He wondered if Blake had a gun trained on Mara or if he’d set up something more elaborate, something that would mimic Maki’s death.
Fear shuddered through him. He acknowledged it, then shoved it away, thankful for his training.
Seth stepped forward, just to the edge of the trees. He faced the shadow and moved his hands up and wide, showing he wasn’t armed. “I’m here, Blake. Do you want to talk about Caden? He was a great kid.”
Blake’s primal scream of anger and triumph would alert the others to their location and to approach with caution. No one consumed with that much rage was easy to predict.
Seth kept his senses trained on the shadow. Blake was searching for him, waiting for him to jump out. Not until he had a better handle on the situation. Not until he knew what he needed to do to keep Mara safe.
“It’s your fault Caden died.”
That hit Seth in the gut because his guilt told him the same thing. “I wish I could have made a different call, but Caden would have kicked my ass if I had. Your brother was determined to carry out our orders at all costs. Those insurgents were killing women and kids. Forcing villagers to leave their families behind to work in their drug factories. Wiping out crops to ensure they had no choice.”
“Caden died.”
“I know. I wish it hadn’t happened that way.”
“It should have been you.”
Deep breath. “Maybe. Caden was a hell of a man and an excellent soldier. Best scout I’ve ever worked with.”
“He shouldn’t have died.”
“You’re right. He was too young, too good. He shouldn’t have died.”
“Now it’s your turn.”
Seth took a few slow steps, easing out from the shadows, hoping to keep Blake’s attention on him instead of whatever he planned for Mara.
He eased a few feet closer. “Caden talked about you a lot. He was so proud of his big brother. Proud of how you handled a difficult medical diagnosis, and found a new dream to follow.”
“You don’t get to talk about him. It’s your fault.”
Maybe, but Seth kept talking. “He told us about your mechanic shop, and how good you are at fixing things.”
“Stop it.”
Not a chance in hell. Every second gave his team a chance to get in place. To help save Mara.
“Caden’s call sign was Maki. He liked it because he figured you might have had the same one. He liked anything that connected to you.”
“You don’t know shit.”
“Caden must have been a fun kid growing up. He was quick-witted and always able to keep the mood light when we weren’t out on missions. During those missions, Maki was focused and capable. He was our scout, I’m betting he told you that. He was so damn proud of his skills, skills you helped teach him.”
“You shouldn’t have let him die. It should have been you.”
Maybe. Damn it, maybe. “Maki had a huge impact on our team. The other guys wear a patch with his name on it. Well, his call sign. Maki. I know he’d like that.”
Silence greeted his comment. Good, maybe he was reaching Blake.
He was about to speak again when Mara’s voice broke the night. Seth’s knees actually wobbled. She was alive.
“I’m glad to meet you, Blake. I’ve heard a lot about your brother. Did you know he called the other guys on the team Gramps? He liked to bug them about being older than he was. He must have been special to have been recruited to one of the elite teams.”
“You don’t know shit. You didn’t know him. He’s dead.”
Mara’s voice trembled when she spoke again. “It’s awful, and I’m sorry for your loss. My brother was in the military for a few tours, and I know what it’s like to wait at home. To be afraid for them, to wish them all the best. Waiting for the next phone call or email telling you everything is okay.”
