Page 93 of No More Lies

“Raven have gone to Volkov’s warehouse.”

Steve looked at his captain, knowing in that instant Raven going without him had been Sam’s call. His reaction now would be a test to see if he could keep his shit together. He would prove that he could.

“Why?” he asked calmly. “You think there’s something there?”

“I’m not convinced, but it’s worth a shot. Leave no stone unturned. Perhaps there’s a safe, or some papers somewhere that might lead us to where he is.”

Steve sighed. “Definitely a long shot.”

With so little time left, it was obvious all manpower would be focused on finding the damn sarin.

As if reading his mind, Sam said, “We have to stop this attack Steve, but we are still looking for Diane.”

“I know. Hopefully one leads to the other.” He scrubbed a hand over his face. “If he takes her to Russia—”

Sam cut him off. “If that happens, we will cross that bridge when we come to it. Do not get any crazy ideas and do a Tyler.”

Steve almost smiled. Tyler had decided to take matters into his own hands not too long ago, and it had almost cost him his life, and could have cost him his career.

“I mean it, Steve. It’s Russia. I was able to cover for Tyler, but there is nothing I would be able to do if you set foot in Russia without authorization.”

“You can’t expect me to just leave her there?” Steve stayed calm, knowing Sam was looking for any sign he didn’t have his shit together.

“No, I don’t expect you to. And if you think I would leave her there, that doesn’t say much about what you think of me,” Sam said bluntly.

Steve winced. “You’re right. I’m sorry.”

“All I’m saying is trust me. We don’t even know if he is planning to take her with him. One step at a time. We will do whatever is needed to bring her home. You have my word.”

Steve nodded. What else could he do but trust his boss?

“I’m sure Kelly could use an extra pair of hands. If you’re ready to get back to work?”

“I got the feeling I was being sidelined,” Steve said.

“You needed to cool down. Staying here meant you could do that. You’re still on the team, so long as you stay focused.” Sam stood. “I need to get on a call. Go see Kelly and help find your wife.”

Eagerly, Steve stood. “Thanks, Sam.”

He entered the war room, expecting to find Kelly, but was surprised to find the room full. The rest of the intel team and Nyx were heads down over computers, paperwork, or photos. He swallowed down the lump in his throat. He knew they were looking for the sarin, or the target, but he didn’t doubt they were also looking for his wife.

Taking a seat beside Kelly, he said, “I’m sorry about before. For coming at you like that. It wasn’t fair and you didn’t deserve it.”

She looked up from her computer. “Steve, it’s fine. You don’t need to apologize. You’re worried and upset. We all are.”

“Not an excuse. You’re the best intelligence officer I know. You’re family and I trust you completely.”

She put her hand on his arm, squeezing gently. “Thank you. We will bring her home, Steve. I won’t rest until we do.”

He squeezed his eyes shut. “Things haven’t been too good between us lately.” He kept his voice barely more than a whisper, not wanting anyone else to hear.

“I know.”

He opened his eyes and looked at Kelly in surprise.

“She told me she hadn’t talked to anyone?”

“She didn’t. She mentioned when we went out that you were going through a rough patch.”