Page 18 of SEAL's Promise

A phone signaled an incoming call. Eli tapped the screen of his phone. “You’re on speaker, Brody. Go.”

“We’re five minutes from the jet.” The sound of gunfire came through the speaker. “We have two bogey vehicles in pursuit.” The Texas team’s leader reported their position.

“We’re one minute behind you. Take them out if you can, but your main mission is transporting the package to the jet. Maintain communication so we can coordinate.”

“Copy that.”

Eli snagged his bag from the floorboard and pulled a big gun from the depths. “Amy, Rachelle, on the floor. Sorry. I know it’s not comfortable.”

“Bogeys ahead,” Rafe said.

Eli said, “Brody, ease your vehicle to the right. We’ll target the left vehicle first.”

“Copy.”

“Hold it steady, Rafe.” Eli’s voice was muffled. A moment later, an explosion lit the night. “One down. Brody, floor it. We’ll slide between you and the remaining bogey, and cut them off. Jon, you ready?”

“Yep.”

“Go, Rafe.”

The SUV’s engine roared as the driver demanded more speed from the vehicle. Cal slid from the seat and covered Rachelle with his body. Jackson did the same with Amy.

“More protection for you since we’ll be close to the pursuit vehicle,” Cal said.

“I understand.” He was heavy, but she wouldn’t complain.

“Here we go,” Eli said. “Let’s get this done, and go home.”

Cal wrapped his arms around Rachelle’s head, his body curved over hers.

She hated that Cal was in danger to protect her. A bullet coming her way would have to go through him first. Rachelle shifted one of her hands to thread her fingers through his.

He tightened his hold on her. “I’ve got you.”

Gunfire sounded nearby. Glass shattered. Cal grunted.

Rachelle felt a trickle of warm liquid on her cheek. “Cal!”

“I’m okay. Stay still.”

“You hit?” Jackson asked.

“Bullet kissed my arm. You can slap a Band-Aid on it when we’re in the air.”

Rachelle’s eyes stung. Even though Cal acted as though the injury was nothing for concern, she wouldn’t believe that until she saw the evidence for herself.

Gunfire sounded in the cabin. Two shots, then Jon said, “Two down. We’re clear.”

“Pack your gear,” Eli said. “We’re one minute from the jet. Ladies, stay down until we’re on the tarmac.”

The operatives readied their bags.

“Thirty seconds,” Rafe said.

Cal looked at Rachelle. “When we come to a stop, stay in place until we’re sure it’s safe. You up for one more run?”

She nodded. She’d do anything necessary so Cal received medical attention.