Dirty Operations Read online

  Dirty Operations

  Special Weapons & Tactics 3

  Peyton Banks

  Copyright © 2019 by Peyton Banks

  Editor: Emmy Ellis with Studioenp.

  Cover Design by Studioenp.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, organizations, businesses, events, and incidents are a figment of the author’s imagination and are used fictitiously. Any similarities to real people, businesses, locations, history, and events are a coincidence.

  All rights reserved.

  No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

  Created with Vellum

  “Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage.”

  Lao Tzu

  Contents

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  Chapter 15

  Chapter 16

  Chapter 17

  Chapter 18

  Chapter 19

  Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Chapter 22

  Chapter 23

  Chapter 24

  Chapter 25

  Epilogue

  A Note From the Author

  About the Author

  Also by Peyton Banks

  Chapter 1

  “Officer Fraser! Officer Fraser!” Faces appeared outside the window of Ash’s cruiser.

  He grinned, putting the car in park.

  “Watch out!” He laughed, waving the excited boys from his car. Pulling out the keys, he opened the door and stepped out.

  “You’re just in time!” eleven-year-old Lucas Thomas announced.

  “You can be the pitcher,” his classmate, Chip Dickens, said.

  They grabbed his arm and dragged him along.

  Ashton Fraser loved his involvement with the community. He was the DARE officer for Caledonia Elementary School. It was located in one of the rough neighborhoods of Columbia. The children in these parts of the city benefited from having positive interactions with the police. He and a few other officers from the district had taken Caledonia under their wing.

  “Okay! Okay!” He chuckled, following them across the parking lot. He drew his sunglasses from his cargo pocket and shielded his eyes. The day was perfect for the kids to be out running around. The sun was high, and the temperature was steadily rising. The baseball diamond was located on the other side of the playground.

  But today wasn’t a day for the good ol’ American pastime.

  No, it was kickball time.

  Thankfully, he was dressed for the game in his CPD t-shirt, shorts, and tennis shoes. Today was the day for him to spend at the school. Most of the students were from low-income families, single-parent homes with no male role model.

  Ash was one of the fortunate kids of Columbia who’d grown up in a loving, two-parent home. Larry and Bernice Fraser were going on thirty-five years of wedded bliss. He and his younger sister, Gizzy, hadn’t wanted for anything as children. His parents were blue-collar workers and ensured that he and Gizzy were well-rounded and gave back to their community. He’d grown up to be a cop, and Gizzy was a schoolteacher in another district.

  Ash took in the children running and screaming around on the playground and felt something for them. Today, after school, he had a surprise for the kids. One of the guys from the K9 unit was going to be bringing one of the canine officers to meet them.

  “We’re going against Ms. Fletcher’s class. Miss Dawson told us to make sure we beat them,” Chip said, grabbing his arm and tugging as if he were afraid Ash would up and disappear.

  Miss Dawson.

  Just the mention of the fifth-grade teacher sent Ash’s gaze wandering the area in search of her.

  Deana Dawson was one of the sexist elementary school teachers Ash had ever seen. He’d have to admit half of the reason he made sure to show up to the school was because of her.

  He glanced over and found her standing near the field speaking with one of the male teachers and, as always, she took his breath away. The curvy, brown-skinned woman had short, reddish ringlets that made his fingers ache to pull on one of the curls. She had on a summer dress, made proper with a sweater and heels.

  Jesus, her heels.

  He didn’t see how she wore those all day dealing with a class full of rambunctious ten- and eleven-year-olds.

  But he was glad she did.

  Her calves were perfectly displayed, sending a rush of desire to his lower region.

  She turned with a wide grin and looked directly at him. Ash released a silent curse, thankful he had his shades on.

  “Miss Dawson, I found Officer Fraser!” Lucas shouted, arriving at her side first. His brown skin glistened from the heat. He was tall for his age, standing a few inches over Miss Dawson.

  “No, you didn’t! I saw him pull into the parking lot first!” Chip snapped, spinning to Lucas.

  The boys glared at each other, ready to argue.

  “Okay, boys. Officer Fraser was not lost.” She focused her attention on the boys who both calmed down instantly with her perfect smile.

  Her sweet southern drawl wasn’t lost on Ash. He was a good ol’ southern boy and he didn’t think his drawl was that thick.

  “He comes the same day every week, and I’d think by now he’d know the way.”

  What he wouldn’t give to sit in her class and just hear her teach all day.

  He blinked.

  Hell, Ash was captivated by Miss Dawson just as the boys were. He was sure every male, young or old, had a crush on Miss Dawson.

  “Yes, ma’am,” the boys echoed.

  “Hello, Officer Fraser.” She turned on her mega-watt smile, and Ash froze.

  His mouth grew dry, and he released a cough.

  “Afternoon, Miss Dawson. Beautiful day,” he said, finally able to get words to form.

  “That it is. I hope you are ready for kickball. The kids have been dying for you to get here.”

  “I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He tousled Chip’s hair. The way his heart was racing reminded him of how he felt once he and his SWAT team finished a call.

  The adrenaline wore off, and his body went haywire.

  “Go grab Officer Fraser a ball so he can pitch,” she instructed.

  The boys raced off in search of the ball that would be used for the game.

  “You aren’t joining us?” he joked, raising his eyebrows.

  “Me?” she scoffed. “I wouldn’t want to show off my skills and make you all feel worthless on the field.”

  A grin spread across his face. “Is that a challenge, Miss Dawson?”

  The kids waiting near them paused their conversations and listened.

  “Miss Dawson, you never play with us!” Chip noted, walking over. He tossed the kickball to Ash.

  He caught it with one hand and faced her again, tucking the ball against his hip.

  “Yes, Miss Dawson. Why don’t you play?” a young girl named Sara asked, coming to stand next to Miss Dawson.

  “I’m not dressed to play,” Miss Dawson answered with a laugh.

  “But Officer Fraser comes every week on the same day. Next week you can wear regular clothes and play,” Lucas said.

  “Yes, Miss Dawson, I’m here on the same day every week as you pointed out before,
” Ash chimed in.

  Her eyes narrowed on him, and he instantly felt a tightening below his belt. He groaned internally, knowing this wasn’t the time for his cock to wake up. He surely didn’t want to direct this conversation into anything near the birds and the bees to explain the tenting in his shorts. “Who wants Miss Dawson to play with us next week?” he asked, turning to the kids. He knew it was a dirty trick to get the children involved, but at this point, he was desperate.

  Every hand went up.

  “I’ll get in on that game!” Ms. Fletcher called out, jogging over with her hand raised.

  The kids grew excited by the announcement.

  “Come on, Miss Dawson, what do you have to lose?”

  Ash spun to Miss Dawson who tilted her chin up in the air. Her gaze cut to him, and he had to fight not to adjust himself.

  “You all want me to play kickball.” She paused and looked around at everyone surrounding them.

  The kids begged and pleaded with their wide grins and hopeful eyes. Ash had to keep himself from joining them. He would love to see Miss Dawson in shorts and t-shirt. Hell, he’d love to see her in less.

  She barked a laugh and shook her head. “Then next week, it’s on.”

  The kids cheered pulling Ash out onto the field. He glanced back and caught her staring at him. If her eyes could kill, he’d be pushing up daisies.

  At the moment, it would be totally worth it.

  “He’s so into you,” Erin murmured, elbowing Deana.

  Erin Fletcher was a close friend. They’d worked together for the last five years and had grown close. They both taught fifth grade and always had their classrooms compete against each other.

  Didn’t matter what it was.

  Kickball, which class could read the most books in a semester, fifth-grade Jeopardy, the list grew longer each year.

  Their competitions were legendary.

  The kids couldn’t wait to get to the fifth grade because they knew Miss Fletcher and Miss Dawson were two teachers who took the time to ensure their classes had fun while learning.

  Deana had to tear her gaze from the field. She was captivated by Officer Fraser. Her heart raced while she watched him with the kids.

  He gave one of the other boys a high five, and her ovaries did a little dance.

  Get a grip.

  She blew out a deep breath. She leaned on the fence and adjusted her sweater. Her breasts were traitors, pressing against her dress.

  Officer Fraser was dressed in a dark t-shirt that molded along his chest, displaying his rippling muscles. The tattoos on his forearms had her wanting to explore them.

  She didn’t know when tattooed forearms became sexy, but on him, it was downright erotic.

  He was in top shape. He had to be. Since he’d started working with their school for the DARE program, she’d learned a little more about him. He was a cop for Columbia and was SWAT.

  Jesus.

  She read romance novels and watched television shows, and every single one of them that depicted a SWAT officer was alpha and knew how to take charge, but none of them could hold a candle to the real-life SWAT officer out on the mound.

  “I don’t know what you are talking about,” Deana replied, turning toward her friend. She hoped her eyes gave an innocent appearance, because deep down, Deana knew there was interest from the hot cop.

  But he hadn’t made a move yet.

  Deana was frustrated. He’d been coming to the school for about a year now and he’d yet to make a move.

  Maybe it was just harmless flirting and she was reading too much into it.

  “You do know what I’m talking about.” Erin rolled her eyes. She pushed her glasses on top of her head and focused on Deana. “Every woman with a pulse would die for a chance with the hot cop. Even Mrs. Runion.”

  “She’s like sixty-two and married.” Deana giggled.

  Kathy Runion was a short, plump, grandmotherly woman. She taught sixth grade and had recently celebrated her fortieth wedding anniversary with her husband, Chuck.

  “I said every woman with a pulse.” Erin snorted. “We all lost the chance for his attention the minute he saw you.”

  “Well, if that’s the case, why hasn’t he like, um, made a move?”

  “Who said he had to be the one to make the first move?” Erin cocked an eyebrow. “Why don’t you ask him out? This is the twenty-first century. Women are more independent.”

  Deana gulped at the thought.

  There was no way she could do that. She was a southern gal and had always been taught the man should make the first move. She refused to believe chivalry was dead. Her mother would read her the riot act if she found out Deana had asked a man out on a date.

  Hell, she’d never done it before.

  Didn’t even know how to go about it.

  Did one just walk up and say, Hey. I think you’re hot. Why don’t you take me out on a date?

  Deana turned back to the game and observed Officer Fraser roll the ball for Lucas. He ran toward the ball and kicked it hard.

  The ball flew up in the air and over the far fence. The kids screamed and celebrated.

  “Home run! Go, Lucas!” Deana hollered. She jumped up and down, watching him run around the bases.

  Deana was competitive in nature. She was the youngest of three kids and was used to having to compete against her siblings. Her brother, Karver, was the oldest, and her sister, Yanni, was a couple of years older than her.

  Deana faced Erin and stuck her tongue out.

  “That’s okay. We’ll see who is celebrating next week out on the field,” Erin threatened, wagging a finger at Deana.

  The bell rang, signaling the end of recess.

  “Bring it.” Deana laughed, holding her hands out. She walked backwards and did a little dance, taunting her friend.

  The kids ran past toward the building, giggling at her.

  Her eyes met those of Officer Ashton Frasier, and her breath caught her throat. He stood speaking with a few kids in the field. His crooked grin made her heart skip a beat.

  This was her chance.

  She tossed him a wink, and his grin widened. She twirled around and began walking back to the school. She put a little more emphasis on the sway of her hips, feeling the heat of his gaze on her. Her heels clicked along the pavement, and she picked up her pace.

  It may not have been as drastic as Erin had recommended.

  But Deana Dawson had just made her move.

  Chapter 2

  Loud rock music pumped through the speakers. Trails of sweat slid along Ash’s temples. He grunted and pushed the bar up in the air.

  “There you go. Give me another one,” Myles ordered.

  Ash breathed through the rep and pushed harder. His muscles strained as he did another one. It was early Saturday morning, and they were on call for the day.

  All week, his mind had been replaying the wink Deana had directed to him. It was the first time she’d purposely flirted with him. When she’d turned and walked away, he’d known immediately she was putting that extra sway in her hips for him. His gaze had been locked on her ass.

  He’d almost forgotten he had been talking with his DARE kids and nearly chased after her.

  He blew out through his gritted teeth, feeling the burn in his muscles. His arms automatically rose and fell. His motions slowed.

  Today Myles was trying to kill him.

  He was sure of it.

  His friend and fellow SWAT team member jokingly added more weights to the bar, professing today they needed to take their workout to the next level.

  “Son of a bitch,” he growled, holding the bar up in the air.

  “Stop your whining, Fraser.” Myles moved closer, holding his hands near the bar.

  “Fuck!” His arms fell to his chest and paused. He narrowed his eyes on Myles.

  He’d kill his friend.

  Make it look like an accident.

  “Breathe,” Myles instructed.

  Ash inhaled sharply. br />
  Myles carefully watched Ash, making sure the bar didn’t fall. “Come on. You got this. One more.”

  Ash gritted his teeth and pushed the bar up and, with Myles help, set it in the cradle. He sat up, out of breath. He barely caught the water bottle Myles tossed to him. His arms felt like loose noodles after this workout.

  He opened the bottle and took a few gulps. His gaze took in the department’s weight room. It had gone over a massive upgrade a few years ago. The captain was able to get some donations to renovate the gym. There were quite a few people spread throughout the gym working out. A few women were on the ellipticals while one of the beat cops was running on a treadmill.

  It was a popular spot for many to blow off steam.

  It had been much needed, and now they had state-of-the-art equipment so the police force could stay in shape without having to go to local places.

  “Any plans this weekend?” he asked, finally able to catch his breath. He stood, rotating to Myles.

  “Nah. This is the first weekend I don’t have anything planned in a long while. Me and my couch will be getting reacquainted.”

  “Sounds good to me. As long as everything remains quiet, we should have a good weekend,” Ash said. He grabbed his towel and wiped off the bench so Myles could take his turn.

  “Don’t be fucking jinxing us.” Myles snorted, taking his seat.

  Ash chuckled and threw the towel down on the floor. “You sure it won’t be you and Miss Righty this weekend?” He jerked his right hand and wagged his eyebrows.

  “Fuck you.” Myles rolled his eyes and laid down on the bench. “Get over here and spot me.”

  Ash ambled over and stood behind the bench. Myles grabbed the bar and did the first set. He was focused while he benched the weights.