Tori Carrington - Distinguished Service

“I meant to ask you the first minute.”

Dari’s expression, more than his words, got Mace’s attention. It wasn’t like his friend to exaggerate. Whatever he was going to ask was important.

In his career in the military, Mace had come to understand how important it was to immediately recognize who he could count on … and, more importantly, who he couldn’t.

Going back to their teenage years, he’d always been able to depend on Dari.

He grimaced, wishing his friendship skills extended to relationships. Maybe he would have had better luck.

His hand instantly went to his cell phone where another voice mail waited from Janine. He didn’t expect it to be much different from the first one.

“Shoot,” he encouraged now.

“Okay. I’ve given you a brief rundown on how quickly Lazarus has grown in such a short time. And with that, comes growing pains. Most notably, we’re attracting some high-profile contracts I’m sometimes afraid we’re not prepared for yet. This one falls solidly into that category.” He paused. “There’s an ex-general, now a political radio pundit, coming into town the day after tomorrow for a three-day stay, including two public rallies. We’ve been hired to handle security for the public end of his schedule—transportation, et cetera—in cooperation with his personnel and local law enforcement. While I’m sure we can handle it, well, it would be stupid not to utilize our assets. And I see you as a definite asset in this case, what with your background and your connections.”

He nodded. “Go on.”

“Well, in a nutshell, I was wondering if you would consider sitting in as co-lead on this one?”

Mace sat back, carefully considering what Dari was saying … and not saying. His friend went on to share some additional details, such as the name of the dignitary. He was familiar with the guy. Hell, nearly everyone in the western hemisphere was familiar with him, if only because of his skill at gaining attention, usually by exhibiting offensive behavior.

“Okay, I get the military connections and the growing pains. But this job sounds pretty run-of-the-mill, tooling around with a political celebrity. What is it you’re not telling me?” Mace asked.

“There have been threats.”

“Threats.”

“Yes. Specific to his visit here.”

For the past few years, Mace’s military career focus had been counter-terrorism, so this was right up his alley. But …

“And …?” he led.

Dari chuckled and pointed a finger at him. “Never could get anything by you. Truth is, these threats are serious enough to concern his security personnel and serious enough to concern me.” He checked the cell phone he had on the table next to his wrist. “And … well, if I’m hoping that by pulling you in on this job, it’ll convince you to sign on with us when your tour’s over in six months … that’s between me and the wall.”

Mace considered him.

Dari grinned. “Did I mention that it won’t hurt business to have a Navy Cross recipient on board with us? No? Well, then there’s that.”

He grimaced at the reminder.

“By the way, Megan and I are looking forward to attending the ceremony Saturday.”

“You’re going?”

“Of course, I’m going. My ass is part of the reason you’re getting the sucker. What makes you think I wouldn’t be there?”

He took a deep breath.

“I plan to sit up front and center.”

“Refill, gentlemen?” a knockout blonde smiled at him suggestively as she held up a coffeepot.

Mace found himself looking for the pretty brunette even as he and Dari held up their cups. The waitress topped them off then hovered for a moment before finally moving away.

“You didn’t even look at her,” Dari said.

“Sure I did. She’s too young and too …”

“Eager?”

“That, too.”

They shared a laugh.

“Okay,” he said.

“Okay what?”

“Okay, I’ll do it. Where do you want me when?” He laughed and looked around the diner again.

There she was.

He found himself relaxing in to the booth as the waitress who’d garnered his attention came through the kitchen door looking even more attractive.

She brought their meals quickly despite the busyness of the place. They ate while Dari outlined the specifics of the assignment.

This beat the hell out of staring at the cracks in his motel room ceiling, feeling guilty about not spending more time at his parents’ any day.

And it made him forget about those shadow hands pressing against his neck for a much-needed while.

Mace’s gaze followed their waitress where she bussed the table next to theirs, even as another couple moved to occupy it. She was calmly efficient and attentive, smiling warmly despite the obvious crowdedness of the diner as she took their drink orders.

He couldn’t help noticing that there was a guy about his age seated at the counter who kept trying to get her attention for more than a second at a time … and that she did everything politely possible to avoid giving it to him.

She briefly glanced in his direction and their gazes met, inspiring something a little more than respect in his response to her.

He smiled and she returned it before she moved on to another table then went back into the kitchen.

Oh, he’d bet she was the type who’d be up for anything, any time. A challenge, a new experience, a new restaurant, it wouldn’t matter; she’d be in … and make it doubly worth it just by being there.

“Okay, I’d better get moving,” Dari said, edging from the booth. “Megan’s already at The Barracks.” He stood, pocketing his cell phone. “Thanks for agreeing to come in on this job for me, Mace. You have no idea how much of a relief it will be having you aboard.”

“You haven’t seen what I charge for babysitting a political big mouth yet.”

“Whatever it is, I’m sure you’ll be more than worth it.” He peeled off a couple bills to pay for his half of the meal. “Sure you won’t change your mind and join us for a drink?”

“I’d rather step directly into enemy fire.”

“I believe you would.” They shook hands and agreed to meet at Lazarus the following morning, then Dari left.

Mace sipped on his coffee and watched his friend through the front window of the diner, even as more customers approached.

He glanced around. The place was more than busy, it bordered on chaotic. At different times, he was aware of a woman swearing in the kitchen, a couple of tables complaining about the lateness of their meals and from what he could tell, there wasn’t a busboy to be found.

His cell phone vibrated in his pocket. He fished it out to find Janine’s name highlighted again. He sat and watched the screen blink until her call finally rolled over to voice mail.

Why was she being so persistent?

He couldn’t even begin to guess. So he didn’t try.

He slid the cell back into his pocket without checking the message.

“Dessert?” the pretty waitress asked.

He looked up at her. Despite everything, she managed to treat him as if he was her only customer, where the other waitress practically shooed people from the tables the instant they took their last bite.

“Trudy’s chocolate marshmallow pie is the house specialty.”

He took her in, noticing how the world seemed to rush around her in a blur while she stood perfectly still.

Of course, that could be just him.

The vintage jukebox in the corner. Definitely the jukebox. He’d play a song—an old one—pull her into his arms … lean her against the machine and work his hand up her skirt to find out just how sweet those thighs and what lay between them were … watch her smile melt into a sexy sigh.

“Maybe later,” he said.