Page 36 of Zero
“You’re best friend with Nitro—theNitro?”
I nodded while trying to find a parking spot. “We’ve been friends since we were kids.”
“So cool. I’m such a huge fan.”
“Well, you get to meet her soon.” I promised Jasmine. “She’s on her way back.”
We walked from the car and across the lot. To wait for Dude, we entered the outer bit where we could enjoy the A/C without causing a security breach. Jasmine and I looked at the picture again then began watching for the man on the screen to exit with the hordes of people coming out to greet loved ones.
“Dat him?” Jasmine asked.
I glanced down at the picture then over to the man who was tall, regal with dark hair. He wore a simple pair of black jeans, combat boots and a plain black t-shirt. I had a feeling no matter what Dude was wearing, he’d still look like every woman’s wet dream.
“He’s sexy.” Jasmine whispered to me.
I smacked her arm, but we both took a moment to giggle then pulled ourselves together before approaching him.
“Dude?” I asked.
He smiled. “You must be Hoshi and Jasmine.”
I blushed. “It’s actually Bailey. Bailey Smith? Rei has taken it on himself to call me Hoshi.” I shook his hand.
A smirk stole his lips. “He’s already given you a nickname, I see. He moves fast.”
“Is that supposed to mean something?” I was genuinely confused.
He merely winked at me.
“Um—this is Jasmine Caine.” I cleared my throat and rubbed the back of my neck. “She’s one of Rei’s recruits.”
The two shook hands. With the introductions out of the way, I led them to the car and with Jasmine in the back, Dude filled the passenger seat.
Soon, we were speeding back toward Ocho Rios and toward where Rei was staying.
“Your name isn’t really Dude, is it?” Jasmine asked in English. It seemed she was switching back and forth between the languages depending on who she was speaking with.
“No. It’s Faulkner—Faulkner Cooper.” He explained. “Dude is just my callsign.”
“Oh, thank god.” Jasmine laughed.
I chuckled. “All you guys have a callsign?”
“Pretty much.” Dude replied. “I’m sure you’ve spoken to Tex. Well, our commander is Wolf. Then there’s Benny, Mozart, Cookie—”
“Wait, you named one of your SEALs Cookie?” I asked.
Dude laughed softly. “Oh yeah. Each name means something—it was earned. Nothing to be ashamed of.”
We chatted about light things all the way back. While we tried getting Dude to rest up, he merely showered and delved into work.
Rei called to check in and after the call, Dude made a call to Tex.
By the time Rei arrived at the home with Patrick and Eton we were all pretty tired but after eating, while working, they packed up as if they were going to war.
“How did you get all those through customs?” I asked, eyeing the weapons laid out on the table.
“Do you really want to know?” Dude asked.
