Page 47 of Cade

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“Awaale Awad is the extremist in charge of the rebels in Mogadishu,” said CC. “Currently, we have Marines outside Mogadishu on a peace-keeping mission, but we all know that can turn to shit in a hurry.”

“Are our boys there?” asked Luke. CC looked at Ivan and Eagle.

“Yes. All five are there with their units. It’s highly unusual, but the triplets take after their father and uncle. They’re the best MARSOC snipers since you all were there. William and Benji are both considered the best strategists in the division. They’re all in different units, but somehow fates converged and fucked this up.”

“How do we get to them?” asked Ivan.

“You don’t, Ivan,” said Luke. “I know they’re your sons, but we’ll make sure we get a message to them. We won’t leave them unaware, and, in fact, we hope they’ll be able to help us.”

“I don’t like this, Luke,” said Eagle. “I know you’re in charge, but those are my sons and Ivan’s sons sitting over there.”

“I know, brother, I know.” He looked at Cam and Eric, both men staring at their friend. Luke looked at Ivan and Eagle. “If you come, you need to make sure that you understand we run this mission. You and Eagle, I know you’ll want to be part of it, but Somalia is no place for us to lose a man. There’s bad blood there.”

“I’m aware of the dangers, Luke. We both are,” said Ivan. “But I’m damn sure not gonna just sit here. I know I’m a good bit older than all of you, but I train with you, and I can keep up. You don’t have to worry about that.”

“Brother, we’re not worried about that. We’re worried about the emotions and losing focus.”

“I’m a professional, Luke. So is Eagle. We won’t lose our focus.” Cam nodded at Luke, Eric agreeing as well.

“Alright. Let’s get the team together. I have a feeling it’s going to take all of us to get the fuck out of there.” The doors opened, and in walked the rest of the team from Washington. Cade smiled at everyone, their somber faces immediately making him feel uneasy.

“What the hell happened?”

It took Cam and Luke another forty-five minutes to explain everything to the incoming team. Ivan was so happy to see Cassidy, he could barely think about Mogadishu. Barely. But he did.

“I’m glad you’re back, Cass,” he said, kissing his daughter.

“I know, Dad, me too. I’m sorry for putting you guys through this. You and Mom didn’t deserve it. I’m okay now. Really, I am.” Ivan smiled at her, nodding. Sophia grinned at her daughter.

“Are you in love with him?” she asked her daughter. Cass blushed but nodded, smiling at her parents.

“I know he’s a bit older, but I suppose it’s nearly the same age difference as everyone else here. It doesn’t matter if I’m happy, does it?”

“No,” smiled Sophia. “All I’ve ever wanted was for my girls to grow up and be happy and healthy, and you are, Cass. You are a survivor. A fighter, and you won. You won the ultimate prize. Happiness.”

“Mom,” she cried, hugging Sophia. “Thank you. I love you both so much.”

“We love you, honey,” said Ivan.

“Dad, promise me that you won’t get hurt. Come back and make sure that Benji and William are okay.”

“I promise,” he smiled. “You do know that I was once a young badass as well, right?”

“I know, Dad, but you’re my dad now. Not a badass.”

“I can be both,” he frowned, feigning disappointment. She laughed, kissing her father’s cheek and moving back to stand by Cade. He smiled at Ivan and Sophia, shaking the older man’s hand.

“I promised to bring her home, sir.”

“You did indeed,” smiled Ivan. “Good to know you’re a man of your word.”

“When this is done, sir, I’d like your permission to marry Cass.” Cassidy looked up at Cade, smiling. She knew this was where they were headed; it wasn’t really a surprise. It was just a surprise to hear him speak of it so formally.

“You have our permission, Cade,” smiled Sophia. “You’re a good man, and I hope that you’ll feel part of our family. We’d love to have your father down when it’s time. He could stay with us.”

“Yes, ma’am,” he smiled. “I’ll definitely let him know.” Cade spotted Bodhi standing near the glass, staring at his phone. He was texting someone and then looked up to find a face. Seeing Code, he moved toward the other man and spoke for a few minutes.

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