Chapter 5

Leaper’s mind spun with emotion as he reminded himself, Anger is a powerful feeling fueled by bruised ego, indignation, frustration, and exasperation. If I cannot do anything useful with a bomb of this magnitude, then the best thing I can do is to get far, far, far away from humanity and find a very quiet and peaceful refuge to reboot. Alone was the operative word.

“Hey, Lefton. Hold up!” shouted a familiar male voice.

Leaper was in no mood. He didn’t want to talk to anyone. His long strides moved him swiftly toward his hog and an easy escape from the Amphibious Base. The Base Commander had handed him his ass, though the story Leaper had concocted about developing a new program for SEALs and Marine Mammals did stimulate the Base Commander’s interest somewhat. Of course, making shit up on the fly was Leaper’s favorite thing to do, especially as he explained that the dolphin outing was a test of his idea before he presented it to the higher-ups. It helped Leaper slide by; using his brains and wit was definitely his talent, but he had still endured a harsh lecture and load of crap from the rest of Command. It could have been worse, though.

“Lefton, fucking stop. I need to talk to you,” shouted Poshen.

The rest of the BUD/S staff wanted to know the intimate details, and they weren’t going to get any. Leaper was a private person and he didn’t share his trials easily.

Fuck off, man! Take a hint and leave me alone. Leaper had only been trying to give his guys a taste of something new. Doing nice stuff can bite ya in the ass. Well, fuck this. I’m done with this day. I need to get out of here fast or I’m going to deck someone.

Setting a hard pace behind the Quarterdeck of SEAL Team ONE, Leaper ignored the person attempting to flag him down. He wasn’t in the mood for bro time or comfort time or any other diversion. When an arm snaked out and grabbed his, Leaper spun around ready to fight. Prepare to die, thought Leaper in his best Inigo Montoya voice.

Parker “Posh” Poshen, head of the instructor staff, looked mighty flustered, as if he’d wet his pants if Leaper took a swing. “Talk to me, Wild Man. I heard the Base Commander got ahold of you.”

“What do you care? What the hell do you really want, Posh?” Leaper snarled. Using one of Leaper’s nicknames wasn’t going to do a thing. His second nickname was Bug Eyes. With over twenty years in the Navy, it was rare that Leaper lost his temper anymore, but getting reamed by the Base Commander sucked hind tit, and Leaper wasn’t sticking around the base while his temper climbed up notch after notch to full steam ahead. He’d learned when to stay and when to go; he needed to go. Stewing in pain led to fistfights and all sorts of dumb-ass shit—at least it had in the past, and he didn’t want to test the theory in the present.

The best thing Leaper could do was get the hell out of Dodge and cool down. He knew just the person he wanted to let off steam with too, and it wasn’t this hairy monster standing in front of him. Seriously, the man had fur pushing out every side of his tank top, and he sounded like a wind-up toy on helium.

“Don’t do it. Don’t leave. Those trainees need you. It’s my fault. I know I gave you a fucked-up crew, but you’ve helped them achieve so much. It’s beyond anything anyone could have imagined. Even the CO is impressed.” Nervously shifting his weight from foot to foot, Poshen added, “If you walk, the recruits will see you as ringing out, and you know the ethos—failure is not an option. So suck it up and get back to it.”

Leaper gave the man a long, hard stare. “I’m not fucking leaving, you dickhead. It’s my day off. I came in this morning to do something special for the trainees as a courtesy. Now I’m taking a freaking break from all of this, unless you have a problem with that. And if you do, well, I’m going anyway.” Leaper took two steps back, and then he turned and looked over his shoulder. “By the way, those fuckups are my people. They’re great. Ask Gich. I was the biggest nutjob to go through training, yet I survived and thrived. I was practically the mascot of the Goon Squad, I was on it so long. And for the record, my success rate on missions is pretty damn high, even when I get myself shot to shit. Only two shit storms under my leadership in over forty missions, which I know is two too many, but I’d take the place of those lost men in a heartbeat.”

“Oh, I know. Sorry, Lefton. I didn’t realize you were just off for the day. And you’re right. Your crew is pretty damn lucky to have you instructing them. If they turn out anything like you, they’ll make superior operators.”

“Damn straight.” Leaper nodded and made a beeline for his motorcycle.

Posh just stood there and watched. There was nothing more to say, yet the man just stayed put.

As Leaper mounted his hog, inserted and turned the key, and felt the engine roar to life, he let out a long slow breath. The corners of his mouth pulled into a grin. Under his breath he added, “Of course Command is going to fucking hate anyone turning out like me. Isn’t that just peachy fucking keen!”

He triggered the Bluetooth function on his phone and it linked to the stereo connection in his helmet. Picking a song, the Lumineers sang “Ho Hey” as Leaper gunned the engine and took off like a bat out of hell. His eyes were glued to the road ahead as the band sang about living life.

The music and the confrontations with the Base Commander and Poshen triggered a windfall of other issues, pent-up feelings he’d shoved deep inside of him, including the root of all of his frustrations: Where do I fit in? Was it possible these strange hurdles were arising because he needed to change his tack like a sailboat being pointed into the wind?

He wove in and out of traffic, his body on autopilot as he fought the deluge of doubts.

* * *

Pulling up in front of Kerry’s condo, Leaper cut the engine and his tunes. His mind immediately silenced. She was so captivating. Standing by her car outside her condo, she was unloading grocery bags. Wearing a short dress with worn cowboy boots and a matching aged leather jacket, she was a vision even doing such a mundane task.

He waited, watching her. The way she moved was elegant, as if her every movement was part of a larger ballet. If he choreographed dance, Kerry would be his muse.

When she spied him, she walked over with a grin on her lips. “What a wonderful surprise! How did you know I’d be outside?” She kissed and then gestured to the bags of groceries she was unloading from her car. “You can guess what today is.”

Leaper held her for several seconds before he reluctantly released her. He admired Kerry’s forthrightness and her abundance of energy, like that little bounce in her step. His small sweet dancer. “I just knew. Intuition.”

“Right.” She cupped his cheek with her hand. “Chore day isn’t fun, but it’s a necessity. Sorry that the demonstration didn’t go as planned.”

“Yeah, me too. Thanks for the help.” He cleared his throat. “Do you need any help?”

“Nah, I’ve got this. What’s up with you today?”

“Playing hooky and wondering if you’d like to join me.” Gesturing with his hand, he motioned toward his Harley Davidson. “Want to climb aboard? We can drive up the coast or play in the ocean. Maybe fish or free dive.”

“Oh, yes! Boy, you know how to show this girl a good time. Water is my element.” She gave him a darling smile. “You know me so well. Give me ten minutes and I’m all yours.”

Her eyes were alight with happiness as she turned away. She slammed the trunk of her vehicle, beeped the automatic lock, lifted the grocery bags from the ground, and dashed into the house. As the door shut behind her, he looked at the blue sky. The sun was shining, and the whole day was theirs for the taking.

Somehow, she’d melted away his frustration and anger. It just…couldn’t exist in the same space as she did.

Checking his watch as she ran outside and took the proffered helmet from him, he noted it took her less than six minutes. She was a spitfire.

As she slung her leg over the seat and snuggled up behind him, he turned the key. The engine roared. He lifted the kickstand and set them on their path.

Okay, Day, we’re coming to claim you.

* * *

The ocean breeze slapped salt spray all over his face as he slowed his boat and cut the engine. Perfect, the Pacific is calm and gorgeous today.

His phone was playing Norman Greenbaum’s song “Spirit in the Sky.” He stretched his arms over his head and sighed with pleasure. “The sun’s shining. We’re in a boat several miles off Dana Point. It’s the middle of the week and off-season, so there are no tourists lingering about. Nothing to disturb us, except each other.” Leaper raised an eyebrow at her and then turned his attention to dropping the anchor. Leaning over the side, he made sure the anchor was secure before laying out the fishing rods and bait cooler.

Kerry pulled her sweatshirt over her head, revealing a pink bikini top. “It’s a gorgeous day.”

“You’re the one who’s gorgeous. Do you go to work like that?” Leaper gave low wolf whistle. “Not that I have a right to comment on fashion choices.”

“Often!” She batted her eyelashes playfully. Sitting in one of two chairs at the back of the boat was blissful. “You know how my patients like to drench me. Sometimes they’re not fond of me taking blood from their dorsal either, so I get a few extra splashes. I also swim with them to see how they’re moving and progressing.” She plucked at the center of her top. “I usually wear one-piece suits, but I have to admit, today is laundry day. Instead of bra and panties, I have this. Remember, I still have chores to do. Though I noticed a washer and dryer at your place.”

“It’s yours. Use it anytime. And don’t forget I offered to bring in the groceries, but you wouldn’t let me.” He bit his lip. “I could happily wash all your delicates by hand, if you like.” Leaper leaned toward her. “I mean that respectfully.”

“Thanks. That’s sweet. I’ll think about the washing. I know several wives who would jump at the chance for their husbands to do a load, and quite frankly, I think I’d be insulted if you didn’t notice I look hot in this suit. I was saving it for our next swim date. Today was just lucky. Well, that and…laundry day.” Her smile lit something inside of him. He liked the way she made him feel at ease. Usually he was awkward around women, but Kerry was different.

Leaper chatted about the tides and the weather and the possibility of their catch. When he was settled in his chair next to her, he asked a question he had been pondering for a while. He wanted to know about Kerry’s expectations, her wants and desires. “Any dreams?”

“Gosh.” Kerry laughed loudly. “There are so many. The highest priority is taking a trip to the Amazon. The river is supposed to contain three subspecies of pink dolphins in their natural habitat. I’ve read several papers, and I can’t help wondering if their diet and lifestyle contribute to their health.”

“How so?”

“The river is murky, acting like a natural sunscreen, yet they still get tons of Vitamin D. There’s a direct link between D and bone health and kidneys. Also, they can digest small furred animals as well. Bones and all, which is a type of protein I hadn’t considered before and would like to understand better. Lastly, I believe they, uh, mate often. Sex can be good for, well, the entire system.” Kerry blushed.

“Lots of sex and good food for a healthy life. Makes sense to me. Why are they pink?” asked Leaper as he threaded a rather substantial hook on the end of his line. He knotted it and secured the bait.

“The males, who are usually significantly larger than the females, often battle each other. It brings a pink hue to the top of their skin, like overinfused capillaries that are permanently damaged by wounds. Oh, and don’t get me started on the properties in their blood.” Kerry leaned toward him. “What also blows my mind is their echolocators, you know, in their snout, which are huge—larger than a bottlenose dolphin’s. With this biosonar, I can only imagine how the world opens to them. Learning more about that function alone could significantly improve our knowledge in mechanical replication, with applications as varied as helping impaired animals or humans to improving sonar on submarines and ships.” She blushed. “Too much? I get really excited about the possibilities.”

“Please. Get excited.” Leaper winked at her.

She wrinkled her nose. “Oh, Leaper.”

“Nah, I’m serious. This is very interesting.” Leaper tipped the end of the rod backward and then cast his line, allowing plenty of line to release with it. “Just to remind you, our goal today is to catch either yellowfin tuna or nothing. We grill or we pick up food on the way home.” He stretched his legs out in front of him. “It’s a good day to be off duty.”

“I agree.” Kerry’s cast was nothing short of amazing. She’d obviously spent a lot of time fishing before, and Leaper was impressed. Not that he was going to tell her. At least, not yet. He preferred to keep her guessing about some of his admiration. “This beats cleaning the rugs at my condo.”

Leaper grinned at her. “I’ll help you pound those rugs.” He wagged his eyebrows.

“You’re on,” she replied with equal delight. Yet they sat in companionable silence for a time, just enjoying each other’s company. It had an easiness that was remarkably calming. “Uh, I hope you don’t mind my bringing up a subject. The other night I heard you talking in your sleep about someone named Hissop. Let me know if I’m prying, but you seemed really upset.”

Leaper opened his mouth and then closed it. After several seconds, he spoke. “Hissop was killed on my last mission. It’s hard to talk about. I just… I hate taking green operatives on a complex mission, and I should have asked to pick a group of old-hats, but I let Command dictate.” Scratching his nails along his stomach with his free hand, Leaper made several long stripes on his skin and then stopped himself, realizing it mimicked the angle that Hissop had been sliced on. Leaper hunched over.

“I know shit happens—they always use that fucking line to make someone feel better—but it doesn’t do justice to losing someone,” he continued. “It’s fucking horrendous. A piece of myself died with him, and I’d gladly give my life ten times over to get him back.” A few tears spilled out of his eyes. “I know crying is the body letting pain out, but I can’t remember the last time I wept. I just… I hardly let go.” He took a long, ragged breath. “I don’t want any more of my guys to die. And the memories keep coming back faster and faster. When does it stop?”

Talking made the tears speed down his cheeks. He wiped his hand under his dripping nose. “Fuck.”

God bless her, Kerry didn’t say a word. She didn’t reach for him or try to comfort; rather, she just let him be. So he kept talking, letting the words spill out with his emotion.

“The doctors asked me questions. When I didn’t answer, they called it the ‘fog of war,’ which basically assumes you can’t remember what happened. But I’ll never forget, and on some level, most warriors remember every heartbeat of tragedy, like a metronome ticking away in their heads. Click. Click. Click.” Leaper squeezed his hand into a fist.

“Telling Hissop’s widow about her husband’s bravery, assuring her that he didn’t suffer, that it was quick—it’s the worst pain. I can’t even describe it.” Leaper swallowed the lump in his throat, choking momentarily before it went down. “I signed up knowing the possibility of bullets and shrapnel slicing me up. I knew it could happen and most likely would, but this…”

He unclenched his hand, wiped the tears from his face, and offered his open palm to her. She put her fishing pole in the holder and took his hand, squeezing it.

“This is the main reason I keep moving, so I don’t have to think, to face any of this pain and loss.” Leaper looked out at the ocean. “I know it’s always there, lingering on the horizon like a tsunami waiting to strike. But the last few weeks, it’s like… I’m understanding that conflict comes whether you want it or not. Out here with my boys, training and teaching them, I get that they are learning, fucking up, correcting, getting back on board with new attitudes and knowledge, and then they go through the whole cycle again. So if conflict is in everything, why not allow myself to have silence too? What happens if I let peace inside? What if I stop moving? Will my world explode, or will I heal?”

Kerry kissed the back of his head. “In pain, we heal. In healing, we experience pain.”

“Duality.” Leaper pondered her words. His mind could see so much so clearly right now. “I get caught up. It’s easy to get lost in the job. The missions, they take every ounce of your concentration and commitment. You have to be in—100 percent—for your Teammates’ safety and for yours. Sometimes it’s like living in constant chaos, beautiful and frightening, and yet when you return to civilian life… Christ, the slow, plodding pace feels odd and unnatural. My mind screams—where’s the uncertainty, the adrenaline, the extremes? And my body is…confused. It wants options.”

Leaper scratched the back of his neck and then rubbed the spot hard with the pads of his fingers. “My buddy Declan once asked me who he is outside of the Teams, and I didn’t have an answer. That was when his leg got blown off and he had to face the big questions. Well, I didn’t have anything other than a smarty-pants reply. ‘Yourself. You are yourself every damn day of your life.’ I was an ass!” He turned his head and looked at Kerry. “But I think I get it now, why he asked that particular question. He wanted to understand the civilian version of himself. When you’re operational, you don’t need that answer. But as you slow down or phase out, being prepared for stopping is a fucking necessity. It’s like the concept of peace is so foreign it’s almost scary. Even during the so-called quiet times in the world, there’s conflict. Someone is dishing it out, and someone is responding. It’s hard to fight human nature and territorialism. There’s always more happening out there in the world worth understanding…and knowing that someone has to deal with it. Always.”

“I never thought of it that way. When all you see on a daily basis is the usual stuff that happens here in San Diego, I guess you don’t think bigger picture. You’ve been ass deep in conflict, and there’s just always more out there. I get it.” Kerry nodded her head. “Sorry that’s all you’ve seen. So do you think that you are staying or leaving the Navy?”

He pursed his lips, considering it. “I don’t know. That’s the million-dollar question, or in my case at a base value, $125,000, give or take bonuses, and shit, I’m a saver. My body isn’t as flexible as it used to be. I don’t bounce back like I did during my first decade in the Teams. And politics have an effect on things. Different leaders want different types of Ops, and they impose crazy regulations that are impossible to uphold while keeping everyone alive and fulfilling a mission. If everything stayed the same, the same standard I came into the Navy with, then yeah, I’d stay in for thirty years, or until they booted my ass.”

He sighed. “But that’s not reality. I feel like…I need to know who I am outside of the military. I’m circling the concept of peace in my life and wondering if I’ll ever be able to…let go. It’s like life is banging on my door, and that knock is getting louder and louder every day. If I open it up, who or what will I find on the other side? I just don’t know.”

Kerry nodded her head. “As a civilian consultant, I’m rounding twenty years in a few months. I’ll get half pay at my retirement.” She touched his arm. “The dolphins aren’t a job to me. They’re…family. I know some of these creatures on a deeper level than I do my own family. I can’t imagine ever leaving them. There’s so much need right here. Besides, where does a nephrologist specializing in marine mammals go?”

“Research? There have to be grants.”

“There are. I guess I could be interested in trips, but I’d want to come back here…to these special creatures. Do you think I’m nuts? Is this a weird way to live life?” Kerry wound her hair into a bun and tucked the strands together to keep them in place.

“No. It’s who you are. I like your dedication. It’s rare these days.” Leaper closed his eyes. “I feel the same way. The Teams are my family. But, what else is too.” The boat rocked back and forth, calling on him to rest. Quiet stole into his consciousness, pulling him under, giving him something he hadn’t felt since he was a small boy: tranquility and restfulness.

Sometime later, the sound of Kerry’s voice reached into his solitude and pulled him back, slowly bringing him into present.

“Leaper. Wake up. Do you see that?” She sounded concerned.

The worst options raced through his mind, and he was on his feet before Kerry finished her question. His eyes scanned the horizon for threats. “Uh, I see…a collection of nets bobbing on the surface of the ocean. Shit! I know what that is.” Rushing to the toolbox, he opened the lock and pulled out a Ka-Bar and a bandana. He attached the knife to his leg and tucked the bandana into one of the straps. Leaper grabbed two masks and two sets of flippers before he secured the lid of the box. “How are you at whale whispering?”

“Oh God!” Kerry’s face paled. “Is that…a whale caught in nets?”

“Yes. You can stay here if you want, but I won’t let that creature die.” Leaper held a mask and a set of flippers out to her. “You don’t even need to get that close. Just stay off to the side and speak in soothing tones. I’ll take care of the rest.”

She grabbed the equipment and sat on the edge of the boat. After donning the swim fins and mask, she held on to the mask and slid over the side and into the ocean.

“That’s my lady,” said Leaper as he followed her actions and joined her in the water.

Cold water smacked at his body. The Pacific water had that cold edge—something that most trainees hated but Leaper usually preferred. It kept his senses awake, aware, and alive.

“Didn’t I just read about this problem in an NPR article?” asked Kerry as they swam with steady strokes toward the creature. “Wildlife getting caught in abandoned nets; it’s so awful.”

“Yeah, I read it too. Sickening. Human waste and neglect is horrific.” Leaper looked at her. “Sorry. I get a bit passionate about the topic. I’ve seen a lot of this. We rescued a small pod off the coast of Greenland, but one of them beached the next day. Too tired to continue.”

“That’s awful!” Kerry readily agreed. “Get as riled as you want on this topic. Just so you know, I have your back.”

“In the Teams we call it having someone’s six—and I’ve got yours too.” Leaper playfully reached out and tickled the small of her back.

She smiled at him.

He turned back to watching the whale’s movements, which were frighteningly slow. “He’s tired. This could be dicey. Keep in mind that you can turn back anytime. A wounded mammal is very—”

“Dangerous. Yeah, I’m familiar.” She swished her mouth with seawater. “Remind me to tell you about my thesis project someday.”

“You got it,” said Leaper as he pointed toward the side. “I’m going to eyeball it and figure out the best approach. I’m a free diver, so I can slow my heart rate and oxygenate my body beyond normal capacity. As soon as you start talking to it, I’m going to prepare my body and go under.”

“If there’s a problem…” Kerry’s voice was high and nervous. He could see the worry written on her face.

“There won’t be.”

* * *

She hugged her arms around her middle, knowing that she was about to do something very, very stupid. Well, hell, passion makes us do insane things that we struggle to survive.

As she swam into the whale’s proximity, she spoke softly and steadily to the creature. “Hi, I’m Kerry. I’m a marine-mammal vet, and I can see that you’re stuck. Can I help you out of that net?” The humpback was approximately sixty feet long and probably weighed over forty tons. The intelligence in its eyes struck her—as did the pain and exhaustion. “We’ll get you free.”

The whale’s gaze tracked her. She could see its breathing was labored and changing to match her body’s movement.

No! Can it be?

“I’m going to work on that loose part of the net and see how far I get.” Seeing a break in the edge of the net, Kerry swam closer to the whale until she was touching the creature. She patted her gently as she began untangling the net from around the whale’s face. The net moved backward as Kerry loosened the ropes, until she felt the whale’s belly move, confirming her suspicion. What a time to be right.

“Leaper,” she said, softly but firmly. “Stay back there and get those nets and ropes off her belly and tail immediately. Don’t speak. Don’t argue. This whale is pregnant, and I think the little one is trapped. Her stress has most likely brought on an early labor. Let’s attempt to keep both of them alive.”

A hand extended with a thumbs-up before he disappeared under the water.

Kerry moved as quickly as she could, shifting the net backward, working diligently until their joint efforts freed the whale from the mishmash of ropes and nets.

Kerry held her hands on the whale’s belly and felt movement. Diving below the surface, she was just in time to see the little one slide out.

The mother bellowed, the vibration traveling through the water.

Surfacing next to Leaper, Kerry shouted to the whale, “You did it. Well done.” But she could see the whale was tired, too tired to catch the calf and bring it to the surface for its first breath. “Oh God, the calf is sinking. Help me bring the calf up,” Kerry said to Leaper, diving into the ocean’s depths.

Leaper was next to her in an instant, and together they guided the calf upward. They brought it to the mother’s head, and she nuzzled it affectionately.

“How is the whale going to care for her calf, given the exhaustion?” Leaper whispered. “Wait, I know a sand bar. It won’t beach her, but she can rest for a short while.” He pointed to a spot several yards away. “I have no idea how we can get them there, though.”

“I do,” said Kerry. “The calf. Move the calf slowly, perhaps a few feet at a time, and the cow will follow. Let’s try it. The best we can do is encourage the mother to rest and eventually feed, and that will help her regain her strength, but it’s ultimately her choice to survive. Just so you are aware, bossing around a forty-ton creature is…not something I’ve ever done before.”

“You do just fine bossing around a tall SEAL,” he teased.

“Ha-ha,” she replied, but his attempt at levity actually made her feel a little better. She was worried for the whale and its babe.

Slowly, they urged the calf forward. The cow watched them wearily at first, but then she closed the distance. As they neared the sand bar, the mother turned and dropped into a deeper crevice of water. Bubbles floated to the surface, and she came up from underneath, mouth open.

“Is that a good sign?” asked Leaper as he distracted the calf, which was so enormous, it was longer than their small boat. Pushing and guiding it was like urging an elephant to water. It was a chore.

“Yes,” said Kerry with a smile. “It’s great! She’s eating krill. Thank God. This will help her get her energy back.” She stroked the top of the calf. “It’s the second best news of the day.”

Kerry took advantage of the babysitting opportunity to gently run her hands over the calf’s skin and play with it. How often does a vet get a chance to examine a wild whale calf?

Leaper was getting splashed by the calf now and then, though it was nuzzling him too. Guess the calf knew a quality guy. When he chuckled at its antics, Kerry knew Leaper was having fun too.

She was glad that they were staying with the newborn as the mother fed. Treading water and stroking the back of the calf, she willed her calming energy into the child. Already it had been through so much. And there was even more to face, with giant predators in the wild ocean depths and a dangerous trek to reach the safe haven in Mexico where there was a protected birthing ground. If they made it, the calf would have an opportunity to get stronger and the mother would have others to help her. Until then, this humpback adult would need all her faculties to protect this wee one.

What seemed like minutes later, but was actually at least an hour, the mother returned. It was promising to see her shoot water through her blowhole and use her tail again.

The mother called to her calf and then gently nudged Kerry and Leaper away. Before the mother left, she stared at Kerry, as if thanking her. It was impossible not to well up with emotion and wish that they survived their journey. As the mother and child headed down the coastline, Kerry put the last of her energy into swimming back to the boat. It was a long trek as the current pushed against them. In the end, Leaper ended up cajoling her, so the last part of the journey was fun, if not thoroughly exhausting.

“This day has blown my mind. We saved two lives,” said Kerry breathlessly as she hauled herself into the boat and wiped away a few remaining tears of exhaustion and emotion. “I can’t believe this whole thing happened.” She sat down and took a long swig of water. “I’m going to write about this. The Marine Mammal Foundation will find it really interesting, as will a journal on veterinary medicine. Gosh.” She took another drink and then handed it to Leaper. “Want some?”

“Thanks.” Leaper drained the bottle and placed it in their recycling bag. “You did a good thing today.”

“We did it together.” Kerry went to him and hugged him tight. His arms were strong and warm, and they felt so good around her, as if her body was protected, safe, and forever cherished.

“We’re an impressive pair, aren’t we?” Leaper kissed her before she could reply.

She smiled as they kissed. Boy, he could say a million things with each touch of those gorgeous lips. Every kiss spoke volumes, and each was as unique as the last. “Sometimes when we’re together, I can’t stop smiling,” Kerry admitted.

“Is that bad?”

“No. It’s…unexpected. It’s never happened before.” Heat rose in her cheeks.

“I love it when you blush.” He kissed her again once, twice, three times. Mmm.

“For me, it’s your kisses. The way you kiss my upper lip and then linger on my lower lip before you kiss the center, as if each inch is to be treasured.” She sighed.

“If I had to list all the things I liked about you, well, we’d be in this boat for a very long time.” Too soon, he pulled back from the embrace and put a little distance between them. “Let’s head back to shore. We have a special date. I have a few people I’d like you to meet. Important ones.”

“Now I am curious. Are you showing me off?” Kerry giggled. “You’re making me feel like a schoolgirl who’s about to meet your parents.”

“Hell yes, I’m showing you off. Declan’s the closest I have to family.” Leaper pointed at her head. “You might want to take the seaweed out of your hair.”

Kerry felt around the back of her head and pulled off a large clump of seaweed. “Bend over,” she told Leaper, dangling it between them. “Wait until you see where I’m going to put this next.”

“No!” He danced out of reach.

She wasn’t going to let him off that easy. She had a burst of energy and she was ready to play.

* * *

Small pieces of green ocean plants swirled around the shower drain. She’d lost the seaweed battle, but she knew she’d win the war.

Hot water bathed her skin with blissful, seductive pulses as Kerry lathered her hands and ran the suds over her body. She could have stayed in here for hours, but she didn’t have that luxury today.

The scent of sandalwood filled her senses as she rinsed her body, standing under the heavy spray until the last possible second. Being at Leaper’s home was luxurious. She wondered if he knew how lucky he was. People paid millions for this view.

Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Leaper enter the glass shower stall just before she stepped out. He flipped a switch that sent water to three additional showerheads, creating the sensation of being in the middle of a waterfall. The look in his eyes was heated and wickedly sensual.

She loved it.

“Excuse me, ma’am, I’m with the soap police, and I noticed you seemed to have missed a few places. Can I help you with that?” His voice was thick and gravelly.

She nodded her head eagerly and placed her hands on the wall of the shower stall, turning her back to him. She wiggled her bottom, teasing him.

Leaper’s large, sudsy hands ran up and down the length of her back. She slid in and out of his reach, making him growl with desire.

As he made his way to the front, he cradled her large breasts, gently teasing the nipples. She found she didn’t want to escape anymore.

Kerry pushed her backside into his touch, craving his ministrations.

Nudging her thighs wider, he tenderly pushed his cock against her opening. As he rubbed it back and forth, Kerry could feel herself climbing that incredibly sexy climactic mountain. Her body tightened and released, pushing her higher and higher until she shuddered with intense pleasure.

Standing on her tiptoes, she lowered down onto his hard cock. Her slickness welcomed him inside even as her sheath attempted to capture and hold him captive.

It was the most intimate thing in the world, when he tucked his head next to hers and whispered, “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever known. Sexy. Vibrant. Smart. Sassy. Sweet. And delicious.” His words punctuated each thrust until her body was on the verge again. Her sheath tightened, and she came with a shout. Multiples orgasms cascaded through her as she panted and shook.

“Kerry,” he said as he leaned his weight against her momentarily. “Are you okay?”

“Amazing,” she sighed. Indescribable joy filled her as he held her tight. She barely had words to describe how she felt.

He pulled out and tenderly rinsed her under the water. Leaper treated her with such delicate ministrations that she felt cherished and adored. After they got out, he bundled her in towels and carried her to the bed, and Kerry couldn’t stop the smile that was radiating from her heart.

“What?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she said, shaking her head. She wasn’t ready to share everything that was bouncing around her head. Seeing the clock, she said, “Wait. Aren’t we supposed to be somewhere?”

Leaper craned his neck to look at the clock. “Shit. We need to go. So much for making love again.”

She kissed the tip of his nose. “Later?”

“Hell yes.” Leaper jumped off the bed—sans towel—and strode hurriedly around the room, pulling out clothes. She couldn’t help but admire the view. Yes, Leaper had won their seaweed battle, but her body reminded her that she was the victor, in all the right ways, of the war.

* * *

Does chaos beget chaos? Where does order come in? Kerry knew she shouldn’t laugh at Leaper as he rushed around his home, but hadn’t he known that showering and, ahem, celebrating each other’s bodies was going to put them in a time crunch?

After they docked the boat, they’d driven to her house and picked up her makeup bag, shoes, and dress and then come back here. She’d known they were going to have sex. Hadn’t he?

As he stalked toward her, now fully clothed, he said, “If you continue to lie there naked, I’m canceling the dinner date with Declan and Maura.”

She gave him a mock salute.

“Smart-ass.”

“Indeed.”

He ran his hands over her naked flesh. “I guess I could share a few instructions from the Navy, if you could share a few things about discipline too.”

“Fine, I’ll get moving.” She scooted out of his grasp. “Don’t you start sweet talking me, or we will be canceling tonight’s festivities, Mr. Lefton.”

“Bummer.” Leaper sat down on the bed and sighed. “What a handful you are, Dr. Hamilton. If only we could play doctor a little more. I want to show you where it hurts and have you kiss my…”

“I thought we were playing marine biologist, discovering new outcroppings and such,” she said as she flicked her towel at him.

“Damn,” he said, smiling. “I am a blessed man.”

He triggered the app on his phone, and music filled the bedroom. The Rolling Stones sang “You Can’t Always Get What You Want.”

She had found exactly what she needed, and maybe that was better, because she could never have imagined someone as incredible as Leaper.

* * *

Riding a motorcycle in a dress as it sped down the Strand was extremely challenging. Kerry squeezed her legs closed and held on for dear life, trying to keep her heels from slipping off the footrests. There wasn’t much to her blue silk dress either, and if the material snagged on anything, she was going to arrive in her bra and panty set.

Luckily, the trip was short, and they arrived in the Coronado Cays without too much upheaval. Kerry smoothed her dress into place and fluffed her hair as Leaper wedged the bike into a small parking spot.

Together, they walked up the short walkway to a large one-level modern ranch home. She rang the bell, and Leaper laughed at her. “I’m family. Just walk in.”

“No way… I don’t even know…”

The door opened, abruptly ending the discussion and revealing a tall woman whose belly preceded her by at least a foot.

“Hello, Mrs. Swifton.” Kerry presented a bouquet of sunflowers. “I’m Kerry Hamilton.”

“How lovely! Thank you. Please, call me Maura. Come in.” Maura stepped back to let them in and almost tripped over a small toy drum.

Leaper caught her elbows and steadied her. “Easy does it.” Leaper hugged her. “You smell so much better than Dec.”

“Of course!” Maura smiled at Leaper as she patted his shoulder. “Well, don’t just stand there, let’s head to the back.” She waved a hand. “Ignore the mess and just step over whatever you can. I can’t even bend down anymore, so this mess is waiting on Declan to play housemaid.”

“Does he wear a push-up bra and frilly skirt?” teased Leaper.

“Nope, it’s too distracting for me. But I give Declan high marks—that man knows how to use a feather duster,” quipped Maura.

“Too many details,” Leaper muttered as they moved farther into the room and faint strains of music became audible.

“Really? You’re playing Marvin Gaye’s ‘I Heard It through the Grapevine’?” Leaper threw his hands in the air. “I get it—I should have introduced Kerry sooner.”

“I knew you’d catch on. Guilting Leaper with music is very effective, Kerry. Remember that. It’s better than a fight or a two-hour discussion. I say that as a surrogate sister and good friend.” Maura changed the track to the Young Rascals’ “Good Lovin’.” “Speaking of loving, Declan has terrific skills.” Maura looked up from the stereo and winked at Kerry.

“Ew! It’s like seeing your parents kissing. No one needs to see that action.” Leaper cleared his throat. “Hey, I’m usually getting attacked about now. Where’s the little one? Not that I’m trying to invite an ambush. I was hoping to avoid a Pink Panther scene, since my lady friend is here.”

Kerry wrinkled her nose. “Wait…the scenes where Cato attacks Inspector Clouseau…that’s hysterical.”

Leaper nodded. “Until you are being body slammed by a giant Swifton and a little one. Those odds aren’t fair. I just get creamed, and there’s no one to heal my wounds.”

“Good heavens, someone get the world’s smallest violin and we can play you a pity ballad, Leaper.” Maura rolled her eyes.

Leaper sniffed dramatically. “I’m so abused.”

Kerry giggled softly. This was adorable. She’d never seen this side of Leaper before, and it was darling. Did he know how cute he was being? She wasn’t going to let on…otherwise his ego might swell so big, they couldn’t drive the motorcycle home.

“Who are you kidding, Leaper? You adore it. Though there’s no ambush tonight. Declan’s putting her to sleep now. Oof!” Maura stopped and rubbed her belly. “Now, that was a serious kick. They are going to be linebackers.” She panted briefly and stood up. “Only three more weeks until my boys are due. I can hardly wait to see them.”

“Two. Incredible. I hadn’t heard.” Leaper leaned down and scolded Maura’s belly. “Now you guys lay off Mom. You can play with Uncle Leaper once you both land on your tiny feet, but until then, remember: she’s precious stuff.”

“As long as they aren’t biters.” Maura shivered. “Leaper, you’re such a sweetheart, God love you. Kerry, he’s been a lifesaver. Declan calls our soon-to-be-born babe Lefty.”

“After me. Isn’t that flattering?” Leaper tapped a finger against his mouth. “Leaper Lefton is a mouthful. I still can’t believe I’m a godparent and future guardian.”

“Hell yes, and you get them both if, God forbid, something happens. You and my parents will share custody. Good luck with that. You know how my folks can be.”

“Maura, I’ll fight dragons for those babes, and your parents love me. They’ll stuff them with food and I’ll run them around until they’re out of energy. It’s a great combo.”

“I know. Having you in our lives is a blessing.” She turned to Kerry. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to be rude and exclude you from the conversation. Leaper’s been gone so much, it’s nice to have him home.”

“No problem. I don’t think I’ve ever met friends that are so close,” said Kerry.

“The Teams change friends into family,” added Leaper.

“Definitely,” said Maura. “The camaraderie is hard to explain, but once you’ve experienced it, you will never be alone again.”

“I meant to tell you, your house is lovely. Do you like living in the Coronado Cays?” Kerry said as she reached for a toy. She picked up the items within reach and dumped them into a large open trunk. The control freak in her sighed with relief.

“Bless you, Kerry,” Maura said. “I appreciate the help. By the by, visit the small cabinet by the kitchen sink for our drinks. We’ve got every kind of liquor imaginable, or the fridge has about twenty kinds of iced teas and juices. Declan made the pink and green ones from scratch.” Maura eased herself onto a stool and sighed. “Leaper, he loves that gift. How did you know?”

“It was a given. What do you purchase a man who is 50 percent health nut and 50 percent gearhead? A juicer.” Leaper laughed as he took two waters out of the fridge and placed one aside for Kerry. He took a long drink, placed it on the countertop next to hers, and then helped Kerry rectify the toy explosion. Just as they were finishing, Declan walked in.

“Now that’s service. I still read three bedtime stories every night.” Declan shook hands with Leaper. “And you must be…”

“Kerry. Nice to meet you,” she said as she shook the hand of the giant, bearlike man. Next to Leaper, who was all muscle and lean height, they were an odd pair.

Leaper smacked Declan on the back, and the two hugged each other.

Watching them banter made Kerry laugh. “You’re a monkey.” “Fine. Watch me scratch my ass.” “That’s my ass, not yours.” Their verbal play was so close to that of Abbott and Costello that she couldn’t stop several giggles from escaping.

“They are a pair, aren’t they?” Maura nodded at the men. “It’s like having two more toddlers running around. I wouldn’t trade it for the world, but don’t tell them that.”

“Let’s sit on the deck,” Declan announced. He leaned down and adjusted something on his prosthetic leg, then pointed outside. Taking control, he pushed a prepared giant cart of food and drink toward the large open deck on the water. It was charming the way Leaper was right by his side, quietly lifting one end so it glided seamlessly over the threshold of the sliding door. Kerry could tell these two were close. They didn’t even seem to need words.

The outside deck extended the beautiful medley of Southwestern colors and charm. There were two couches and a fire pit next to the gate leading down to the water and a dock. Closer to the door was a giant professional-looking grill and a cream wrought-iron table.

“Please sit,” said Maura. “Tell me about yourself. What do you do?”

“I work for the Marine Mammal Program as a vet. That’s about it. I heard that you own a gym in Imperial Beach and you have some wonderful programs that help kids.” Kerry scooted her chair closer and took a sip of water.

“Yes, I love it. There’s no end to the number of kids coming through the gym, so I can bring the little one to work. We’ve set up several parkour programs, and our membership has skyrocketed in the past two and a half years. Time flies by quickly.” Maura fanned herself with her hand. “Can you please pour me some iced tea? Being pregnant and having hot flashes does not lend itself to easy movement.”

“Absolutely,” said Kerry as she reached across the table and poured a glass for Maura, then one for herself, Leaper, and Declan.

“Take my advice,” Maura said, “and travel while you can. Once you have babies, it’s harder to get away. The amount of support they need…it’s almost mind-blowing. Are you planning any trips overseas? I’ll live vicariously.”

Kerry opened her mouth and closed it. There were a few opportunities on the table that she hadn’t told Leaper about yet.

Maura took a long sip. “It’s unsweetened. If you’d like sugar or the fake stuff, check the small bowl next to the salt and pepper.”

“I prefer it this way,” said Kerry, taking a small sip and then another. “Is that mint combined with black tea? It’s delicious.”

“Yes, I like brewing all sorts of concoctions.” Maura looked at Kerry, her gaze shrewd. “I hit a nerve with that travel question. You’re tea talk is deflective, a serious giveaway,”

Kerry eyed the two men at the grill. She leaned forward and said softly, “I was offered a job in Japan. But…it just doesn’t feel like the right position for me. I’m too attached to my dolphins, and it’s too far from… I have another offer to work with a Russian group, and that doesn’t feel right either. Also—”

“Leaper,” said Maura knowingly. “I get it. He’s in your life now. You know, you are the first female he’s ever brought over. Sure, he’s dated plenty, but he never gets close to them. There’s something unique about you, or you wouldn’t be here.” She took a sip and put down her glass. “Declan was like that for a time, sort of a playboy. Work and women. For a long time, the only thing that really mattered was his work.”

“I want to travel. I have a ton of dreams, places I want to go and species of dolphin that I’d like to meet. But how could I ask that of Leaper?” Kerry shook her head sadly.

“You might be surprised at what Leaper decides to do. When he’s all-in, he jumps in with both feet. He’s that kind of spirited soul.” Kerry looked over at her husband and smiled. “They have that quality in common.”

Declan came over and placed a plate of grilled shrimp and lobster tails on the table, along with a giant grilled salmon with large wedges of lemon and lots of fresh dill doused in butter. “Help yourselves,” he said. He must have caught the last of their conversation, because he added, “When you meet the right woman, the whole world changes.” He kissed Maura on the top of her head.

“Japan, huh? Russia too,” added Leaper between mouthfuls. “First I’m hearing of those offers.”

“Boy, you have good ears.” Kerry shrugged. “Doesn’t matter, though. I’m not taking the jobs. For me to leave here, it has to be…ideal. The ultimate excursion.” She laid her hand on his and squeezed it. “And I don’t want to cut ties with the Marine Mammal Program here.”

Leaper smiled at her. “Good to hear. But if it is something you want, I hope you’ll share it. I want to support your dreams.”

“Ditto.”

They dug into the food. Silence surrounded the group as they devoured the meal.

Leaper sighed. “Excellent grub, Declan. Five stars. Beats those tarantulas we roasted on the deck of that carrier. Ugh, that was awful.”

Declan chuckled, a deep rumble. “Even I had to convince my stomach to keep that meal down. But when you’re starved—”

“Everything tastes like survival,” finished Leaper. “Yeah, I know. I still can’t look at rats and squirrels the same way.” His eyes met Kerry’s. “Don’t ask.”

“Daddy! Daddy! Wet! Wet!” yelled a tiny voice from inside the house.

“I knew I shouldn’t have given her a second glass of water. My bad.” Declan exchanged a long look with his wife and set his napkin on the table beside his plate, sighing. He’d obviously lost whatever nonverbal discussion they’d had. He pushed his chair back, hoisted himself onto his feet, and headed inside to deal with the crisis.

Kerry was impressed. “Now, that’s a man.”

“Here, here,” said Maura, toasting her husband and taking a long sip of her iced tea before she went back to fanning herself with her hand. “Good Lord, soon there were will be more of them too.”

“Reinforcements are right in front of you, if you need ’em.” Leaper picked up the empty plates and stood. “Ladies, if you’ll excuse me, I’m on KP—kitchen patrol, a.k.a. dish duty—where I’ll be making some extra suds.”

“Do you need help?” asked Kerry. She smiled at his suds reference. It reminded her of their showers together.

“Nah, I’m good. You enjoy yourself.” He disappeared inside. After several more trips, the table was cleared and it was impossible not to appreciate the silence.

God, Leaper was good. That man was changing her life in more ways than she could list, and it was only for the better. Looking up, Kerry felt oddly at peace as she studied the sky. The sun was setting, painting streaks of red, pink, and orange above them.

“I’ll never get used to the view,” said Maura. “The beauty of Southern California is astonishing.”

Kerry nodded her head. “It is lovely. You must spend every evening out here.”

“Most of them,” confirmed Maura. She shifted uncomfortably in her chair. “While we’re alone, I want you to know that we’ve enjoyed meeting you. Leaper means a great deal to us. He’s more than a friend; he’s a precious part of our lives. Don’t, uh…” Maura faltered, as if she couldn’t bring herself to say the words.

“I won’t. It would hurt me if I hurt him,” Kerry assured her. “Leaper, he’s special. I’ve never met anyone like him. When we’re together, we fit so well. It sort of freaks me out. And when we’re apart, I can hardly wait until I set eyes on him—until I can hold him in my arms and smell his essence mixed with that crazy sandalwood soap,” Kerry blurted out. She covered her mouth, trying to stem the flow of her blathering. She opened her fingers and said, “Sorry for the overshare.”

Maura grinned. “It’s perfect. You said it exactly the way I hoped you would. If your lover doesn’t ring that fantasy bell to the hundredth degree, then it’s not the right soul. Girl, we’re going to have fun talking. Let me tell you about my first naked experience with Declan. I was on this paddleboard when the current caught me, dragging me to sea. Long story short, he was stripping me naked and putting me in a tub of water. Boy, did that get my juices going.”