Defending Raven (Mountain Mercenaries #7)(75)

“But what is it?” David asked, not letting it go.

Dave thought fast and decided to tell the truth . . . sort of. “A bastard is someone whose mom and dad aren’t married when they’re born. And since your mom and I were married when you were born, you aren’t one.”

The relief on David’s face would’ve brought Dave to his knees if he was standing.

“So I’m not a bastard?”

“No, son, you aren’t. You’re David Justice, son of Margaret and Dave Justice.”

His eyes widened. “Your name is Dave?”

“Actually, it’s David. But all my friends call me Dave.”

“We have the same name!” David exclaimed.

Dave nodded, smiling as his son’s eyes filled with pride. He hugged the small child to him and asked, “Did you get any sleep before we showed up to rescue you?”

David shook his head. “I was scared. The old woman wouldn’t talk to me. I was hungry too.”

Lying down, Dave settled his son on his chest until they were both comfortable. “You don’t have to be scared now, son. I’m here, and I’ll make sure you’re safe. Close your eyes, and take a nap. When you wake up, you can have another protein bar.”

“I’m not tired, Papá,” David said, then yawned huge.

Smiling, Dave said, “All right, champ. You just lie there with your eyes closed, and I’ll tell you stories, then, okay?”

“Okay.”

Then, lying on top of a random person’s roof in the middle of Lima, while the most vile man on earth hunted them down, Dave held his son while he told him stories of what his new life was going to be like in Colorado. Even after small snores sounded from little David’s mouth, he kept talking, reassuring his son that he was smart and loved, and that he’d never be hurt again if he could help it.

Dave wasn’t tired in the least. He was wired. He worried about Raven and what she was thinking since he hadn’t returned. He knew his friends would take care of her and reassure her that he and David were both fine. But he also knew that she wouldn’t rest until she saw her baby for herself. Saw that he was free of del Rio once and for all.

Whispering, he said, “Hang on, sweetheart. Just a little bit longer. Hang on.”





Chapter Fifteen

“What do you mean, they aren’t here?” Mags asked semihysterically when everyone returned to the motel. Everyone but her husband and child.

“Don’t panic,” Gray ordered. “They’re fine.”

“But they aren’t here!” she practically yelled. “And you said that del Rio was there? Oh my God, did he get to David before you got there? Did Dave go off to find him?”

“No. Take a deep breath, Raven,” Arrow ordered as he took her hands in his and gently guided her to the edge of the bed she’d been sharing with Dave.

“Everything went according to plan,” Arrow told her.

“Which plan? A, B, C, or D?” Mags asked snarkily. As soon as the words were out of her mouth, she regretted them. She was being a bitch to the very men who’d entered the country to rescue her.

But amazingly, Arrow and the others simply laughed.

“She’s definitely Dave’s wife,” Ball said with a chuckle.

“Plan B,” Arrow told her. “We found David right where Ruben said he’d be—”

“And he was all right?” Mags asked, interrupting.

“He was fine. He was chained to the floor, but other than a few bruises, he was unhurt.”

Mags sighed in relief. “Then what?”

“Then plan B was put into action because del Rio showed up at the barrio,” Ro said.

Mags tensed, but forced herself to stay calm. None of the men around her were freaking out, so that had to mean David was all right. At least, that was what she told herself.

Ball picked up the story from there. “We knew from the satellite photos that the residents had built a shortcut out of the barrio along the back wall. Dave went up on the wall with David, and we tore down the access to it before del Rio and his men arrived. By the time they realized what Dave was up to, it was too late for them to get to them. He and del Rio had some words while we all got into place to give them cover, and Dave disappeared over the wall. They’re both hiding until we can get there to pick them up and get to the airport.”

“We’re leaving?” Mags asked.

“Fuck yeah, we’re leaving,” Meat added. “We’ve been here long enough, don’t you think?”

Mags nodded. She was scared to death that her husband and son were somewhere out in the city being hunted by del Rio and his men. “So what now?”

“Now we make sure you and the others are ready to go,” Arrow said. “You, Zara, and Gabriella should say your goodbyes to Daniela, Bonita, Carmen, Maria, and Teresa.”

“We’re leaving them?” Zara asked from next to Meat.

“No,” Meat reassured her. “We’re taking the women to the airport tonight. As soon as possible. We got their passports today and arranged for tickets on red-eye flights to their respective countries. They’ll be met on the other side by friends or family. You and Gabriella and Mags will go to the airport with me and Black as well, and board the plane that’s waiting for us. The others will go pick up Dave and David and meet us there.”