Hernandez - Blind Fury: Men of Steele Series, Book 1

For my husband.

Youre the reason I believe in love and happily ever after.

IN THE LAND OF DUST and sand, things got messy when it rained. Mick Furys boots made sucking sounds in the mud left behind by a morning shower as he strode along the graffiti-covered blast wall that ran the perimeter of Kandahar Airfield.

He kept pace with Rob Ryan, ignoring the kerosene scent of jet fuel assaulting his nose as they headed to meet up with their Claymore Security teammates. They were scheduled to train local police recruits in tactical shooting techniques today. A worthy exercise if the trainees stayed alive long enough to use their new skills. Unfortunately, cops in Afghanistan were one of the Talibans favorite targets.

Rob waggled a large rip-proof envelope addressed to his sister in Virginia. Let me drop this in the mail on our way.

They detoured to the makeshift post office. Did I forget Jennas birthday or something? Mick asked.

Have you ever remembered it? Rob ribbed him.

Actually, he had. Every year. November twenty-fifth.

No, Rob said when he didnt answer. Its just some notes and stuff that I dont have room for in my bag.

So youre really not coming back? A lead weight settled on Micks chest. He and Rob had been best friends and teammates for twelve years. Theyd had each others backs through boot camp, pararescue training, and now at Claymore. If Rob left in two weeks like he planned, then Mick would be left here with only his friend Dan Molina and a bunch of assholes, the kind who thrived in an industry where the rules of civilization didnt apply.

The brotherhood hed experienced in the Air Forceputting the members of the team above all elsehad been hard to find in the world of private security contracting. Any one of them could walk away at any time, and some of the guys were outright criminals whod never be allowed to carry a gun in the States.

Im really not coming back, Rob said, stuffing the envelope into a slot in the shipping containers that masqueraded as a post office. And you shouldnt either.

It was an old argument. The constant stress, the poor management, and the barren surroundings chafed like a tight shoe. But there was no substitute for the adrenaline rush. There was something about cheating death that made him feel alive like nothing else could.

What else can I do? Mick asked. Every time we go home, Im happy for about two weeks. And then it all starts to seem so pointless, so boring. And quiet. There was nothing worse than being left alone with his thoughts. At least here in this hellhole he knew without a doubt that he was good for something.

Rob shoved his hands in his front pockets and rubbed a heel in the mud while they waited for the others to show up. You think I dont feel the same way? But every time I leave, the look in Jennas eyes nearly rips my heart out. I cant do that to her anymore.

Mick knew that look. Had memorized it long ago, along with everything else about the one woman who was off limits to himand not just because Rob had threatened to permanently end his sex life if he tried anything.

He couldnt toy with the heart of a woman whod suffered so much already. Jenna was the kind of girl you married and took home to Mom. Not Micks usual type. She was smart and sweet, hardly a seductress. But somehow he couldnt get her pale, almost-gray eyes and schoolgirl freckles out of his head.

What will you do? he asked Rob, bringing himself back to the ugly reality of Afghanistan. I cant see you settling down to a desk job and a white picket fence.

Rob laughed, but the humor didnt reach his eyes. Screw that. I was talking to Dan, and he knows a guy whos a flight medic for one of those MedEvac helicopters. They also do search and rescue missions. Ill have to go to school first, but itll be worth it. It will be like being in the PJs again, but without anyone shooting at you.

Then wheres the thrill? Mick asked, not entirely joking. He plastered on his trademark carefree smile and tapped his rifle. He never should have left pararescue, but the money hed been offered to join Claymore had been impossible to resist.

His friend shook his head. Just think about it, okay?

Sure. Hed think about it. In fact, he already thought about it almost daily. Jesus, why couldnt he be normal? When he was here, he wanted to go homedrive his new Camaro, flirt with girls, party with his friends; and when he was back in Virginia he could hardly stand it. The tedium and pettiness of Stateside life was suffocating. At least things made sense here.

His job was to survive. Simple as that.

Hey. Rob grabbed Micks arm as a large armored vehicle rumbled past, leaving deep grooves in the mud. Promise me one thing. He looked way too serious for Micks taste. Even more serious than usual.

Whats that?

If something happens to me, youll leave Claymore and take care of Jenna.

Oh, hell no. They were not going to have this conversation. Not right before going outside the wire. He bounced his eyebrows at Rob and forced a smile. Take care of her, huh?

Yeah, and that includes protecting her from guys like you. Rob ran a hand through his close-cropped hair. Come on, man. I mean it. Ill feel better knowing that she wouldnt be left alone.

Weve been here for two years. Why are you asking me this now? Mick wrinkled his nose as the wind shifted, bringing with it the pungent odor of the sewage treatment plantaka The Poo Pond. Did something happen?

Rob glanced around and shook his head with feigned indifference that didnt fool Mick for a second. No, Im just being, you know, superstitious now that Ive given my notice. If I dont leave any loose ends, then nothing will happen.

He was full of crap, but Mick let it go. Dude, you dont even have to ask. Shes the closest thing I have to a sister of my own. Except for the very un-brotherly thoughts he had about her. But youre the one whos going to be there for her, so it doesnt matter. Youre going to go home, find a job, get a dog, and meet a girl. In another year, I wont recognize you. Youll probably even own a minivan. Mick pulled a face, like he couldnt imagine a worse fate.

Robs shoulders visibly relaxed and the line between his eyebrows softened. What the hell was going on with him? Hed never been this tightly wound before.

Thanks. I owe you one.

Mick consulted his palm as if it were a notebook, and pretended to cross something out. By my calculations, that makes us even. He grinned. Hell, if Id known you were this easy to get square with, I would have offered months ago.

Rob finally laughed, and the knot in Micks chest loosened.

Hey, ladies. You ready to run the gauntlet? Three of their crew trudged toward them, nine millimeters in their thigh holsters and M4s strapped to their chest rigs, always at the ready. Dressed in khaki pants and polo shirts, they looked like an army of muscle-bound frat boys.

Mick and Rob fit right in.

As long as you brought your diapers this time, Beavis, Mick called out, using the nickname the man had earned for his rat-like resemblance to the animated character. I dont want shit to get all over the seats if we take fire.

Beavis flipped him off and they walked toward their armored vehicles to meet up with the rest of the group for the briefing.

Just another day in paradise.

An hour later, Mick dropped to his knees in the mud next to Rob. No, no, no! He tore at his friends mangled body armor and sticky, wet shirt andoh God, no. He spread his hands over the ragged mess that used to be his friends chest, as if he could hold him together by magic. His skills as a medic were of no use to him with an injury this bad All he could do was try to stop the alarming flow of blood. Damn it, Rob, hang on for me. Youre going home, remember? Come on,