Page 30 of SEAL's Promise

“The terrorists are hunting for Amy and Rachelle,” Jesse said. “Two million dollar contract for capturing them.”

Eric wrapped his hand around Amy’s. “A WITSEC safe house?”

“It’s one of ours. Less chance of a leak.”

The wounded agent grimaced. “Wise.” He shifted position. “I don’t know how I’ll pay you for this. Fortress protection comes with a high price tag.”

Jesse grinned. “Don’t worry. Maddox will stick the government with the bill.”

“You’re worth every penny. I didn’t think I’d leave that hospital alive.”

“What happened when the terrorists arrived?”

Shadows filled Eric’s eyes. “The medical personnel rushed me to the surgical suite before the terrorists saw me. Tim fought the terrorists near the exam room where I’d been. He sacrificed his life to protect me. After the surgery, a terrorist confronted the doctor. Dr. Gomez claimed my wife shot me for cheating on her.”

“Gomez must be a stellar liar because the terrorists bought the story long enough for us to evac you.”

“The terrorists would have returned to confront me and question my nonexistent wife.” Eric shifted his gaze to Rachelle. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Helping me at the hotel. I wouldn’t have made it without you.” Another grimace.

“I kept you moving for a short time, but Tim did the hard work.”

“Tim was a good man.” Eric looked at the medics. “What are the arrangements to bring him home? His family deserves closure.”

“The State Department is working on it, but the chaos in Antigua is complicating things.” Jackson laid his hand on the wounded man’s shoulder. “We don’t leave one of our own behind. If the government can’t get the job done, Fortress will bring Tim home. We owe him for saving Rachelle.”

“Thanks.” His eyes began to close.

“Sleep, Eric,” Jesse murmured. “You and Amy are safe. If anything happens, we’ll tell you.”

A slight nod, then his breathing deepened as he succumbed to his body’s demand for rest.

“Did you mean what you said about Tim?” Amy asked, voice soft.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Are my parents safe?”

“They landed in Washington, D.C. two hours ago with their security detail. They’re worried about you.”

“May I talk to them?”

“When we’re at the safe house. They know you’re out of danger and with Eric.”

Jackson eyed Rachelle. “How are you?”

“Sore.” Who knew running from terrorists caused sore muscles?

He rummaged in his bag and dropped two capsules onto her palm. “Over-the-counter pain meds to take the edge off.”

“Thanks.” She swallowed the medicine with water. “What about you, Amy?”

“Same, but Jesse took care of me.” She sighed. “I didn’t know I was so out of shape. As soon as I’m safe, I’ll sign up for a gym membership.”

She’d had the same thought while they ran through the woods. “I’ll check on that for myself.”