Page 53 of SEAL's Promise
“Any updates?”
“I have independent confirmation from one source that Rachelle is the target. I’m chasing the thread of another.”
“But?”
“I’d move her away from Eric and Amy.”
Cal’s gut agreed with his tech-savvy friend. “Still no idea who’s behind the contract?”
“Sorry, man. I’m working as fast as I can to run down leads. Trace’s wife, Bridget, will be here in three hours. I’ll hand off the search for a money trail to her. She’s incredible.”
High praise for the fellow operative’s wife. “Sounds like your protege is spreading her wings.” Zane had insisted on expanding the research maven’s role in Fortress.
“I’ll pat myself on the back later for blackmailing Brent into letting me train her the right way.”
Cal chuckled. Zane, a fellow SEAL injured in the Sand Box, was an extraordinary hacker. If he praised Bridget for her hacking skills, she must be scary good. “Care to share Brent’s vulnerable spot?”
“No way. Find your own leverage. So, Taylor, what’s the latest news on your end?”
He scowled, recognizing that tone. Zane knew about him and Rachelle. “Who tattled?”
“Doesn’t matter. Two things. First, I’m happy for you. You’ve been mooning around here for too long without making a move on the lady which shows what an idiot you were.”
Couldn’t argue with that. He should have manned up and asked her out sooner. “Second?”
“If you hurt her, I’ll personally make your life miserable.”
He flinched. That wasn’t an idle threat. Zane’s wicked hacking skills meant all kinds of headaches, not to mention his pull with the boss meant Cal would be assigned the worst duties known to man. “You know me better than that. We’re former teammates, Z. I would never hurt Rachelle intentionally.”
“I like the lady. A lot. Even if you hurt her unintentionally, I will make you suffer.”
Ouch. Serious intent filled his friend’s voice. “I hear you.”
“Good. That’s the only warning you get.”
Wow. “Message received. I’m headed to Chesapeake Falls to purchase clothes for Rachelle.”
“Copy that.” Zane ended the call.
Fifteen minutes later, Cal parked in front of a big box store that remained open 24/7. With Rachelle’s sizes and clothing tastes in mind, Cal made quick work of purchasing clothes and toiletries for her.
Wasn’t the first time he’d purchased basic necessities for a woman. Growing up with sisters, Cal had learned to power shop for them when necessary. Thank goodness his sisters’ husbands took care of clothes and toiletry emergencies these days.
He paid for his purchases with a credit card in an alternate name sanctioned by Fortress. If a tech geek connected the name to Cal, he’d shift to the ID he’d commissioned in a back-alley shop in Nashville. Stewart was a genius with false identification.
An hour later, he parked the SUV in front of the house with the rest of the Fortress fleet, grabbed the bags from the backseat, and let himself into the house.
He nodded at Jon and headed for Rachelle’s room. His soft knock was answered immediately. “Special delivery for the most beautiful woman on the planet.”
She smiled, relief shining in her eyes. “You need your eyes checked, but thank you.”
Cal brushed her mouth with his. “I speak the truth. I bought what you asked for and a few other things that caught my eye. If you don’t like what I chose, I’ll exchange it.”
“I’m sure what you chose is fine.” She kissed him. “Go rest.”
“If you need me, come to me.”
“You need sleep.”