Page 57 of SEAL's Promise
“It’s at the top.”
“Good to know.” His lips curved.
“Why are we here instead of another city?”
“Sheriff Montgomery and his brothers are former military as well as local law enforcement. They’ll backup both teams until Maddox sends more help. On top of that, the Rocking M employs several hands who can be called upon in an emergency.”
“The area is wide-open fields with fences easy to crawl through.”
“People might sneak onto the land, but they can’t break into the house without triggering alarms. The Montgomerys have sensors throughout the property, multiple ways to escape the house, and a safe room.” Cal wrapped his hand around hers. “You’ll be safe. I wouldn’t bring you here otherwise.”
He’d told about her traveling to Washington, D.C. to answer the State Department’s questions regarding her experience in Mexico. Her stomach knotted. “When do we leave?”
“I asked Maddox for two days, but the State Department is anxious to interview you.”
Rachelle dreaded the trip and the heightened danger to Wolf Pack. Cal and his team would risk their lives to keep her safe. She didn’t want them to be targets because of her.
Cal parked in front of a large two-story white house with a wraparound porch, then circled the SUV and opened her door. The front door of the home opened as they approached.
An older woman met them, an easy smile on her face. “Welcome to the Rocking M,” she said as they drew near. “I’m Mrs. Grady, the housekeeper, but the Montgomerys call me Mrs. G.” She gestured for them to go into the house, then greeted the other members of Wolf Pack who walked onto the porch, gear bags on their shoulders. Cal returned to the SUV for their bags.
Mrs. Grady led the Wolf Pack and Rachelle up the sweeping staircase. “David said you’d prefer your rooms grouped together.” She paused in front of a set of double doors. “This is a suite with two bedrooms and a shared sitting area.” She threw open the doors and walked inside. “I thought you’d like this arrangement, Rachelle. You’ll have your own room and so will your bodyguard.”
Rachelle smiled. “It’s perfect. Thank you.”
The housekeeper looked at the others in the group. “The remaining three rooms are across the hall. Do you think this will work?”
Eli said, “This is exactly what we need.”
“David will be home as soon as he can. Lunch will be served at noon and dinner at 7:00. If you aren’t ready to eat at those times, you’re free to rummage through the kitchen when you are. The kitchen is down the stairs and to the left. It’s large enough to accommodate all of you plus the hands who arrive in shifts to eat. If you need anything, let me know.”
Cal opened the suite doors and deposited their bags inside the door. He turned to Jackson. “Bunk in the second bedroom.”
Rachelle’s heart sank. Cal didn’t want to stay in the suite with her. “Where will you sleep?” she asked him.
“The couch outside your door.” He kissed her knuckles. “The second bedroom is too far away from you. If someone breaks in, he’ll have to go through me to reach you.”
“No problem.” Jackson set his bags inside the door. “Check the rooms and tell me which one you want me in.”
While Eli, Jon, and Rafe dropped their bags in the other rooms, Cal examined the suite. When he returned, he motioned for his teammate to take the room on the right. “A tree is too close to the window.”
The medic scooped up his bags. “I’ll rig something to alert us if an intruder comes in that way.”
Cal walked Rachelle to her room.
“Oh, wow. This is incredible.” A large blue-and-green quilt covered the king-size bed. Matching quilted pillowcases covered two large decorator pillows, the bed frame a gorgeous pine. The windows sported white curtains plus sheers to block direct view into the bedroom.
Cal set her bag on the foot of the bed. “Same rules apply as in the safe house. Don’t open the curtains. We need to familiarize ourselves with the house. Want to explore?”
Who wouldn’t? “I’d love to.”
By the time lunch was served, Wolf Pack and Rachelle had toured the rest of the house. “This place is amazing,” she said as Cal seated her at the dining table in the kitchen.
Mrs. Grady beamed at her. “I think so. I’m glad you do, too.”
“How long have you worked here?”
“My whole life. My mother worked for the family and, when I was sixteen, Mrs. Montgomery offered me a job. I’ve worked here ever since. My husband is the ranch foreman.”