Read Online Fire for Effect by Kendall McKenna - Free Book Online

squads because his father refused to pay protection. He was a small-time activist and spoke out publicly against corruption.” Burnett sat back in his chair and steepled his fingers. “What do you suppose the reaction would be if someone suddenly appeared on the internet accusing Restrepo’s father of fleeing because he’d double crossed his fellow death squad members?”
    The full picture finally came into focus for Kellan. “I think I understand, Cal. Thank you for your time and your candor.”
    Burnett stood and came around the end of his desk. “You’re welcome, Kellan. It’s been an honor to meet you.”
    Kellan stopped at the office door and turned to meet Burnett’s eyes. “I have your word that you’re open to awarding more Medals of Honor if I can ensure the DOD won’t be embarrassed down the road?”
    “Yes, you have my word.” Burnett sealed their deal with a handshake.
    As Jonah drove them back to their offices, Kellan recounted the entire conversation.
    “So, what’s your next step?” asked Jonah.
    “I think we have to prove that Restrepo is worthy to receive the MOH,” Kellan replied. “Then we parlay that into making the larger cases we want to make. I need to strategize with everyone, though.” Ideas were racing through Kellan’s mind, questions he needed to ask his staff.
    Jonah was silent for several minutes before he sighed heavily. “I have the sinking feeling I’m not getting laid tonight.”
    Kellan laughed, not surprised that the tightness that had built up in his chest bled away.

CHAPTER SEVEN
    They were so wrapped up in the information spread out on the table before them, they hadn’t bothered to change clothes when they’d arrived home. They’d gotten as far as removing their suit coats. Kellan stood now, rolling up his shirtsleeves but Jonah was still perfectly unwrinkled in his olive uniform trousers and khaki tie and shirt.
    At some point, it had made sense for the rest of Kellan’s staff to pursue the case of systemic discrimination in the awards process. They would compile what Kellan would need to report to the Senate. That left Jonah and Kellan to figure out why Sergeant Miguel Restrepo was being denied the Medal of Honor, and exactly by whom.
    Kellan had been hungry for awhile, but each time he was about to call for a break to fix dinner, Jonah would connect another piece of the puzzle. Kellan ended up typing information into his notes, tagging document files and moving items into different folders on his hard drive.
    Jonah stood at the long end of the table looking over the paperwork he had stacked and organized as he’d worked his way through the complicated mess. He balanced all of his weight on one leg, bent the knee of his second leg, and fisted his hands on his narrow hips. Jonah’s handsome brow was marred by a frown of concentration as his intelligent blue eyes darted from photos to written reports. Jonah was tall and lean, built like he was made to wear the uniforms of the Marine Corps, and Kellan found him sexy as hell.
    He may not have left the Corps so that he could explore a physical relationship with Jonah, but it had certainly gone in the ‘pros’ column when he’d been weighing his options.
    “You’re staring at me,” Jonah said suddenly, startling Kellan out of his reverie, but not looking away from the organized chaos of their dining room table.
    “Uh huh,” Kellan replied, not at all ashamed at being called out.
    “Staring at me isn’t going to help us figure out why Restrepo is being blocked from receiving the MOH.” Jonah finally looked Kellan in the eye.
    “No, but it’s a damn fun thing to do.” Kellan smiled. He decided he was done with work for the night. Dinner first, then crawling into bed with Jonah were the only two things left on his agenda for the night.
    Jonah snorted a laugh, one corner of his mouth lifting in the smile that always made Kellan’s stomach twist in ways it embarrassed him to describe. “If you keep