I have been trying to figure out how to let people know that I needed to pee.... badly! But in a nice way though. Then Decker walks in. I have seen him around base. He has been in the office a few times. He is one fine specimen! Tall, at least six feet tall. Light brown hair and blue eyes. He has a tattoo of a black rose on his left forearm. The same one that Demo has. We officially meet then I can't take it anymore. I ask all the guys to leave the room. They do so quickly. Thank God!

"Mom! I need to pee! Like right now! Please help me with the iv."

Without a word she grabs the pole and helps me into the restroom.

I barely make it in time. I think that I even got a little on the seat. I don't care! A minute later, I'm still going. "Dang sweetie! When was the last time you used the bathroom?" She asked as she stood holding the tube and cords out of the way.

"Yesterday just before we left the house."

"Seriously?! You should know better. Do not dehydrate yourself. You can really screw up your body by doing that."

"I'm sorry, mom."

"When was the last time you ate?"

"We ate burgers and chips for dinner around seven. Then I ate a granola this morning." I finally quit urinating. "But I could eat something." I stood and wash my hands.

"I'll make the boys get you something." Mom said as she helps me sit on the bed. "What do you want?" She asks as she stands at the door.

"Love em three days for lasagna. Five days for Mexican." She chuckled and relayed the message.

"They are getting you some enchiladas. Let's get you dressed before the others come back in."

I dressed in some loose gym shorts and low- riding panties. Then added an extra large t-shirt. "Oh that feels so much better. Thank you mom! You're the best!" I told her as she goes for the door.

"Thank you baby! You make it easy." I put on some deodorant. "She's decent again." Mom told the guys. They follow her back in.

"I must say, nerd, you looked a lot better when we dropped you off at the airport." Thermo said with a shit eating grin.

"I must say, Thermo, you looked better when you were in Washington and I was here." I reply instantly.

Everyone laughed, including mom. "That's my girl! Take stuff from nobody!"

We chatted for a while before the boys came back. I eat the enchiladas quickly without looking at anything but my food. I didn't realize that I was so hungry! When I look up, every eye is on me. "OH! Sorry! Did anyone want a bite?" I ask with a red face.

"Nope! Apparently you were starving." Braden chuckled.

"I have never seen anyone eat that much, that fast! I'm glad that we got the dinner and not the lunch." Jaden added.

The big guys chuckled. "You should see the mess hall during basic training." Thermo told them.

"The stuff of nightmares! You learn the first day or two that if they tell you that you have five minutes to eat. They mean four. Sometimes they will make you eat as you walk from the food line to the trash. You learn to scarf it down quickly and taste it later." I told them.

"You may not even want to taste it later. Military food is either tasteless or horrible." Demo added. We all were nodding our agreement.

"Yep! You just hope that the days that you get to actually sit and eat is the day that it is tasteless." I replied.

"Come on! It can't be that bad." Braden said.

"When I get back to base, I will send you an MRE. Those are gourmet meals compared to regular mess hall chow."

"Send him the spaghetti and meatballs!" Decker chuckled.

"Those almost put me off Italian food forever!" I told Decker.

"Wow! You love Italian!" Jaden said. He and Baden were both astonished.

"It used to be my favorite. Until I had the MRE! I was scarred for life."

The door opened and dad walked in. "Hi daddy! Is your case over already?"

"No, baby. We were in the neighborhood. I wanted to stop and see how my babygirl is doing. How are you feeling?" He leaned down and kissed my forehead.

"I am feeling better. This is Thermo and Decker. They are on the team also." I introduced the guys as I point to them. "Guys, this is my dad, Detective Brian Adamson.

They shook hands. Then I notice that Jeremy Duncan had come in behind daddy. "And this is Detective Jeremy Duncan." Dad introduces him. Jeremy graduated a year ahead of me. He had asked me out several times. I found out that he only did so that he could get closer to hang out with dad. Even if dad was my uncle at the time. I told him that if he wanted to hang around with a cop, he didn't need me for that. That was the last time that he had talked to me.

I didn't mind. I was trying to deal with keeping my grades up and working a full time job. "Good to see you again Bethany." Jeremy said with a smile.

"Jeremy, I see that you made it to the detective league without my help. Congratulations!" I said sarcastically.

His face turned red instantly. "Something like that. How are you? I was told that you were going to A&M. Then ended up not."

"I was. Better things came along. I'm military. Happy to be there!"

"And we are happy to have her!" Demo spoke up. I noticed that he and Decker had moved closer to the bed.

"Thanks, Demo!" I told him with a smile. All of the chairs are taken up. "Since there aren't any seats left, you and Decker can sit on the bed." I tell Demo.

"Thank you, nerd!" Demo smiled and sat as I move my legs to accommodate them. I smile at him. The brothers and parents chuckle at the nickname.

"She threatened to kick our as..... butts when we called her a nerd!" Braden stopped his words just in time before mom would yell at him.

"Yes well, have you seen the size of these guys? I can kick your butts. I can't kick theirs." I replied sweetly. Everyone laughed. Jeremy hasn't stopped watching me yet. I guess that he is regretting his decision to ignore me for the police.

"You could always try! Nerd!" Thermo laughed.

"You just want to be able to say that you can kick someone's butt. Even if it is a female." Decker replied chuckling.

"Whatever!" Thermo instantly responded. "If the ladies weren't present, you'd know what I would be saying."

All the guys were laughing. "Well, baby, I have to get going. I'm hoping to have this case wrapped soon. But if you need me for anything, call. I love you, sweetheart!" Dad kissed my head again.

"I love you too, dad. Stay safe!" I tell him.

"It was really good seeing you again, Bethany!" Jeremy acted like he was about to kiss my head. I leaned away.

I swear that I heard more than one man growl. Jeremy retreated to a safe distance then followed dad out of the door. I saw Demo look at Decker and Decker nod slightly. I will have to ask them about that. I imagine that they will be investigating Jeremy.

"So, when do you think that I can get out of here, mom?" I asked her.

"I don't know, sweetie. The normal procedure would usually be overnight observation. Your procedure had the complication of a bullet. The doctor is the only one who knows how long you'll be here. He should be here soon to check you out. I will ask a few questions. Then I can tell you a better time frame." Mom tells me. I nod my head. Demo, Thermo, and Decker all leave to eat dinner. "I need to go change into my scrubs. I am working tonight. Will you be ok?" She asked me.

"I'll be fine, mom. I think that I will just get some rest. Thank you for being such an awesome mom! I love you!" I reply as she kisses my forehead. The brothers follow suit and leave too. I close my eyes for a moment. I wake up when the door opens again.

The doctor examines me and tells me that I will go home tomorrow morning. I will have to see a doctor in a week. Then a check-up when I get to base. I doze again when he leaves.

I feel lips on my left temple. Then my cheek. I smell a slight spicy musk. It is faint, but smells so damn good. I turn my head to smell more. A pair of lips land on my right temple and cheek. Different lips. The scent is different too. The musk is stronger and slightly citrus. I must be dreaming. I hear nothing. I feel nobody near me.

Some time later, I have to pee again. I get out of bed and take the iv pole with me. After washing up, I go back to the bed. I hear a chuckle and look up to see Demo and Decker sitting there watching me.

"I told you that she didn't know that we were here." Demo said to Decker. "Have a nice nap, nerd?" He asked me.

"I did. When did y'all get back?"

"About a half hour ago. You were sleeping good. So we have been working. Feeling better?" Decker replied.

"I am. The doctor said that I will get out tomorrow morning. A check-up in a week. Then a second follow-up at base. What are you working on? "

"Getting Kevin taken care of. It seems that the dealer that he owes, told him to sell a lot of drugs for him. Those are some of what the police confiscated. There are a few of the dealers most loyal friends in jail with Kevin. One is on his way to federal death row. He has nothing to lose. But Kevin does and will." Demo told me. I just nod.

"I almost feel sorry for Kevin. I probably would if I didn't hate him."

"You have every right to hate him. Want to tell me your history with him?" Decker asked. I told him the story. "Seems like he just isn't smart enough to drop it when he is beat. I have read the police report also. Every witness there said that they never saw you drink alcohol. They said that he came up to try to fight Jaden. He spotted you instead."

"That is what he bragged about. He said that everyone would probably jump him for kicking my ass. I got them all to agree not to lift a finger against him. He had brushed up on his skills. He got in a hair-pull, but no hits. But it was still over with quickly. My brothers hit harder and faster. Jaden and Braden learned how to fight from dad. Mom still doesn't know that dad taught us self defense. She would probably be upset if she knew." I told them.

"Well if it makes you feel better, I just got a text from Granger. It seems that Kevin was being transported from the court house to a cell. He grabbed a gun from the jailor and shot at him, grazing the guards arm. When they cornered him, he jumped three stories and landed head first on the concrete floor. He died a half hour ago from his injuries." Demo told me.

"So the bastard basically committed suicide. Well at least I can enjoy the rest of my vacation. Once I get out of here."

"Yes you can." Decker replied. He smiled suddenly. "So what is the tattoo that I caught a glimpse of when you were napping?" Demo laughed. My face heated up.

"I'll tell you about it some time."

"Aww come on! You can call me by my first name." Decker said with a pout.

I start laughing. "Alright! It is a pair of lips on my ass. That is my way of telling people that if they don't like it, they can kiss my ass."

Both men laughed. "Classic! I just might have to get that ink! You can call me Brantley or Brant."

"Call me Tanner if you want." Demo said.

My phone rang with the 'Law and Order' theme sounds. "Sorry, I have to take this." I answered the call. "Hey, dad! What's up?"

"Hey sweetheart! You sound chipper."

"I am! I was just talking to Demo and Decker."

"Well, I am just calling to let you know that Kevin is deceased. He jumped down a three story drop. Are you ok knowing that?" I can hear his concern in his voice.

"I'm good, dad. I had already heard about it from Demo. He told me how it happened. Is the jailor alright?"

"Yes he was grazed by the bullet. He was treated and released. I'm glad that you are ok. I was worried about how you would react to the news."

"I was just telling the guys that now I can relax and enjoy my time at home without worrying if I will be jumped from behind. It's a relief, dad."

"If you ever need to talk. I will always be here for you. You don't even have to say any names. I love you, babygirl! I would move the moon for you."

"I will be sure to remember that, daddy. I love you too! I'm so lucky to have you."

"I'm the lucky one, baby. I'm going to get back to work, sweetheart. We are close to closing this case."

"Ok, dad. I am supposed to get out of the hospital tomorrow. So don't worry about me. I want you to stay safe. I love you most!"

"Ok, sweetheart. I love you most! I'll call later."

"Later, dad!" We hung up and I looked at the guys who were whispering to each other. "Alright guys, what are you up to?" I ask them. They look guilty as hell.

"I would tell you, but I don't want you working until you are back at base. And that isn't happening for sixteen more days." Demo said. I guess that I can call him Tanner now. I have his permission.

"Well I am bored as hell right now, Tanner. So I would really appreciate some work to take my mind off of the events of the past forty-eight hours. If not, I may go stark raving crazy."

Both guys are looking at each other. Then they look a me. Brantley opens his mouth to speak. I knew a smartass remark was coming. He didn't disappoint me either. "What would you do if you go stark raving crazy?" He asked with a shit eating grin.

"Probably strip down to bare ass and run through the halls singing Jingle Bells while juggling your balls." I answer with a straight face.

"And that is supposed to make us give you a code to break? It tempts me to hide everything that would occupy your mind!" Tanner replies with a smile.

I laughed. "Come on guys! Give me something to do! Please! I dying here!" I beg them.

Tanner stands and brings me his laptop. "See if you can crack this code. This is a real Official code. Don't fuck it up." He had a dead serious look on his face. Before he turned, I saw a look of sadness and pain in his eyes. This case was close to his heart.

I set to work on the screen that was displayed. A few hours later I hated what I was seeing on the screen. I was so zoned out that I didn't realize that both men were standing at my side. Tanner started cussing a blue streak as he read what I was doing on his computer.

"Please tell me that you guys are not going on this mission! It is a freaking death trap. You'll be trapped and killed." I look at Brantley then Tanner. "Please don't go there!" I beg again.

"We went there last year, babe. We were given a different report. We were told that the hostage would be held with a minimum security because of a holiday. We went in and retrieved the hostage and went out. We were ambushed as we got to the trucks. We lost a brother. He was Demo's best friend. He was my cousin. Turns out that the hostage was a decoy. He committed suicide before the night was over." Brant tells me. Then he wipes a tear from my cheek. I was holding Tanner's hand on my left and Brant's on my right.

"What happens now? Who did this code? How can I help?" I ask quietly.

"I'm working on a plan. I don't know exactly how to work it out yet." Tanner said.

We stayed quiet for a few minutes. We were all in our own little worlds, thinking of how to get to the bottom of this. "We set a trap for the breaker who screwed you over. You get a code to him and have him give me a copy. Tell him to solve it with me some how. We can see what he comes up with and what I come up with." I volunteer.

They both think about it and nod. "That will work. We will iron out the details later." Tanner says as the door opens. They both let go of my hands as if they were just standing at my side.

I am discharged and the brothers take me home with Tanner and Brantley following.

After another hour or so, I want a shower. "Alright, guys, go home and spend some time with your family. I'm sure they want to see you for Christmas. Besides, you don't want to spend the vacation with me. You'll see me enough at work." I usher them towards the door.

Brantley looks at Jaden. "Is she always this pushy?"

The brothers laugh. "Every moment of every day!" Jaden replied.

Both men join the brothers laughing. "Alright, nerd! We will see you in a couple weeks. Don't be late." Tanner said.

"Keep your phone on you." Brantley added.

"Aye aye sir! Take yourselves home." We hug then they leave.