Dangerous Obsession: Taylor Family Saga, #1

M.M. Roethig

A dancer and a Marine—two worlds collide.

Chloe Johnson is no stranger to the spotlight. A prestigious member of the LA Laker Girls, she’s in the public eye regularly.  Her world is perfect. 

Eric Taylor, on the other hand, is damaged, both body and spirit. Injured overseas, he returns home with fresh physical wounds, invisible emotional scars, and a bad attitude. 

When Chloe becomes the object of affection to an unknown stalker, she must leave her life behind and rely on a total stranger, and the only man she’s ever met who’s never happy to see her—Eric. Can she trust this hardened soldier with her life?

Adjusting to civilian life hasn’t been easy for Eric. Swearing off women forever, all he wants is to be left alone. However, his world is thrown into chaos when Chloe appears on his doorstep as an invited guest of Eric’s twin brother. Bewitched by her innocent charms, Eric fights to keep her at arm’s length, putting his No More Women resolve to the test.

Everything soon changes when Chloe’s stalker tracks her down, making her a pawn in a cat and mouse game of Dangerous Obsession.

PLEASE HELP STOP PIRACY. PIRACY IS ILLEGAL AND IMMORAL! IF YOU’VE RECEIVED THIS COPY WITHOUT PAYING FOR IT (excepting if you received it from the publisher or the author) THEN YOU ARE READING A STOLEN COPY. PLEASE DELETE AND PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY THROUGH THE PROPER CHANNELS.

Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

Table of Contents

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHATPER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

EPILOGUE

DEDICATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

REFLECTIONS BONUS STORY

PROLOGUE

Neon red flashed intermittently through the slit in the curtains. The parking lot sign threatened to go out only to flash once more. She didn’t know how long she lay next to him on the bed that was more springs than mattress, but loud snores filled the quiet room, letting her know he’d finally fallen asleep.

She’d been tugging on the bindings around her wrist for what felt like hours, to no avail. In a silent fit of frustration, she yanked hard and the rope slipped past her thumbs, releasing her bleeding hands. Stunned, she stared at the ropes, the prospect of freedom now a possibility. Her heart hammered in her chest as she slipped cautiously from the bed, praying the shift in weight would go unnoticed. If she could make it out of the room, she had a chance. If he woke before—she pushed the thought from her head.

Kneeling on all fours on the dirty, worn carpet, she held her breath and waited for any sign that he’d woken. His loud snores continued uninterrupted.

With slow, methodical movements, she opened the top drawer of the nightstand enough to reach inside for the phone he’d put there hours before. Her hands shook and her insides quivered with anticipation. It seemed silly, her need for her phone, but it was a lifeline to the only person who could save her.

Her breath came in shallow pants as she slipped her hand inside. Sweat dripped down her forehead as she closed her eyes and carefully felt around for the familiar object. Wrapping her fingers tightly around her phone, she pulled it from its confines and turned for the door.

Still on all fours, she crawled closer to freedom, stopping short of her destination when the rustle of sheets made her blood run cold. Cautiously she turned and watched the sleeping form roll over to fondle her now vacant space. When he grasped nothing but air, his eyes popped open, scanning the room until he focused on her. His features contorted when he let out a massive roar, and launched himself from the bed like a man possessed.

CHAPTER 1

Chloe

Bright florescent spotlights swirled around the arena as basketball fans entered the stadium in waves. A montage of scents associated with game day—popcorn, hotdogs, nachos—filled the air as music thumped out an energetic beat. The stadium filled rapidly with hundreds of fans sporting yellow and purple to support their team. The Lakers were having a fabulous season so far, which made for record attendance each game night.

With the traditional game day ‘meet-and-greet’ out of the way, the entire Laker Girls dance team bustled around the locker room for last minute touch-ups. Various shades of red, blonde, ebony, and brown hair were fluffed, sprayed, and tweaked for the perfect style. After all, the paying crowds expected nothing less when they ran from the tunnel at game time.

Chloe Johnson loved game days. It was the only time she was able to fully forget her problems. When she stepped onto the shiny hardwood floor, she felt free knowing she could dance until her mind cleared. Performing in front of hundreds of basketball goers—that’s what she lived for. Some came for the game, some for the food, some tried their hand at prizes and drawings, but everyone enjoyed watching the Laker Girls.

The pay stank and wasn’t enough to make a living on, but every dancer dreamed of becoming part of the nationally recognized team, especially a small-town girl like her from Alabama. She was living the dream.

Can you believe we finally get to dance this halftime? Chloe beamed with excitement as she sprayed her chocolate brown hair into place. It’s been so long since we’ve had a chance to dance for more than a timeout, and our halftime show is amazing. Don’t y’all think?

Shantra, one of the dancers primping next to Chloe, said, We are going to rock it tonight, ladies. Whoops of excitement filled the locker room.

"Did you see the amazing dance on So You Think You Can Dance last night? Krystal asked from somewhere in the back. They danced to Get Outta Your Mind and it was saaaweeeet." Krystal shimmed her shoulders to emphasize the last word. Everyone laughed.

Dude, Twitch is the man, isn’t he? Shantra chimed in, fanning herself for effect. Her dark ebony hair and brown eyes sparkled in the florescent lights as she spoke. I’d love to meet him one day.

Ha! I bet you would. Chloe wiggled her eyebrows as the entire locker room roared with laughter.

Balancing on her toes, Chloe leaned as close to the mirror as possible, layering one last coat of mascara on her incredibly long dark lashes that framed dark chocolate eyes. She grabbed her gloss and applied a shiny layer over her cherry red lips before she sat back and admired her work. For an Alabama native, she was as white as they came, but her creamy skin was youthful looking, and, she’d been told, extremely beautiful. Chloe flashed her pearly whites to check for stray lipstick when the door swung open.

I’ve got gifts, ladies, Lisa said as she stepped inside. Her hands were loaded with cards, balloons, stuffed animals, and flowers. The chatter in the locker room continued as Lisa dropped the items on the nearest chair. Chloe, you’ve got another package from your secret admirer, Lisa said as she made her way through the hive of activity, handing her a brightly wrapped package. Red ribbons tied around a simple long stem red rose that matched the color of the paper covering a small square box.

Girl, you get more fan mail than anyone I know. Shantra smirked as she picked up her makeup and stuffed it in her bag. That’s got to be a record, don’t ya think?

How many packages have you gotten in the last month? Five? Krystal asked, suddenly appearing at her shoulder.

Something like that. Chloe smiled, but she felt a twinge of guilt. In the last six weeks, she’d received several packages containing various gifts. It wasn’t unusual for dancers to receive items from admiring fans. Some were men hoping for a quick and easy hook-up. Others were young dancers with dreams of being Laker Girls one day. Then you had some who were everyday people who appreciated talent when they saw it. Chloe’s gifts started out with movie tickets and gift cards she’d planned to use when she had more time, but the last few had more expensive items—a bracelet and necklace among them.

With no return address or sender information, Chloe felt obligated to keep each gift. She’d never used the cards or tickets, partly because she didn’t have the time, but mostly because she felt strange accepting them after the other gifts started arriving. She’d been the only dancer to receive so many packages, and so frequently. With each new gift, she put them all in a box at the bottom of her locker and tried to forget them. She couldn’t explain why, but accepting these gifts from a total stranger made her feel uncomfortable.

"You’ve got ten minutes, ladies," Lisa bellowed. She turned her attention back to Chloe and cocked an eyebrow. Lisa was their head coach and made a point to watch out for the girls on and off the dance floor, which was why Chloe informed Lisa of the situation after the bracelet arrived. Together they formulated a plan for any future expensive items that may arrive, and Lisa promised to talk with the security guards if another high-priced item showed up.

Are you going to open it? Krystal asked. The locker room grew quiet around her as she shrugged her apprehension.

This is the prettiest box anyone has ever given me, Chloe acknowledged as she plucked the rose from the top and inhaled the sweet scent. I’m nervous to open this one. Her hands shook and she tried to keep a pleasant smile on her face for the sake of the others in the room. No one, other than Lisa, knew how nervous she was.

Well, you’ve got about nine minutes now to open that puppy before we have to run out of this locker room, Lisa reminded her. Chloe wanted to know what was in the package—she wouldn’t be able to concentrate on dancing if it sat unopened.

The locker room remained quiet as Chloe ripped into the paper. Tearing the edges, she found a small velvet box underneath and her hands stilled. Taking a cleansing breath, she suppressed her uncertainty. A collective gasp filled the room when Chloe lifted the lid and a small note fell to the ground, exposing a large diamond engagement ring.

Chloe, I thought you and Scott broke up, Shantra stated from somewhere behind her. That man’s got taste, girl. That rock is gorgeous.

Seemingly unaware of the fact that Chloe’s face drained, the girls chatted wildly of her good fortune. Loud voices filled the room once again as the girls went back to primping, leaving Chloe to stare at the box.

We did, she whispered.  Her hands shook uncontrollably as she dropped the box on the makeup counter. I’m not dating anyone. This isn’t from Scott, her voice hitched at the shock of seeing such an expensive gift from a total stranger. The voices in the locker room quieted again at her confession. Chills rippled down her spine.

Lisa placed her hand on Chloe’s shoulder and leaned down to retrieve the note from the floor. In quick movements, Lisa unfolded the letter and read it silently. Crumpling the paper in her hands, Lisa snatched the box from the counter, and pulled Chloe from her place at the mirror. Chloe followed without protest. Silence in the locker room remained as all eyes watched intently.

When they were in the doorway away from the rest of the girls, Lisa pressed the wadded paper to Chloe’s shaking hands. Carefully she opened it to see perfect handwritten script that simply said, I’ve loved you from the moment I saw you and I can’t live without you. This ring means you will be mine. Your jewelry set is now complete. Love, your biggest fan.

Do you know who this could have come from? Anyone at all come to mind? Lisa whispered. Chloe felt as if she’d reached a completely new level of creepy. None of her other gifts came with notes, until this one. It was frightening. Unable to speak, Chloe shook her head. Lisa held the box in her hands and opened the lid once more.

The light caught the large diamond in the center. Chloe couldn’t pull her eyes away as she spoke. Lisa, I have no idea who this is from.

Lisa snapped the lid shut and turned toward the quiet locker room full of prying eyes. Game time, ladies. Smiles on, energy up, heads on straight. We’ll sort this out. Chloe, she faced Chloe and grabbed her hand to keep her from leaving. You stay with me. The rest of you, dance your hearts out.

The girls filtered from the locker room one by one until only Chloe and Lisa remained.

What do you want me to do with this? Lisa held up the box.

I don’t want it, Chloe whispered. I don’t want the other jewelry either. I have them all in a box at the bottom of my locker. I don’t want any of it. Chloe sagged against the wall and closed her eyes. I don’t know what to do with any of this. How have these packages been getting to me anyway? I mean, what kind of person does this?

Joey from security stopped me on the way in and gave me all of that. Lisa pointed to the chair now heaped with gifts. He said to make sure you girls got these before the game, Lisa explained. He noticed the box addressed to you and thought it was important.

Generally, fans gave their gifts to the dancers at pre-game meet and greets. Occasionally fans did enlist security to deliver them, however it was an unusual occurrence.

Joey can tell him to stop, then. He can take it back and tell this guy, whoever he is, to leave me alone. Chloe felt small comfort at the thought that someone in authority could put an end to her harassment. I don’t want it, she repeated with more determination in her voice.

Unfortunately, Joey couldn’t remember what he looked like.

What? Why? Her small reprieve vanished. Chloe’s shoulders slumped.

Lisa sighed as she placed an arm around her. The guards have been bombarded with gifts for all you girls lately and he isn’t the only guard collecting them.  No one remembers receiving it, but everyone promised to keep a careful eye out in the future.

In case something else shows up? Chloe sounded defeated. With a sigh, she pointed to the box in Lisa’s hand and asked, What do I do with that?

I’ll talk to Joey and Mason for suggestions on how to handle this. Maybe we can donate it to a charity or something, Lisa said.

Thank you, Coach.

We’ll figure this out, and, well, it’s probably nothing, but let’s make sure someone accompanies you to your car tonight, just in case.

Taken aback, Chloe stepped away from the wall and grabbed Lisa’s arm.

Do you think this person will try something? Her chest tightened with panic. If I don’t keep the ring, I mean? How would they know?

Like I said, it’s probably nothing so let’s not worry about it right now. Lisa turned to leave, paused, and directed another question at Chloe. Has anything strange happened lately? At home or around town. Anything?

Chloe started to shake her head until she remembered the phone calls she’d been getting recently—private numbers that never showed on screen, always hanging up when she answered. She blew them off as wrong numbers. Now, she wasn’t so sure. There were also the flowers and the note from her biggest fan left on her car.

I’m not sure, but maybe. I found flowers on my car, and a note tacked to my door, but I’ve been getting those periodically since I’ve been dancing, though. That was the best explanation Chloe could give. I think I need to pay more attention.

Alright. Keep me informed then. And, for the next few games, let’s make sure you’re not alone.

Thank you.

Are you okay to perform? Lisa questioned. Chloe stared into the empty locker room, her brain working overtime trying to process everything. She turned and smiled at Lisa, albeit halfheartedly, but hopefully convincing enough. Lisa acknowledged her with a nod. Okay, shake this off and get out there.

Chloe hurried to her locker and shoved her bag inside, grabbing the box with the other gifts. With a few calming breaths, she slammed the metal door shut and met Lisa in the hallway that would take her to the basketball floor. She handed over the box without a word.

I’ll walk you out, Lisa said as they made their way to the tunnel opening.

Loud music played from ceiling mounted speakers, the noise deafening when she entered the arena. Chloe watched the girls run along the sidelines, ready to perform their opening number. She slowed her steps to keep from emerging in the middle of their dance routine, waiting in the shadows for the right time to emerge unnoticed.

Lisa motioned to the security guards standing sentinel at the opening for them to come over. Chloe couldn’t keep her mind focused on anything other than the boxed ring in Lisa’s hand. She jumped when Mason, her favorite security guard, whispered in her ear.

Is everything okay? You look like you’ve seen a ghost.

She’ll be okay, Lisa answered before Chloe could form a response. I need to talk to you and Joey for a minute, though. Lisa turned to Chloe, giving her the silent ‘go-ahead’ before she turned back to the waiting guards.

Chloe rolled her shoulders and plastered on a game winning smile before she ran to the center of the floor to join the others, who were now in place for their next pre-game performance.

Shantra stood beside Chloe and whispered with unmoving lips through her smile, Are you okay? Chloe took her beginning pose with all the others on the floor, staring past the crowd and ignoring her question, partly because the music was about to start, but also because Chloe didn’t know how to answer. Blinking rapidly, she mentally tried to clear her mind and concentrate on the task at hand, dancing. The beat of the music took over and her body moved on its own, having done this routine a million times before. Cheering from the crowd penetrated deep into her thoughts as she performed each choreographed step to perfection, doing her best to draw the crowd into the excitement of the game.

All too soon, the routine was over and the music changed to welcome the players onto the court.

Falling in line with her team, Chloe stood next to Shantra as the lights dimmed to start the dramatic light show introducing the players. Moving from side to side, clapping with each step, her friend asked again. This time, she didn’t have to whisper.

Are you okay, girl?

I’m not sure, to be honest. I’m trying not to think about it right now. I just want to get through this game.

Why is Lisa giving your gift to Mason and Joey? Her friend spoke through her smile as she did the step/hop/clap in time with the music.

I don’t want it.

I don’t blame you, girl. That is some scary crap, right there. Chloe knew her friend was trying to be reassuring, but true to her nature, she just said it like it was. They don’t look too happy over there. You think Lisa is ripping them to shreds for accepting it?

No, it wasn’t their fault. The guards get stuff for us all the time. Lisa is asking them both what we can do. Maybe donate the cards and sell the jewelry for charity . . . or something. Chloe stole a look in Lisa’s direction. The three of them were in an intense discussion, completely focused on each other. Mason nodded at whatever Lisa said, and took the small velvet box from her. He flipped the lid, and puckered his lips in what Chloe recognized as his signature whistle. Slapping the box shut, Mason shoved it into Joey’s hands along with the box of other jewelry. Both sets of eyes fixated on her immediately. Mason smiled and nodded, letting her know in his own way that he had her back. Joey looked as if he just watched his dog die—he looked angry. His eyes were hard as he managed a weak grin.

With all players now on the court, the lights slowly returned to normal as the game revved up to start. Chloe followed the single file line around the court one last time before taking her assigned position behind the basket at the edge of the court. All she had to do was get through the game.

Excitement filled the locker room. The game was amazing and intensely close, but Chloe was relieved the night was finally over. She was ready to go home. She felt vulnerable and exposed the entire night. Every fan she saw made her wonder if they were her secret admirer. She also worried whoever it was would take offense to her rejection, assuming they ever found out. Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, she pulled her bag from her locker and started to change. She longed for the security of her apartment.

Come party with us tonight, Shantra prodded one more time. You need to unwind and let your hair down, girl. It was customary for some of girls to hang out after an intense win and Shantra was doing her best to convince Chloe to go.

I don’t feel much like the party scene tonight. Chloe offered her best smile hoping she wouldn’t push any further. I really just want to decompress after. . .everything. If Chloe was being honest, she wasn’t much into the party scene any time like many of the girls on the team were, and it wasn’t unusual for her to decline. Chloe knew Shantra only pressed her to go because of the situation. She communicated her thanks with a smile.

Okay, fine. But if you change your mind, you know where we’re at. Shantra gave her a hug and went to the mirror to fix her makeup.

Chloe stared at her reflection in the small locker mirror, contemplating events. She could escape her thoughts while dancing, but now the elation of performing faded and panic welled in her chest. She barely noticed the wave of girls exiting the locker room until Shantra called to her, catching her off-guard.

Are you almost done? Krystal has an itch she wants scratched and she isn’t going to wait much longer for me. She stood with her hand on the door, waiting for Chloe to finish changing and follow them out. Chloe didn’t realize she was the last one.

Oh crap, yes. I’m sorry. I didn’t realize how late it was. Chloe grabbed her bag, and started shoving items inside. Shantra let out a deep sigh as someone’s impatiently yelled from the hallway.

Mason’s waiting in the hall for you, Shantra explained before she yelled for the group to ‘chill out’. She offered Chloe a sympathetic smile and leaned against the doorframe.

If Mason’s there, go ahead. I’m good. She hoped she sounded convincing. I’m right behind you, anyway.

You’re sure, girl?

Yeah, I’m sure. Go ahead. I’m just a second behind you. Chloe pulled her bag over her shoulder and weaved her way through the locker room as the door clicked shut. She felt a moment of unease as she reached for the handle, hearing the fading voices of the girls walking down the tunnel.

The incessant gifts weighed heavily on her mind as she thought about the strange happenings recently. She wondered if the late-night hang-ups, notes, and flowers were from the same person. They had to be, which meant this person knew her car and where she lived. It gave her the creeps.

With a sigh and shaky hands, Chloe gently cracked the door open. The hallway was completely empty except for the cleaning crews bustling around, and Mason, who stood outside the door leaning against the far wall. She smiled when she saw him as relief washed over her.

Hey, Chloe, great game tonight, don’t you think? he said the moment their eyes met. For as long as she could remember, Mason would wait outside the locker room door until every girl had exited. She could always count on him. Chloe forced a smile.

It was amazing. Did you see the game winning basket? Chloe gushed and Mason laughed at her enthusiasm. He’d worked at the stadium as long as she could remember. He was a great looking guy, with bleached blond hair, sun-kissed skin, and a chest that filled out his uniform nicely. He was the epitome of what a California guy should look like, and he had girls throwing themselves at his feet almost daily. The best thing about him—he was a married man and so in love with his wife he never gave another woman a second look. In Chloe’s book, he was one in a million.

You the last one, Chloe? Mason asked. She could tell he was anxious to get out of the hallway.

I am. Thank you for waiting. I’m sorry I’m so late coming out. You better get home, though, that baby might come anytime now, right?

Yeah. Liz was feeling contractions around halftime so I’m thinking it’ll be tonight, he beamed. This was his first child and he was ecstatic about being a dad. He told everyone who would listen, and even those who didn’t seem to care. Chloe had a soft spot where Mason was concerned.

What? Chloe slapped him on the arm and pushed him down the tunnel. Why are you still here?

Just making sure my girls are safe. Lisa told me not to leave until she or I walked you out.

You’re the best, Mason. Thank you.

You ready? he asked as he motioned for the door. His phone vibrated as they started for the door. When he answered, his face turned white.

Now? he yelled. The baby’s coming now? He ended the call, looked at Chloe, fear mixed with excitement filled his eyes, and explained. I’ve got to go.

Go!

She’s on her way to the hospital, he said again. He still hadn’t moved from his spot. Chloe laughed and touched his shoulder.

Go, she said again. Mason, you need to go.

Let me walk you out, he said as he turned in circles. I don’t have time. Mason’s confusion was comical.

I’ll wait for Lisa. She should be coming any minute. I’ll stay here in the hall.

You, Mason grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. You wait for Lisa. I’m going to be a father. He kissed her cheek and ran in the opposite direction, disappearing from sight. Chloe giggled at his retreating form as she leaned against the wall to wait for her coach.

After several minutes passed, there was still no sign of Lisa and the hallway was eerily quiet. She regretted rushing Mason out the door, but his wife needed him and she thought Lisa was moments away. The longer she waited, however, the more uneasy she became.

Maybe Lisa forgot about me, she said to the concrete surrounding her. Her heart pounded in her chest and beads of sweat formed on her forehead. I’ve got to get out of here.

Hiking her dance bag higher over her shoulder, she gripped her keys tightly and made her way to the exit. With a deep breath, she pushed the heavy door open, taking a step into the cool night air. She paused when she heard her name behind her.

Chloe, wait for me, Lisa yelled from the other end of the hallway. Chloe looked over her shoulder and saw Lisa hurrying toward her.

With a sigh of relief, Chloe turned in the doorway, holding the door open to wait for her coach.

I thought you forg— A gloved hand snaked around her face from behind, clamping down on her mouth to stifle her scream as she was yanked into the night. The metal door slammed shut beside her, dampening Lisa’s frantic screams. Her face smashed into the brick wall with such force, she felt her eyes water instantly. Chloe struggled against the tall, muscular body pinning her to the wall from behind, holding her in place. He was too strong. When her head hit the wall a second time, she stilled.

You should have kept the ring, Chloe. The strangled whisper sent fear coursing through her. Bile rose in her throat. "I know you gave it back. I saw it all. You shouldn’t have given anything back. She felt his face against her neck as he inhaled deeply. Ahhh, you smell so good. I will have you." She felt his wet lips touch her neck as his hands moved south, groping at the fabric covering her chest.

Hinges squeaked from the door beside them, and the man at her back pushed away, kicking the door shut as he disappeared into the shadows before she could turn around.

Shaking, she collapsed against the wall and let out a sob.

Chloe, Lisa exclaimed as she flung the door open once more. Unable to talk, Chloe pushed from the wall and fell into Lisa’s arms.

He saw me, he saw the gifts you gave to Mason and Joey. He knows. I thought. . .he. . .oh, was all her brain could conjure. She shivered at the thought that her nightmare had just begun.

CHAPTER 2

Eric

Sand blew across the makeshift soccer yard, pelting the players mercilessly. Loud curses cut through the occasional grunts as each team fought for the black and white ball flying through the air. The game was rough and the players were dripping with sweat and blood. To say the competition was fierce would be an understatement. With U.S. soldiers trained for months at a time to withstand the harshest fighting conditions, a competitive nature came naturally.

Platoon Sergeant Eric Taylor walked the sidelines with his friend, Scotty Dickens, toward the civilian housing units known as hooches. Scotty swiped his beefy hand through his thick black hair as he walked silently next to Eric. His dark eyes were on the ground but Eric knew Scotty’s thoughts were elsewhere. Trying to keep a positive attitude, Eric smiled at the men on the field as they blew off steam from the tension that filled the base the last few days. Temperatures reached record highs making outdoor activities like soccer unbearable. Until now. Ranging in the mid-nineties was as cool as they were going to get in these summer months, and the men took full advantage of being outdoors rather than in the temporary weight room.

Cheers sounded as the ball passed through the goal posts, rocketing past Eric’s feet, and stopping under the quick boot of Scotty. Marco Davis, a young man newly deployed, came running to retrieve the ball, breathing hard from exertion. Eric stopped as Davis ran past him. The young man turned hesitantly toward him, questions in his eyes.

Uh . . .Sarge? Eric turned to face the young man by way of acknowledgment. Davis held the ball tucked beneath his arm, looking tentatively from Scotty to Eric before he opened his mouth to speak. Eric knew what Davis wanted to know, what they all wanted to know, but he let him ask anyway.

Have you talked to his family yet, sir? And there it was. The opening to the events that had plagued the base since Tucker committed suicide.

Tucker Hardy had become fast friends with Eric and Scotty Dickens since day one. As part of the same Scout Platoon in a Calvary unit, the three formed a fast friendship that solidified with each mission. Eric, Scotty, and Tucker made up a reconnaissance team and learned to rely on each other like brothers. They were family in a way only soldiers who have served in battle together would understand. Each mission was dangerous at best, deadly at most, and each time they left the base there was an underlying understanding that they might not make it back.

Their last mission was a disaster from the start, losing three of their platoon to an IED hidden in a cow carcass on the side of an open field. Tucker took it hard knowing he could’ve died in that explosion without ever seeing his new baby boy. With scheduled leave a week away, he was already frustrated that he missed the birth of his son when his wife went