Page 45 of Fighting for Family

Cole took the paper and drew a delicate, flowery moon with a star. “I’m not an artist, but it seemed like a rose inside the moon and the leaves.”

“It’s a Muslim sign. It usually appears like this,” Saint said as he drew a similar picture.

“Yeah, it’s close,” Cole said. “What does it mean?”

Sparky’s lips firmed. “Why does Ford’s lover have a tattoo of a Muslim sign when she works for the US?”

“Let’s play devil’s advocate. What if she got it while she worked here or converted to the religion?” Shadow asked.

“I’m betting if she’s involved with Ford, we’ve found our traitor,” Sparky said confidently. “What shall we do about it, boss?” she asked, turning her head toward Saint.

“It appears we need to catch them in the act. The base has increased security since we broke Ice out and stole a few supplies. I hope to hell Leo made a written agreement with his secret contact, or we may all end up in Leavenworth,” Saint said. “Pack it up. We’re going on a stakeout. We can hold our heads higher if we go to Leo’s funeral knowing we took down the people responsible for his death.”

“Let’s get it done,” Shadow said, grabbing his pack and helping Sparky with hers.

“Thanks, I got it,” she said, brushing his hand away. “I have a system.”

“You have candy, and I’m stealing a piece,” he teased.

Sparky grabbed his arm. “That’s it, Shadow. I’d bet my left butt cheek she’s stealing more than supplies. She’s stealing plans and routes. It’s crippling the unit from within.”

Shadow patted her back. “Good job, Sparky. I think you’re on to something. Come on, we’ll ride with Saint, and you can tell him what you know. It’s a long drive. Maybe he’ll even let you have another go at the wheel.”

“He’s still doubting if I saw trees,” she giggled.

“I heard you, Sparky,” Saint chastised. “Get yourself to the truck.”

“Freaking traitor,” she mumbled. “You might’ve told me he heard us.”

Chuckling darkly, Shadow said, “What’s the fun in that? Welcome to the team. One minute you get bitched at and the next, we’re fucking with ya. You gotta learn how to roll with the punches.”

She held her hand out until he tucked her hand in the crook of his elbow and she signaled for Apollo to come. When he stood beside her, Shadow guided her to the vehicle. As they stopped, she gave him one, right in the arm.

“Shit, you packed a good one,” Shadow said, rubbing his arm.

She cocked her head to the side and grinned. “Stop acting like a baby, Shadow. Ya gotta roll with the punches.”

CHAPTER 16

Addyson waited impatiently as her garage door went up. Her heart raced, and her palms grew sweaty as she tapped on the steering wheel. She drove inside, turned off the engine, and shut the door. Running into the kitchen, she yelled, “Liam?”

“I’m in the living room with Zeus,” he called.

Addyson dropped her things on the counter as she rushed to him.

Standing in the middle of the room on one crutch, Hollywood smiled and held his good arm out to her.

She rushed into his arms, nearly knocking him over. His hand roamed through her silky hair as he moaned, “Addy.”

“I can’t believe you’re here. How badly are you hurt? When did you come? Why didn’t you meet me at Kassie’s?”

“Slow down,” he said, cupping her face. “I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, clinging to him for dear life. “I can’t believe you’re really here. Where’s Apollo?”

“Sparky’s taking care of him for me. She has a way with him,” he explained. “How about we sit on the couch?”

Carefully leading him to the furniture, she helped him sit and prop up his leg.