Inherent Danger Read online

  Inherent Danger

  Coastal Vigilante book 3

  Matt Lincoln

  Contents

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  2. Jake

  3. Jake

  4. Jake

  5. Eve

  6. Jake

  7. Jake

  8. Jake

  9. Jake

  10. Jake

  11. Jake

  12. Jake

  13. Jake

  14. Eve

  15. Jake

  16. Jake

  17. Eve

  18. Jake

  19. Jake

  20. Jake

  21. Jake

  22. Jake

  23. Jake

  24. Jake

  25. Eve

  26. Jake

  27. Eve

  28. Jake

  29. Jake

  30. Jake

  31. Jake

  32. Jake

  33. Eve

  34. Jake

  35. Jake

  Epilogue

  Author’s Note

  Prologue

  The old country road was corduroyed, making it unwise to go more than a few miles per hour. The gravel kicked up, hitting my charcoal-colored Land Rover over and over and adding some well-earned mud and grime to the doors and bumper. This vehicle needed to get out once in a while and get dirtied up. Otherwise, it might start to feel underappreciated.

  I was on my way out to visit with Lael Szabo, my one-time go-to guy at the Miami area marina I owned once upon a time. He was an Army Vet that had lost his left arm in the line of duty. Nowadays, Lael lived in Florida with his family and was working to make a difference in the world.

  I had only ever been up to Lael’s place once before, back when he’d only been thinking of buying the place and wanted my opinion on it. He’d come into some money, thanks to a case my team and I had worked on, and Lael wanted to invest for his future. It was a real nice section of real estate, with a man-made pond and a small sliver of a creek running through, just enough to give him a place to go fishing. He had a plan to privatize it and start a business.

  It had taken him a few years, but he’d built the place up to be a retreat for wounded servicemen and servicewomen like himself. He’d lost an arm in the line of duty while in the Army, so the cause of helping out wounded veterans was near and dear to his heart. That was what he’d wanted to do with the income: build a place, a retreat of sorts, to offer vets and families the chance to relax and enjoy a little vacation time. By now, it was well-known and respected within this part of Florida.

  As I drove through the gates of the campground, I noticed the low stone fence and the state flags flying along the driveway. Each one had a spotlight assigned to it, which was a really nice touch. The gravel drive was circular, with the main house and office right in the middle of it. One and two-room cabins lined up three on each side from the center building. They weren’t log cabins as I had been expecting, but they had stone bases to fit right in with the fence and landscape. There was parking off to the side of the cabins for visitors, which I guessed applied to me. So, I parked and then headed back over to the main house.

  Lael and two little brown-haired girls were waiting for me on the stone and wood porch. The girls had to be his twins, and I already knew that I was going to have a hard time telling the seven-year-olds apart. I got the impression that I might not be the only one, as one dressed all in purples and blues and the other in pinks and yellows. Thank goodness their parents didn’t do the identical thing. That might have been embarrassing for me.

  Lael Szabo had chopped off all his long, sun-bleached hair and now was looking like a middle-aged man, much as I was. He had a scruffy-looking gray beard and mustache going on, with his receding hairline neatly trimmed. He was still wearing an Army tee-shirt, even to this day, and with it, a pair of cut-off shorts and some running shoes that were most likely older than his kids. That was exactly how I had pictured him, and I was glad that he didn’t disappoint.

  The lodge, or main house, was a gigantic two-story building with weatherproof siding, double-paned windows with ornate trellises, and designs framing the doors and screens. It wasn’t as gaudy as I thought it would be. Rather, it was more subdued and reassuring than anything else. On either side of the steps were flower beds and fern-like plants. Hand-carved benches made from old tree trunks gave the place a rustic, homemade feel. I liked it a lot.

  I climbed the grated metal steps to the porch and took Lael’s outstretched hand to shake it. I’d left my bags in the Rover for now, along with all my fishing gear.

  “It is really good to see you, Lael,” I grinned. “How have you been?”

  “Fair to middlin',” he replied, grinning from ear-to-ear as he spoke. He still had his low southern drawl, and that was kind of soothing to me today. “And it’s good to see you too, Jake. Been too long.” He patted his daughters on their heads in turn, which they complained and scolded their dad about. “The ornery one is Meredith,” he tussled the hair of the girl in the purple and blue, “and the cantankerous one is Louisa,” then he reached across and played with the ponytail of the girl in pink and yellow. “Mallory is inside with Josiah. She just put him down for a nap.”

  Lael welcomed me into the spacious open room of the main house, where his family lived and where the gathering places like the kitchen, dining room, and game room all resided. From the outside, I figured that this place would be more wood and stone on the inside, but it was actually much more modern and contemporary.

  There were several dark green and blue armchairs, each with an end table and a lamp. A fireplace took up most of the right side of the wall, but it hadn’t been lit in a long while by the look of how clean it was. Maybe it was just for show. The floors were a basic wood, and the walls held framed pictures of who I could only assume had been past guests here.

  I stopped to take a look and saw veterans with their families, holding up a caught fish, or in hiking gear, or just sitting here in this room together. I admired Lael’s and his wife Mallory’s commitment to this cause, helping out soldiers and their families and just letting them take a break from everyday life out here.

  The room branched out three directions. Straight ahead was the kitchen and dining room, where I knew we’d be heading. To the right was a long hall that led to the game room and entertainment area, at least according to the signs placed on the walls with arrows that pointed this out. To the left was another long hall that went to the therapy room, medical office, and the manager’s office.

  Lael and the twins escorted me into a huge kitchen area with metal tables and chairs straight out of a military surplus barracks. The back wall consisted of refrigerators, stoves, ovens, cabinets, and pantries that wrapped around more than half of the room. It was magnificent, and I immediately felt at home here. The lone staircase leading to the second-floor private residence had a door and a sign asking that only staff enter beyond this point.

  Lael gestured me over to an already set-up table that was more than a little surprising to see. “The girls insisted on setting the table, Jake. And they set the menu for your visit.” He cleared his throat and was trying not to laugh. The twins had set a tea party up for Lael and me, complete with fine plastic chinaware, tiny forks and plates, and a bouquet of wildflowers.

  I knew my part well.

  “This looks wonderful!” I gushed. “And such fancy dishes! I hope that you two ladies didn’t go too much trouble getting all of this ready, did you?” I took a chair and sat as Lael took the opposite one.

  “Mommy helped us,” Meredith beamed at me as Louisa ran over to one of the fridges to start bringing our refreshments. The girls rushed around, gathering all of their goodies for us.

  I smirked
at Lael, who had a peaceful, resigned look about his face.

  “You’ve done this before, I take it?” He inquired.

  “Of course! This isn’t my first tea party, Lael,” I teased at him. But it was a cute gesture that I was more than willing to play along with. “We need food and drink before we go fishing, right? Strength for the adventure.”

  Lael leaned in and whispered at me, “Don’t tell the girls, but Mallory and I packed a few things for the fishing trip. Less tea and more beer.” At that point, he had to move back, as Louisa served us each a chocolate chip cookie from her tray.

  “Thank you, sweetie,” he told her.

  “You’re welcome, Daddy.” She placed the tray of two extra cookies on the table, in case we wanted seconds.

  “Thank you, Louisa,” I added, grateful for the excellent service. Meredith brought over a tiny teapot and poured a brown liquid into our cups. I thanked her, too.

  “It’s cold tea because mommy won’t let us use the stove.” She seemed disappointed at this, so I reassured her.

  “Oh, I prefer cold tea. A far superior drink if you ask me.” The girls smiled at Lael and me and hurried off to do their next bit. “You have adorable children, Lael. You should be proud.”

  “Oh, I am. Those girls are the best things I’ve ever been a part of. I know it, too.” He finished off his bite-sized cookie and drained the tiny cup of the tea. I followed suit and waited, not knowing what else was about to happen. “Girls, we thank you for your fine dining experience. It’s been a pleasure.” He bowed from his seat, playful and gentleman-like.

  The girls ran up and hugged their dad. “Have fun fishing, Daddy! Bring home a trout!” They then started to clear off the table while Lael motioned for me to follow him back outside. We went through the front room again to get to my Rover and my gear.

  “We’re not trout fishing, by the way,” Lael explained. “The girls have a book about fishing, and they think that the trout is the prettiest one. So, everything is a trout.”

  “I understand.” Kids were funny that way, I always thought. I grabbed my fishing gear from the Rover, and we walked it over to Lael’s truck. It was an older model maroon Chevy where he’d already packed up his gear and with a large cooler in the back seat. The bed had a toolbox and a first aid trunk bolted down into it. It was the epitome of a company work truck.

  “Climb on in, and we’ll get this trip started,” Lael said, taking the driver’s seat and starting up the engine. I joined him, and soon we were off. “So, how have things been going for you since we last talked?”

  I tried to remember back then, but I wasn’t sure if it had been two Christmases ago or later. Oh, well, I’d fill him in any way. “Well, let’s see… I got the licensure for the dive off of the Galathea Trench next spring. I’m taking a couple of researchers down to run their simulations, so that’s going to be fun.”

  “You’re still too busy for a man our age, Jake.” Lael grinned, and I knew that he was kidding, but I also knew that he wasn’t the only one to tell me this lately.

  “I like staying active. Never have liked being in one space too long, you know that.” I did have a bit of a reputation, according to some.

  “I do know that.” He didn’t say more on that matter, which was probably for the best. He must have decided on a subject change as he turned down a lesser kept dirt road that wound through a heavily wooded area. “I went by the old marina the other day. It’s been turned into a hotel of sorts now. The office and the loft are gone. But the barn is still there.”

  The barn. Wraith’s private and secure home for many years back then. Just the thought of it made me smile. “Maybe I should have held on to that place after all. Probably worth a fortune now.”

  “Like you need it,” Lael kidded. I glanced over at him and smiled. That was still our little joke after all these years. “But if it hadn’t been for you, I wouldn’t be here now.”

  “In more ways than one.” I liked to remind myself of that, too.

  Lael was slowing down, and I guessed that we were nearing his fishing hole. Unfortunately, we found two other trucks parked right where Lael was headed. “Damn it. I reserved this spot two weeks ago.” He didn’t seem angry, just disappointed with the situation. “Hold on, let me go see what’s going on.”

  He got out of the truck and walked over to a group of people already fishing in his spot. A young man with a ball cap on saw Lael headed his way and rushed up to meet him. Good thing I’d learned to read lips for Rosa’s sake so that I could now find out what was going on.

  I’m sorry, Mr. Szabo! The young dark-skinned man with the cap looked concerned. But they really wanted to stop here on their way back. I told them that it was reserved already, but they said that you wouldn’t mind and that they were only going to look around, and then they just pulled out the gear and set up. I didn’t know what else to do.

  Lael shook his head and responded to the new circumstances. I understand, Don, but I wanted to show an old friend this place. Maybe I can find a good spot down the road instead.

  The people already set up here had to be guests of the place, and I didn’t feel right about disturbing them at all. So, I climbed out of the vehicle and walked over to Lael and this kid, Don. But I introduced myself first.

  “Hey, Jake Header.” I shook the offered hand and smiled. “This is a beautiful spot, let me tell you. Lael, I wouldn’t mind setting up alongside since you went to all the trouble. If they don’t mind it, that is.” I nodded over at the people already fishing and enjoying themselves.

  “I’m fine with it,” Lael expressed. “I only thought you’d want the privacy. That’s all.”

  I chuckled at this. “Oh, I’ve had plenty of solitary travel as of late.” Thinking back to my little road trip, I figured I could use the company of some friends and some strangers. “But I’m good either way.” I left it up to him.

  Lael seemed convinced and didn’t waste any time. We went back to the truck and got our stuff. The group on the bank of the stream had spread out in the trees. I saw a vet with a prosthetic leg dozing in his chair but still holding on to his fishing pole. Two women were arguing about the right amount of bait to go on a hook, but they both stopped when they saw us coming. Another man was busy reeling in something and grumbling to himself, but in a silly, playful manner. It looked like a fun group.

  “How is everyone doing today?” Lael called out loudly, as to not alarm them by walking up too softly. The napping guy snapped awake and turned around quickly to see who was coming. When he saw that it was Lael, he relaxed and went back to dozing.

  One of the women, a short lady with a graying, blond ponytail, walked over and shook our hands. “Great spot you have here, Szabo. Best fishing I’ve seen in this county.” She had the air of an officer, but I couldn’t guess as to what branch. She stuck out her hand and demanded that I shake it. I did, of course. “Lieutenant Colonel Francine Wilcott, retired. Pleased to meet you.” She had a very firm handshake, and I liked her dazzling brown eyes that looked judgmental and whimsical at the same time.

  “Jake Header. Nice to meet you too.” I left off all mention of my previous service in the SEALs. I wasn’t looking to compare stories about scars with the people here who were so obviously trying to relax and enjoy themselves.

  Francine pointed out the rest of the group, like the Colonel she really was. “My friend over there is Kansas McGee, that’s her real name, too, she’s Navy, so we give her a lot of leeway.” She was grinning widely as she gestured to the other woman, so I wasn’t sure if she knew about me and was giving me a hard time, or if it was just in general fun. “Flash over there,” this was at the dozing guy in the chair, “is and was Teddy Griego, Army, First Lieutenant. Last but not least is the Army’s own Owen Chester. No one cares what rank he is now.” She said that loud enough for him to hear and respond, which he didn’t.

  I guessed by their demeanors and attitudes toward her that Francine’s behavior was commonplace and accepted. I wasn�
�t going to challenge it either way. I had come here to fish.

  “Thanks for the introductions.” I turned to Lael.

  “Where shall we set up? This is your place. I’m at your mercy,” I jokingly commented, looking around the area.

  “Oh, please, come sit here between us,” Francine motioned. “We all know that you didn’t come here really to fish. You’re here to listen to Lael tell you a story about his glory days.”

  I scanned his face, and I could see that Lael was getting uncomfortable by the attention and Francine’s insistent nature being forced on everyone. I decided that I could tackle both the fishing and easing of Lael’s anxiety. “Actually, let me get set up here, and I’ll let you all in on a little secret about your gracious host.” I winked at Lael to let him know that I wasn’t throwing him under the bus or anything like that.

  “Well, if that’s the case,” Francine cleared the area and pulled up a tree stump seat for both of us. “Let me help you out, and we’ll get this tall tale started right away!” She was exuberant, and that was a fine quality, but I could see that her commanding nature had not retired when she’d left the Marines. She looked me up and down, taking her time to analyze my actions and to see if I was going to live up to my word. “You’re not a guest here, are you, Header?”

  I had no reason to lie to her or any of them. “No, I’m an old friend of Lael’s. From back when we were both living in Miami.” I peeked over to make sure that it was okay to tell them all that. He nodded, so I proceeded. But before I could say any more, Francine broke in.