Pledging to Die (An FBI/Romance Thriller Book 11) Read online

  That made her grin. When the laugh came out, Elizabeth had to cover it with a cough. That got their attention.

  “You disagree?” the redhead asked.

  “No way. I’m sure his wife is lucky. Director Blackhawk is one fine specimen of man,” she drawled, hoping none of them knew who she was. This was too damn fun. If Ethan could hear the conversation, that sexy blush would creep up his Native flesh. That turned her on.

  “Wouldn’t you jump his bones?”

  “In a heartbeat,” Elizabeth stated, knowing that was the truth. And magnificent bones they were. She knew for a fact, since just that morning they’d both been jumped—repeatedly.

  She loved morning sex with Ethan. It was one of her most cherished things. Toss in Callen, and she was as happy as a clam. Nothing started the day out like a quick jolt of sexiness.

  “I hear he’s devoted to her,” stated some guy. “Directors Rothschild and Blackhawk were chatting each other up about the wife and kids yesterday in the cafeteria after they qualified.”

  The one woman laughed. “Please. Like he’s going to tell his boss that he’s getting laid outside his marriage.”

  Elizabeth shrugged, seeing the next agent leaving the floor. Her number was up.

  “Well, it doesn’t matter. He’s not going to screw around with an agent. Ethan Blackhawk is a smart man. I’ve worked under him the last four years,” she stated, stretching out.

  “At FBI West?”

  “Yup.”

  “That’s where I want to go,” the blonde stated. “I’ve already signed up. I’ll be his coffee bitch any day.”

  Elizabeth heard her number. “See you in a few,” she stated, as they watched her walk away. She was well aware that they were staring at her. She was almost old enough to be their mothers…well, if she had a kid at sixteen. She was well aware that they were waiting to see her get her ass handed to her on the mats.

  On the floor, she bumped fists with the instructed. “Yo, David. Are you going to kick my ass this year?”

  He laughed. “Lyzee, I’m going to try. You want me to take it easy on you, especially since you just had a baby?”

  She snorted. “I want you to make those pussy Fed newbies quake in their shoes. I can take a beating.”

  “Ethan warned me not to break you.”

  “I’ll kick his ass later for that.”

  He laughed, pointing at the score keeper. “You know the drill. You go down four times, you’re out. You gotta stay on your feet for a full five and deliver five hits to my body.”

  She grinned. “Bring it, David. You win, I’ll buy you a case of scotch.”

  “The good stuff?”

  The bell rang.

  “Hell, yeah.”

  Suddenly, he charged, but she was ready for him. Elizabeth and David Sprat went way back. They’d been in the academy together. Now he kicked the newbies’ asses. Come to think of it, so did she. They’d come a long way since the beginning days of being scared shitless at qualifications.

  When he swung out, she ducked and came up under his arm. The fist to his solar plexus set off a bell by the score keeper. She backed up, not taking her eyes off her competition. “That’s one, bitch.”

  He laughed, “Yeah, yeah. You don’t have your boss staring down at you with ice in his eyes. One scratch, and I’m going to Mongolia for my next assignment.”

  “Cry baby. I think you’re just making an excuse. You know I’m going to boot your ass into tomorrow.”

  Her taunting worked.

  With that, he came in, adjusting his attack for her left side. When she again dodged under him, instead of her fist to his chest, she took him to the floor with a complicated foot sweep. To add insult to injury, she popped him in the chest while he was on his back.

  “You suck, Lyzee.”

  She laughed, holding her hand for him. “Yeah, I’ve been told that a few times before. Come on, David. Make me work for it.”

  The second he took her outstretched hand, David Sprat took his shot. He flipped her, and she slid across the floor on her back. From the thud, he knew she was going to feel it in the morning.

  He grinned wickedly. “Sucker.”

  Elizabeth was up. “Bring it.”

  Ethan sucked in a breath from the balcony as he watched his wife qualifying. She had just back planted on the mat, and it made him cringe.

  “She could have gone with us,” Gabe offered.

  He laughed. “No, she couldn’t have. Lyzee is out to prove something to the world.”

  Gabe shook his head. “She’s going to be sore in the morning.”

  He’d kiss it and make it all better when they got back to the hotel—that was for sure.

  When she hit the floor again, this time with a much larger man holding her down, Blackhawk wanted to vault the rail. She was the mother of his children, and any time someone manhandled her, he wasn’t happy. Thank God Callen wasn’t here to witness this. He’d be freaking out.

  Gabe watched in amusement, and then winced when Elizabeth turned the ugliness up a few notches. She spun on the trainer and leveled him with a crotch shot. “Shit, his balls have to hurt.”

  The men just watched in horror.

  Blackhawk changed his mind. She didn't have a point to prove. That one shot said it all.

  The bitch was back on duty and looking to win.

  Elizabeth hit the mat twice, but that was all David was going to get. When he came at her, she spun, hitting his chest with her elbow, setting off the alarm, but she wasn’t done. To add insult to injury, she hip tossed the big man across the mats, so he could see what it felt like. It wasn’t easy, since he was about as big as Callen and built like a wall.

  He landed at the feet of the newbies.

  “That’s for being a dick, David, and cheating,” she stated.

  He got up, shaking his head. He was seeing stars “Yeah, yeah. I’ve seen you do the exact same thing. In fact, I learned it from you.”

  “I’m glad I could teach you something. That freaking head is like a block of concrete.”

  He grinned, checking her out. He was human, and Elizabeth Blackhawk, with all that hair and legs, was hot. “You’re looking good for a mother.”

  That caught her off guard. “What?”

  Then he bum rushed her.

  Elizabeth regrouped fast. Of course David was going to screw with her head. All was fair in qualifications.

  As he made contact, she let him take her to the mat. Instead of flat on her back, she kicked him up and over her body, just making contact with the man’s vest.

  The buzzer rang.

  It was done.

  Elizabeth was back on her feet, and even helped her friend to his. “See you next year, David,” she stated.

  “Lyzee, as always, it’s been a pleasure,” he stated, giving her a fist bump.

  “Oh, see that blonde with the smug ass look on her face?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Work her over for me.”

  He laughed as she walked away.

  That was doable.

  After all, what were friends for?

  * * * B l a c k h a w k - W h i t e f o x * * *

  Two Hours Later

  This was the part of the certification she loved best. Any time Elizabeth had to head into Hogan’s Alley, she was in her glory. She’d changed out of her shorts and gray FBI t-shirt, and now she was sporting her all black attire.

  Nothing made her happier than slipping into the black Kevlar and riot gear. It reminded her of being out in the field, and that was one hell of an adrenaline rush. Across her back was a tactical shotgun, slung haphazardly around her body. Across both thighs were holsters, holding her trusty Glocks.

  She was ready.

  In fact, she wanted in there in the worst way. It wasn’t nerves jangling in her gut, but the eager anticipation of showing the newbies how she rolled.

  Glancing up at the board, her number was there. She was up soon. Now, she’d be in her element.

 
All that was missing was one little thing. Putting on her yellow shooting glasses, Elizabeth looked the part of a badass Fed. Now, she had to put her money where her mouth was.

  As she waited her turn in the queue, she was surrounded by children. Well, maybe that was an exaggeration, but these agents had yet to be field tested and were as green as grass.

  That forced her to think about Agents Seaton and Madden. She’d kept her ear to the grindstone and heard the rumors. Neither was doing well, and as soon as she was back in her office, she was going to fix their shit.

  If it were up to her, she never would have let them break up as partners. While Ethan didn't want to lose Johanna Madden over all this, she knew the woman wouldn’t quit. Now Elizabeth was taking over to drive the Cupid bus.

  “Hey, Grandma, are those for glaucoma or cataracts?” some male agent asked. “You look like a loser.”

  She glanced over. “Yeah, neither, but since we’re talking about losers, I want to tell you that before, when the instructor was kicking your ass, you had a wicked camel toe. That’s awesome in a man. You rarely see it when someone has balls.”

  He glared at her.

  The women around her snickered at the way she shut the testosterone junkie up.

  Elizabeth knew that those with the loudest mouths tended to crash and burn first. She’d seen it happen.

  His days were limited.

  “I think I’m still at the top of the leaderboard,” she said, pointing at the giant whiteboard with all their ID numbers on it. “Yeah, that’s little ol’ me at the top. I guess my age isn't slowing me down.”

  He smirked. “Not after this round. I’m going to own that top spot.”

  She laughed. “Okay, chuckles. Thanks for the laugh. We’ll revisit this when we’re done.”

  “When I beat you, then you should retire.”

  There were ‘ohhs’ and ‘ahhhs’, as they waited to see what she’d say back to that.

  This was exactly why she trained hard. It was assholes like this, who judged the book by the cover, which pissed her off.

  Elizabeth stared at him. “Again, we’ll revisit this conversation. I can bet you won’t forget it, or me.”

  “Don’t forget to load your gun, Granny,” he busted.

  “You better hope I don’t forget who I am and unload it in your punk ass,” she replied, stepping up to the line. She wasn’t worried or fazed. Newbies talked smack. It was the testosterone and adrenaline rush right before heading into the dark to save the innocent civilians.

  “You ready, Elizabeth?” asked the man at the door, offering her a fist bump.

  She glanced over at him. He was one more agent she’d worked with, and he was out of the field now too. It was the reality of it all.

  Time was a bitch.

  “Yep.”

  He hit the button, starting the timer. Each year, the pattern varied, but Elizabeth had done this so many times, that she could practically do it with her eyes closed. Heading in with the tactical shotgun, she used the three required rounds against the combatants. With little effort, she blew their heads right off.

  She wasn’t messing around.

  Swinging the gun around her body, she went for both hand guns. What gave her the edge was being ambidextrous. She could take out two targets relatively fast.

  And that’s what she did.

  By the time she reached the end of the alley, she was proud of her time. Stepping out into the daylight, her ears stopped ringing from the explosions, sirens, and gunfire that they subjected you too. Despite the earplugs, it was still deafening.

  Outside, she headed back to her group, waiting for them to call her out. She was done, and in a few minutes, she’d be getting the hell out of dodge.

  “Not bad, Granny,” busted the big newbie. “Did you hit any of the targets with your spiffy glasses in place?”

  She laughed. “You’re a douchebag.”

  He shrugged, but then something caught his attention. “Heads up. Here come the big dicks,” he stated, pointing toward Gabe and Ethan.

  “Congrats,” Gabriel Rothschild stated to the entire group. “The next step is getting you placed with Directors Blackhawk and Blackhawk, or myself. You’ve all filled out your placement forms, and you’ll be notified.”

  “Blackhawk,” the instructor shouted.

  Instead of Ethan looking over, Elizabeth raised her hand. The looks on the trainees’ faces were priceless when they realized who had been in their midst the entire time. She would have laughed if she wouldn’t have peed her pants at their horror.

  “Right here,” she said, grabbing her qualifying paper.

  “You aced it as usual, Lyzee. See you next year.”

  She took her paper before grinning at the newbies who were talking smack. “Hey, Gabe?”

  “Yeah?” he asked.

  “I want the big one sent out to FBI West, the blonde that looks like she’s going to puke, and the redhead ready to bolt. Bump them to priority. They’re getting a one way trip to Elizabeth Blackhawk boot camp.”

  They all stared.

  Elizabeth took her place beside her husband. Immediately, his arm went around her waist, holding her to his side. “If I forgot to make the introductions earlier, you’ll have to excuse me. I’m getting old.”

  She directed that right at the big guy. He closed his eyes, knowing he’d screwed himself.

  “I’m Elizabeth Whitefox-Blackhawk, and I’m half your boss team. You might know my husband.”

  That was addressed to the two female agents who were visualizing getting into her husband’s pants. They didn't look so excited about it now.

  Funny.

  “You shouldn’t talk smack unless you know who’s around you,” she stated. “I’ll see you out at FBI West.” Pointing at the male, she grinned ferally. “Your old granny boss kicked your ass. When you get out there, I’ll see you in the gym. It’s lesson one in Blackhawk-ville. Put your damn money where your mouth is, and if you jack it up, you bleed in sweat.”

  He groaned. “Director, I’m sorry.”

  Ethan cut him off. “I know he didn't call my wife and partner old, because I’m older. When you’re done with him, I’ll be meeting him in the training room too.”

  He was officially screwed.

  Elizabeth pointed at the women. “Keep your fantasies to yourself. Trust me when I say that he won’t be dipping his stick in any other pool, and now that you’re on my radar, I’ll make your life hell if I see drool.”

  With that, they turned to head out of there. Ethan grinned down at his wife before tucking his hand in her back pocket. “I love when you screw with the newbies. It turns me right on.”

  “Do you really want them?” Gabe asked.

  “Hell no. I just figured we’d make them sweat it. Maybe you can hold up their papers a few days, and they’ll be so stressed that they’ll quit, or cry. I’m good with either.” With that, she glanced over her shoulder before patting her husband on the ass.

  He laughed. “God, you’re wicked. That’s so hot.”

  Gabe rolled his eyes. “Okay, we have to talk. Meet me in my office in ten.”

  With that, he strolled away.

  “He’s edgy,” Ethan stated, as they headed to the break room to grab a cup of coffee.

  “Is it because of the Oracle mess, and how his damn secretary sold us out? Possibly could it be that he screwed up and didn't even suspect someone right under his damn nose?”

  Maybe that was it.

  “I don’t know,” he stated. “All I know is the Dragon Slayer seems beat down.”

  Elizabeth was worried. Despite being angry with him, she hated to see Gabe suffer. They went way back. “That’s not like him.”

  “I know it’s not. We need to get to the bottom of this, and fast.”

  Then that’s what they’d do.

  They found him behind his desk in his office. The look on his face said it all. Gabe was worried.

  “Still no new secretary?” she asked.

>   Gabe shook his head. “Not since Avalon Miller’s death. I can’t trust anyone. Maggie was my secretary for over ten years. She was the last person I thought would betray me. It cost the president his favorite weapon.”

  She shrugged. Oh, if Gabe only knew the truth. Oracle was alive and well, no thanks to him and some basic screw-ups. The fewer people who knew the truth the better.

  “Well, then what’s up?” Elizabeth asked as Ethan closed the door behind them.

  “I need a favor.”

  They sat.

  “What? Are we talking a favor like you once asked me, or just a run of the mill kind of deal?”

  “The latter, thank you very much. I don’t need anyone offed,” he stated, trying to find humor in anything at this point. What he needed was a vacation, and soon.

  Ethan dropped his arm over Elizabeth’s shoulders as they sat side by side. “What is it?”

  “You know that case that your vice squad is dealing with at that college?”

  “Yeah, what about it?” Elizabeth asked.

  “They found a body.”

  She sat forward. “Who did?”

  “Agent Madden. She was on her way back from the undercover assignment at the campus party, and the girl she was dogging turned up mutilated.”

  “Why didn't I hear about this?” Ethan asked, taking the crime scene photos off his boss’s desk. “Johanna reports to us, not you.”

  “I went over your head.”

  Neither of them liked that. In fact, from the looks on their faces, they could tell Gabe got that.

  “You’re a dick,” Elizabeth stated. “Your office ran my team through the ringer with Oracle. I was trapped with her for two months, and then Nathaniel Carter nearly died when she went down. What the hell, Gabe?”

  He sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I know, Elizabeth, and I’m sorry about that. How was I supposed to know that Maggie was related and feeding Avalon’s father the details? I never suspected her. I trusted her for many years.”

  “Still, why did you pull rank and get our agent to go above our heads? Johanna Madden knows better.”

  “Cool the lynching. She didn't run to me. Her partner did. Agent Jason Blaise answers to me. He’s one of mine.”