Tracking Payton: Delta Force Guardians

By Jennifer Becker

Payton’s father is missing and the more she starts looking for him a web of lies and secrets are untangled. Did she really know her father at all? One man in particular is determined to keep her at arm’s length, Alex.

Her father took him under his wing when they were younger. She’s always had a crush on him but she isn’t going to let physical attraction keep her from finding her father. Or his constant interference.

Alex left the only home he had ever known to become a soldier. He owed everything to Nick. Not only for taking him in and giving him a roof over his head, but a purpose in life. Which is why he’s determined to find Nick before anything happens to him or his nosy daughter.

Alex has always had a thing for Payton but he never wanted to disrespect Nick by pursuing her. Now she is determined to find her father and is unburying secrets that are best left where they lay.   

They’ll have to work together to find Nick and ignore the pull between them. Simple enough.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: May 31, 2022

Book preview

Chapter 1

Payton absently ran her finger around the rim of her growing cold coffee cup, as she sat in a booth at the restaurant where she was meeting her dad. He was only forty minutes late. She knew because she’d checked her watch several times now. It wasn’t odd for him to be late. Once he became engrossed in his work, it was hard to pull him away even to get him to eat, let alone remember a lunch date with his daughter.

She would give him five more minutes then leave. She still had a case sitting on her desk that wasn’t going to solve itself. She was a homicide detective, and crime never waited for anyone. Most likely her dad completely forgot about her and their date. It was the story of her life being a military brat. The government always came first. Payton had long become accustomed to it, but that didn’t mean she liked it. Always taking second place. Government first. Family second.

Payton’s mom had hated it, but she always put on a brave face for Payton. Her mom went out of her way to make sure Payton never felt unloved. Cancer had taken her when Payton was just seven.

It had devastated her father. For as absent as he was from home, he did love her mother. It had brought them somewhat closer. He didn’t work as much out of home, but he still holed himself up in his office for hours on end. Saying it was to keep her and the world safe.

Her dad did his best, but he was always busy with work and left most of the parenting to nannies until she was old enough to take care of herself.

It didn’t stop her from still trying to connect with her dad every chance she got. He was the only family she had. When he was around, he made her the sole focus of his attention. He was always curious what cases she was working on. He listened to what she had to say.

That was more than she could say about her last two boyfriends. The last one never cared about her work. He was too focused on his own career. Everything was about him and how she could help him. Payton got tired of it and left. The time before that, she’d dated a work colleague; she’d caught him snooping on her laptop, and he’d stolen her lead and passed it off as his own, closing the case.

Yeah, men sucked. Boyfriends especially. She didn’t have a great track record with men.

Hey, pumpkin, sorry I’m late, her father said, coming up behind her and making her jump.

Hey, Daddy. She smiled as she recovered from her mild heart attack.

Did I scare you? he asked, taking the seat across from her. He was dressed in his usual military uniform. She rarely saw him in civilian clothes. She was convinced he always slept in them.

Yeah, lost in thought. She shrugged.

He tsked at her with a smile on his face. The corners of his eyes crinkling. The wrinkles on his face getting deeper every time she saw him. His hair was more white than grey anymore. He should be thinking about retirement, but don’t tell him that. Nick Weber thought he was still in his thirties the way he worked. Your current assignment?

Yeah, she easily lied. There was no point burdening him that she was thinking about the past she’d missed with him. There was nothing she could do to change it, and she didn’t want to spend their lunch arguing. She’d rather enjoy the time they had together. Who knew the next time she’d see him? How’s everything with you?

Good. Work is keeping me busy. Her dad was a colonel in the army and head of an analyst group. She didn’t know everything it entailed, and he never bothered sharing.

Doing what?

Hoping to get me to spill my secret? I’m afraid you’ll be disappointed, he replied as a waitress came to their table with a coffee pot. Her dad flipped over his cup and let her fill it to the rim.

Do you need cream or sugar? the waitress asked, a bored expression on her face.

No, thank you. They both preferred straight black coffee. Always had.

Payton smiled as she brought her own cup to her lips, hiding her grimace as the cold liquid went into her mouth. Yuck, cold coffee. Can I get a new cup please?

Sure, would you care to order lunch?

Yes.

The waitress nodded. I’ll be right back with menus.

Just curious, Payton said, answering her father’s earlier question.

You know what they say about curiosity. He chuckled as he raised the cup to his lips.

I’m a detective, it’s an occupational hazard. She shrugged, knowing she’d never get a straight answer out of him. She’d interviewed hundreds of people over the years; her dad was the only person she couldn’t crack.

Let it go, Payton. There was a hardness in his eyes that told her that she was pushing him too hard. If she pushed him much further, he would leave, and that wasn’t what she wanted.

He reached into his coat pocket and pulled out a small rectangular velvet box. Here.

Wow, and it wasn’t even her birthday. You shouldn’t have. Payton opened the lid and couldn’t hide the gasp as she saw the gold heart necklace. It’s just like Mom’s. Payton looked up at her dad with tears glistening in her eyes. Her dad smiled broadly at her.

Actually, it is your mom’s. I found it in amongst my things, and I figured it was time for you to have it.

Payton was speechless. She didn’t take her dad for the sentimental type. He didn’t like clutter, and she thought he’d gotten rid of all of her mother’s stuff when she’d died. He’d claimed having reminders of her in the house was too hard for him. Thank you.

You’re welcome. Put it on. She didn’t have to be told twice. Tearing it from the box, Payton clasped it around her neck. The thin gold chain was light, like a gentle kiss around her neck. Her fingers closed around the heart, and she could swear she smelled her mother’s jasmine perfume.

Her dad’s phone chimed, signaling he’d gotten a text message. He pulled out his phone and gave it a cursory glance before setting it down. Payton glanced down at it. She wasn’t normally invasive to her father’s personal business, but she was curious. ‘Report early and debrief you.’

I’m sorry, pumpkin, I have to go. He pulled out his wallet and put down a few bills before standing.

Story of her life. But you just got here. Almost forty-five minutes late too.

We’ll get together soon. Something came up at work. When didn’t something come up? He leaned down to kiss her forehead. I love you, Payton. Don’t ever forget that. No matter what.

That was odd. I love you too, Daddy. She watched him walk out to his car and drive away, noting he’d turned left instead of right for work.

Chapter 2

Alex marched into Nick’s office building with his heart in his throat. He’d gotten a call from a friend at Fort Carson that his mentor and the man that had practically raised him had been in an accident; Nick Weber’s car was totaled and Nick was missing. He hadn’t asked further questions, instead jumped on the first flight to Colorado Springs after sending a quick text to his teammates that he’d be out of town for a few days.

Walking through the front double doors, he wished he’d asked more questions so he could prepare himself for what he was walking into. His mind was playing havoc with him imagining the worst possible outcome.

Nick had survived the crash and was dragging his body to someone who could help him. He was lying there on the cold ground, dying, unable to get to help.

Alex’s friend who’d called him, Colin, was summoned to the front desk. Colin greeted him with hurried steps and looked at him somberly, and Alex’s stomach plummeted.

Have they found him? Alex asked, preparing himself for the news that Nick was dead. Death was inevitable, but Alex wasn’t ready for Nick to go.

Colin looked away with a grimace. He never did have a good poker face. Alex had known Colin since they were teenagers. They could always tell when one of them was lying or trying to hide something.

Colin was the son of another colonel, and they’d met through a military function and hit it off instantly. They’d both joined the army at the same time. When Alex joined the Deltas, Colin joined Special Forces. His life had derailed five years ago when he’d lost his right arm from an IED in Afghanistan. Nick had helped him find a job on base at Fort Carson.

Instead of heading further inside the building, they stepped outside and walked over to a covered sitting area away from people.

Why are we outside? Alex asked looking around.

Away from prying ears.

That made sense. Does that mean Nick’s dead?

I don’t know. We can’t find him. Regular and military police are looking for him, but nothing so far.

That wasn’t good. At least they hadn’t found his dead body yet. There could still be hope.

Do you know what happened?

Someone found his car wrapped around a tree along a pass in the mountains. They called the police right after. Colin pulled out his phone and showed him photos from the wreck. I have a friend on the police force, and he took these for me. He ran the plates and tracked it to Nick, so he called me first thing.

Shit, you think Nick survived that? Alex asked as he scrolled through pictures. There was nothing left of the car. All the metal was bent and twisted. Debris was scattered all over the road.

We can’t find the body, so yeah. Besides, that man is too stubborn to die. Colin chuckled despite the seriousness of the situation.

Did your friend say what the cause was?

So far it’s being ruled as an accident. Maybe an animal jumped out and spooked him. Alex didn’t buy that, and by the look in Colin’s eyes, he didn’t buy it either. They knew Nick too well to crash his car because an animal darted in front of him. The man had been highly trained for situational awareness. Anything could happen in a blink of an eye, but a spook wouldn’t cause that kind of damage. This had been purposeful. Like someone ran him off the road.

Alex instantly felt guilty because he thought he was the cause of it.

What’s being done to find him?

Colin sighed heavily. They are combing the forest for him, but so far no signs. Someone else could have passed by and picked him up and brought him home. Police are checking with residents that live in the area, but there are few. Other than that, military took over the investigation and are keeping things hush hush.

Which meant they didn’t want civilians knowing what Nick was involved in. Alex wracked his brain trying to think what to do next, but he was drawing a blank. He had never been in this position before. None of his teammates had come close to dying. They’d almost lost Ortiz a few weeks ago, but that was because he felt pressured to leave when he learned he’d had a son for the past eight years.

Yeah, he was still having a hard time wrapping his mind around Ortiz as a dad. He’d yet to meet the squirt, but it sounded like he was a mirror image of his dad. Men better start hiding their daughters.

Well, I took a small absence from work, so anything you need help with, I’ll do. Alex didn’t come out here just to be a bump on a log. He’d help with the search. Anything they needed assistance with.

We could use all the help we can get. I don’t like this, Alex, Colin said, shaking his head. Colin looked around to make sure they weren’t overheard then leaned closer and whispered, Too many mysteries, like what the hell was Nick doing on that road to begin with?

I don’t know anything about Nick’s current work. Alex knew a few things, but Nick was good at keeping secrets. He never divulged about anything he was working on. Especially locations. Maybe he was on a scenic drive up there.

No, someone knew he was going to be on that road and ran him off of it.

But to what gain?

Nick was involved in a lot of programs. More than he let on. Someone could have done it fearing he’d reveal a truth.

Alex shook his head in denial. Nick would take those secrets to the grave.

Or someone ran him off the road and kidnapped him for the secrets he keeps.

Shit, Alex hadn’t thought of that. It didn’t change the fact Nick would never reveal said secrets even under duress.

What about his office here? Nick always took his work home with him. Maybe there was something on his computer. Maybe he kept a log on there.

Locked and encrypted.

So we have more questions than answers and won’t be getting any help from anyone.

It’s being ruled an accident so security isn’t being helpful. If we can show proof of foul play, they might relent, but police don’t have just cause. So it’s more a hunch than anything.

Colin was visibly upset, Alex was upset as well; he just kept his emotions in check. Emotions weren’t going to help him find Nick. We’ll find him, Colin. Has Payton been notified?

Payton was two years younger than him, and he’d watched her blossom into a woman. Any familial thoughts about her had died a quick death when he saw her filling out in all the right places. He couldn’t leave the only home he’d ever known fast enough. Nick would kill him for even thinking about his daughter that way.

Shouldn’t she be here? He didn’t know anything about her anymore. When he left, he’d only stayed in touch with Nick. Payton could be married with kids, living on the other side of the world for all he knew. It wasn’t any of his business anyway.

She’s here on base, but I haven’t seen her yet. I honestly didn’t expect you to show up.

Of course I would. How could Colin think Alex wouldn’t come? Nick practically raised me. Is there anyone in this building we can trust to help us get info? Alex asked as he heard raised voices coming from the building entrance.

He spotted a woman yelling at someone in a military uniform as they walked down the steps away from the building. By the insignias on his shoulders he was a general. The woman was walking side by side with the general who was trying to walk quickly to lose her. Alex couldn’t make out her features, but he could tell she was tall. Reaching his chin.

He noted her long brown hair and hour-glass figure in a black shirt and jeans. Her breasts jutted out from her shirt. Just more than a handful. Just the way he liked. This woman easily kept pace with the man.

I asked for a status report of the accident, and I’m still waiting, the woman demanded. Several people turned to look at them, but neither paid anyone any attention.

Alex glanced over at Colin for an answer about why this woman was yelling at a general, but he just shrugged and continued watching them as was everyone else in close proximity.

The general looked upset by the woman’s outburst. I’m sorry, ma’am, everything is still being investigated at this time. We are using all of our resources and those of the local police. What more do you want?

I want answers, I want the report. Now, if you aren’t the person to get things done, General, then get me someone who can. The woman quickened her pace to get in front of the general and stopped, forcing him to stop or bowl over her. Or should we entrust this to civilian police?

Frankly, ma’am, you aren’t authorized to know everything, the general said.

Authorized? she repeated, her head rearing back as if slapped. It’s my father’s accident. I have every right to know.

You want cooperation, start by giving back the Intel from his car that you stole.

It’s not stealing when it’s personal property.

That is government data. Something beyond your clearance level. Give me your father’s possession, then I’ll give you the report. The general stepped around her not waiting for her response.

To hell with your security clearance, General, and it will be a cold day in hell when I give you the contents of my father’s car, she yelled after him. Useless people, she mumbled to herself as she started pacing with her hands on her hips before noticing Alex standing there. Their eyes locked. It was like being sucker punched right in the solar plexus.

Alex, she whispered his name in disbelief.

Hello, Payton. Well, this just got more complicated.

Chapter 3

Payton just stood there gawking at Alex, wondering if she was hallucinating. She hadn’t seen him in fifteen years. Fifteen years without a single word or visit. Not since he enlisted in the army and went off to basic training. What are you doing here? she asked, though she already knew the answer. Her father. They had always been close. Closer than she had been to her own father.

Colin told me about the accident. I flew out on the first flight I could get, he said, sticking his hands in his pockets. She remembered him doing that a lot when they were younger. A tell he was nervous. To see her? She didn’t know why. He’d done everything in his power to avoid her their entire adult life. As soon as she’d hit puberty, she never saw him anymore.

It was a shame; he looked damn fine. He was cute when they were teenagers; every girl in their school was half in love with him. Her included. But now he was devilishly handsome. He’d lost that youthful face, his cheeks now more angular. His lips were still plump, and he still had bright emerald-colored eyes. Alex’s form had changed a lot since high school too. He had filled out, and she couldn’t stop staring at his wide chest and muscular biceps.

I didn’t know you still spoke to my father. She was proud her voice stayed steady when inside she felt breathless.

Get a grip. Alex Grant doesn’t care about you. He’s only here because of your father.

Not as often as I’d like. How about you?

What about me?

Are you still close with the colonel?

Payton almost laughed. Still close? She’d never been close to him. It wasn’t from lack of trying. She’d stayed in Colorado Springs to be closer to him, and she still saw little of him. As close as we ever were.

I’m glad to hear. You look good. His eyes roamed over her body.

Payton tried not to beam under his praise. She shouldn’t care what he thought. Thank you. You look fine as well. I see the army is treating you well.

Alex gave her a boyish grin that made her stomach somersault. I can’t complain. Well, I could, but what good would it do? He looked over at Colin who returned his grin as if they were sharing a private joke. Something they used to do regularly.

She had known Colin since he and Alex had met in high school. They’d become fast friends and inseparable. She had seen him from time to time, but they never hung out or talked often.

Hello, Colin. It’s good to see you, though I wish under better circumstances. She held her right hand out to him to shake. She wasn’t squeamish about prosthetics. He had lost it serving their country, for that she owned him her thanks, not disgust.

Payton, I’m sorry about your father. He ignored her outreached hand and stepped forward to hug her. She was startled for a second, not used to them hugging, but it was nice to find some comfort since she’d gotten the call that her father was in an accident and missing.

She’d been in detective mode since the call, trying to get as many details as she could, but she was getting road blocked by military personnel left and right. All with excuses about security clearance. To hell with clearance. She just wanted to find her father. Why was