Lethal Echo by Cara Carnes

9

“Ifound another one!” Luke darted across the parking lot of Bubba’s and grabbed the bright blue balloon tied to the shrub.

Ram couldn’t help but grin. So far, they’d found six big balloons with Luke’s name written on them spread throughout Resino and the surrounding area. He wasn’t sure who’d initiated this little treasure hunt, but it’d made the boy’s day.

Luke carefully removed the note and the small box from the balloon’s string and handed both over to Bree, who placed them in her backpack, where the others were tucked away.

“I didn’t realize you carried a backpack,” Ram commented.

“I started doing it after we met Kamren. She inspired me. You never know when you might need something.” Bree glanced up at him. “Are you okay?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing.” He put an arm around her waist. “Anything from Zoey or the others?”

She shook her head. “We’ll worry about that later. We’re having fun right now.”

And they were. The scents wafting from Bubba’s made Ram’s stomach rumble. He chuckled. “Let’s go get our grub on. I’m starving.”

“Me, too,” Grams said. “That’ll give us time to open those packages and help Luke solve this mystery.”

They entered the popular eatery. As always, it was filled with patrons. Despite the addition Bubba had made to the side of the building, there was rarely open seating available. Ram suspected the man couldn’t add on enough to keep up with the demand for his barbecue, especially since he now offered Ellie’s desserts.

“Oh, my,” Grams said. Her gaze swept the filled area. “I didn’t realize it would be this busy. There’s not even an open table.”

There was, though. There always was. The table to the far back nearest the back hallway wasn’t ever used by anyone other than a Mason. Ram’s gaze landed on the table.

Riley waved from her spot at the otherwise empty table. “It looks like we have a reservation.” Grams didn’t need to know about the table’s infamous reserved status. Bubba wouldn’t allow anyone to sit at it because he said the Masons deserved a sitting spot whenever they came in. Ram suspected there was more to it than that, but it wasn’t his story to know.

“Oh, good. You can finally meet my baby. She’s been so busy with her investigative business these days,” Momma Mason said.

The two women made their way toward the table. Luke and Hillary followed. Bree and Ram hung back with her brother.

Lars paused, but glanced their direction. “I’m thinking there’s something going on I don’t know about. Bree keeps looking at her phone, and you’re hovering.”

“It’s nothing,” Bree whispered.

“Sis.”

“Bro.”

Ram sighed. While he understood Bree’s desire to keep her family protected from some of the harsher realities of her job, they deserved a few answers. “Sorry, Bree, but he should know. There’s a guy hanging around the compound, former British Intelligence. He and your sister have history, not a good one. He’s helping us with a mission we’re working on, but he’s doing a few shady things.”

“Breaking into my cottage isn’t shady. It’s creepy.”

“What the hell?” Lars glowered at his sister. “What are we doing running around town? Who’s handling the asshole?”

“We’re giving him the rope to hang himself,” Ram said. “Bree’s friends are handling him. He’s under constant surveillance. We’ll know what’s happening when they know more. Until then, we eat barbecue and figure out today’s mystery.”

“Who do we have to thank for that?” Lars grinned. “Gotta admit, I haven’t seen my boy this excited in a long time.”

“I’m betting we’re about to find out.” Ram motioned toward the table. “Let’s get seated. I’d offer to order the grub, but Bubba always brings it straight to us when we come in.”

“That’s because, as far as he’s concerned, we’re family since we’re at the Mason ranch,” Bree said. “He and Momma Mason kind of have a thing going, but they haven’t admitted it yet.”

“Sounds familiar.” Lars winked at Ram. “While you were off doing whatever you two do, at least twenty guys approached and told me you were one of the best men at the compound. Then they shared reasons why. Gotta admit it makes me feel better knowing someone as solid as you is friends with my sister.”

“She’s surrounded by far better than me.”

“No. I’m not. You’re just as good as them.” Wait. What was she even arguing? “And stop with the hints that’s there’s something more. We’re just friends.”

“We’re gonna be more than that,” Ram whispered in her ear. “I’m okay with going slow, sweetheart, but you know we both want more.”

She nodded. While she wasn’t about to admit that aloud in the middle of Bubba’s, she couldn’t deny the attraction, the desire to be more than Ram’s friend. Tonight. Tonight would be the perfect backdrop for a heart-to-heart about what they both wanted.

She followed her brother to the table, a well-worn surface with bench seating along both sides. Patrons nodded at them as they sat. They may not know who they were, but they’d gained instant respect because they were allowed to sit at the coveted Mason table.

Bubba arrived at the table with a kid chair for Hillary. He introduced himself to Grams, then Lars. His gaze swept to Ram. “You come in with the other two. Never seen you without them. I’ll have to do plates to go ’cause I bet they’ll have words if they find out you came without them.”

He chuckled. “I appreciate it.”

“Anytime. I’ve gotta keep the Triple Threat fed. You boys have done a lot of good out there.”

“He knows who you are.” Luke breathed the words as he leaned toward Ram. “How does he know?”

Ram leaned closer to the boy. “Because he’s one of us. Family.”

“Wow.” Luke looked up at Bubba with wide eyes. “I’m a superhero-in-training. I’ll be like them all one day.”

“If you’re like them, you’ll pave your own way,” Bubba said. He ran his hand on the boy’s head. “Those men and women are who they are because they’re brave enough to do what’s right. They don’t shy away from who they are.”

Luke’s face scrunched. “So, I have to find my own superpower.”

“That’s right,” Bree said. “And you will. It’ll come to you one day.”

“When did yours come, Aunt Bree?”

Good question. Ram sat beside her. She dipped a straw into the large tea Bubba deposited in front of her. “I wasn’t much older than you. Your dad and I still lived with Grams back then, so did your grandparents. There was a terrible storm.”

“That’s an understatement,” Lars said. “The winds almost took the cabin out.”

Bree nodded. She wiped her hands on her jeans—jeans that molded against her gorgeous body perfectly. Ram loved her curves.

“What happened?” Luke asked.

“We lost power,” Grams said. “For weeks. All of our food went bad. It was cold, too. So cold.”

Fuck. Ram ran a hand down Bree’s back. “That’s when you decided to make sure no one was without power.”

Bree nodded. “That’s where it started. Sitting in the darkness, holding Lars’ hand. I vowed to never cry in the dark again. There’d always be light on the mountain. We’d always have a cold place to put our food.”

“Baby,” Grams whispered. She reached across the table and touched Bree’s cheek. “Is that really why? You never told me.”

Bree nodded. “Too many people live that life daily because there isn’t a way to get them power.”

“And now?” Lars asked.

“Now I donate generators powered with modified versions of my design to organizations that combat the problem around the world,” Bree said. She glanced up at Ram. “I don’t talk about it with anyone. Rhea knows, though. So do Mary and Vi. It’s not anything like we use with HERA.”

“You don’t need to justify anything with me, Bree. Never. You’re giving the world a gift, one most people would try and make money off of. But you don’t, I bet.”

She shook her head. “Not a cent. That’s part of the agreement. None of the organizations can charge for their work if they want my generators. A large one can power a small village. I should have a much larger one operational in a few months, once I have time to work on it some. Things have been a bit busy.”

He’d realized how brilliant she was, but the generosity astounded him. Corporations had made billions off what she was chatting about like she’d donated a case of water. She was powering remote villages and regions around the world.

If word got out she could do that…

But it had gotten out. That was the underlying threat to her because of Carlisle Industries. Her work had hit the radar, bigger than it had before. Mary and Vi had been powerless to stop it this time. Too many had been aware of Carlisle’s work.

Fuck. Bree wouldn’t ever be truly safe because this was only one of her many accomplishments. Ram doubted anyone other than her knew them all.

“That’s amazing, sweetheart,” he mumbled against her ear.

“Wow,” Riley said. “That is amazing. Now I feel like crap because I was going to try and finagle some of your time to help me with something.”

“I’m all yours. Hit me,” Bree said.

“You shouldn’t hit her,” Luke said, his eyes wide. “Dad gets mad when someone gets hit. He got really mad at Mom when she hit Grams.”

What the fuck? Ram glanced over at Lars.

“That’s a saying, Luke. She won’t hit your aunt.” He kissed the boy’s head as he glanced over at Bree.

“Why didn’t I know about that?” Bree asked, her gaze cutting over to Grams.

“We’ll talk about it later, dear.” Grams patted her hand.

Bubba appeared at the table with large plates of food. He gave the first to Momma Mason with a wink. “I’ve got fresh cobbler ready for your dessert.”

“You do spoil me.” The woman smiled.

Riley smirked as she watched. “Just for her, huh?”

“Oh, hush.” Bubba huffed a moment, then mumbled something about brats.

Ram couldn’t help but chuckle. Everyone dove into their food. He’d never had a bad meal here. The meat was always tender, and the sides were delicious. Home cooked heart on a massive plate.

“So what are you working on, Riley?” Bree asked.

The woman’s gaze cut to Luke and Hillary. “It’s not for little ears, but I need to get eyes into a house. Someone’s up to something bad, but I don’t have any proof. My gut’s screaming, so I’m listening. Jud and Kristof don’t see it, but they said to run with it.”

If Riley’s gut was anything like her brothers’, it was solid, which meant there was a problem. “How can we help?”

“You want some micro drones,” Bree said.

“I do. The house is small.” Riley’s voice lowered, barely audible within the crowded room. “The other building is a bit bigger.”

“How much bigger?” Ram asked.

“Church big.” Riley looked down at her plate. “Forget I said that.”

“Not happening,” Bree said. “Are you sharing with your brothers?”

“No. He’s no threat to me. I’m about twenty years too old.”

Damn. Ram tightened. He’d have a word with Doug and Pierce and see what they could do to help Riley out. Better yet, he’d have a chat with Jud.

“I need to check inventory. We’ve used quite a few and might need more for a mission we’re doing,” Bree said. “But I’ll get some for you by the morning. Will that work?”

“It can wait,” Riley said. Her expression turned grim. “I knew it was a longshot.”

Ram leaned closer to Bree. Their night out would have to wait. She looked over at him and chewed on her lower lip. “It can’t wait, can it?” Her voice was low, a hot breath against his throat.

“No,” he whispered back. “What’s it gonna take to get more made?”

“I should have all the supplies. I just need some time to get it done.”

“Then we’ll do that tonight. We can have dinner in the lab.” The decision felt right. While he’d love a night on the town with Bree, neither of them would enjoy it knowing there was critical work to be done.

Their life didn’t lend itself to downtime easily. They’d grab whatever moments they could together.

“Are you sure?”

“Positive,” Ram said. “Let Rhea know. She’ll help. So will the new girl. What’s her name again?”

“Nikki.” Bree glanced up. “She’s with Sol. I’m surprised you don’t know.”

“She just got here last week, and we’ve been busy. Gage kept us on missions to keep me from going to get you.” The admission hung in the air a moment.

“Oh my. That sounds interesting,” Grams commented.

“It’ll wait. Seriously, guys,” Riley said.

“We’re doing this,” Bree said. She held up her phone. “The Pentagon crew has been activated. I’ll put everyone to work, including you. We’ve got this.”

Riley’s phone chimed. She pulled it out. “I love the vagueness there. ‘Change of plans. Girls’ night. My lab. BYOBAS.’”

“BYOBAS?” Ram asked.

“Bring your own beverages and snacks,” Bree supplied. “Otherwise they clear out my hoard and I get unhappy.”

“And what is your hoard?” Ram asked, already knowing what would be there. He’d seen her munching on powdered sugar donuts and twinkies enough to know she had a sweet tooth.

“I’ll show you tonight. I might even share.”

He grinned.

By the time they finished their plates, everyone she’d included in the text had responded they’d be there. None asked why. Ram admired the friendship the women had. He pulled out his cell and sent a message to Doug and Pierce, telling them the plan. He included Spade, because he suspected the man needed a few friends in his corner right now.

“Can we open the boxes now, Dad? Please?” Luke’s pleading gaze would force anyone to say yes.

Bree chuckled as she opened her backpack and set the boxes on the table. “Let’s solve a mystery.”

* * *

Bree forced her brain to not work on the mystery Riley had thrown into the fire, but it refused to ignore the facts: she was worried, kids were involved, and so was someone affiliated with a church.

Not good.

“It’s a puzzle!” Luke exploded.

Momma Mason grinned as the boy leaned forward and started putting pieces together. The puzzle was bigger than Bree had expected, but he’d always been good with them—a fact she’d shared with someone. But who?

Hmm…

Kamren.

She’d mentioned puzzles to her when they’d been talking about TJ and DJ one day, back when most of the crew was in Russia. Had she done this?

Not alone.

Riley’s triumphant grin matched her mom’s.

There was definitely more than one cook baking this mystery. Bree mouthed a thank you to them both. They nodded their heads.

“It’s a map, Dad. Look! There’s a…” The boy scrunched his face. “What’s it called again?”

“A compass.” Lars pointed at it. “Remember the directions?”

“North. South. East. West.” The boy pointed at each one. “And I always go north until I find a safe spot to sit if I get lost. Staying in place is the smart plan if I’m not in danger.”

“That’s good,” Bree said. Lars was a great dad. He and Kamren were a lot alike in many ways.

Unlike Bree, who’d spent most of her formative years in boarding schools or dorm rooms, Lars had lived with Grams as much as he could. He’d always loved the wilderness, the rugged terrain, and the freedom it offered.

He hunted off the land and knew the mountain better than anyone, including Grams.

“That’s a picture of Bubba’s!” Luke shouted. “We’re here.”

“We are,” Lars said. “See this picture down here? I bet that’s where the treasure is.”

“Wow. Can we go? Please?”

“Of course! This is a mission,” Ram said. “Your first one.”

“Wow.” Luke breathed the word. His little body vibrated with eagerness, but he glanced over at Grams and Momma Mason, who were both eating cobbler and whispering to one another. “Okay. When everyone’s ready.”

Damn. Lars was a great dad.

Better than theirs had been.

“You’re thinking really hard.”

“Just realizing how great Lars is at the dad thing,” she said. “Do you want kids some day?”

“I always thought not, but seeing Jud with his little girl, Dylan with his. Then Dallas with the boys. Yeah, I want kids. I didn’t have a good upbringing with mine.”

“Because of that organization.”

“Yeah, and their decision to make it more important than me,” Ram admitted. “Nothing comes before those I love.”

“That’s good. Parental damage is strong in our crew. I guess that’s why we gravitate to what we do,” Bree said. “I mean, we do what we do to stop bad people and help those who need us. Maybe we’re all trying to right wrongs we were powerless to stop when we were young.”

“Maybe,” he said, his voice low and husky against her cheek. “Will you tell me about them someday? Your parents?”

She nodded. “They’re good people. Honestly. They did a lot for me. Gave up a lot.”

“But?”

“But they never let me forget it, and that’s a big burden to carry,” she whispered. She hadn’t intended to share, but it felt good to let it out. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

“I’m glad you did.” He touched her cheek as he peered into her eyes. “Thank you for trusting me. Parents don’t always make the right choices. All they can do is learn from the mistakes and move on. That’s what Momma Mason said one day when she was talking to Jud. His mom agreed. I think we struck gold with the crew we’re surrounded by. Any kids we have would be wrapped in love and supported by generations who know how to navigate parenthood.”

She swallowed. Kids we have. The words rattled around in her brain. Did he mean together? He smiled as if reading her thoughts.

“You’re cute when you’re flustered,” Ram said. “I can’t help but think about kids with you, because I can’t seem to stop thinking about all the ways we could make them.”

Holy wow. He hadn’t just said that. Her body heated as possibilities appeared in her mind. Damn her visual brain. She licked her lips and let her eyes meander down his muscular body, which was adorned in a snug T-shirt that fed her imagination. Would he be a playful lover, okay with lots of foreplay? She hoped so, because a foray between the sheets with him would be spectacular. She had zero doubts.

She shifted on the bench seat as arousal pooled between her legs. She tugged at her bra strap to make sure it was still there. Thank goodness she’d gone for a thicker bra that would hide her hardened nipples.

“You okay?” Ram grazed his fingertips along her cheek.

“You are evil.”

He grinned. “Not yet, but I look forward to exploring whatever you’re thinking about. Then we can be evil together.”

“What are you two whispering about?” Riley asked.

Bree pulled away from Ram and cleared her throat. “Nothing.”

Ram chuckled. “Oh, it’s something. Something I’m looking very forward to, when the time is right.”

His voice was low, the words meant only for her. Heat crawled up her cheeks. Yep, she was definitely looking forward to that exploration herself.

“Don’t worry, sweetheart. We’ll get there eventually, but I’m enjoying the slow chase too much to speed this up. You’re worth the wait.”

“You are, too,” she whispered. “Though, for the record, I’d be okay with cutting a few corners.”

Intensity resonated in his gaze. “You deserve the full experience. This isn’t just about physical attraction. I want you to trust me completely when we go there. You don’t yet, and that’s okay. We’ll find our way together. Until then, know I’ll always put you first. Whatever you need or desire, I’ll make it happen.”

She forced her attention away from the intense words he shared. Her gaze latched on to Lars, who watched them both from the other end of the table.

“I think it’s time to follow Luke’s map,” Riley said with a wink. “Who’s up for some treasure hunting?”