“Not intentionally, anyway,” said Lennon.
“Never,” said Ramey. “Brooks thinks before any decision, anything that comes out of his mouth. I would be shocked if he’s ever said anything offensive or hurtful to a woman.”
“Mom’s right,” smiled Marilisa. “Most big brothers can be mean at times. I won the lottery. Mine were protective, loving, and my best friends.”
“What about us?” asked three teenaged boys running toward them. “Aren’t we your best friends?”
“Yes. Of course, you are,” laughed Marilisa hugging each young man and kissing his cheek. The boys were eerily familiar, with blonde hair, sharp cheekbones, and an unmistakable build that surely made young girls melt.
“Lennon, these are my younger triplet brothers. They’re graduating from high school this year and then will be gone to the Naval Academy.”
“Wow, that’s impressive,” she smiled. “I thought only one or two could be chosen from each state?”
“These three are unusual,” smiled Marilisa. “This is Cooper, Levi, and Caleb.”
“Hello,” she smiled.
“Brooks was right,” smiled Caleb. “She’s hot.”
“Caleb!” Marilisa chastised.
“What? She is.” Lennon could only laugh.
“Thank you, Caleb.”
“Go,” said Ramey. “Grab your breakfast and get to school. I’ll see you boys tonight.”
“Those kids are huge!” said Lennon without thinking. Ramey and Marilisa laughed, nodding. “Gosh, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean anything by it.”
“No, no, it’s fine,” laughed Ramey. “All the Jordan boys tend to be tall, well-built, and handsome. It gets you every time.”
The three women walked into the cafeteria and Lennon just knew everyone would turn and stare. But they didn’t. They continued to eat and talk, laughing and joking. It was strange. A feeling washed over her like she belonged there and it was no big deal.
“We’ll sit with the boys,” said Marilisa. She led her to a table and leaned over, kissing a very striking looking man. “Lennon, this is my husband, Joey.”
“It’s nice to meet you,” said Lennon.
“Same,” he nodded. “I heard good things from Brooks and Mitchell about you.”
“Oh,” she said blushing. Brooks scooted his chair over, allowing her to sit between him and Mitchell.
“I’ll go grab you some food,” said Mitchell. “Anything you don’t like?”
“No,” she said shaking her head. “It’s a curse. I love all food.”
“I wouldn’t say that’s a curse,” smiled Christoper. “I’m their father, by the way.”
“I can tell,” smiled Lennon looking around the room. “I can tell who’s related to whom. The resemblances are striking.” Everyone just gave a casual smile, nodding to her.
“Food here is exceptional. You’ll want to try a bit of everything if you can.” She nodded, then looked at the table full of people.
“I’m sorry, I’m having trouble concentrating this morning. Is there any word on where this man is? Sgt. Major Bora? Is he still in San Diego?” she asked.
“That’s unclear,” said Ham. “He’s not on base any longer and his identification has been flagged for the MP’s if he tries to get on base. He’s not that stupid. He knows that several people are now aware of what he’s done, or doing, and he’ll find a way to disappear.”
“Disappear? Where? How?” asked Lennon. “He killed all those people. I heard that young man, the one they shot. He said he killed soldiers, other Marines and civilians and cartel in Bolivia.”
“We know, Lennon,” said Gator. “I need for you to give us your trust, and time, to figure this out. We know, and the Navy and Corps know about Bora. But it’s not quite that simple to just arrest him. We need to know why and how he got down to Bolivia and who he is connected with. Plus, we believe he killed your editor as well.”
