Free Double Impact: Never Say Die & No Way Back by Tess Gerritsen, Debra Webb

after.”
    â€œThen whose?”
    He paused, willing his expression to remain bland. His voice dropped to a murmur. “Have you ever heard of the Ariel Group?”
    â€œNever.”
    â€œNeither had I. Until two weeks ago, when I was contacted by two of their representatives. They’re a veterans’ organization, dedicated to bringing our MIAs home—alive. Even if it means launching a Rambo operation.”
    â€œI see,” she said, her lips tightening. “We’re talking about paramilitary kooks.”
    â€œThat’s what I thought—at first. I was about to kick ’em out of my office when they pulled out a check—a very generous one, I might add. Twenty thousand. For expenses, they said.”
    â€œExpenses? What are they asking you to do?”
    â€œA little moonlighting. They knew I was scheduled to fly in-country. They wanted me to conduct a small, private search for MIAs. But they aren’t interested in skeletons and dog tags. They’re after flesh and blood.”
    â€œLive ones? You don’t really think there are any, do you?”
    â€œThey do. And they only have to produce one. A single living MIA to back up their claims. With the publicity that’d generate, Washington would be forced to take action.”
    He fell silent as the waiter came by to collect the empty beer bottles. Only when the man had left did Willy ask softly, “And where do I come in?”
    â€œIt’s not you. It’s your father. From what you’ve told me, there’s a chance—a small one, to be sure—that he’s still alive. If he is, I can help you find him. I can help you bring him home.”
    His words, uttered so quietly, so confidently, made Willy fall still. Guy could tell she was trying to read his face, trying to figure out what he wasn’t telling her. And he wasn’t telling her a lot.
    â€œWhat do you get out of this?” she asked.
    â€œYou mean besides the pleasure of your company?”
    â€œYou said there was money involved. Since I’m not paying you, I assume someone else is. The Ariel Group? Are they offering you more than just expenses?”
    â€œMove to the head of the class.”
    â€œHow much?”
    â€œFor an honest to God live one? Two million.”
    â€œTwo million dollars? ”
    He squeezed her hand, hard. “Keep it down, will you? This isn’t exactly public information.”
    She dropped her voice to a whisper. “You’re serious? Two million?”
    â€œThat’s their offer. Now you think about my offer. Work with me, and we could both come out ahead. You’d get your father back. I’d pick up a nice little retirement fund. A win-win situation.” He grinned, knowing he had her now. She’d be stupid to refuse. And Willy Maitland was definitely not stupid. “I think you’ll agree,” he said. “It’s a match made in heaven.”
    â€œOr hell,” she muttered darkly. She sat back and gave him a look of pure cast iron. “You’re nothing but a bounty hunter.”
    â€œIf that’s what you want to call me.”
    â€œI could call you quite a few things. None of them flattering.”
    â€œBefore you start calling me names, maybe you should think about your options. Which happen to be pretty limited. The way I see it, you can go it alone, which so far hasn’t gotten you a helluva lot of mileage. Or—” he leaned forward and beamed her his most convincing smile “—you could work with me.”
    Her mouth tightened. “I don’t work with mercenaries.”
    â€œWhat’ve you got against mercenaries?”
    â€œJust a minor matter—principle.”
    â€œIt’s the money that bothers you, isn’t it? The fact that I’m doing it for cash and not out of the goodness of my heart.”
    â€œThis isn’t some big-game hunt! We’re talking about men. Men whose families