Whispers in the Dark (KGI #4)(76)

“So all of you served in different branches of the military?” Shea asked.

“Unfortunately, Donovan and Garrett joined the Marines,” Nathan said, sniffing in disdain. “Ethan really went against the grain and joined the navy. He was a SEAL before he resigned his commission. Sam, Joe and I all served in the army. Obviously we’re the more intelligent of the Kelly gene pool.”

“And the rest of KGI? They all seem very military.”

“Not all, actually,” Donovan said. “P.J. is a former S.W.A.T. team member.”

“P.J. is the woman, right?” Shea asked.

“Yeah. She’s a crack sniper. Best we have,” Donovan replied.

“She’s impressive,” Swanny broke in. “Hell of a shot, from what I hear.”

Donovan nodded. “The rest of Steele’s team is all ex-military. Rio’s team, on the other hand…Rio is a bit of an unknown. And by that I mean his past is highly classified. He came recommended from some very highly decorated military officers. So yeah, I’d say military, but I’d say he was definitely off the books.”

Shea sent him a puzzled look.

“He means not official. Not recognized,” Nathan explained. “Meaning he didn’t really exist in whatever organization he served under.”

Her lips turned down into a frown. “That sucks.”

“Terrence, his right hand, likely served with him. The two are close. I’d swear they were telepathic because they do some freaky silent communication,” Donovan continued.

“And Rio is the one who went after Grace,” she said softly. “How do you know…I mean if he was so shadowy and no one really knows who he works for, how do we know he can be trusted?”

She could tell they didn’t entirely like her question, but they controlled their responses.

“Rio is solid,” Donovan said quietly. “He’s as solid as they come. If he said he’ll bring Grace home to you, then he’ll do it or die trying.”

Shea could sense just how resolute Donovan was about Rio, and it eased some of her worries. Just hearing about the accomplished men and woman of KGI made her feel safer and more at peace than she’d been in so very long.

We’ll keep you safe, Shea.

It wasn’t Nathan who spoke to her, but Joe. He’d sensed her worry and sought to ease it. She looked over and smiled and marveled at how good it was to feel joy again.

CHAPTER 31

AN hour later, after showering and changing into clean clothes, Shea was elbow deep in hamburger meat. Nathan, Joe and Donovan were several feet away in the living room, talking about Resnick and a lot of other things she didn’t understand. But Swanny was quiet, and she found she enjoyed the silence as they worked.

It amused her that this big, scarred, badass-looking military guy was evidently shy or self-conscious. Probably a mixture of both. It also amused her that he was very exacting in his measurements. Apparently he loved to cook and he was a perfectionist in the kitchen.

He directed her every movement, told her just how much spice to put in the meat. Even how to form the patties.

“Are you joining KGI?” she blurted out when the silence had stretched a little too long.

He swiveled and stared at her in surprise, the scar stretching slightly on his cheek as his expression grew thoughtful.

“No. Maybe. I don’t really know,” he finally amended. “I went with Donovan and Ethan because Nathan needed me. No other reason. I knew something was going on with you and him, and I felt like I owed it to both of you to be there, to do whatever I could. But even without that obligation, I would have done it. Nathan is my friend.”

He went quiet again, and Shea warred with herself over whether to press the conversation. She was curious about him but didn’t want to make him uncomfortable either.

“Do you have family?”

A shadow crossed over his face. “No.”

He didn’t offer more. It was frustrating, because if she pursued this line of questioning now, it would be awkward and obvious.

“Well, I suppose if you join KGI, they’ll be your family.”

He paused a moment and then the corners of his mouth lifted ever so slightly. “I hadn’t thought about it that way, but I suppose you’re right.”

She shaped another patty and laid it on the piece of wax paper where the others were neatly aligned. A knock at the front door sent a jolt up her spine and she froze, hands still dug into the burger.

A moment later, an older couple came through the living room, and Shea watched as the woman immediately wrapped Nathan up in a fierce hug.

This had to be his mom and dad.

For several moments, they hugged Nathan and talked in rapid tones. Joe glanced her way several times as if to offer silent support. Or maybe he just sensed how freaking shot her nerves were.

And then they turned her way and Nathan’s mom stared directly at her as if trying to make a judgment from across the room. Just as suddenly, her expression softened and she smiled a warm, gentle smile. She hurried across the room, and as she reached Shea, she opened her arms, pulling Shea into a hug every bit as fierce as the one she’d given Nathan.

Shea had no idea what she was supposed to do, so she stood there while Mrs. Kelly patted and hugged her. When she finally drew away, she kissed Shea on the cheek and grasped her shoulders to get a better look at her.