. Stephanie squeezed his hands in a show of her support. Both remained silent as Aban continued. He explained about finding Ben in Arizona. About the men, the assassins who killed him. And then he repeated the last words that Ben had said. "Find Manoso, tell him I'm sorry."

For several minutes there was silence in that room. No one moved, waiting for Ranger to respond. Finally he stood and nodded at Aban. "Thank you." he said. Then he shook his hand and left the room. Stephanie patted Aban's hand, and gave Kinkaid one look before she followed him.

. .oOo.

"There," Chandler said, pointing to the screen. McKay and Anson leaned in closer to take a look. "They're getting careless, that car had driven down that street several times now." The others nodded, they had seen it too.

"I think that we should go introduce ourselves," Ian said. Again the guys were nodding, but they stopped when the general walked into the room. Out of force of habit all the men stood straight, at attention.

"At ease," Kinkaid said, hiding a smile. "What have you found?" he asked. In a meeting with the members of his first team a few hours ago, they had discussed their need to help find the men who had killed Chef. Everyone knew about the intel Aban had delivered, they also knew who it had been that shot Ben. Knowing that some of the terrorists had died in jail did not satisfy their desire for justice. If there was anyone else out there, they intended to find them and bring them in.

As much as he had agreed that they had the right to find justice for Ben, Kinkaid also knew that helping them get back to their lives was more important in the long run. While he had them standing somewhat at attention, he reminded them that there was a lock-down in effect, and that if they were going to help, it would be from inside. The message had gotten through.

Now he knew that they had not let him down. Their surveillance with the exterior cameras had paid off. Now all they had to do was come up with a plan.

. .oOo.

"Do you want to be alone?" Stephanie quietly asked when they reached the seventh floor. Though he had waited for her after leaving the conference room, she was worried that hearing Ben's last words had hurt him as much as she had feared. She would understand if he wanted to process all of it on his own.

The door opened and he took a step inside. Turning, he grabbed her hand and pulled her along with him. "No, Babe," he said, just as quietly.

Stephanie led him to the couch. He was in pain, and although she knew that he would not say anything, she could tell by his careful movements. It was time for the pain killers that Bobby had left for him. She sat him down and left to grab the pills and a glass of water. Without a word she handed them to him.

Going through these motions, taking care of the man she loved felt so natural. Worrying about him was right too, and Stephanie let herself enjoy the emotions that came with it. She had realized last night that they still had not had time to talk. But after all that had happened, she felt that there were only a few words that she wanted to say.

Sitting down next to him, she tried to be careful not to bump him, but he shifted and pulled her closer to him. Stephanie felt Ranger kiss the top of her head as she cuddled up under his outstretched arm. She could stay here like this forever. His hand sought out hers and their fingers entwined, another perfectly natural move that strengthened their connection.

Emotions, some of which he could easily identify, and a few more that were a bit more difficult, built up around his heart. Nothing made him feel like he did when she was near him. The comfort he felt with her in his arms warmed him completely. He could stay like this forever.

"I love you," he said. They had not had the chance to have the talk that had been put off for so long, but these were the words he wanted to say to her. The only words that mattered.

She knew the moment he said them, that these were the only words that she had needed to hear. His actions usually spoke for him. Only now did she realize that she had been waiting for him to say the most important thing of all. And he did.

Her heart was full to bursting as she looked up at him. "Te amo," she said. The words that she'd been practicing in her head all this time, sounded even better when spoken out-loud. And the smile he gave her before his lips found hers said it all.

. .oOo.

TBC...

. .oOo.