Page 31 of Aussie
A new surge of anger rushed through Aussie. He could barely wrap his mind around it. Those who were supposed to lead and protect were allegedly the ones exploiting these kids. The thought made his blood boil.
Derek took a measured breath, his voice cooling. “Every year, the city hosts a big holiday fundraiser. The FBI has an agent who’ll attend to cozy up to some of the people they’re tracking. But she’ll need a date, a cover to blend in.”
Aussie’s entire body tensed. He realized what Derek was asking of him, and immediately, Ava’s face came to mind. He shifted in his chair, glancing away. The thought of posing as someone else’s date for a night didn’t sit well with him, not when Ava was in the picture—even if things between them hadn’t quite found solid ground yet.
But Derek seemed to sense his hesitation. “It’s just pretend, Aussie. She only needs a cover, and you won’t have to stick by her side all night. If it could help us get these gang members off the streets, it’s worth it. And before you ask, Snow and Jay Bird already had plans.”
Aussie nodded slowly, his fists unclenching. Derek knew about his interest in Ava. Silence hung in the air. Aussie could feel the weight of it pressing down on his conscience. He knew the stakes, knew the kids who’d be caught in the crossfire if they didn’t step up.
“All right,” he said finally, his voice even. “I’ll do it.”
Derek’s shoulders seemed to relax. “Thank you, Aussie. As soon as I get all the details, I’ll forward them to you.”
As Aussie left the office, a knot of guilt settled in his chest. He knew this was just like one of the team’s missions. However, the thought of posing as someone’s date, even though it was just a cover, felt like a betrayal. Even if he knew Ava might understand, it didn’t sit right. Not in the least.
Just as he was about to head back toward the showers, he felt his phone buzz in his pocket.Now what?He thought to himself as he pulled it out and looked at it. It was a nine-one-one message from Nails.
Nails:Dude, I need your help ASAP.
Aussie:Where are you?
Nails:Bear’s house. I offered to babysit, but I’m in way over my head.
Aussie pinched the bridge of his nose.
Aussie:Can’t you call one of the others to help?
Nails:Nobody else will answer me. Please???? I’m desperate, man.
Ugh!He just wanted to get a shower, go home, and chill for the night. And, of course, call Ava and talk to her. However, knowing that there were kids involved, Aussie couldn’t say no.
Aussie:Fine. Give me twenty.
Nails:Fifteen
Aussie:Is someone dying?
Nails:I might be dead if you don’t hurry your ass up
Aussie shook his head, wondering what in the hell Nails had gotten himself into.
???
Thirty minutes later, Aussie parked his truck in front of Bear and Jocelyn’s house, already grinning as he imagined the scene inside. However, Aussie knew that if Nails had actually asked for backup, it had to be serious.
He walked up the porch steps and swung open the front door, but an eye-watering stench immediately hit him. The unmistakable smell of shit hung heavy in the air. It was so potent he almost gagged. Aussie held his nose, wanting nothing more than to run back out the door, but instead, he muttered, “What the hell…?”
Moments later, Nails emerged from the hallway, holding baby Isadora at arm’s length like she was a ticking time bomb. She was wrapped in a couple of towels, and the expression on Nails’ face was somewhere between horror and helplessness.
Nails groaned, looking utterly defeated. “Did you know a human this small could expel this much crap?”
Aussie burst out laughing. The sight of the towering SEAL looking absolutely terrified of a baby was too much. He doubled over, clutching his stomach as Nails shot him an exasperated look.
“This isn’t funny, Aussie,” Nails grumbled, shifting Isadora as if she might explode again. “I thought babysitting was just keeping them alive. They don’t train us for this!”
Aussie wiped tears from his eyes, unable to contain his laughter. “Oh, Nails, I didn’t know you had such a sensitive stomach. You really didn’t think this through, did you?”
Amira and Max stood nearby, pinching their noses and looking horrified, while Sienna, Irish and Bailey’s daughter, chimed in. “It’s like a monster took over her diaper!”
