Snake met us after we cleared customs in Kenya. He was dressed in the traditional guide's uniform with khaki shorts, a matching shirt, what looked like wool socks and sturdy hiking boots. His hat was a beat up Tilley which I suspected was a veteran of many missions. His dark skin gleamed in the sun, and his white teeth flashed as he greeted us.

"I'm looking forward to this. Even though I'm Maori in origin, I've taken to Africa like it's a second home. Spent time here studying the wildlife before I came to America and joined the army."

Spunky cut right to the chase and asked, "Do you have the rest of the TAK kit?"

"I'll be carrying it with me. Not to worry. I have the correct radio relay set up."

I didn't know how I felt about being part of a quasi military unit. I wasn't trained like the rest of them, but thankfully smart about how to keep conversations flowing without giving my objectives away. Chayton told me often how much he admired the skill. In the situation we were in, it was my only way of moving our case forward.

Snake's thoughts were flowing as we climbed into the car he brought with him. Spunky sat up front with him, and Chayton and I went into the back. Our luggage, loaded in the back, shifted with the next corner Snake took on the way out of the airport complex.

"How are you going to stay close enough at the gala?" Chayton asked.

"Grounds keeper. Took the job when the opportunity came up not long after Sparky and Mooch figured out where the O'Malleys were situated here. We're all playing roles here. I never thought our unit would be playing spies with DHS. But here we are."

It was good to hear. It made me more comfortable with my own role. Something I needed to discuss with Chayton at a later date. Maybe in debriefing. I needed more training in self defense even though I'd had some of the basics already. He continued explaining a few other details of the gala mission.

"Spunky, I have your file and identification here as well. You'll be working with the catering company. Yours is the most dangerous part of this. Keep us informed about what is going on by speaking it through as long as no one can overhear you."

I saw her nod as he spoke.

"That's the joy of this TAK system. Miniature earbuds practically disappear inside your ear canal, and the VOX system is very well designed. No need to worry about how much of your message was cut off. It's far quicker than the first ones were." Her words were brisk and confident.

Snake's grin in the rear view mirror was reassuring. "I can confirm it works. Technical improvements in communications have been coming along faster than equipment design can keep up at times. This system is state of the art. Most of it is military only at this time."

No working without backup this time. I knew Mooch and the rest of the team would be there. Sparky was still on Safe Harbor Island enjoying his honeymoon, but the rest of them were our plan B should it be needed.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Chayton stroked my back using his clever fingers to unknot my neck. Sleeping in the seats of a jumbo transport jet wasn't conducive to comfort of any sort. I couldn't believe how quickly my military companions dropped off.

"You aren't the only one with stiff sore muscles. We're used to waking up and having to stretch out cramps, spasms and aching necks."

"Not for me, but I think I'm going to have to eat those words. Do we have another set of designer costumes to wear?"

"Same thing we wore to the gala in the UAE. Why waste budget on anything new. I doubt we will see anyone we came across there."

I rolled over to watch his face and saw the worry lines there. "Is it harder to do this job with someone you're in love with?"

"Infinitely so, but I also trust your ability to take care of yourself and not overstep your limits. You did a superb job once, why not again? This time we're looking to drop a tidy sum of money into the Dolphin Rescue and have Meixing track its path through his financial network."

"It's good to know it's isn't just me who's worried about you. I can compartmentalize the worry. I've done so with memories which no one should have as well. Seeing Ella thriving and finding Bree and Bessie's grandparents brings a whole different viewpoint on the whole Derringer debacle."

Chay dropped down onto the bed pulling me closer into his chest, wrapping me into his arms. "It's the closure for those who have been wondering for years, and the joy of the rescues which keep me going back. It's also finding the monsters and the eventual punishment of locking them away. I have to say there are times when I wish our justice system had more severe punishment available, but it does admirably most of the time."

I nodded against his chest. Relaxing for a moment in the safety I found there. "I guess we need to get ready."

Chay pulled his arm up and checked his watch. "We have a couple of hours. There won't be a sit down dinner this time. Just canapes and other finger foods. An open bar, which is a bit of a problem, and apparently a entertainment and dancing later if we care to stay. I say we get ready now, grab dinner at the hotel restaurant and then go."

I eased myself out of his arms. "Shower now?"

He grinned and said, "It's more than big enough for two. Let's take advantage, we have an hour. I took the liberty of reserving a table for us when we checked in."

"Snake and Spunky left this morning. I love how we can track where they are on our phones. Everything looks good for them." I stood tugging his hand and pulled him up behind me. At least the gnawing worry of not knowing if team members were safe, wasn't a part of this mission. I could hear the occasional report from them in my right ear.

"Let's get this show on the road."