Maverick (The Family Simon 3)

A sick feeling wove its way through his body and Rick rolled his shoulders, trying to alleviate his tight muscles.

“That’s not exactly reassuring.”

“You know the press and tabloids. They like a good story and anything involving a Simon is going to grab a lot of airtime. I don’t need to tell you that.”

Maverick was almost afraid to ask. Last he’d heard, Jack’s brother Teague was in the Middle East, working for the government. In what capacity, Maverick wasn’t sure—his cousin was a renowned photojournalist—but he also had a history with the military and was known to do other kinds of work for them from time to time.

“So I’m guessing it’s not great. Tell me what you know.”

Jack sighed. “He was in Syria, I think you knew that.”

“I did.”

“I got word yesterday afternoon that he and his team are missing.”

Maverick exhaled roughly. “Missing as in they haven’t checked in? Or missing as in they’ve been taken.”

“That’s the thing. Right now we don’t know. The press is saying that he’s been kidnapped by some off shoot of ISIS but I’ve been in contact with some people in the know and I’ve been assured that there isn’t any proof of that. As far as we know, his team is missing but they could be navigating their way through hostile territory.”

“Fuck,” Maverick breathed harshly.

“You’re telling me. If he’s being held and his captors know who he is, that he’s a Simon…”

His cousin’s words trailed off and Maverick swallowed hard. With the press all over this, it wasn’t just a notion, it could very well be Teague’s reality.

“How did the press find out?”

“Who knows? A leak most likely.”

“I’m sorry, Jack. How are you parents? Auntie Eden must be freaking the hell out.”

“She’s holding up. They’re at the compound in Florida but the press is already starting to gather. I don’t know. I think this is going to turn into a media shit storm, but there’s really nothing I can do about it.”

“No. I don’t suppose so.” Maverick paused. “Have you told Cooper yet?”

“Nah, I can’t get hold of him. Wasn’t he off for a few weeks to Belize? Scuba diving or something?”

“Yeah. That was his plan.”

“I left a message on his cell but who knows when he’ll get it. If you do happen to cross paths, let him know that as soon as I’ve got updated information I’ll get back to you guys. In the meantime, say a prayer for Teague.”

“Will do,” Maverick replied. “I’m out for the day but I’ll have my cell with me if you hear anything.”

“Got it.”

“Take care, Jack. Anything I can do, just let me know.”

“Thanks, Rick. Appreciate that.”

“Give your wife a kiss for me.”

“You bet.”

Maverick sat on the edge of the bed and glanced out the window. It was frosty with cold but he could see sunlight peeking over the horizon. He wondered if Teague was cold or hurt or afraid. His cousin was a big guy—all of the Simon men were—and Maverick knew he could look after himself in many situations others would find bleak. He’d been a Seal for Christ sake, but the stuff going on in that part of the world was a whole new ballgame.

“He’ll make it,” Maverick whispered, getting up off the bed.

He had to.