Page 119 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

“In case you’re wondering, I know every last detail surrounding Doug’s death,” Sutton continued, stroking his short beard, which was more pepper than salt.

An uncomfortable silence froze over the group. The only reason the five former SEALs were alive was because Doug had chosen to die so they could escape the ambush.

Sutton looked around the room, his intense gaze meeting every eye. “I don’t hold any of you responsible. It was a tragic accident.” His voice quivered so slightly that Corbin wondered if he’d only imagined it. “The one consolation is knowing Doug died serving his country and fellow SEALs.”

Corbin remembered Doug mentioning that Sutton was a Commodore in the Royal Navy. He would have a personalappreciation and respect for service to country and fellow comrades.

“Doug was a cut above the rest, the embodiment of excellence,” Zane said.

“Yes, he was. He never gave up on any of us.”Even when we gave up on ourselves, Corbin added mentally. It wasn’t until he saw the surprised looks that he realized he’d spoken out loud. He and Zane locked gazes and in his former commander’s eyes, he caught a glimpse of mutual understanding. At least that was one point on which he and Zane could agree. Doug was the best, the glue that held the team together.

“I’m assembling a special ops group of retired Navy SEALs. Our intent will be to help those whose problems fall outside the realm of traditional law enforcement. People who are backed in a corner with nowhere else to go for help.”

Zane grunted. “I think I speak for most of the guys here that under the circumstance …” he cleared his throat cutting his eyes at Corbin “… we don’t feel comfortable putting our lives in the hands of someone who’s so unpredictable.”

Heat burned over Corbin as his eyes narrowed. He was about to go on the rampage again, then saw the mixture of resentment and pity in Zane’s eyes. It hit him in that moment, had he been in Zane’s shoes, he’d probably say the same thing.

Sutton held up a hand. “Group is a loose term. You’ll work as independent contractors and will be paid per assignment. Additionally, each of you will receive a souped-up, black SUV with bulletproof windows. I have other security personnel that you can have access to, should you need their assistance. Other retired SEALs will be brought in as time goes on.”

Still smarting from the insults, Corbin’s mind raced in circles like a hamster in a ball. No clear destination in sight, but he had to keep running all the same. It wasn’t until Sutton got to the substantial sums of money they’d earn that he felt a quiver ofexcitement. This could be the start of a new career. The chance to do something useful. Also, it would be nice to earn some real money. Maybe get a new bike … take a trip somewhere warm. He was tired of the Colorado snow and sick of pinching pennies.

“How will you determine which assignments we’re given?” Zane asked. “Will it be done on an ‘as needed’ basis?”

“Good question. The jobs will be assigned according to your skill set.” Sutton punched the table with his finger. “You have my word that I’ll make sure you have every available resource you need to be successful.” He motioned. “And while it doesn’t look like it, this mansion is a veritable fortress ... a hub, from which we’ll conduct our business.”

Corbin’s eyes popped slightly thinking about the holding cell where he’d been detained. It had been solid as a tomb. There was no telling how many secret tunnels and areas ran through the mansion.

Sutton’s voice grew intense, his penetrating blue eyes scoping the room. “Gentlemen, in a small way, we’ll be paying homage to Doug, helping right some of the many wrongs in this tragic world.” He squared his jaw, straightening to his full height. “Let’s do this. The Warrior Project. Not only for Doug, but also for God and Country.”

Corbin’s chest burned with a new determination. He’d come into this room floundering, no real direction in his life. But now he had something he could sink his teeth into. An unexpected feeling of hope kindled in his chest. This could be a way to get the one thing he craved most … redemption. “The Warrior Project. For Doug, God and Country,” he repeated softly.

Chapter Five

When the fight broke out between Delaney’s bodyguard and that annoying guy, Delaney feared Sutton might order her to leave. Thankfully, that didn’t happen. After the guy was hauled away by security guards, things settled back down. Delaney cooled her heels for three more hours, waiting for the party to wind down, before Agatha found her and announced that Sutton would see her in his study.

Delaney had been a nervous wreck, not sure what to expect, but the meeting with Sutton Smith went much better than she expected. All in all, it was anticlimactic. She’d been prepared to plead her case, trying to figure out the best way to convey how truly cutthroat Hugh Allen was. As it turned out, anything she could’ve said would’ve been a waste of breath because Sutton already knew. He’d done his research on the Allens, probably knew more about their nefarious business dealings than she did. Rumors had been floating around Noble for years. Some had Hugh being an arms dealer to terrorist groups. Others said Hugh was the head of a private militia. Whatever Hugh was involved in, it wasn’t good. People who crossed him disappeared. Delaney’s philosophy had always been the less she knew the better.

After about ten minutes into the conversation, Delaney realized that as far as Sutton was concerned taking her on as a client was a done deal. She got the feeling he’d already made the decision even before she came here tonight. They discussed the particulars, starting with Sutton’s fee, which was nominal considering the circumstance. Sutton told her he was assigning one of his top guys to provide around-the-clock protection, a retired Navy SEAL.

Considering how easily Tuck had breezed past her bodyguard, Delaney was leery of putting her fate in the hands of one individual. But Sutton assured her that the guy was well-trained, and could be as vicious as Hugh if the situation warranted.

“As cliché as it sounds, the only way to fight fire is with fire,” Sutton said in a British accent. “Rest assured that your bodyguard has access to a team of people and additional resources if need be.” He gave her a piercing look. “It’s not looking good for your ex-husband. The doctors don’t expect him to live past a few more days.”

Her heart lurched as she nodded, tears springing to her eyes. “I know,” she said quietly.

“You’re in good hands,” Sutton assured her.

A feeling of gratitude washed over Delaney. She was so appreciative of Milo who’d put her in touch with Sutton. For the first time since the ordeal with Tuck, she felt like she might have a fighting chance for survival.

Sutton stood, telling her to wait while he went to get her bodyguard. When he got to the door, he turned. “Oh, one more thing,” he said casually.

She tensed slightly. “Yes?”

“In order for this to work, I need you to have complete trust in me and your bodyguard. You have to listen to his instructions, trust that he’ll do everything in his power to keep you safe.”

“Okay.” Odd advice. Why would she do any different? She was hiring Sutton and this guy to keep her safe.

“Hang tight. I’ll return shortly.”

---