Secrets of Starting Over: Secrets, #4

By Liz Borino

To have a chance of saving his life – and the lives of the people he loves – Rhett must ditch his plane in the Pacific Ocean. By destroying his physical tie to his home, he and Kaden can begin to heal. While Jordan and Aaron Collins run the search for the people who are threatening Rhett’s life, Kaden and Rhett are told to blend in and act as normal as possible, but normal is a relative term.

Kaden thrives as a nurse practitioner at the veteran’s clinic. His days are filled with challenging patient cases and the hustle of medicine. He’s grateful for the diversion, lest his mind become obsessed with familial concerns.

Rhett, on the other hand, has no such relief. Because he’s the one being targeted, his movement is restricted. He attributes coincidences to personal attacks. As they uncover more of the mystery, the team discovers he might be right. Danger comes from the most unlikely of places. And allies are found from a past long forgotten.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Liz Borino
• Release date: Sep 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781516323593

Liz Borino

Liz Borino transcribes the world inside her head onto the page, and shares it with the people who are stuck in the "real world" to makes their lives a little more interesting. Because in her world, heroes fall and stand up again with the help of their partners and friends. Liz's world is littered with formidable obstacles, which her heroes overcome with a fire of courage and passion. The beauty of love between two men is celebrated. Who wouldn't want to live there? When not with her heroes, Liz enjoys exploring cities, working toward social justice, and editing for other authors. Visit lizborino.net to learn more!

Book preview

Chapter One

The sun reflected off the Pacific Ocean as the plane approached the California shoreline – and circled past it. Crystal blue sky surrounded them. Rhett flew as smoothly as he would any other time. Kaden’s pulse sped up.

Well, almost any other time. He hadn’t flown with quite this much ease after the bird strike that caused their first ditching. First ditching implied a second one. Which explained Kaden’s rapid heart rate in spite of the clear, beautiful day.

See the freight liner ahead? Rhett asked over the intercom.

Kaden picked up the radio. Yeah, do we know them?

Those are our rescuers. I’m aiming to land a few meters to the west of it.

He swallowed hard around the lump in his throat. Aim. Even an expert pilot with a perfectly working plane couldn’t be sure where he’d land in water. Should I brace?

Rhett paused. Might not be a bad idea. We’ll be okay.

Talking to me or yourself? I trust you.

Thank you. Emotion nearly choked out Rhett’s words, but he regained composure quickly. I’ll keep you updated. We should... land in about ten minutes.

Land. In the ocean. On purpose. Kaden rubbed his forehead. I’ll be here, love. Stupid thing to say. Where else would I go? I mean, I’m kinda stuck now. He released a breath. I was stuck from the moment he said he was leaving. No, that isn’t accurate, either. I’ve been stuck with him since we were seventeen. Almost twenty years ago. Another lifetime. Hell, twelve hours ago is soon to be another lifetime. One step at a time, he repeated to himself. He glanced over at the cat and dog, who were secure in their carrier and harness/seatbelt, respectively. We’ll be okay, girls. Rhett will take care of us.

Lassie responded with a rude meow, expressing her displeasure at spending time in her carrier. But Daisy tilted her head to the side and shifted in her seat. She probably noted the tremor in his voice. As his service dog, she’d much rather be by his side than pinned to the seat across the room.

The plane circled lower, approaching the swell of the ocean. Kaden squeezed his eyes shut.

A boom sent the plane hurtling to the sea until Rhett gained control of the plane.

Bird strike.

Engine out.

Annabelle and Donnie screaming.

Can’t make it to the Bahamas.

Second engine out.

Running out of time.

Ditch.

Now’s the time to brace, Rhett instructed over the intercom.

Kaden snapped his eyes open. He needs me to remain in control.

The girls are secure?

Yes, Kaden answered into the radio. What kind of time will we have after you hit water?

Rhett paused again. I don’t know. I’ll tell you after I see what the plane does. The undercarriage is straight, so we shouldn’t get too much uptick in the back.

As he spoke, the plane moved closer to the blue-green water. Rafts inflated on the wings.

All right, Rhett, just focus on getting down safely. I’ll talk to you once we land.

I love you, Kay, Rhett said.

Kaden forced himself to swallow around the growing lump in his throat. I love you, too. I’ll see you soon. He returned the radio to the holder, then planted his hands on opposite shoulders and closed his eyes again. The roar of the plane slicing through the ocean swell opened a clear laceration between their old lives and this one. Nothing would be the same, even when the danger was over. Nothing except the words he and Rhett exchanged.

The plane skidded to a stop in the Pacific Ocean. Rhett turned his head to the empty co-pilot’s seat. How he wished his grandfather had been with him. But that was the whole point. He couldn’t. Not until the people targeting Rhett’s life were eliminated. Rhett would have to live with the guilt of putting Kaden in danger. Except I’m not. I’ll protect him... Rather, I have someone else who can. Rhett turned off the engine and asked into the radio, How you doing?

Five excruciating beats later, Kaden answered, We’re all fine. One of your better landings, really.

Rhett released a sardonic laugh. I’m glad you approve. It may be last one. Rhett had broken a wide range of FAA rules from not having a co-pilot for a seven-hour flight to ditching a perfectly functioning plane. I’m going to call Aaron’s air traffic control friend. Then I’ll be out. He didn’t wait for his husband to reply before switching to the freight liner’s channel. Mel, this is Rhett, flight—

Yeah, the plane that just ditched a few meters away. Got it. The smile in her voice softened the otherwise harsh words. Aaron and Jordan are meeting you in a motorboat by the left wing in ten minutes. Aaron and Jordan Collins were the couple who were helping to hide Rhett and Kaden until the danger lessened.

Thanks. He ended the radio call and slid the device in its holder. Well, Betsy, he addressed the plane, you’ve been amazing for the past twelve years. Rhett caressed the dashboard of his plane. I’m sorry I have to leave you like this, girl. But you’ve always kept me safe. Now I have to do the same for everyone else I love. He bent down and kissed the controls which had given him so much joy. I’m just so sorry that I didn’t have another way. Rhett unbuckled his seat belt.

With a longing glance, he used his palms to thrust himself to his feet. On the way to the cockpit door, he spotted the lock box with emergency supplies he hoped not to need, but picked up, anyway. The tension began seeping from his muscles as he touched the doorknob leading to the cabin. Turn it, Rhett, his mental cheering squad pushed. You’ve gone too far to chicken out now. He nodded in answer to the silent voices and opened the door to find Kaden checking the animals for injuries. Everything okay? Besides for being in the second plane crash in less than a year.

Kaden faced him and offered a half-smile. The side of his mouth that stayed still sported a heart-wrenching gash across his cheek. Yeah, Lassie had an accident, but other than that they’re fine.

That’s okay. I might have, too. He didn’t, but he wouldn’t have been surprised. Rhett balanced on the tops of the chairs on either side of the aisle as he made his way back to his husband. He petted both of the girls quickly and brushed his lips against Kaden’s. What happened to your face?

I was in this plane crash. Craziest thing.

Rhett rolled his eyes. I have some gauze and wound-cleaning supplies. We’ll take care of it on the boat.

Along with your hand, Kaden said, pointing to blood running down the back of Rhett’s hand.

He shrugged. Barely feel it. Or anything yet. Have to wait until we’re relatively safe. Rhett wished he could say safe, but that could take months. Though, they both hoped not. The waves lashed the plane from side to side. Kaden grabbed onto the seat back and Daisy while Rhett scooped Lassie up. You’re okay, kitty, Rhett soothed. The cat whimpered. I know, baby, I’ve got you. Something he had reconsidered several times on the long flight over, but without knowing when... or if they’d be able to go home, he decided once more taking both girls was the best plan. There was no debate about Daisy. Kaden needed her as much as a blind man would need a seeing-eye dog. No way would he risk starting over without her. We will get home. Some day. Aaron and Jordan are bringing a motorboat to pick us up at the wing. Can you open the window so I don’t have to set Lassie down?

Kaden answered by fulfilling the request without words.

Really, what was there to say? Nothing except instructions to stay dry. A blast of frigid air shot through the now open window. Both men coughed hard at the onslaught. Lassie shivered and cried against him. Shh. We’re okay, he repeated. How many times will I have to say that before the day is over? Rhett transferred Lassie to one arm and pulled the slide down from the overhead compartment with the other.

Is that them? Kaden asked, jutting his chin toward an oncoming boat with a light flashing.

Hope so. Otherwise we’ve got unwanted rescuers. Rhett leaned out into the biting cold. They were far enough from shore that no one should have seen, but logic failed more often than he’d like. It’s them. Relief flooded through his body as he noticed the couple on the motorboat approaching. One man, Aaron stood a foot taller than his husband.

‘How will I recognize you?’ Rhett had asked through a text when they were still in the planning stages.

‘I’ll be the flagpole next to the hottest, darkest Korean man you’ve ever met.’

Rhett couldn’t get a clear view of either of them, so he couldn’t judge Jordan’s hotness. Not that it mattered to him. All he needed to see was a tall, skinny man standing with another, which he did. He blew out a breath and nodded to Kaden, who had their bag on his back. They stepped onto the wing with the animals. Rhett slid down to a sitting position and held Lassie to his chest. The wind whipped around them, convulsing the plane. Get down here, Kay, he shouted over the roar. And this is on a calm day. Thank God I’ve never had to ditch during a storm.

Kaden used Rhett’s shoulder for stability and swung his legs over the edge. Good call. The wind is insane out here.

Your prosthetic won’t hold up to it. Yeah, maybe we’ll try surfing later. The gusts drowned out Kaden’s chuckle. Rhett waved his arms for Aaron and Jordan as they came closer. Aaron waved back. It appeared Jordan was driving the boat.

Should we open that? Kaden motioned to the slide, while keeping Daisy stable with the other arm. They each took a side and inflated it by pulling on the cords similar to those on their life vests. The slide slowly filled with air and plopped in the water with an icy splash.

Need a lift? Aaron fastened the slide to the deck as Jordan dropped the anchor.

Please, Kaden replied.

Rhett eyed Kaden and Daisy, adrenaline dropping even further, letting the fear and guilt worm their way in. He pushed them down again. No time for that yet. You two first. Put Daisy between your legs.

Kaden cocked an eyebrow.

Come on, Kaden. He’s right. The wing isn’t stable enough to hold you for long, Jordan told him.

I want to make sure he doesn’t pull a captain-down-with-the-ship stunt.

Aaron met Rhett’s eyes. He won’t, will you?

No, we came too far already. Besides, I’ve got Lassie in my coat. Won’t sacrifice her. Go. Rhett inched over so Kaden could finagle Daisy between his legs and slid down, landing ungracefully in the boat. Okay, Lass, our turn. Love you, girl. Let’s get warm. He pushed himself off the wing of his plane and into the boat waiting to take him to safety. One more step.

Kaden wrapped him in a wool blanket, and took Lassie to do the same for her. Rhett’s arms flopped at his sides. He stared straight ahead, focusing on nothing. Rhett, look at me, Kaden begged.

Rhett blinked and met his gaze.

You did the right thing.

As Rhett opened his mouth to answer, Jordan fired off a flare straight at the plane’s fuselage. A small explosion engulfed Betsy in flames, along with Rhett’s former life. Didn’t do the right thing for Betsy. I’m sorry. I’m sorry. Unstoppable tears blurred his vision even further as Kaden held him close.

Chapter Two

Kaden blinked at the clock. Six-ten. Shit. I slept twelve hours. Jordan and Aaron had taken them from one rescue boat to another and by the time they had reached shore, Kaden and Rhett could barely find the energy to drag themselves up the steps and into bed, let alone eat the stew their hosts’ friend, Adeela, had made for them. She also insisted upon looking at their cuts, but agreed to wait until today for a full medical work up, which even in his exhaustion last night, he could acknowledge they needed. Goddamn, did he hurt. Kaden sat and rolled his shoulders back.

Hey, you’re awake, Rhett said, walking in wearing borrowed Army sweats.

Yeah. Kaden patted the bed next to him, where Rhett sat. How long have you been up?

Rhett rested his head on Kaden’s shoulder. Since about four. I didn’t want to wake you. The girls are getting checked out downstairs by one of Aaron’s friends.

Nurse from last night?

Rhett shook his head. They have a collection of useful friends, apparently. Nurses, vets, doctors.

How are you? He raised his heavy gaze and Kaden’s heart clenched at the pain there. He didn’t wait for the verbal confirmation of sleep not fixing much of anything for his husband and wrapped him in an embrace that he hoped conveyed all the comfort Rhett needed. But realized that would take more than a hug. Kaden looked at the clock again, and found the date under the time: 12/26. So, we spent Christmas ditching a plane and breaking our families’ hearts. No. I can’t think about Pop’s reaction to the note, nor Laura’s certain anger and certain feelings that I abandoned her to care for my mom alone.

About the same as you, I imagine. Rhett kissed him. We’ll get through it, love.

Kaden nodded. Nice outfit. Were our clothes damaged in transport?

Nope. Taken away. We’re getting makeovers, which include new clothes.

For a temporary placement? Kaden didn’t get a chance to verbalize the question before a knock sounded at the door.

I don’t have to come in, Aaron called. But I thought Kaden might need Daisy.

Rhett walked over and opened the door enough for the German Shepard to come in, and said, Thanks. We’ll be down in a few.

No rush. Adeela will come over at lunch, unless you need her before.

I don’t, Rhett said, then threw a glance over his shoulder at Kaden. Do you?

I don’t think so, but I haven’t checked myself yet. As a nurse, Kaden could take care of most medical problems on his own, but things like stitches and bone setting would be easier for someone else to do. Though he would bet against any broken bones. Those would not have allowed him to sleep, regardless of how tired he was. Kaden pet Daisy when she came over. Then lifted his blanket so he could inspect his throbbing residual limb. As he expected, the stump was black and blue from the abuse he put it through yesterday. Actually, Aaron, can I have crutches, please? We brought them on the plane, but—

Seemed like too much work to take them on the lifeboat? I get that. He spoke through the still cracked door with an infectious smile in his voice. We have some you can borrow until Adeela brings you custom ones. Aaron opened a closet outside their room. Daisy ran out and retrieved them one by one. Aaron laughed. She’s awesome. Lucy, Jordan’s service dog, whined. Oh, really, Lucy girl? You aren’t going to get jealous of Daisy. You’re differently awesome. Her footsteps clicked down the hall. Take your time. I’ll be in the dinning room when you’re ready, he said.

So many questions buzzed through Kaden’s mind as he scratched Daisy in a daze. What will we do with ourselves while we’re here? Can we get prescriptions? Physical therapy? What about our families? Can we check on them at all?

The flood of musings halted when Rhett sat next to him and touched their lips together. I love you.

I love you, too. I am so glad you aren’t alone. That much, Kaden did know. For now, it would have to be enough. Their gazes conveyed so much more than words ever could. Come on. Let’s get ready. He adjusted the crutches for his height and ambled into the bathroom with Daisy a step behind him. Kaden and Rhett talked about inconsequential matters through the door while Kaden cleaned up.

A half hour later, they went downstairs to find Aaron and Jordan at the table. Morning, Kaden greeted from the last step.

Good morning. Watch what you’re doing there, Jordan replied, referring to Kaden’s use of crutches.

Kaden blushed. Thanks, but I’m okay.

Oh, goody, another one who doesn’t admit when they’re hurt. Aaron scoffed.

Daisy stared between Rhett and Kaden.

What do you want me to do about it, girl? Rhett asked, placing his hand on Kaden’s back.

Aaron took the crutches and leaned them against the wall near Kaden’s chair. Obviously she wants you to carry him. That’s what Lucy wants me to do for Jordan whenever it storms and his ankle starts acting up. He smiled at everyone in the room, but the shared camaraderie didn’t ease Kaden’s embarrassment.

Jordan must have picked up on Kaden’s feelings because he changed the subject. You’re in the paper. He passed the newspaper over across the table to Rhett and Kaden.

Another Missing Plane – Two Suspected Dead

(December 26, 2015) Everett and Kaden O’Neil, both 34, have disappeared with their private plane somewhere off the coast of California, sources postulate. The two men are part of the O’Neil family, and Everett holds co-ownership of O’Neil Airways, a multi-billion dollar charter airplane company. The family is conducting a full investigation in conjunction with the FAA. Donald O’Neil, founder and co-owner of the company, had this to say: My grandson is an exemplary pilot with a level head. Our family remains hopeful that Everett and Kaden will be found safe. Nothing will keep our family apart. We request privacy during this trying time.

Only a few months prior, the family found themselves stranded on a deserted island after ditching a different plane into the ocean near the Bahamas. Let’s hope this recent rush of bad luck doesn’t hurt business.

Kaden read the short article repeatedly. Our families know we’re safe?

Aaron hesitated. Stuart told Don.

And he’ll give my letter to Laura. Before they left Kaden had written a note transferring care of his sick mother to her wife. He considered it a paperwork error that he still had power of attorney over her to begin with, which was why he had no issue doing so. However, that didn’t make it easier for Kaden to abandon his mother. Why did they notify the media? They didn’t when Pop’s plane lost tracking.

You went down, Aaron answered. So there’s a plane they can find.

But obviously no investigation, Rhett supplied.

Well, Aaron started then shook his head, how about breakfast before we get too heavy today?

Rhett swept his hand through his hair. Aaron, please promise you’ll tell us what we’re dealing with. I came to you because you assured me over the phone you were different. If you’re going to talk around us the way everyone else has... he trailed off when Aaron leaned forward.

Maintaining eye contact, Aaron said, I hate secrets. You will know ninety-nine percent of what I know. That’s partly so I can reasonably expect you to trust me about the other one percent. I don’t get many witness protection jobs for this reason. The Marshals know I don’t screw around with their half-truth nonsense. He paused to glance at Jordan, who nodded, then Aaron continued, Some time we’ll tell you our story, so you’ll understand why I’m so open.

Thank you, Kaden said. Aaron's sincerity made it easy to trust him. Despite not being hungry, he ate a blueberry muffin and finished a mug of coffee.

Once everyone else had done the same and Rhett helped Aaron clear the table, Jordan picked up his messenger bag. I need to meet with a social worker about a potential boy, Jordan said.

He hasn’t decided yet? Rhett asked.

Jordan furrowed his eyebrows together.

Please excuse him. Kaden rolled his eyes. He’s poking at the word potential.

Sorry, Rhett said.

Jordan grinned. My fault. Bad wording. Potential foster house addition. He kissed Aaron. Have fun, Angel.

Always. I’ll call Cody about their makeovers later, Aaron replied. Jordan said goodbye to Kaden and Rhett then walked out with Lucy by his side.

Angel?

Makeovers? Rhett raised his eyebrow.

Let’s go the living room. It’s more comfortable in there. Aaron led them to a spacious room with two leather sofas, a recliner, and various tables. He spread out paperwork and IDs on the ottoman.

As they took seats on opposite sofas, Lassie wormed her way between Kaden and Rhett. Do you mind animals on the furniture? Kaden asked.

Aaron waved him off. As long as she’s litter box trained, it’s fine with us. We have a deep appreciation for our animals, especially Lucy. They get all the privileges they can handle. She’s made a tremendous difference in Jordan’s life. She's aided his PTSD symptoms in ways we never imagined.

Do you have other pets? Rhett asked while Kaden scratched Lassie.

A Savannah cat and a bulldog. The cat is outside right now, but don’t be alarmed when you see her. She’s very friendly, just big. Aaron opened a file folder. First things first, we have a basement apartment you can stay in downstairs. It won’t be as nice as what you’re used to, but I wanted you to have the option for your own space.

That would be great, thanks. Kaden had to admit his relief at not living with another couple, regardless of how nice they were. Can we pay you for any of this?

Aaron smiled. "That’s the government’s job. Your money is for things like food, clothes,