Samurai Game

CHAPTER 15

Sam kept his eyes closed, afraid if he opened them, he would know everything had been a drug induced illusion. His hand reached out and beside him, the bed was empty. His heart skipped a beat and his mind rejected the idea that making love with Azami had all been a dream. For a moment, he was the young boy in the darkened doorway, terrified of moving, of breathing even, because the world would come crashing down.

He inhaled, and her fragrance still lingered in the room mixed with their combined scents. He’d made love to her three times, waking her again and again and still, it wasn’t enough to sate him. He wanted her again with every bit as much intensity and passion as he had the first time. There was no doubt in his mind, he would always feel that way about her.

Be real, baby, he murmured in his mind, reaching for her. Needing her to be real.

Silly man. I’m fixing your coffee.

He let his breath out slowly and opened his eyes. You’re a goddess.

Her soft laughter warmed him, and he lay there a moment just savoring the feeling of being cared for-of love and laughter.

Morning light poured through the window, glowing through a light mist. Outside, tree branches swayed gently, the leaves rustling to add to the music of the running water. The rays of the sun streamed through the tree branches, golden spotlights playing over the rippling stream. The fine layer of mist added a feeling of being cocooned in his own world. He picked up the pillow beside him and took Azami’s scent deep into his lungs before stroking a caress over the pillowcase as he replaced it neatly beside his own. Throwing off the covers, he stretched lazily before padding barefoot and naked to the window to look out into the forest.

A small herd of deer moved along the trail leading to the stream. Dipping their muzzles, some drank while others served as guards. His world. He’d never really seen and appreciated it before. The forest and outdoors had always brought him a semblance of peace, but having Azami in his life had changed his perspective on things. He found himself smiling for no reason at all as he turned back to pad across the room to the bathroom.

When he emerged from his shower, a towel riding low on his hips, she was there, looking so beautiful he couldn’t breathe for a moment. She carried a mug of fresh coffee. The aroma blended with her scent, a welcoming start to any morning. He found himself smiling like an idiot as he took the mug and bent to kiss her.

“You look beautiful this morning.”

Her hair was back up in that twisty thing she liked, each ornate pin in place, with those few artful long strands hanging down around her neck and shoulders making her look sexier than ever to him. He wanted to remove those pins slowly all over again. She wore her silken robe, and clearly nothing else beneath it, but she smelled like heaven, so she’d had her bath. Even her hair had a fresh, citrus fragrance he couldn’t quite place but he found alluring. His free hand curled around the nape of her neck. She looked serene, demure even, yet her eyes, when she looked at him, held liquid heat, bumping his pulse rate up.

“How can you look so innocent after last night?”

She gave him her mysterious smile. “A woman must have her secrets, Sammy.” Her smile widened and she walked on bare feet over to the neatly folded clothing on top of the dresser.

Sam took a slow sip of coffee, watching her intently. She moved like water, a flowing, fluid motion so effortless she seemed not to displace the air around her. He had a difficult time detecting any surge of energy whatsoever around her. She was at such harmony with her surroundings, she blended in, rather than stood out.

The silk slid from her shoulders inch by inch, slowly revealing the rising phoenix, the long intriguing tail feathers, so lacy, curling along the curve of her buttocks. He nearly choked on his coffee, and his body reacted instantly to the sight of her naked body.

“I’m going to have a hell of a hard-on all day, thanks to you,” he accused.

She turned her head, a graceful movement, her long lashes fluttering as she observed him with her dark eyes. “I am glad, Sam. I want you to think of me throughout the day. That will please me, knowing you are looking forward to our bath tonight.”

His cock jerked hard at the memory of the way she’d cared for him. He groaned. “You’re killing me, honey.”

She took a scrap of lace in her hands and slowly pulled it up over her legs, lace shaping her buttocks lovingly while a single lacy strap disappeared between her rounded cheeks. Sam groaned again and stepped close to grasp one firm cheek in the palm of his hand. She smiled at him and moved her bottom more snugly into his hand. Both her hands went to the back of her head, lacing her fingers together, and her lashes lowered, her lips parting slightly.

Sam closed his eyes for a moment, praying for strength. Hot blood rushed to his groin and the memory of the taste of her filled his mouth. She was naturally sensual, every movement as precise and flowing as when she was in battle or pouring tea. His body had gone so hard he was afraid to take a step, afraid he might shatter. He swallowed hard and dropped the towel from around his hips, one hand closing around his aching erection briefly before reaching around her with both hands to cup the slight weight of her breasts.

He bent his head to her inviting neck, kissing his way down to her shoulder while his fingers plucked and teased at her nipples. Her small body shifted back against him, her skin rubbing along his like a cat.

I am picturing you at my feet right about now, with that pretty mouth of yours filled with my cock.

Really? Her head went back against his chest. Her arm came up around his neck to draw his head down to her lips. She kissed him, drawing his tongue into her mouth until he was groaning at the simulation of what he wanted. You had only to say so. It will be my pleasure.

The joy in her voice, in her mind, made his body all the hotter. He hadn’t known until that moment that his enjoyment was off the map because of her enjoyment. That was the reason his body responded to her the way it did. Crazy hard. Hot and pounding with urgent need. So close to loss of control. Mind-blowing.

Azami turned in his arms, her breasts brushing enticingly against his chest. She pressed a kiss over his heart and then on various scars along his ribs and down to his belly. His breath caught in his throat as her hands cupped his balls, rolling and squeezing gently before sliding up to circle the girth of his cock. His breath left his lungs in a rush.

She took her time, just the way she did everything. Careful. Fully engaged. Complete concentration. And so damned loving he felt he’d died and gone to heaven. Her soft lips brushed over the sensitive velvet head, small kisses, her tongue swirling around to catch the pearl droplets. He put his hand on her shoulder, and she went to her knees in front of him, her gaze locking with his. The sight of her sent his heart pounding and his hips rocking. She was the most beautiful woman-the most beautiful sight he’d ever seen.

One hand slipped between his legs, massaging along his inner thigh, her fingers moving progressively higher as her mouth slid over the head of his cock. Hot. Wet. Tight. Her tongue danced over and under, hitting that sweet spot that sent a shudder of pleasure down his spine. Fire raced through his veins and raged in his groin, roaring like a firestorm in his belly. Her mouth tightened around him and her fingers found that spot right behind his balls, caressing and massaging while her mouth worked over him.

This moment was for him-all for him; he could see it in her eyes. The giving. The gift of her body to him. The selfless act of passion. The joy in her vibrated through her mouth straight to his hard flesh. The small hand at the base of his cock began to squeeze and release in time to the pull of her mouth and the massaging of her fingers. The suction was hard and tight, and then slow and easy, shallow and then deep with that clever little tongue teasing at the one spot that kept his body shuddering with pleasure.

Sam couldn’t take his eyes from her even as his hips began to take over the rhythm, his cock on fire in that silken, wet tunnel. Take a breath. Because he needed this now. He couldn’t stop the small thrust that took him deeper and damn it all, he’d been proud of being long and thick, but he was pushing her to the limit and he couldn’t stop the need building in him-raging in him. Another. He pushed deeper each time, holding there for just a moment while she squeezed and massaged his cock, while the fire burned out of control in his cock.

She gave herself up to him, coughing a little, but following his command each time he told her to take a breath. The heat built and built, the pressure never ending, never letting up. He could feel the fiery storm in his balls, and those clever fingers never stopped massaging, pressing deeper just as she took him deeper, her mouth so tight, so silky, he couldn’t stop the hard thrust of his body as she took him over the edge.

Her long lashes fluttered as her throat worked, but she was valiant and determined, her mouth loving him as he poured into her. He stayed for as long as possible in pure ecstasy before slowly softening while her tongue washed him the way her hands had done, with meticulous care and total commitment.

Sam’s knees threatened to give out. He stood on shaky legs waiting for his brain to work again. Azami stood up gracefully, a small pleased smile on her face as she leaned over him, her hands cupping him gently so she could place a kiss on the head of his cock.

“Thank you, Sammy. I love pleasing you.”

Before he could find his voice, she padded barefoot into the bathroom, and he could hear her rinsing out her mouth with the unhurried, fluid movements he had come to expect from her. He stood in the middle of the bedroom, breathing deep, shocked that his life had changed in the blink of an eye, shocked that a woman such as Azami could possibly give herself to him the way she did-so completely.

She reentered the room, looking just as innocent and demure as she had earlier, as if she hadn’t just taken him to heaven. She reached for the small lacy bra that matched her underwear. “The garrote is such a thin wire it doesn’t show up on airport security. And if it did, it simply appears to be an underwire. It’s very comfortable, so much so, I forget it’s there most of the time.”

The moment she began to talk weapons in that sweet, soft voice, heat curled in the pit of his stomach. He sank down onto the bed to prevent himself from making a total fool of himself and falling at her feet. “Nice. I have mine sewn into the seams of my jeans.”

She nodded. “I do that as well.” She drew a pair of soft, straight-legged black trousers up her slender legs. The material was deceiving, stretching, easily moving with her body. She added a red silk blouse and picked up an intricate belt. She smiled and handed it to him.

Sam took the belt into his palm, lifting it carefully to weigh it. The belt was made of several strands of woven rope. The weave was artwork, decorative and attractive. The belt buckle was small to fit her size, a flat silver, sturdy, with what appeared to be a sunburst carved into it. “Very lightweight.”

“And handy. The rope can hold up to a thousand pounds and yet is easily shot from a crossbow to be used as an anchor to reach another building. The belt buckle is actually a throwing star, or, in a pinch, a grappling hook, reinforced titanium.”

“Very handy. That’s my woman, the walking arsenal.”

She laughed softly. “That’s not the half of it.” The belt went around her narrow waist and she bent to pull on socks.

“Are those made of explosives?”

Her dark eyes regarded him soberly. “I thought of that, but no, too difficult to get to.” She straightened and took a ring from the nightstand, slipping it on her finger. The ruby stone was small, yet it sparkled when she moved her hand. “A tiny amount of powder that can render temporary blindness.”

Sam shook his head and caught up his clothes. She really was a walking arsenal and, God help him, all the sexier for it. He watched her reach for her ruby earrings. They dangled delicately from her ears, twin fiery stones at her lobe and several rounded pearls on the end of five braided chains. He raised his eyebrow. No way did he believe the simple jewelry was just that.

She sent him another smile. She touched the white balls at the end of the chains. “These are not real pearls, just shells to house the ammunition for my blow gun. It gives me ten extra needles in a fight.”

“I’m getting another hard-on just thinking about you with all those weapons.” His hand snaked out, fingers settling around her wrist. He tugged until she was between his legs. “How am I going to get through the day knowing you’re so damned sexy, woman?”

Her eyes, heavy-lidded, drifted over his face and down his body, clearly marking him as her territory. “The same way I will. I look forward to our evening together.”

“I know there’s no public displays of affection,” Sam said as he buttoned his jeans, “but if it gets too bad, don’t be surprised if I drag you into a closet and tug those trousers down.”

Her eyes jumped to his face. “You are a very brave man, Sammy.”

“You have no idea what I’m willing to sacrifice if it means more sex with you.”

Laughter danced in her eyes as she secured a necklace around her neck. A single pendant hung from the slender chain. “I will look forward to an adventure in the closet,” she said with a demure sweep of her lashes.

“That has to be a knife of some kind.” The pendant was short, no more than an inch and a half, shaped like a very slender heart. “Is it made of ceramic?”

“Every lady needs one.”

He stepped close to examine each piece of jewelry. The craftsmanship was amazing, the details simplistic but appealing. He raised his eyebrow. “You?”

“My father was renowned and I learned from him.” She pushed a bracelet made of thin spirals of twisted hemp onto her wrist. The bracelet was quite unique but attractive. She held up her arm. “For my bow or crossbow. I can assemble one in under a minute.” She reached for a second bracelet, which she pushed close to the first, a wrap of strands of beads.

Sam didn’t have to be told that was a weapon, he’d seen warrior beads before, but hers looked ornate, very beautiful with carved beads. No one would ever suspect that the bracelet was lethal.

Azami added a slim, beautifully crafted watch to her left wrist. He raised his eyebrows.

She laughed. “A lady has to have some secrets.”

On top of everything, she looked beautiful in her red silk blouse and black suit trousers. He could see how she could move fast and easily dressed as she was. The blouse was loose-fitting enough that she could have a few knives placed strategically if she was going into battle.

She reached for her shoes. Boots, he corrected himself. Stylish. Low heels with fancy grills going up the front of the pair. He studied the eyelets made of strong metal-titanium? Definitely more than boots, but he had no idea what-only that in Azami’s hands, they would be lethal.

Azami swung around as a soft vibration accompanied the flash of a strobe light throughout the room. Sam, who had looked lazy and content, leapt off the bed and dragged on clothes fast. She didn’t ask questions but hurried into her jacket, shoving knives into the specially made sheaths. Jamming a gun down into one boot, she added a knife to the second.

Sam shoved the floor rug aside and yanked open a trapdoor in the floor. “Move it, Azami, now.” He stepped back to allow her to precede him.

Azami didn’t hesitate. She went down the stairs fast, using the rail to slide into the basement, Sam right behind her. She waited in the darkness. She could see, another “gift” from Whitney’s enhancements, probably the cat DNA. The basement looked like any man’s basement: tools, pegboards, and workbenches. She remained absolutely still-waiting.

Sam went to the side wall closest to them and ran his palm over what appeared to be a light switch. She would bet it actually turned on a light too. A door built into the wall swung open without a sound. Small trace lights ran along a tunnel. This time Sam went in first. Azami followed him in silence. She flexed her fingers and ran a checklist over her body, ensuring every muscle was stretched and limber, ready for anything.

Sam halted in a small alcove, once again using his palm and then his eye on a retinal scan to open another door. Azami’s breath caught in her throat.

“Sexy,” she commented, peering around him. “I’m impressed.”

“We’ve got them scattered through the tunnels. You’ll have to be programmed in to open them. We have maps in our heads to all the various weapons caches,” he said as he shoved guns and ammunition into belts and harnesses as well as his boot. “Need anything?”

“Another gun. My crossbow’s in my room. I have a mini, but it’s not terribly effective at great distances.”

She saw his eyes flick to her face, assessing her capability with a gun. She grinned at him, sheer audacity. His features relaxed and he gestured toward the armory.

Azami had already spotted the small automatic she was most familiar with. It fit in her hands easily. She had small hands, and often a weapon just didn’t sit right in her palm, but she liked the little automatic. She caught up the belt and ammunition and stepped back, indicating she was ready to go. She didn’t like taking an unproven weapon into combat, so she would rely mainly on her speed and up-close fighting if there was need, but the weapon might come in handy.

The moment Sam closed the doors, they began to jog through the tunnel, heading, Azami could tell, straight back to the main compound.

My brothers?

They’ll be in the tunnels with Daniel and Lily. No one will take chances with them, Sam assured.

I’m not worried about them. They are samurai. They’ll be an asset to you. They fight with great skill and can handle multiple weapons.

Azami was unconcerned for their safety as he seemed to think she would be. She knew both Daiki and Eiji would protect Daniel and Lily if anything went wrong. Sam didn’t know them as she did. She’d trained with them and had no doubts about their skills. They weren’t afraid to die any more than she was, but the world would lose two incredible and intelligent human beings if they were killed.

What are we facing?

I have no idea. The signal is just for preparation. Someone is approaching the compound. We don’t take chances, and it’s good practice to stay alert. Most of the time, it’s some lost hiker or a group of hunters, but we’ve had a couple of suspicious vehicles that turn around the moment they realize they’re under surveillance.

She loved that Sam believed so much in her. They’d made love over and over. She could feel his love and support surrounding her, yet he still saw her as she was: a woman who would never go into the tunnels and wait to be told it was all clear. He understood-without her having to explain-that she would have his back no matter what.

Tunnels run completely underground from our compound to Team Two’s compound and between each of the houses. Each section of tunnel every twenty feet has an activation switch and we can blow precise direction blasts.

She noted every turn they made and where each overhead opening to escape was. There were no ladders, but she could feel the difference in the air and just make out a black painted hand grip above her head. There was a way to the surface in five places that she’d counted. She didn’t yet know how to use them, but she was grateful they were there. Tunnels could be used to a great advantage, but they could also be terrible traps.

Are those grips trapdoors to the surface?

Yes. You have to jump to them. You catch the grip, invert, plant your feet on either side of the trapdoor, and using the rings to brace your body, heave upward.

So only someone with enhanced strength can open the doors?

He glanced over his shoulder at her, obviously assessing her size and strength. That’s it. And they have to know they’re there. He didn’t break stride, jogging at a fast pace down the long tunnel toward the main compound.

I can do it. Remember, I have cat DNA in me, she assured.

I was fairly certain you wouldn’t have trouble. There was approval, even pride, in his voice. This branch takes you to Jack and Ken Norton’s compound. It’s farther up the mountain, so you’re running uphill. It’s quite a distance, but if you ever need to get there without being seen, this is your best way. The ground and trees above us keep anyone from finding the tunnels from the sky. You can move freely down here. The passageway may come in handy if we have a houseful of kids.

The laughter in his voice warmed her. Sam Johnson was no throwaway, and if General Ranier had agreed to trade his life because Whitney needed a diamond, the general was going to die very fast.

Sam stopped abruptly, so fast she actually bumped into him. His head snapped around and he gripped her upper arms with bruising strength. “You won’t touch the general. Not for any reason.” He actually gave her a little shake.

A shiver went through her at the tone of his voice. She didn’t struggle against his hold but looked up at him steadily. “I would protect you with my life, even from yourself, Sam. If this man is betraying you…”

“That man is the only father I’ve known.”

“Whitney is the only father Lily has ever known,” she pointed out, refusing to flinch or hedge the truth. “I hope your father is everything you believe him to be, but, Sam, there have been little indications over the course of our investigation that’ve pointed toward him working with Whitney.”

“You investigated the general? Do you have any idea who he really is? What he’s given to this country?” Sam demanded.

“Sam, that really isn’t the point, is it?” She kept very calm on the outside, but inside, for the first time, she was aware she had a great deal to lose. “You know I’m after Whitney and I’m attempting to cut his ties to legitimacy-especially the military. What would you want done if you find he’s betraying not only you but your entire team?”

“You’re telling me that if Daiki or Eiji was betraying you, you’d want me to kill them?”

“I would hope you would want to spare me that great sorrow,” she admitted.

Sam opened his mouth to speak, but closed it, slowly letting go of her arms, as if he was only just aware he was gripping her tightly. “I don’t want to think he’s capable of betraying the men in his command,” he admitted reluctantly. “I shouldn’t be taking out my anger on you. I do believe in him, but once in a while, some little thing will cause me to doubt him and then I get angry at myself. It isn’t you, Azami.”

She put her arms around him and held him for a brief moment. “I know that.”

He dropped a kiss on top of her head. “We’ve got to hustle.”

“Then go, I’m right behind you.” Relief was overwhelming. Their first argument and he hadn’t told her to get out of his life.

She was still that white-haired child expecting to be thrown away. Her father had always told her that her past would haunt her and she’d have to fight it. The past shaped the future. How many times had he said that to her? She hoped it didn’t shame him that she still needed reassurance she was worth something.

She sprinted behind Sam, moving faster now, mapping the tunnel automatically should she ever need to use it. The ground sloped downward, but gently, so that it was easy enough to run. The curving walls were thick and made of concrete and steel. Lily had spared no expense in the building of escape routes.

The tunnel came out at the main house, where the team had already gathered, all armed and spreading out to defend their homes.

“Helicopter approaching,” Ryland said as they entered. He didn’t even blink twice when he saw Azami armed.

“I’ll get my bow,” she said and ran for her room.

“It appears to be General Ranier, although he didn’t schedule a visit with us and always has in the past,” Ryland said, looking at Sam.

Sam shook his head. “He hasn’t contacted me.”

Azami rushed back to her room, noting the halls were empty and Lily and Daniel were gone. All computers were shut down and the building was eerily quiet in spite of the fact that ten men were ready for combat. She snatched up her bow and arrows, shouldering them along with her crossbow, and raced back to the war room.

Sam was already gone, guarding some part of the compound. “What can I do? I’m telepathic, so you can convey your orders to me as well without a radio,” she told Ryland.

“You’re a respected guest in this house.”

“I’m a GhostWalker,” she said. “And Sam’s woman. Let me help. I’m better outside than in.” For the first time she actually felt as if she did belong and she was ready to fight for that right.

“Take the east side of the roof. I’ll let the others know you’ll be there.”

Azami didn’t wait to see if he changed his mind, she sprinted for the roof. She simply poured herself into Sam’s mind and she could hear Ryland giving orders and relaying the fact that she would be defending the property with them.

Helicopter landed.

That was the one they called Nico.

General Ranier and the pilot only. No one else in sight. He’s come in without even his aide. No gunners. He’s alone, Rye.

Kadan, escort him in. Nico, keep an eye on the pilot.

Azami made her way to the roof in spite of the fact that everything looked as if it was all right. She wanted to see the layout of the compound and how much cover was available. Clearly even the roof had been built with combat in mind. There were numerous places for a soldier to stay in cover yet defend the roof and grounds around him. She could see the helicopter on the helicopter pad several yards from the main grounds. Kadan was running beside the man she’d only seen in pictures. General Ranier. She really hoped he was as good a man as Sam believed.

All clear. Assemble in the war room. Nico, keep your eye on the pilot.

The command came several minutes after the general disappeared into the house. Azami wasn’t certain if she was included in the command, but she made her way to the war room. If they threw her out, she’d find another way to listen in. Daiki had planted a tiny camera and transmitter when they’d first been shown around the building. The cameras enabled her to move around without fear of getting hurt when she teleported. She didn’t need them for most of the rooms, she had the coordinates in her mind now, but they hadn’t yet retrieved their equipment, although two of the cameras had been found by the GhostWalkers.

She entered the room in the samurai way, quietly but with absolute confidence. The general glanced up, frowned, and turned to Ryland.

“This is Azami Yoshiie. She’s a GhostWalker, sir,” Ryland said. “She’s one of us.”

“And engaged to me,” Sam added. “We’re going to marry as soon as it can be arranged.”

The general looked as if Sam had hit him with a two-by-four. “What the hell are you talking about? We’re in a big enough mess without you losing your mind, boy.”

“I’m a man, sir,” Sam corrected. “I grew up a long time ago. Azami and I want to get married soon. I thought you should know. She’ll be an asset to us. She’s a skilled fighter.”

“She owns one of the biggest satellite companies in the world,” Ranier corrected. “She’s corporate, not one of us.” He sounded brusque, bordering on rude.

Azami continued to watch him, her demeanor demure and serene. It mattered little to her what he said about her, only what he had come to do here. His visit was obviously unusual. The men, although they knew him and had settled into seats around the table, were still very much on alert, ready for anything.

“Sir, what brings you out to our compound?” Ryland asked.

The general glared at Sam for a few more minutes before he sighed. “It’s classified. You know I can’t discuss it in front of a civilian.”

Sam opened his mouth to protest, but Azami inclined her head and left the room immediately. There was no point in arguing. She put on a burst of speed and made it back to her room, quickly turning on the small video screen to watch what transpired.

The general pulled a sheaf of papers from his jacket. “This is why I came.” His voice was grim as he tossed the papers down in front of Ryland.

Ryland picked them up slowly, scanned them quickly, and passed them to Kadan. “I pick my own team on any mission, General. You know that.”

Azami was surprised Ryland could keep suspicion from his voice. Her heart sank for Sam. The orders had come down to go to the Congo, she was certain of it, and from what Ryland had just said, the general had specified Sam go, just as she’d predicted. Her heart might ache for Sam, but her determination to protect him didn’t falter.

“Exactly.” The general roared the word. “Why do you think I’m here? I tried to follow this order up the chain, but suddenly, no one is talking. I can see taking a team into the Congo and destroying vehicles and artillery as well as taking out the present leader, that idiot who calls himself General Armine, and the one fighting him for the rebel force, Eudes Ekabela’s brother, Ezekial. Both have got to go if the president in that country is ever going to stabilize it.”

“They want both men taken out?” Ryland asked.

The general nodded. “They want this genocide stopped there, and the ragtag army of rebels just seems to smash and run. They’re good at disappearing. They’re keeping the UN from delivering food to the people who need it most, although, if you ask me, the rebels also are holding the diamond mines hostage and the president wants them back, which is probably more of a motivating factor for him asking for help.”

“And the bit about retrieval?” Ryland asked.

“Ekabela has a package he’s protecting-a large diamond. He claims he would hand it over if Armine is assassinated, giving him control of the rebels. He negotiated a time and place where you’ll meet him and retrieve the package. They want Sam to meet with him.”

Ryland let out his breath in a long hiss of disapproval. “Sam is the sniper who killed his brother, Eudes.”

The general nodded. “He shouldn’t know that. Shouldn’t have that information, but why specifically Sam, if he doesn’t know?”

“That’s a good question, sir,” Ryland said. “Nico does most of the sniper missions for us. It doesn’t make any sense that anyone would specifically ask for Sam.”

The general took another piece of paper from his inside pocket and pushed it across the table to Ryland. “That’s the name of the man I believe generated these orders. I was stonewalled everywhere I asked, but this man has been in my office, and both times, after he left, when we did the sweep for bugs, we found them. I know this sounds crazy, but I met him twice at charity events Whitney held. I think he’s an old crony of Whitney’s and they’re still in touch. I don’t know what these orders mean, but I know we’re expected to carry them out.”

Azami could see Ryland frowning over the name, but he didn’t say it aloud. There were several people she suspected of aiding Whitney and she had them under surveillance.

“Who is he?” Ryland asked.

“He works for the CIA and operates out of Kinshasa. He’s in tight with the president there, so it makes sense that the order would come from him, but I couldn’t get confirmation, which doesn’t make sense. No one keeps me out of the loop. Something doesn’t smell right, Rye.” He took a breath and avoided eye contact with Sam. “I want you to keep Sam here. I’ll take the responsibility for overruling the order.”

Relief flooded Azami. The general could have tried throwing suspicion onto someone else if he was still friends with Whitney, but he, for certain, loved his foster son.

“Sir,” Sam began.

Ryland shot him a warning glance. “That isn’t necessary, sir. Sam was wounded in the battle with the men trying to grab the Yoshiie family. He’s in no shape to go on a mission.”

The general sat back in his seat, both hands flat on the table. “You didn’t think this was information I would have wanted to know?”

“I’ve been concerned that your office may be…” Ryland hesitated. “Compromised,” he settled for. “Certainly someone is watching you. We didn’t want it known that Sam was injured. Had he not responded to surgery, we would certainly have sent for you.”

“Azami saved his life, sir,” Kadan added.

“The next time my boy receives so much as a scratch, you send for me,” the general hissed.

Azami found herself smiling. He couldn’t fake that. He was genuinely angry.

“So what are we going to do about this, Rye?” General Ranier asked.

“We follow orders, sir. We go to the Congo,” Ryland said.

“It’s a damned ambush,” Ranier declared. “There’s no doubt in my mind. Take a look at Ken Norton and see what those rebels do to prisoners.”

“I guess the trick will be not to get caught,” Ryland said.

The general looked as if he might argue for a moment, but instead, he turned his glare to Sam, his bushy eyebrows drawn together in a frown. “So what’s this nonsense about marriage?”

Sam grinned at his foster father, his face brightening. “I’m going to marry her fast, before she has time to think about how crazy it is to marry a soldier, sir.”

“You don’t even know the girl.”

“I know her better than most men know the woman they’ve been with for twenty years.”

Azami knew it was true. He’d been in her mind, saw her character, just as she’d seen his. It wasn’t always comfortable because as they became closer, sharing minds more, they slipped in and out without the other knowing. But, once they’d shared minds, it was impossible not to be lonely without him.

The general made a noise. “Do you have any idea how wealthy that woman is? You’re a soldier.”

Sam just smiled at him.

The general pushed himself away from the table. “I can see I’m not going to do any good trying to stop you. In any case, you need to bring her around to see your mother.” His voice was very gruff. “And you’re not to move from this compound while your team is in the Congo.” He turned to Ryland. “I want you to take your team and follow this directive to the letter. Take that rebel band down. Remove their leaders, pick up the package, take away their vehicles and their guns, and bring back every single one of your men. That’s a direct order from me. Are we understood?”

“Yes, sir,” Ryland agreed, saluting.