One Shot: Pike Evans Adventure Series, #2

By Suz Eglington

Two and a half weeks left of training, then Pike Evans takes the final test for a chance to become an agent of G.H.O.S.T.
Team one of the Highland Yeti are on schedule for training.

Pike, Agent Kittrick, and Agent Morris fly back to Bragg with this group after delivering glowing cargo into the mountain's observation and testing facility. The Yeti's are the team Pike will train with over the next two weeks.

The Yeti's division leader, Eli Jackson, unimpressed with Evans right at their first impression. Jon Hanskon, Yeti's weapon specialist, wants Pike removed from the program indefinitely.

When the job is mostly about driving, Pike proves his worth by leaving Eli Jackson's top driving record in jeopardy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Suz Eglington
• Release date: May 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798224948116

Book preview

One shot

A Pike Evans Novel

Suz Eglington

[He understood] ... the quality of the real universe, the divine, magical, terrifying and ecstatic reality in which we all live.

—C. S. Lewis

Contents

One shot

East Bound and Down

Southern Hospitality

Missing Information

So, It Begins

Take It to the Tarmac

Showtime

Simon Says

It’s a Date

Catch Me If You Can

A Visit to the Beach

Do-over

The Trouble with Tires

Not in Kansas Anymore

Worthy Opponent

Not a Chance

I Can’t Drive 55

Deserted Weekend

A Team Divided

What Doesn’t Kill You

My Side of the Bed

The Boys Are Back in Town

Laser Tag

Seven Seconds

One Team

Missing Evidence

Delivery Service

Graduation

One Shot © 2021 by Suz Eglington. All Rights Reserved.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means including information storage and retrieval systems, without permission in writing from the author. The only exception is by a reviewer, who may quote short excerpts in a review. 

Cover designed by Suzanne Eglington 

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This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events, or locales is entirely coincidental. 

Suz Eglington

Visit my website at www.suzeglington.com 

Edwards Editing

Printed in the United States of America 

First Printing: May 30, 2021

independent publishing 

East Bound and Down

THE 2:00 P.M. SHUTTLE bus stopped in the C-130 loading area. A couple of guys standing around outside the plane were shouting to everyone as they unloaded, Let’s get this party started, people, and began boarding the plane. Eli Jackson, waiting near the bottom of the airstairs and holding his clipboard, barked out orders, Hazmat, suits, campers. Come on, move it.

The sky was a vibrant blue, as if photoshopped. A few puffy, white clouds hung like props. The Colorado air was cool, crisp, clean.

East Coast air didn’t feel like this. Pike knew the elevation was a lot higher here. Maybe that had something to do with it.

49 walked from behind with two additional black bags, placing one down next to Pike, who was appreciating the view. 49 held the other in his left hand.

What’s this, sir? He looked down at the bag, then twisted his head over his left shoulder, spotting Clair Morris, his Double Negative teammate, taking one just like it from the driver.

Emergency kit, kid.

We didn’t have one coming in. His eyes darted back to 49.

Correct. Blame the glowing cargo from last night. Extra layer.

Pike tilted his head back up again. See the sky, sir? It’s like a postcard. I don’t remember Colorado ever being this vivid.

49 glanced up, squinting. His salt-and-pepper hair caught the gentle wind. Yeah, another reason for these. I don’t like it.

Pike bent, first reaching for his personal bag and securing it over his left shoulder, then again to lift the second bag by the strap. He was surprised by having to put more muscle into it. What’s in here? It’s heavy.

Hazmat suit, helmet, boot covers, aluminum foil.

Pike secured this one over his right shoulder. Hazmat suit? I used to have one in the Army. It wasn’t this weight. He rotated both shoulders, settling the bags in place. Tinfoil? Like the shiny stuff we cook with? Why?

49 signaled to start walking. Handy product. Many uses. They neared the plane, both observing how the men were lining up. Ever been on a C-130?

"Never on one. At the back of the hatch taking their cargo, though."

It’s not the plane we flew to Nebraska.

Pike smiled, knowing this was a standard military transport. Does it at least have seats?

I think this one has benches, you know, set up for jumpers.

We’re not jumping, are we? Because I don’t know how.

Don’t worry, son. In all my years I’ve never jumped.

They waited to board. Eli Jackson, leader of the Yetis and Clair’s brother, bantered with each of his guys, checking them off the list. Eli’s crew was mostly complaining about the next two weeks of training. Bets started throughout the line as to who would get the first detention slip from Captain Jacobowski.

One guy slapped another on the shoulder, the other sporting tangled hair in locks down to his shoulders. They were chanting his name, Vonn, Vonn, Vonn, down the line in musical tones. They all laughed, pegging him to be first served. Vonn smiled and turned to the guys behind him with his arms up in a victory V before he swiveled again, taking his first step on to the stairs with the others.

Pike watched over his shoulder, keeping an eye on his third teammate. Clair approached slowly, walking and talking with the shuttle driver. She waved goodbye, then trotted to catch up. Pike and 49 were next on the list.

Eli paused, pen in hand, as a movement on the horizon caught his attention. He turned his head, watching out on the tarmac, and lowered his clipboard stuffed with papers.

Pike and 49 followed his stare as Clair caught up to them. She stopped right behind Pike. Hey.

Pike nodded.

She set eyes on Eli. Hello?

Pike aligned his body with hers. His mouth edged up in a half-smile, observing the three bags she carried. In an attempt to make it easier for her, he offered, Want me to take one of those for you?

Morris passed over his gesture, insulted. She of all people would never admit to needing help. No.

Eli stepped away from them, his hand touching his forehead and shading his eyes from the sun as he watched a Jeep coming in hot. 49’s attention was also on the barreling vehicle.

Eli’s head dropped back down to his clipboard. A smug grin crept across his face as he checked Clair off his list. Looks like your fiancé is joining us after all.

Clair snapped her head to the right and growled out profanity as she watched the Jeep approach. Not my fiancé. Stop calling him that. The cool air wasn’t enough to relieve the sudden heat burning in her.

Eli watched her reaction, amused. Does he know? How about Mom? Last I heard it was still on.

Pike’s heart hammered inside his chest. Hi gaze jumped from Eli to Clair, then darted to her left hand. No ring. You’re engaged?

She pushed between Pike and 49, making her own path. Move it! They stepped to the side as she stormed forward, stomping up the stairs, bags bouncing off both sides of the rails.

Pike caught a light fragrance as she passed. A floral smell, possibly from shampoo, or, he wondered, was she wearing perfume? He took note of her scampering inside the plane, pleased with the delicate aroma trapped inside his nose. He didn’t remember her ever smelling this way before. There were plenty of times they had been close enough that he would have recognized this. Was it for this guy? Did she know he was coming?

49 motioned for Pike to follow. Fiancé . . . The word echoed in his head. Was she engaged to the guy who would be traveling with them? Pike wanted more information. His eyes focused, watching the Jeep stop about thirty feet away. Eli, sporting a wide grin, let the clipboard fall to his side and took a few steps in the vehicle’s direction. Evidently, he liked this guy.

This new player stood about the same height as Eli. He was filled out enough to make it clear he took his workouts seriously. His shirtsleeves were rolled up to expose his forearms, which looked fit for tearing down brick walls.

He chatted with Eli, grinning and joking about his ride in. This man used his whole body when he spoke, angling one shoulder back as he touched Eli’s chest and pointed to behind the plane, before pivoting back toward the Jeep.

He was dressed in gray camo pants and shirt. He looked as if he had just come out of the field as he lifted an oversized duffle bag from the back of the Jeep, then slung it around his neck and shoulders. Eli reached to help as they both leaned over to grab something behind the seat. They pulled and lifted two hard-shelled, black gun cases, one short and the other standard size.

Eli slung another bag over his left shoulder with a slap on the guy’s arm, telling him, I got it.

Pike listened as best he could, with Clair’s fiancé turning and calling out to the Jeep’s driver, No, all set. Thanks for the lift, man. Good hustling. The driver saluted and spun the wheel to the left, checking the back seat and extending his arm. All clear, he said, then drove away.

The newcomer and Eli strode toward the plane. The man adjusted his aviators to cover his eyes. With his jawline set straight, he approached with the type of confidence that said he knew the plane would remain grounded until his say-so. No one was taking off without him.

Pike snapped his head in 49’s direction. He was being summoned to hurry up. His eyes darted to 49 and then back to the two men. Eli shouted, held a smile ear to ear, It’s going to be a family reunion, brotha. Glad you made it.

Pike watched intently as the stranger exchanged sarcastic greetings with Eli before noticing that Pike was watching them. He tossed his chin at Pike, who was aware he was intruding on their conversation. Eli shifted his gaze to watch Pike watch them.

Pike abandoned his eavesdropping when 49 shouted for him to catch up, and he made his way up the stairs and inside the plane. His phone vibrated inside his front pocket. It was his maybe-ex, Jackie. Pike hadn’t expected to hear from her, especially after the way they had left things back at his father’s old house. He took the call as the men made their way over, walking and talking.

Hello?

Jackie pleaded, Pike, I’m so sorry. Where have you been? I am hearing rumors you were fired and you haven’t been back home. The place is dark every night.

The guys had stopped and were watching Pike. Something like that. Look, I can’t talk right now.

Pike, I miss you. Just tell me you are okay.

I’m fine. I really have to go.

Can I call you later?

Pike looked up at the door. 49 appeared and waved him on for the second time. Yeah, later. I gotta go.

He pressed end and tucked the phone back in his pocket before trotting up the stairs without looking at Eli or the new guy. He entered the plane and took note of the interior. Both sides of the shell were lined with removable bench seating. There were open-style, overhead storage racks with bungee tie-downs and what looked like some locker storage on the left wall. There was a group of five back-to-back seats in the middle and a whole bunch of D-ring hooks embedded in the floor. He spotted Clair at the far end of the middle seating. The other crew, the Yetis, had claimed both sides of the shell. 49 headed toward Clair, his bags already under his seat.

Pike glanced down, reaching for his phone again. Jackie was texting to say she couldn’t wait to talk to him later. His lids dropped as he put the phone back inside his pocket. Nearly two weeks had passed without any word, and now she wanted to talk?

Pike walked closer to where 49 and Clair were sitting. She motioned for Pike to take the end seat while 49 sat in the third seat, putting her in the middle. She grabbed at 49’s strap, removing the hazmat bag off his shoulder and tucking it under the bench. You sit here. We are our own team. Don’t need to be talking with any of them. Clair straightened up, looking around.

49 rotated his shoulders, turning in Pike’s direction. We need to get our story straight.

Pike stepped toward Clair as she reached for his duffle, ripping it from his shoulder. He chuckled at the attention she was giving to him, even though she was a little forceful. Pike confusedly asked, Story straight?

She plunked his duffle on the floor in front of his seat. Clair answered 49, Do you think we are in trouble from the town clowns?

49 raised his hand palm down, fingers splayed. I think this is going to be an issue, and Maggie is going to have a lot to say about how we handled it.

Pike looked around at the seats. We didn’t do anything wrong. What can Captain Jacobowski say?

49 lowered his hand. Lots. Our stories need to match exactly.

Pike’s attention jumped back to the doorway as Clair’s supposed fiancé stepped in and stopped for a moment to survey the setup. His eyes found Clair. One of the guys slapped another on the shoulder as he shouted out, Dead Shot. See? I told you he’d make it.

His head turned to acknowledge the team. Dead Shot. The crew murmured the name, with several of the louder men calling out sarcastic acknowledgments of his arrival. 49, blocking sight of Clair, stood watching as he approached and spoke. Kittrick, still at it, aye?

They exchanged grunts and Dead Shot’s face shifted as he studied Pike. He tilted his head to get a better angle, taking in Pike’s demeanor. Heard you are a newbie, still in diapers.

Pike squared his shoulders and puffed his chest out a little more, folding his arms in front. It bothered him to look up at Dead Shot, who stood a few inches taller and several inches wider.

Pike thought of the G.I. Joe action figure he had gotten one Christmas when he was a kid. This guy was a perfect match, right down to the toy’s painted-on hairstyle. Pike grinned as he remembered all the torture he had put that action figure through.

49 answered, Jon Hanskon, this is Pike Evans. I found him in Massachusetts. He will be training with Eli’s Highlanders for the next few weeks.

Hanskon grinned sarcastically, amused by the thought. A baby Yeti?

49 shook his head and crossed his arms. No. He dropped one arm to his side and pointed at Pike with the other. The guys around them quieted down as they listened in. There has been an increase of specials. Not enough coverage. Wilkens agreed it’s time to expand. These two are part of the new program.

Hanskon flicked his chin toward Pike. He’s not in the program yet? Who is allowing this?

49 stepped in the aisle to block Pike. He will be. His training performance is impeccable. I don’t foresee anything happening to disrupt him from graduating.

No one can foresee an accident. That’s why they’re called accidents.

Morris will be an extra set of eyes to prevent any accidents. She is staying to work with him.

Clair stepped out from behind 49. What? I have to train with these guys, too? Her eyes hardened as she pointed at Pike. He can handle them. I have my schedule set for the next two weeks.

Hanskon’s head snapped up and he looked at Clair. You’re training with us?

Morris was caught off guard by Kittrick’s plan. What? No! I never agreed to this.

49 pumped his hands in a slow, downward gesture. Wait, wait, wait. She and Pike will be taking over my runs during these weeks.

Hanskon shifted his weight, leaning in Clair’s direction. Pike? Hmm. The kid is a fish out of water in this league, old man. I won’t let you put her in danger.

49’s hand shot back to stop Pike from advancing as he calmly answered, Settle down, Hanskon. No one is in any danger. He’s better than you think.

Hanskon dismissively took in Pike’s physique. She needs better backup than a toddler.

Clair centered her stance to face Hanskon. Excuse me? She made an exaggerated show of eyeing him from top to bottom. Like you? No fucking thanks. Her hands flew to her hips as he watched.

Pike adjusted, a little more ready to back her up. Hanskon gave Pike his full attention, ignoring Morris’s reaction, and made sure 49 heard him loud and clear. No way are you sticking Morris with a newbie.

Pike chuckled, lowering his head first, then lifting it with purpose, his eyes penetrating Hanskon’s stare. Don’t worry. I’ll take care of her.

Hanskon stepped into 49 and Clair. He could easily have reached out and grabbed Pike’s throat. You don’t know who you are messing with, peewee.

Pike tilted his head back slightly. Peewee? That’s a new one. I do know it’s been too long since you brushed your teeth, dude. Come on, simple hygiene, man. Chew on a breath mint.

Clair quickly wedged herself between them. Hanskon’s jaw clenched, his shoulders dropped back, and his chest expanded as he curled his free hand into a fist.

Not your call, she asserted. I can take care of myself. You have no right to oversee any part of my life. She formed her thumb and index finger into a circle, holding it up to his face. Zero. I am in zero need of anything from you.

One of the guys cupped Hanskon’s shoulder. Come on, man. Let’s settle in. Plenty of time to fight with your lady later.

Hanskon rotated his shoulder in one sharp movement. His team member backed off. He dropped his hand, offering to secure his gun. A few guys gathered around, aware of what was happening. Hanskon stared down at Clair. His eyes softened, searching for the truth in her statement. We will talk later. He stepped back.

Eli boarded the plane carrying Hanskon’s other gun case, walking up the aisle toward Clair. His eyes darted from her to Pike to Kittrick to Hanskon.

Is there a problem here? he asked his little sister.

Keep, she jabbed her index finger into Hanskon’s chest, "him the fuck away from me." With her finger in his chest, she started to feel their connection, his aura. She pulled it away. Her jaw dropped and her body involuntarily shivered. Now she shook off a rush of heat surging through her while her mind raced. He’s the enemy. Don’t fall for his bullshit. He wants you to make babies. Wants you to quit. Wants full control of you. You’re not a housewife. You are not a housewife!

Eli lowered his stare to her. Some things you just need to get over. Eli attempted to smooth the tension between them.

Clair shot daggers at Eli. Really? Then you need to keep the fuck away from me, too.

Eli, annoyed by her, conceded, I would if I could, sis, but you just keep showing up. Hanskon and Eli walked to the other side of the plane.

Pike turned, concerned. Hoping to confirm there was no way that guy could be engaged to Clair, he asked, Are you okay? What an asshole.

She glanced around the floor and, upon spotting her bag, sat down abruptly, pulling out a bottle of water and chugging as if she couldn’t get enough down. The air crew sealed the doors, announcing for everyone to buckle up.

Hanskon’s eyes settled on her as he finally took his seat. All six-foot-two-inches of him fit snugly between the guys. Even sitting, his V-shaped figure stood out from the rest of the men. She peeked at his neckline as he adjusted his cap, pulling it down over his eyes as if he were going to fall asleep. Clair noticed his hair was longer than he usually kept it, most likely from being out on the field for an assignment.

The air crew relayed over the speakers that it would be smooth sailing from here to North Carolina and time should be just under three hours. Clair tapped Pike to talk. He leaned into her. She did the same to Gus, getting his attention. She faced Kittrick. I know you addressed that we are taking on your runs. I need to know the particulars. Pay, time, what’s changing. Do I still work with our group or am I on call? And what’s with Evans. He hasn’t even completed his training. Why is he getting priority? Shouldn’t this be posted?

Settle down, Clair. This is my call. I am in charge of who is transferred to these positions. Wilkens will take care of Evans’s paperwork, provided he passes. 49 fixed his eyes on Pike in a warning.

No worries, sir. I will pass.

"You are with them for the