Book 17 of The Lyssa Kordenay Missions!   There's a big event in Los Angeles for Lyssa to attend  but a new player in the narco-trade doesn't know who else is in town!. WARNING: The Lyssa Kordenay Missions may be hyper-violent for some readers.

 

 

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CHAPTER 1

Mykayla gracefully curtsied low to the applause as she stepped into the reception. She had just graduated Julliard and returned to UCLA for this performance. As she approached the center table a line of women turned to face her, women with familiar faces. The five in the center most importantly stood out. Katya, Marissa, Danielle, Tamiko and Lyssa.

They were all Primas. Katya Taliyenko being the reigning Prima. They were all here. The dance Master came forward and announced in a loud voice.

"Mykayla, come and take your place," he made a sweeping gesture toward the group of women in front of the table.

Tamiko stepped forward and said in heavily accented English, "Mykayla. You have shown your great skill and love of our art. It is with great pleasure that I pass this honor to you. My place as Prima. It is with great sadness that I must stop dancing for a while, but I am hopeful that it is a future dancer that is my reason why."

The Japanese dancer rested her hand across her belly and gave a warm look to a smiling man in the crowd. Mykayla stood there dumbstruck as the crowd cheered and clapped. It was true that Primas only stepped down for two reasons, injury and pregnancy. This was thrilling for her. Each one took turn hugging Mykayla and Tamiko, congratulating them. She was really thrilled when Lyssa came up to her. She was wearing a beautiful dress with butterflies printed all over it.

Lyssa; the Ghost Legend. She danced like no other and had reset the standard of training. No one had ever trained as she did nor had anyone ever spoke as many languages. If she was your friend nothing bad would ever happen to you. Katya was the living example of that. Light flashed from her left hand drawing Mykayla's attention. She looked and saw the most gorgeous ring she had ever seen. She knew Lyssa also modeled but that couldn't be a loan from a designer.

MyKayla knew that Lyssa was also known for favors. Lyssa asked favors and granted them too. A month ago Katya had sprained her ankle during a production and Lyssa had dropped everything to be on a flight to take her place for the remainder of the production. Even took the place of another friend for a week while she attended a wedding. The unsaid rule was that if Lyssa asked for a favor, you didn't say no.

Some of the nastier dancers maintained the rumor that Lyssa was a mistress and danced only to keep herself desirable. A rumor that didn't last long after talking to Primas who would very quickly set the record straight. One thing for certain, no one dared repeat such rumor in her presence. Bad things happened to people that made Lyssa angry. Mykayla saw a tall man step up behind Lyssa and rest his hand at her hip.

 

"LYSSA! LYSSA! Is it true you're out of the singles scene now," a voice asked.

Lyssa appeared to melt to him as she leaned back against him and smiled.

"Surely nobody cares about such things today. There's so many important things to discuss," Lyssa admonished.

Mykayla watched in fascination as Lyssa's man's eyes softened for a moment then returned to an intense, almost predatory gleam watching each and every person for a moment. Another camera flashed and Lyssa stepped away from him, over to Mykayla and stood next to her redirecting the attention of the photographers to her. Mykayla blushed as Lyssa spoke gently, commanding everyone's attention.

"Mykayla; congratulations on your achievement. I know the world looks forward to seeing you dance on the stages in dazzling performances to come in the near future. Give your soul to each and every step and your heart will soar to the stars as the music sweeps you away in the stories you share with us all," Lyssa announced beside the new Prima.

Everyone applauded.

In a small voice Mykayla said, "Thank you all. I just hope that I can share the beauty of the art we love so much."

Lyssa turned and gave her a brilliant smile, "we know you will. Enjoy this, its your day to shine, Prima Mykayla."

~o~O~o~

Felipe picked up one of the packages and hefted it. it felt right to him as he set it back and picked up another.

"Check this one ," he said passing it to the man behind him.

"Si," the man answered.

He poked a knife blade in scooping out a small amount of white powder, tapped it into a small pouch and squeezed a capsule inside releasing a chemical. The contents inside turned a brilliant blue.

The drug soldier nodded,"its pure."

"Good," Felipe said then took out his phone and dialed," transfer the funds now. Yes, twenty-five million."

They all waited then a phone rang and was answered.

"we're good," another man said then waved for some of the heavily armed men to follow him.

Felipe turned to his own men, "Load up...we have money to make."

In a short time they had the container empty and were climbing into cars and the van then drove out of the warehouse heading back to Los Angeles. they turned into the driveway of the large estate then unloaded. Several men began repackaging the white powder.

"Hernando, make the calls. Tell our....customers....that we have the goods they want,"Felipe said with a shark-like smile.

Hernando gave a laugh as he turned and started making the calls. Felipe looked to the tv and saw it was on one of the entertainment channels.

Curious, he asked, "Enrique what is that nonsense you watch now?"

"Something about a ballerina receiving an honor of some type. She is being called a Prima. Whatever that is," he shrugged.

Felipe looked at him for a minute then asked, "If don't understand why are you watching it?"

"Look at them...see now?" he answered.

Felipe watched and a moment later saw what he meant. They were all beautiful and it was fairly obvious who was the center of attention as it was only one in a dance costume and not in a party dress like all the others.

"mmmm they do look delicious. Perhaps a few of those around the pool would be nice," Felipe said making them all laugh.

Various men commented on which one they would like to try bedding and speculations on how it would turn out to much more laughter. Felipe finally called them back to work then left the room.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan walked out of his office and saw Madison watching transfixed to her monitor.

"Important developement Madison," he asked startling her.

"EEP! I hate it when you do that Major. Its an event in L.A., a new Prima has been named," she gave him a dirty look.

"I bet Lyssa will know about her by the end of the day," the Spook remarked.

"Sooner than that. She's right there,"Madison pointed to her.

Dannigan looked and commented," Not suprising. I see Rodrick there too. hmmmm engagement seems to really suit them good."

"She looks gorgeous. OH MY GOD! I love that dress," Madison said.

Dannigan picked up a print out and read it walking back into his office. It was a DEA report. Seemed there was a serious move being made by a new unknown player in California. A load valued at over twenty million wholesale was either on its way or had arrived in the L.A. area. DEA had no further information as to identity, location or affiliation. He started running running snooper programs that sifted through text messages and phone conversation searching for keywording of the major players in the organized crime.

Two hours later he got a hit. A music manager known to enable bad habits was looking to make a purchase of some kind of high value. That meant one of two things; either a song or some chemical assistance. Dannigan backtraced the information and found the cellphone after another hour of sifting. Several messages had went out, all along the same theme, something for sale for a high dollar amount.

Finally all the tracing led to several phones in an estate. The owner on record was one Felipe Ortega originally of Vera Cruz, naturalized in the late 80's. A few juvenile offenses but nothing serious, possible connection to the gang Escorpiones Concretas, Concrete Scorpions. The current leader of which was serving seven years in Chino penitentiary for armed robbery. Dannigan launched his snooper programs at the twenty phones currently located at the address. A satellite in geo-sync orbit over California could focus on the address. He sat back then and waited for a glimmer of what he needed.

---

CHAPTER 2

Lyssa strode into the house angrily.

Rodrick commented, "Never have I been glad you went somewhere unarmed. I thought you were gonna kill that guy from the Globe."

"Gee I wonder, THE FUCK, why! The sonofabitch all but shoved his camera under my dress to get a panty shot....or lack there of he hoped. Nice choke slam by-the-way," she said.

"yeah I have this thing about slimebags mistreating my fiance," he replied.

"God I hate L.A.! All these idiotic poptarts that so said 'forget' to wear anything under short dresses. Then make sure cameras are ready when they get out of a car or walk down some stairs. Makes me want to strangle them," Lyssa fumed as Rodrick laughed.

She turned around,"unzip me please."

Rodrick unzipped the back of the dress before she thought to hold it, making it fall to the floor. Rodrick made an appoving sound as Lyssa turned around wearing only white satin thong panties and white stiletto heel sandals, then rested her hands on his shoulders.

"Damn Miss Kordenay....I dare say you look very molestable like that," He growled softly.

She hooked her leg around him and brought herself up to wrap her other leg around and cross her ankles behind his back.

"OH MY! This tall lecherous man intends to ravish and have his wicked way with me! Whatever am I to do," she coyly pleaded.

Rodrick laughed and settled them both on the couch muttering, "hell with the bedroom."

Lyssa giggled shifting to take his weigh comfortably. A kiss had barely started when the doorbell rang.

"WE AREN'T HERE COME BACK LATER,"Rodrick bellowed making Lyssa laugh.

"IS KATYA AND MARISSA," Katya called back in her heavy accent.

Lyssa giggled as Rodrick groaned and squirmed out from under him. She then walked to the door picking up her dress and held it in place over herself as she opened the door.

"We are sorry we interrupt," the Russian Prima giggled.

"They haven't been that far at it, she still has panties on," Marissa, the Hawaiian Prima laughed as they walked in.

Lyssa closed the door and followed them into the living room,"Ok what gives with you two crashing my honey time?"

"The hotel lose our reservation Lyssa. Can you find us place to stay," Katya asked.

"Upstairs but you'll have to share a bathroom. c'mon," she answered.

"Table for four," Rodrick asked.

Lyssa nodded then walked up the stairs carrying the dress with her friends right behind her.

"Tell us all about Rodrick Lyssa," Marissa said.

"Da! Tell us he has BROTHERS," Katya giggled making them all laugh.

Rodrick called out, "Do I need to find dates for them and make it a table for six?"

All three yelled back in unison, "YES!"

He laughed then picked up his phone.

~o~O~o~

Dannigan watched the streaming feed from the satellite. Ten armed guards wandered about the estate. Mac-10's and Uzi submachine guns seemed to be the main preference. he watched as a limo pulled in and tried to get the image of the occupants. The face of Ernie Martinelli came into focus. That settled it. Ortega was making a big move on the cocaine scene in a hardcore way.

Dannigan knew Martinelli wasn't one to play around. He had a FBI file that would stretch all the way to the elevator. Right now he didn't have anything new that the FBI and DEA didn't already know. If he read between the lines Ortega had well over a hundred kilos on hand and it would be going fast. Lyssa and Rodrick were in L.A. They could handle the situation quicker than anybody else. He'd call them in a couple of hours. Dannigan started assembling the briefing packet.

~o~O~o~

"Felipe you want to move your merchandise don't you," Ernie Martinelli asked pointedly.

"Ernie. You and I have been having a good business relationship but fourteen hundred per kilo doesn't even cover my cost. I'd be giving it away," he answered," if I am giving it away then why should I give to you. You want to make money don't you?"

"Of course I want to make money," Ernie smiled.

"Then I will give you the price of sixteen hundred, as an old friend, that will cover costs and not make either of us look like fools," Felipe said.

Ernie sat and thought quietly then smiled, "Of course. A fair price for twenty kilos my friend."

They saluted each other with their glasses and drank.

"Let's get you ready to go,"Felipe said then lead the way to the car.

Minutes later several small duffels were brought out and placed in the trunk. Ernie leaned in and counted the contents then brought back an attache case and counted out stacks of bills and handed several to Felipe's man.

"There. All settled my friend," Ernie smiled.

"you must visit again soon Ernie, socially of course," Felipe said shaking hands with him.

After the limo left he turned to Enrique,"What you think now, maybe we can buy a ballerina or two?"

They all laughed and Enrique shoved one of the men jokingly.

~o~O~o~

Rodrick took the ticket from the valet and followed Lyssa and her friends inside. He returned a wave from two men at the bar who stood to walk over to them.

"Huck....Banker. good to see you," he greeted and shook hands with the two men.

"Wow Ramrod you must be doing good," Banker replied tweaking the lapel of Rodrick's suit.

"Woooo....I'll say. Lookit him; fancy duds, expensive chow and my those are some lovely ladies. Think they showed up in a limo Banker," Huck drawled with a chuckled.

Lyssa knew immediately they were both SEALs.

Rodrick introduced them, "Guys, this is Katya Taliyenko and Marissa Addams and this is my fiance; Lyssa Kordenay."

The two men looked at her then him and Banker said, "Miss Kordenay I'm so sorry to hear you lost such a serious bet to wind up with this mook."

Huck chimed in,"My deepest sympathies Ma'am."

"Some friends......fuck you very much. The both of you," Rodrick remarked.

The maitre'd cleared his throat then said," Right this way to your table Ladies and.....Gentlemen."

All three men smirked at the phrasing and followed the ladies to the table. Katya and Marissa very subtly chose their dining companions as they approached the table. Huck seated Katya and Banker held the chair for Marissa as Rodrick seated Lyssa. After drinks were ordered and wines and entrees were chosen Katya asked the obvious question.

"Why are you Huck? From Mark Twain story nyet," she asked.

He surprised her by answering in Russian, "no. They call me Huck because I remind them of Huckleberry Hound."

Katya smiled brightly and chatted even more enthusiastically. Marissa then asked Banker the origin of his name.

"I was born in one," he replied with a straight face.

All conversation stopped and Lyssa commented,"Oh I have to hear this."

"Not a big story, Dad was a loan manager and mom came to see him to get some papers signed to get ready for the hospital and went into labor there. The ambulance didn't get there fast enough and she had me right there in his office. My real name is Buck," he explained.

Marissa exclaimed, "get out. Are you serious?"

He calmly took out his license and showed it to her. Katya looked confused.

Lyssa caught it and explained, "Buck is slang for a dollar."

Katya laughed, "if you had been girl they name you Penny?"

They all laughed at her joke making her smile. Dinner went by good spirits. After dessert Katya asked if the two SEALs were afraid to dance and suggested a club she had heard of. The men were familiar with the club and happily accepted the ballerinas' challenge.

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CHAPTER 3

Dannigan had sent out the briefing packet and found Lyssa's U.S. number. His call went to voice mail. He called Rodrick's number and got no answer after ten rings. He laid down on his couch and slept until two a.m. when he awoke to a ringing phone.

"hello," he answered sleepily.

"We got the packet, you want this done tonight," Lyssa asked.

"Yeah, take 'em out and destroy whatever drugs you find. he's currently not on anybody's radar so you have a clear zone but restricted to hardsite only. This needs surgical precision," he said.

"Understood," Lyssa replied then disconnected.

Dannigan checked the time, just after two. He set an alarm clock and went back to sleep. He'd wake up at seven a.m. to shave, shower and change into a clean suit for the day.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa and Rodrick both chuckled as two couples both tried to keep their passionate noises down in consideration of others. Rodrick dressed in black BDU's and Lyssa pulled on her form fitted black suit and boots. He checked his assault vest as she did the same for her harness then quietly they left in her low slung sports car.

 

Rodrick parked two blocks away on a side street from the Ortega estate. At the base of the wall they checked their comms then separated. Lyssa made her way over the wall using a tree on the west side and Rodrick did the same on the east.

Once on the ground Lyssa moved from shadow to shadow until she reached the first guard. The Marauder filled her hand as she closed in. In an instant She clamped her left hand over his mouth and nose, kicked his left knee from under him and thrust the blade deep into the notch between skull and jaw into his brain. Silently she lowered his body to the ground and pulled her knife free. Lyssa keyed her mic twice then silently moved on.

Rodrick came face to face with a guard and slammed an uppercut to the man's chin then grabbed him by tucking the man's head under his arm and twisted sharply, snapping his neck. A quick twist in the opposite direction ground the vertebrae into fragments and severed the spinal cord. He keyed his mic twice then moved through the sadows until coming up behind another guard and withdrew his dive knife. A hard thrust and he guided the blade between the ribs into the heart as he clamped a hand over the man's mouth and nose and forced him to the ground. He keyed his mic twice again as he moved closer to the house.

Lyssa found two guards standing together sharing cigarettes. She pulled her Jericho and used the silenced pistol to trigger off two rounds into their faces. Lyssa picked up the empty casings, keyed twice then quickly dug the bullets from the wall. She waited at the corner of the building as another guard made his way around then stood up quickly behind him and slid the Marauder's blade between the jaw bone and base of the skull. The blade sliced deep into his brain. He twitched in her arms as she lowered him to the ground then pulled the blade free and wiped the blood on his shirt and keyed her mic again.

Rodrick found one standing in a lit area and had to use his silenced Colt to bring him down then dug the bullet from the wall behind him and picked up the empty casing.

"This invisible policy has its pain in the ass moments," he whispered to himself.

Angrily he stalked another guard, bringing him down with a thrust of his knife into the man's heart. Rodrick keyed his mic and heard Lyssa key her's as well. The perimeter was clear so he joined her at the back door and slipped inside after her. they cleared the rooms downstairs one by one then moved upstairs.

 

The master bedroom was locked forcing Lyssa to use her picks to get it open then slithered inside with Rodrick behind her mimicking her movements. They flanked the large bed and eased up the sides. Felipe slept with the sheets thrown back in only a pair of boxers. Lyssa pulled the Marauder from behind her thigh again and gestured for Rodrick to do the same with his own knife. They crossed wrists and pulled back fast slicing Felipe's neck open. Blood sprayed up to the ceiling before he awoke to trying stopping it with his hands and saw two dark figures with black streaked faces.

"Adios Ortega," Lyssa said softly in an icy voice.

"Via con un gemido," Rodrick hissed.

Felipe tried to speak but only gurgled as blood poured down into his lungs and soaked into the bedding. Lyssa walked over and switched off the ceiling fan then stood on the footboard the stop it.

"This should be interesting," Rodrick whispered watching her work.

She ran a length of paracord from the fan and tied the white phosphorus grenade securing the handle then pulled the pin. A book of matches with a lit cigarette tucked inside made a timed delay to burning through the cord releasing the grenade onto the bed. the 3000 degree sticky white phosphorus would splatter the room and start burning through everything.

They found a stockpile of cocaine kilos and bundled money in the basement. They took the money and left another Phosphorous grenade set similarly over the pile of packaged drugs then made their way out.

 

In the car they used Lyssa's make-up wipes to remove the combat paint then drove casually away. They heard the sirens of several firetrucks in the distance. The house was quiet when they walked up to the bedroom. A shared shower then they slipped into bed but Lyssa didn't sleep long.

~o~O~o~

Huck and Banker followed their noses after the scent of coffee downstairs. In the kitchen they found a tired looking Lyssa disconnecting from a phonecall.

"Somebody looks like they had a rough night," Huck commented as Lyssa passed them both cups of coffee, sipping from her own.

The two SEALS picked up real quick that she wasn't in a teasing mood. Moments later Rodrick walked in wearing jeans and a tshirt, sipped from her cup then pressed a kiss to her temple.

Banker remarked," ok...we give up. What the fuck were you two up to last night?"

"Four people having the fuck-lympics down the hall kept us up," Rodrick growled.

"WHOA, when did you go operational again Rod,"Banker asked.

"Who said I was," Rodrick glared at him then Huck.

They were quiet for a minute then Huck said,"We hereby shut the fuck up."

"Good; otherwise I'll make you both go sit in the shitbird tree,"Lyssa snarled.

Huck and Banker exclaimed in unison,"DAAAAAAAMMMMMN," then laughed.

Katya and Marissa wandered down and into the kitchen. Katya sleepily asked for juice in Russian and Lyssa answered in Russian that it was in the refridgerator. Katya climbed up onto Huck's lap to sit at the counter.

"Can we have a lazy day,"Marissa asked.

Rodrick answered,"This is a lazy day. 7:30 and we're just now drinking coffee...its a lazy day."

During the entertainment portion of the news Katya became excited,"Look! Is Mykayla."
They all clapped. During local news they announced brutal killings in the bel-air section, initial reports were of gangland style with a fire. Evidence on the scene indicated that it was drug related but there was a severe lack of evidence due to forensic countermeasures taken by the perpetrators.

"Lyssa our flights leave tomorrow. Are you staying here or going somewhere else," Marissa asked.

"Rodrick has charters so we're heading back to Caribbean tomorrow," Lyssa answered.
Katya said proudly,"I go to paris for production then back to Moscow. I know for Christmas I will be in Moscow for the Nutcracker."

Marissa said happily," I'll be in New york for that, what about you Lyssa?"

"I'll be in D.C. this time. or so Greg said," Lyssa said.

"Rod you still doing the Bahamas," Banker asked.

"Yeah, kinda sorta....That's where all my aircraft are but I don't actually live there anymore. Lyssa has a house in Grand Cayman and that's where we mainly live," Rodrick answered.
"What about wedding," Katya asked.

"We haven't decided on a date yet," Rodrick said.

Lyssa remarked, "he wants Valentine's day, I'm wanting it in May."

"Valentine's is a bad idea unless you're eloping,"Marissa commented.

"Good point," Rodrick said chuckling.

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CHAPTER 4

Dannigan watched the newsfeed and smiled. Lyssa and Rodrick were getting better at working together. Forensics had determined that there had been at least six making the assault on the residence. He laughed at that. If they only knew it really was only two very well trained penetrators. They needed to slow down on some things though, not just missions. They hadn't even set a wedding date, yet. He was more curious as to the venue. The states, the Caribean or somewhere in Europe? He wouldn't be surprised if twelve different designers were arguing over who would make the dress, and the suit for Rodrick.

The spook chuckled to himself. where on earth could they go for a quiet honeymoon besides Antarctica. 'Oh now that would be a great prank,' he thought to himself. He laughed out loud at that. Maybe rental of a private yacht would be good, or a trip to Australia?

He buzzed Madison, "Madison co-relate all of Rodrick and Lyssa's missions. I want to know places they haven't been that are suitable for a honeymoon."

"Yes Sir," Madison sounded impressed with the idea.

An hour later she brough him a print out and they both started looking for an idea.

~o~O~o~

Katya stepped out of the dressing room and showed the dress to Marissa and Lyssa, "looks good nyet?"

"I like it Katya," Lyssa remarked.

"Me too," Marissa smiled then went into another dressing room with a selection.

A moment later she stepped out wearing a short cobalt blue dress," What about this?"

"You can stop shopping now, that's perfect Marissa," Lyssa smiled.

Katya added, "It matches your eyes Marissa!"

It was Lyssa's turn. She went in carrying a fuschia dress and came back out drawing ooh's and aah's from both.

"Think the boys are having fun,"Marissa asked.

"They know a former teammate that is L.A.P.D. so they went to the range," Lyssa said.

"Boys and toys, Da," Katya giggled.

All three laughed.

"Katya...Marissa I though about this alot. Katya will you be my maid of honor and Marissa be bride's maid,"Lyssa asked seriously.

They both squealed and hugged Lyssa saying yes.

"now for new shoes and we're all set for tonight," Lyssa announced.

~o~O~o~

Several officers watched in awe as Rodrick, Huck and Banker shot within tight circles on the index cards on their targets.

"this keeps up we'll be splitting the check tonight," Rodrick announced.

They all laughed and Huck asked,"Where's the reservation tonight?"

"Probably need to ask Lyssa," Banker chuckled.

"Wherever it is you can rest assured jacket and tie are required," Rodrick said flatly.

"Hey, dates with international ballerinas? I'd wear feathers and a beak," Rocket said.

"Don't let the wife hear that,"Rodrick chuckled.

 

Rocket had gotten married to his high school sweetheart back when they were in the teams and they'd never strayed from each other. He'd been given a medical due to a broken leg during the big team betrayal by Kagan. The Navy told him he couldn't jump or fast-rope again due to the strain but L.A.P.D. didn't care and took him on without hesitation. Several years and two kids later he was happy and it showed. And Janet was still a looker, in fact she was even more attractive than back then and the kids were fantastic.

Rodrick was almost envious, but was glad there was life after the teams for Rocket. He held his tongue between his teeth when Rocket told them about the major happening; apparently somebody took out a up and coming druglord. The incident had all the hallmarks of military precision but the guy hadn't been on anybody's radar according to the Feds.

They all talked about the old days and some of the close calls they had until the sun hung low. A quick call to Lyssa and they all knew where they'd be going for dinner.

~o~O~o~

Lyssa had just finished helping Rodrick with his tie when the doorbell rang.

"I GET DOOR,"Katya called out.

A loud whistle followed by Katya's giggle could be heard. The bell rang again a few minutes later as Lyssa and Rodrick walked down the stairs.

"I'll get it," Rodrick said.

He opened the door and Rocket with his wife, Janet, came in. Introductions were made in the living room. Vehicles were assigned. Rodrick,Lyssa, Katya and Huck would ride in Lyssa's SUV and Banker, Marissa, Rocket and Janet would go in Rocket's car. They arrived at the resturaunt half an hour later. Drinks were ordered then wines and entrees.

Conversation was spirited and light with the men constantly teasing each other about incidents during training and time off. The ladies talked about mishaps on stage and lecherous admirers both inside and outside the production.

Finally Rocket called them all to order,"Ok, we're all having a good time tonight. Old friends are great to see and new friends are wonderful to meet but we have a serious problem. Though Ramrod got lucky to get Lyssa to say yes to marraige; they have yet to set a date. Which leads me to believe they are both procrastinating."

Rodrick spoke, "Marissa was right in pointing out that Valentine's day was a bad idea so I support Lyssa's suggestion of having it in May. Why not May twenty-fifth? It should be a Saturday."

"No, is not Saturday but twenty-ninth is," Katya looked up from her phone.

"Then the twenty-ninth it is,"Lyssa announced.

The table cheered and they all toasted to the day set. Dessert and champagne finished the celebration compliments of the management. After dinner they all went dancing then returned to Lyssa's house for a final toast then Rocket and Janet went home while Rodrick carried Lyssa upstairs amid jeers that they weren't married yet and shouldn't be committing sin.The house became quiet sometime after midnight.

~o~O~o~

Everyone slept in until almost nine in the morning. Breakfast was pleasant then when they were all packed Lyssa secured the house and they all drove to the airport. They bid each other good-bye with promises to stay in touch made. Katya and Marissa boarded their flights then Lyssa and Rodrick went to his plane at the private terminal. Hours later they landed in Grand Caymen and picked up dinner on their way to the beach house.

~o~O~o~

Madison cheered as she went through the morning's message traffic, "WOOOOOHOOO!"

She printed up the email and hurried into Dannigan's office.

"They set their date," she announced passing him the sheet.

He read it quickly then said,"Outstanding. About damn time. Now they need to figure out where to have it."

Madison laughed, "that'll be another few weeks to settle on that. They can't have it at any military bases can they?"

Dannigan frowned, "No and that's a damn shame. They both deserve a big wedding with all the regalia. Canopy of swords and the whole nine yards."

Dannigan thought for a minute, "Maybe they can; not on Lyssa's side but on Rodrick's. Get Dane Thompson on he phone. He's the current commander of SEAL team four, and owes me a favor."

A few minutes later his phone buzzed and he picked it up.

"Dane? Paul Dannigan. Remember that favor you owe me from five years ago. Yeah that. I'm cashing it in. I need a detachment in full uniform with sabers for a wedding. Actually the groom is one of your boys; well he used to be one of yours and I owe him a small favor. Rodrick Mason. Yeah Ramrod. Well the bride wanted a favor from me too, walking her down the aisle. May twenty-ninth is the date. Will let you know the location as soon as I get it. Thanks Dane," Dannigan disconnected.

Madison smiled," I already sent a message: hurry up and pick a venue."

Dannigan chuckled, "good. Stay on top of that."

Madison nodded then walked back out to her desk. She was excited, Lyssa asked her to be a bride's maid.