The Venturesome Race

Chapter Ten:

BRYNN JONES POV –

When me and the boys landed back in London it was 7am. That meant that Camille would be in the garage already tinkering with her latest pet project. I always loved Cami’s show and tell, the way her mind worked to produce the amazing little gadgets or monstrous 4 wheelers had me in awe every time.

“Right you two, why don’t you go and rest up. Get some sleep and food I want to land in India tonight.” I said gleefully as the three of us descended the steps from the jet and crossed over the tarmac to the small corridor that contained the door that led to the garage and the lift and stairs that lead to the first floor.

“You checking what Cami has been up to?” I could hear the genuine curiosity in Roland’s voice. He asked about Camille so much it was clear that he had a little thing for her, and I was all for encouraging him.

“Yeah, why don’t you come with?” I smirk as I placed my bag at the foot of the stairs. I glanced at Roland who shrugged his shoulders.

“Brynn when you’ve seen Cami, I need to have that talk with you.” Spoke Vincent in his commanding voice to make me aware of how important this conversation will be.

“Okay, I’ll meet you in my office in ten minutes.” I called behind me to him as I walked through the garage door, Roland in tow. We made our way over towards the back of the massive garage.

“Hey boss, how was the day trip?” Hollered Camille from her office in the far-right corner of the garage.

“Educational.” I smirked as made my way over and stood in the doorway.

“Well I’m glad you’re back, I’ve been waiting for hours to show you something.” She exclaimed while hopping up to her feet before bouncing past me and out of the office.

“Come on you two, walk a little quicker!” She laughed as she rushed towards the cage that lined the back wall, the place where she kept her favourite toys under lock and key. Me and Roland watched as she unlocked it and threw the doors open.

“Okay guys!” She beamed as she hoped from one foot to the other.

“So, I obviously got done what you requested boss, but I still had tons of time! So, I modified some beauties for you and then made a few little extras.” Camille glowed with pride then again, she always did when she had completed something new.

“Okay, I can’t wait anymore. Show me EVERYTHING.” I respond with wide eyes; her excitement was catchy. The way she looked like a child at Christmas was contagious. Camille pulled an extending shelf out of the cage with a tray on it where there was a cloth covering her latest toys.

“I’m not going to show you everything boss, some of them are surprises. Although I promise what I do give you now you will love.” She chucked as she began to lift the cover off the tray. Exposing a couple of gadgets and a handful of personalized weapons.

“Right, I know I went a little overboard but better safe than sorry right? So, I know you love your Kunai and throwing knifes so I made you a new stealth holder and thigh garter, also I engraved and carved a few new ones for you to play with. As a bonus I personalised your duel short swords and Glock 48.” Camille’s smile reached her ears as she handed me the try holding my latest protection goodies.

“Before you tell me how amazing I am, Roland here are yours. I know you prefer hands on combat, but I detailed a Sig P365 XL for you and a single short sword just in case.” She said with a slight shy tone that was odd for Cami, as she thrust the two beautifully decorated weapons towards a shocked and slightly pink Roland.

“As for gadgets I’m only going to show you a couple now. My favourites, a tiny undetectable GPS chip inside an adhesive patch! You can stick it anywhere, on a body, on a vehicle or on clothes and objects. It took so many trials to get right but it was worth it.” She exclaimed opening a small case that contained 10 skilfully placed stickers before moving on to the next object.

“These guys are like a little pair because I used the same idea for something else. The same kind of adhesive patches but these ones contain a little microphone. They can transmit anything to the matching earbuds, you can eavesdrop from anywhere. Yes, before you ask. The beast has been altered and is ready. Okay, now you can tell me how amazing I am!” She laughed pausing for dramatic effect at the end, before bowing at me and Roland who were still silent with astonishment.

“The others can come to me one by one to collect theirs.” She shouted in our direction as she skipped off towards the hanger bay, not bothering to wait for a reaction from either of us. Then again, she never had before.

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“Okay Vincent, what is this important talk you’ve been wanting to have?” I call out as I shut the door to my office behind me and crossed the room to sit on the couch in the left corner.

“Please don’t take that dismissive tone with me Brynn, Its me.” He sighed, never taking his eyes off mine as he came to sit beside me.

“Okay. What’s up?” I asked as I relaxed backwards into the couch cushions.

“I want to call Owen and ask him to meet us in India.” He ushered the words out of his mouth, observing me and waiting to gauge my reaction. I exhaled a deep breath and let my shoulders fall to a rest.

“You know I love Owen, like a brother and he is more than welcome to come back when he has had his fill of service.” I said as I allowed my head to fall back against the cushions.

“But” Grunted Vince.

“But when he wanted to go back to the SEAL’s we both said that we would support that. Don’t call him back because you are a little nervous Vince.” I filled in.

“Brynn I’m not just a little nervous!” He raised his voice slightly. Barely really but enough for me to take notice and straighten up from my relaxed pose. My eyes were back on him now as he rubbed the shaved sides of his head, elbows propped up on his knees.

“I’m worried B, I am genuinely scared.” He let out a deep sigh not bothering to look up.

“Scared of what?” I asked softly as I wrapped my arm around his shoulders, well tried to but Vince was quite muscular, and I couldn’t quite reach.

“I’m scared that next time I won't get there fast enough, or they might decide to just shoot you or snap your neck and be done with it all.” He spoke through gritted teeth and I could feel the muscles in his back tense as he got worked up.

“Vince relax, stop thinking that way. I told you I wouldn’t sneak off alone again, not that I could I mean, you and the rest of the team have been practically glued to my hip since last year.” I chuckled trying to calm him down whilst rubbing his back lightly.

“It’s not just that B, what if we get separated or you end up lost? What if someone takes you from us and I can’t stop them?” He let out as he brought his hands down from his face, allowing me to see the tears building up inside his chocolate eyes.

“We won’t get separated and if one of us were to get lost it would definitely be you not me. No one is going to take me from our mix and match family and it’s not up to you to save me Vince.” I cooed as I scooted closer until our thighs touched, he draped his arm across my shoulder’s, and I wrapped my arm around his waist.

“That doesn’t help B” He whispered, and my heart ached.

It always felt odd to see my closet friend so worried, Vince was always the rock. Strong and steady, unmoving. He was the one I turned to when I felt weak, the last time I had seen him like this was my accident. I was still in the hospital in Portugal and had only just regained the ability to hold onto my consciousness. Vince hadn’t left my bedside the whole time, he just sat there silently watching over me. My fierce and loyal protector cried when he thought I was sleeping, every night for a week until Owen showed up to look after me. Vincent went back to Homebase to prepare for my return and fill the team in on my condition and what the doctors had said.

When I was finally brought back to the UK, Vince broke down. He refused to leave my side for the next month, apart to nip home to shower and to see his family. Thank the Gods he was married to such a loving and understanding woman, Samantha sent meals in for me with him every day despite having to look after two, three-year-old boys by herself. And the boys made me so many cards and gifts, I truly felt spoilt with love. The rest of the team picked up the slack in the business area, especially since I had Vince and Owen by my side constantly, it was as if they thought I would shatter into a million pieces if I was left alone for more than a minute. 

“Now onto some lighter news.” I breathe softly, not only to try and calm Vince’s nerves but also because I was failing to find the right words to say right now to soothe away his stress for me.

“Did you get the call?” He asked as he sniffled and stood up as if he could stretch out the fear he was feeling.

“Yes.” I nodded with a small smile.

“My offering was accepted by the Elder from the Village. Me and two others a have been permitted to attend the ancient ritual that will be happening tonight. They will retell the past of the ancient tribes and the people who lived among them. There is only one catch, well two.” I smirked a little, clearing my throat at the end.

“What are the catches B?” He responded in his accusatory tone with furrowed brows. The sight brought a smile to my face.

“One, I am to take another offering along with me. Two, at least two of the three who attend also will be required to partake in the ritual.” I explained raising from my spot on the couch and crossing over to my desk.

“What exactly does ‘partake’ mean?” Vince asked with the use of air quotes and I had to stifle my laugh at the frown on his face.

“They all drink a special tea, kind of like peyote. Two of us will have to drink it to be accepted and blessed to join by the rest of the tribe.” I uttered calmly, as if I were telling him we would have to have a little tea party with cakes and scones.

“Well you already know that I will not be drinking anything like that.” He huffed, crossing his arms like a worn-out toddler. His two boys looked exactly like that when they didn’t agree with something and the thought of the three of them side by side making that face was enough to make me laugh.

“Don’t laugh at me Brynn. You know I don’t do drugs.” He scoffed.

“I know Vince, that’s why I said two out of three. Now untwist your knickers and get ready, the ritual starts at 1am so we leave for India in about 4 hours. You can sleep on the plane if you want.” I ordered in a mocking tone, earning a chuckle from Vincent. He crossed the distance between us and pulled me into a bear hug.

“Thanks B, I’ll go see Sam and the boys. See you in a few hours.” He released me and looked me over once more with concern in his eyes before leaving.