Page 68 of SEAL's Promise

“What do you think?”

The older man flinched at the rage in Cal’s voice. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know Benson planned to do that.”

“Your colleague added to Rachelle’s trauma. Worse, Benson knew the reaction he’d get and did it anyway.”

“We need answers. She’s the only one who can provide them aside from Amy.”

“Talk to Amy. We’ll arrange a video chat.”

“I’d prefer not to bother her at this time.”

But forcing Rachelle to go over her story multiple times was acceptable? “Rethink that plan, Meyer. Amy knew the players on the field and what was at stake. Rachelle was visiting Amy at her request.”

“This isn’t about Amy. Benson’s assessment of Ms. Carter is correct. She’s a coward and partially responsible for the death of Tim Garner.”

Cal’s hands fisted. “He’s dead wrong and so are you. Rachelle is one of the bravest people I’ve met in my life.”

A frown. “How can you say that after what she did?”

“She followed Tim’s orders to the letter, risking her life to protect Amy. Would you go unarmed into streets filled with terrorists on the order of a security detail to save a friend’s life? She and Amy ran for miles to escape the terrorists, then Rachelle found a place for them to hide until help arrived. She saved the life of the ambassador’s daughter. From where I’m standing, my woman deserves a medal for bravery.”

Meyer stared. “Your woman? Don’t you mean your principal?”

“She’s mine.”

Understanding dawned in his eyes. “I see.”

“I’ll do whatever it takes to protect Rachelle from harm. Remember that the next time you and your cronies send someone after her.”

He looked puzzled. “I don’t understand.”

Either Meyer was a superb liar or he wasn’t the one who sent thugs after Rachelle.

“We still have questions for Ms. Carter. We’ll give her a few minutes to calm down, then resume our session. I’ll do my best to rein in my colleagues.”

“Forget it. The rest of your questions will be answered by email or video chat.”

“That’s not acceptable, Taylor.”

“Tough. If you have a complaint, contact Fortress.”

“I can have security detain you.”

“Try it.” No one would stop him from taking Rachelle from this building and city. If necessary, he’d call in a favor with President Martin.

Meyer stared at him a moment, then said, “Wait here.” He strode toward the conference room.

Fat chance. Cal would leave when Rachelle returned. The bathroom door opened, and he turned to see Rachelle’s pale face and tear-reddened eyes. Good thing Benson wasn’t close or he’d have punched the smug jerk in the face.

He spread his arms and Rachelle dived into his embrace. Cal held her a few seconds, then said, “Ready to leave?”

She nodded.

With one arm wrapped around her, he guided Rachelle toward the elevator. His team straightened as they approached.

“What happened?” Eli asked.

“Later.”