Page 55 of SEAL's Promise

Cal cupped her nape. “I don’t know, but we’re working as fast as we can,” he murmured as the rest of his teammates gathered around the stove to fill their plates.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I sound ungrateful, and I’m not. I know the sacrifices you’re all making to keep me safe. But I’m leaving Micah in a lurch.”

“Micah understands the threat and he agrees with Maddox on this. With the encryption on my computer, you can work from here while we deal with your problem.”

Cal’s phone signaled an incoming text message. He checked the screen. His stomach twisted into a knot. What was this about?

“Something up?” Rafe asked.

“Maddox wants me to call him.”

Eli paused with a forkful of food halfway to his mouth. “Find out what he wants and report back.”

Code for calling the boss out of Rachelle’s hearing. Good idea. Based on his wording, Maddox’s news had to do with Rachelle, and it wouldn’t be good.

He released her. “I’ll be back soon.” After stepping outside onto the deck, he called Brent.

“Maddox.”

“It’s Cal.”

“Can you talk?”

“Yes, sir. I’m outside, alone. What’s going on?”

“Plenty. The State Department wants to interview Rachelle and Amy.”

“They can do it by phone or video chat.”

“They agreed to a phone conversation with Amy.”

“But not Rachelle.”

“I’m sorry, Cal. They insist on a face-to-face with her.”

“No. I’m not allowing the feds to lead the enemy to the safe house.”

“They’re playing hardball, threatening to blackball Fortress from future government contracts if we don’t allow them access to Rachelle.”

He analyzed what Brent said and what he hadn’t. “What alternatives do we have?”

“None. They want her to come to Washington, D.C. for formal interviews.”

“I’m not taking her into that viper nest.”

“While I understand your reluctance, we don’t have a choice. President Martin needs Fortress on the A list.”

“Brent…”

“I made it clear that you and your team would be granted full access to Rachelle at all times, or we’d make her disappear and they’d never have their questions answered.”

“She’s mine to protect.” He’d kill anyone who was a threat to her safety, including feds.

A pause, then, “I see. Does she know how you feel about her?”

“She does, and she’s okay with it. If you’re not, we’re going to have a problem.”

“There’s no problem as long as the relationship doesn’t interfere with the mission.”