Page 27 of SEAL's Promise
“I won’t risk your safety or Amy and Eric’s by trusting that the terrorists haven’t tapped every resource to find you.”
Rachelle was silent a moment. “While we wait for the next order, is there anything I can do to help?”
Might not be wise to let her too deep into research in this situation. She hadn’t had a chance to process her narrow escape.
Cal glanced at Eli. His team leader shook his head slightly. He shifted his attention to Rachelle. “I have an idea. Wait here a minute.”
He sought out Sorenson. “Do you have a dog who needs TLC?”
The vet’s eyebrows rose. “You’re volunteering for petting duty?”
“Hey, I’m a dog fan. I’m not asking for me, though. I thought Rachelle would enjoy some pet therapy.”
“She having trouble?”
Wouldn’t surprise him, but that wasn’t the reason behind his request. “We’re at loose ends until Maddox lines up safe houses, and I don’t want her wandering around the neighborhood. I’m not convinced she’s safe here.”
“We have Molly, a black lab whose owner dropped her off for a checkup. Molly loves being brushed and playing with a tennis ball. I have a fenced-in area where we take the dogs for exercise. Rachelle will be safe there. The door to the play yard is in the holding room.”
“Thanks, Doc.” He returned to the kitchen where Rachelle waited alone for him. Cal held out his hand. “Come with me. I have a treat for you.”
She followed him into the hallway. “Where are we going?”
“You’ll see.” He located the holding room and opened the door. Immediately, a cacophony of barks rang out in the room.
Cal located a leash and tennis ball on one of the shelves, and freed the black Lab from the holding pen. He attached the leash and led Molly and Rachelle outside.
Crouching, he rubbed the Lab’s big head. “This is Molly. She’s here for a checkup. Want to play with her for a while? I’m sure she’d love some time outside the crate.”
She smiled. “I’d love to.” Her smile faded as she glanced around the yard. “Is it safe to be outside with her? I don’t want to put her in danger.”
Cal wasn’t surprised that she’d thought of the dog’s safety before her own. “The privacy fence prevents anyone from seeing you. Enjoy the sun and a sweet dog who loves to play.”
For the next hour, Rachelle took turns with Cal petting Molly and throwing the tennis ball. By the time the dog flopped down in the sunshine for a nap, the ball was wet, and Molly had been brushed until her coat gleamed. Molly’s owner would be pleasantly surprised at how tired the Lab was when she went home tonight.
“Thank you, Cal. This was fun.” Rachelle beamed at him.
Glad he could do something to distract her from the situation she was in, he squeezed her hand. “I enjoyed being out here myself. It’s been a while since I had a chance to play with a dog.”
“Did you have a pet growing up?”
“My family owns a farm. We always had dogs running around, usually four or five.”
“Sounds like fun. Are you close to your family?”
He smiled. “I am. I don’t spend as much time with them as they’d like, but I talk to them every week.” Cal winked at her. “Even my bratty sisters.”
They spent a few more minutes enjoying the sunshine, then he escorted Rachelle and Molly inside. After giving the dog water, they returned her to the crate to rest and walked to the kitchen for water for themselves.
They’d just tossed their empty bottles into the recycle bin when Eli strode in. “Get your gear. We’re leaving in fifteen minutes.”
Cal’s blood ran cold. Not good. Orders to move that fast signaled trouble.
Rachelle stared. “Why?”
“Internet’s burning up with references to an HVT in this area of Texas.”
“That’s still not a specific target or city.”