Colorado Connection (Colorado Heart Book 6) (11 page)

Chapter Twelve

Matthew caught his flight the next morning and was met by Colonel Walsh at the airport. He figured he was in some sort of trouble as he headed back to base under the Colonel’s supervision. They pulled him into a room with a table and four chairs. He was left alone for long enough to have to take a piss. He tried the door but found it locked.

After another ten minutes, the door opened. He hopped up and saluted, waiting to be given an at ease. Walsh took a seat but didn’t look up for nearly a minute. When he did, his eyes were narrowed and his mouth had an angry slant to it.

“At ease. Take a seat,” Walsh said.

Matthew shook his head. “I have to use the restroom.”

Walsh blinked at him and blew out air through his nose, making his nostrils flare. “Fine. You have one minute.”

He was escorted to the bathroom by a second lieutenant who didn’t look like he enjoyed being downgraded to bathroom police. The man was probably Walsh’s lackey and had to follow whatever orders Walsh gave him. It must have hurt his pride to have to do this task, but it was obvious they weren’t going to allow him to wander around freely.

Matthew finished quickly and washed his hands, wondering just how angry Walsh was. He sure as hell didn’t think he would be in trouble for following orders, but it was the military, and who knew what they would take offense at.

Once he'd returned to the room with Walsh, he took the seat offered and waited for Walsh to say something. Walsh studied the papers in front of him, but Matthew wasn’t going to play this game. He had lost almost everything when Jazz had been injured, and now it was like Walsh wanted to punish him for helping someone. Everything had changed so much since the blast that had taken Slider and Bounder and left Jazz injured. The military had lost its luster, and he was too angry to play games.

After a few more minutes, Walsh looked up and frowned. He imagined Walsh was trying to intimidate him into talking, but what Walsh didn’t realize was Matthew was an empty shell of who he’d been before and didn’t care what they did to him. Without Jazz in his life, nothing mattered.

“On October twelfth, you were caught fighting with your staff sergeant but weren’t disciplined. What special connection did you use to get out of being disciplined for an obvious action of disorder?” Walsh closed the folder in front of him before leaning back in his chair and crossing his arms over his chest, his gaze drilling into Matthew.

The memories of that day still haunted him. He’d been angry because Jazz had disappeared from his life. The pain and anguish of losing his friends had twisted him so tight he hadn’t been able to keep it together. He’d exploded, punching the nearest guy who had tried to help him. No one wanted to punish him because he’d calmed down quickly, and they’d all been angry about what had happened.

“There wasn’t anyone who intervened in the situation. We’d all just lost men and everyone was angry. I’d thrown a punch because one of my best friends had just been killed. We worked it out between ourselves.”

“Who was the man you escorted to Colorado?” Walsh asked.

“I didn’t get his name.” Matthew was tired of the games, tired of the shit he had to put up with.

“I don’t believe you. Tell me his name and you can go back to your unit. If you keep the information from me, you’ll be given a less-than-honorable discharge.”

Matthew shook his head then met Walsh’s gaze. “I’ve served my country well, lost friends who shouldn’t have been lost. I’ve done enough to get that honorable discharge. So no, I’m not letting you cheat me out of what is mine. The man who I accompanied to Colorado didn’t mention his name. I have less than six months left on my time in the Marines, and there isn’t anything you can do to me. You can threaten me with whatever you like, but I’m not going to take it.” Matthew stood and was surprised when Walsh didn’t jump up, too. “Am I dismissed?” He lifted a brow and stayed still for a long moment. When Walsh didn’t respond, he turned and left the room.

His heart hammered and his head spun, but he didn’t stop walking until he was out of the building and on his way across the field, hidden by another building. Once he felt clear of Walsh’s view, he bent at his waist and placed his hands on his knees, drawing in a deep breath, unsure if he would actually be allowed to leave the base. He wasn’t stationed here and had no idea how he would get back to his base, which was over an hour away. He guessed he’d have to find someone going that way or call a friend to pick him up.

It took him a few hours to find a ride home, but when he arrived at his barracks, he found a note ordering him to go to his CO’s office. Anger and fear mixed together as he made his way across base. He couldn’t imagine this going well. Whoever the guy he’d helped was, he hoped it was really worth the pain he was experiencing.

Matthew knocked on the door and waited. After a long moment, his CO, Harris, opened the door and let him step in. The look on Harris’s face had him worried. Hell, maybe he
would
end up in trouble for following orders.

“Take a seat, Miller.”

He nodded and moved to sit in the chair on the opposite side of Harris’s desk. He’d never been in enough trouble to be called into his CO’s office like this. Sitting across from Harris, knowing he was about to get his ass chewed, was uncomfortable.

“I don’t know what you did on your last mission and I don’t really care. What I do know is you have been relieved of duty. You have received an honorable discharge effective immediately.”

“What?” Matthew sat up, almost coming to standing as he tried to comprehend what was going on.

“You only have six months left on your time, and this comes from the top. I don’t know who you know, or what happened, but you need to pack up tonight. You’ll be leaving in the morning.”

“The military doesn’t move this fast. What’s going on?” Matthew asked.

“Corporal Miller, I have no idea but I can’t fight this. You’re a good man, and if it was a dishonorable discharge, I would help you, but these orders come from someone so far above my pay grade that I have no say.”

“Okay.” Matthew stood and moved to leave then turned back to Harris and saluted. “It has been an honor to serve with you, sir.”

“And with you. I don’t know what happened but I’m sure you’ll do well in life.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Confusion filled Matthew as he made his way from Harris’s office to his room. He started gathering his things, which wasn’t much, and stuffed them into his pack. Since coming back from serving overseas, he’d not accumulated too much stuff. He was fully packed before midnight. The next morning, he woke, grabbed his bag, and headed to his CO’s office. He found his papers, signed on the line, and was dismissed. It was very anticlimactic, and as he drove away from the base, he realized he had no idea where he was going to go.

Heading to Texas would be best. He could call Lafferty and find out where he was, but being released from service so unceremoniously had him feeling off. At least he got an honorable discharge. He could lie, say it was at the end of his time in, but it felt wrong to tell a half-truth. Texas held his family, but that wasn’t who he wanted. He wanted Jazz. How the hell could he find the man if Jazz didn’t want to be found?

Matthew drove to Walmart where he parked and sat in his car, trying to decide if he wanted to head into New Bern or out to Atlantic Beach. Just as he was about to start his car, his phone rang. He stared at the screen for a few seconds before answering. The call was from a blocked number and he contemplated not even answering.

“Hello?”

“Matthew, I would like to discuss a few opportunities.”

The voice sounded familiar and he sucked in a quick breath. “Why?”

“I saw you’ve been discharged of service.”

Matthew pulled the phone away from his ear and stared at it for a few seconds before moving the device close to his face so he could talk. “How?”

“You saw how easily we got what we wanted. Do you think we don’t have access to information?”

“Why should I trust you? For all I know, you’re going to ask me to meet with you then kill me because I know too much.”

There was a chuckle on the other end of the line. “But you don’t know anything, not really.”

He sighed and rested his head against the seatback, closing his eyes and rubbing his face. “I don’t know what’s going on. We went in on a mission, I found your friend, and then suddenly I’m out of the Marines. I wasn’t happy, because of what happened with Jazz, but I wasn’t ready to leave, yet.”

“I’ve been studying your file. I think you would be a good fit.”

Matthew squeezed his eyes closed. “I want Jazz.”

“Jordan Bergeron is a harder sell. He’s been injured and he’s been doing some digging.”

“He’s smart,” Matthew replied.

“He is, but…” The sound of keyboard clicking came through.

“You’re looking him up right now, aren’t you?” Matthew wasn’t stupid and knew there was something up with these guys, he just wasn’t sure what.

“Jordan is a very smart man and he’s interesting.”

“What does that mean?” Matthew asked.

“It means I want you to do some training. Head up to Virginia. Someone will contact you. You’ll go through some classes, and we’ll make an assessment. Once we both feel good about the situation, we can discuss Jordan.”

“Why should I go along with your request?”

“I know where Jordan is living. He’s fine, alone, but fine.”

Matthew’s breath caught in his throat. “Where is he?”

“Go through the training, figure out if you want to be with us. Once you're done, I’ll give you Jordan’s address.”

“Why not now?” He didn’t want to wait. He needed to go to Jazz and talk to him before he did something stupid like find someone new.

“Listen, Matthew, he’s still hurting and angry. If you go to him now, without a plan, he’s not going to take you back.”

“You don’t know that.” He was grasping at straws. He didn’t know what Jazz would or wouldn’t do.

“Head to Virginia. Once you're there, you’ll be contacted, and then we can figure out if you want to be a part of our organization. It’s going to be tough, and you’ll have to work hard, but it will be worth it. I promise, even if you decide not to join us, I’ll still put you in contact with Jordan.”

Matthew stared out the window at the highway in front of the Walmart, watching cars zip by on their way to the beach or on their way home. “Why?”

“We need the right mix of people. People who think justice is important. You could have told Walsh everything you know about us, but you didn’t.”

“How do you know what I told Walsh?” Matthew shivered as he looked out the windows of his car, staring around the parking lot. Were these guys here and were they watching him?

“Like I said, we have access. Also, if you had told him about us, we would have found out. Go to Virginia, do the training. You can say no at any point, but I think once you figure out what type of organization we are, you won’t want to leave.”

“One question first.” Matthew was fairly sure no one was in the parking lot watching him so he’d relaxed a bit.

“Shoot.”

“What is your name?”

“Good question, and once you’re done with training, I’ll tell you. You’ll receive a call this evening. Answer. Do as you’re instructed. We’ll have another chat in a few weeks. And Matthew, Jordan really is doing okay. If you decide not to join us, I’ll make sure you have all the information you need to find him.”

The call disconnected, and he pulled the phone away from his head, staring at it for a long moment. He’d have Jordan’s contact information. That was more important than anything else. Humoring the man on the phone and going to Virginia seemed like a rather benign request if it got him the number and address for Jazz. How hard could the training be? He was a Marine, and he would go through almost anything if it meant he could be with Jazz again.

Chapter Thirteen

That morning, Zander had woken up in the hospital and learned he was clear to go home. Doctor Barlow wanted to see him again for blood tests in two weeks and was told to come in if anything happened in the meantime. He was sitting in the kitchen, sipping a cup of tea as Marshal put together a sandwich for him. Tucker, Ryan, and Davis had landed in Colorado Springs and were on their way home. The last time he’d seen Ryan and Tucker was just before he’d been drug off and held captive. Anger, fear, and apprehension twisted through him. What would they say to each other?

Marshal placed the full plate in front of Zander. There wasn’t any way he’d be able to eat it all and he was about to say something to Marshal when his lover slid into the seat beside him and picked up half the sandwich. He smiled and nodded before picking up the other half, taking a bite. It tasted good, and the soft bread wasn’t too hard to chew.

He’d eaten a little at the hospital and had been told to stick to soft foods. The sandwich was easy to chew and swallow, but he had to take very small bites. He picked up a potato chip and crunched down on it, shivering at the extreme salty taste. The chip started to dissolve on his tongue and he chewed up the last bit before swallowing.

“Are you having any issues eating?” Marshal asked.

He shook his head. “I’m fine.”

“If you need soup, I can get some going.”

Marshal looked so cute and loving. Zander couldn’t stop himself from reaching out and grabbing onto his hand. “Thank you. I’m fine. I’m actually enjoying eating something solid.”

Marshal picked up a chip and nodded. “Okay, as long as—”

The rumble of the truck outside caught his attention, and Marshal must have heard it, too, because he glanced up before his gaze shot back to Zander. His stomach twisted and he didn’t think he could eat another bite. Drawing in a full breath became near impossible as panic filled him.

Marshal placed his hand on Zander’s back and drew him close. His fingers were shaking and heat filled him. Marshal helped him stand and kept him close as the door opened. Ryan and Davis stepped through just as Grant entered the room. Tucker had his head down as he entered the house. Slowly Tucker lifted his chin and when his gaze met Zander’s he shivered. Tears filled Tucker’s eyes as he moved past Ryan and Davis, stopping right in front of Zander.

“I am so sorry. If I’d known you were alive… God, I’m so sorry.”

Zander didn’t move for a long moment as Tucker stared at him, his eyes begging for forgiveness. Eventually, Zander reached out and pulled Tucker into a hug. He wanted the full story, but he knew Tucker hadn’t left him behind on purpose.

“I need to use the bathroom but then I want to sit down and tell you everything.” Tucker stepped back, and Ryan took his place.

“I will never forgive myself. I’m so sorry,” Ryan said.

He didn’t know Ryan very well, and if Ryan weren’t a member of the team, Zander would probably throw a punch.

“I want to know what happened.” Zander leaned back and Ryan’s arms dropped to his sides.

“Anything, I’ll do anything for you,” Ryan said.

Zander nodded and then glanced to Tucker. “Go, use the restroom. I need to do the same, too, and then we can sit in the den and talk.”

“Zander, I’m glad you’re here. I’ve been so torn up about what happened,” Tucker said.

He nodded, barely keeping his tears in check as he left the kitchen. The pressure in his head grew with each step. Marshal followed him into the bathroom and didn’t leave, even when Zander shot him an angry glance. After he'd finished and zipped up, Marshal pulled him into a hug, kissing the top of his head.

“I’m still in shock. Please, take it easy today. If it’s too much hearing from Tucker and Ryan, tell me and we’ll take a break. I’m here and never leaving your side. You ready?”

He sighed and hugged Marshal. As long as he had his man, everything would be okay. First, he needed to know what the guys had to say. He worried that he’d be too angry to listen, but not knowing was worse.

“I’m ready, and Marsh?”

“Yes, babe?”

“Thank you for standing by me. I need you.”

Marshal pulled him into a crushing hug. At first, he wanted to pull back but he relented and melted against his man. The gripping fear would probably never leave him, but he might be able to survive with Marshal by his side.

*~*~*

Marshal sat beside Zander, holding his hand as Tucker and Ryan spoke. Zander didn’t say anything but stiffened a few times during the talk as he learned about what had happened. After about two hours of Ryan then Tucker speaking, then Ryan adding more and Tucker adding even more information, they both sat silently, waiting for Zander to say something. Marshal wondered what Zander would respond with. From what he’d heard and what he knew, both Tucker and Ryan had gone to great lengths to search for Zander.

The seconds turned into minutes and the silence continued. Had this all been too much for Zander? Marshal was about to stand when Zander squeezed his hand and looked up, his gaze going from Tucker to Ryan.

“I can’t hold a grudge. I hate what happened, and I don’t know when I’ll be able to talk about this again, but I’m going to need to discuss everything a few more times.”

Tucker leaned in, placing his hands on Zander’s knees. “I’m here, you need to talk, don’t hesitate.”

Zander gave a quick nod before leaving the room. He moved stiffly as Marshal followed him to the bedroom they shared. His lover stretched out on the bed, allowing Marshal to hold him. It took a while for Zander to fall asleep, and even once he was out his muscles jerked and he tossed and turned. It would take Zander a long while to recover, if he even could, and that made Marshal incredibly sad.