Page 77 of SEAL's Promise
“Do you know his identity?”
A slight head shake. “High in the department. That’s all I know.”
“Why does he want her?”
“She saw too much in Mexico. He won’t stop until she’s dead.”
CHAPTER TWENTY
On her knees by Blake’s head, Rachelle stared, unable to believe what he said to Cal. When had she seen too much and where? Who was Falcon? She didn’t recognize the name and longed to shake the information from him, but the police swarmed into the house with guns drawn, shouting orders at Cal and his teammates. This wasn’t the time to push for answers.
“Hands on your heads, fingers interlocked,” one barrel-chested policeman ordered with his gun pointed at Cal. His gray hair glistened in the lamp light.
“No,” Rachelle protested. “You don’t understand. These are the good guys. They didn’t hurt Blake.”
“Rachelle, everything will be fine,” Cal said as he, Rafe, Eli, and Jon slowly complied with the order. “They don’t have the facts yet. This is standard procedure until they know what’s going on.”
“They’re treating you like criminals.”
Except for Jackson, the operatives were handcuffed. When one of the younger policemen approached Rachelle with his handcuffs out, Cal shifted as though preparing to intervene.
Tension in the room escalated. Rachelle had to do something before the operatives came to her aid. “It’s all right,” she said and held out her wrists to the policeman. “Secure my hands in front so I can help the paramedic.”
Unsure, the patrolman looked at Barrel chest for instructions. When he received a nod, he fastened the handcuffs around Rachelle’s wrists.
Although angry on her behalf, Cal settled against the wall, his gaze locked on Rachelle. Even restrained, she knew he’d protect her if she was in danger.
While Barrel chest questioned the operatives, Jackson continued to work on stabilizing an unconscious Blake. Minutes later, EMTs hurried into the room with their gear bags.
“What do we have?” the blond man asked.
While Jackson reported the injuries he’d found on Blake and his treatment, the policeman who cuffed her reached for Rachelle.
Cal straightened from the wall.
“Don’t move,” Barrel chest ordered, hand on his weapon.
“Tell Junior to be very careful with my girlfriend,” he said, voice soft.
A snort from the man. “You’re not in charge here, buddy.” He looked at the younger cop. “Put her in the chair against the wall and keep an eye on her. Callen, help me check these guys for weapons.” He eyed the operatives. “How many weapons are you carrying?”
Eli smiled. “A lot.”
“More than I can see?”
“What do you think?” Jon asked.
“What are you guys, some kind of home-grown terrorists?”
“Black ops, private,” Rafe said. “Fortress Security.”
The cops looked at each other, eyes wide. The fourth man who had yet to say anything looked from the operatives to Rachelle. “Is she an HVT?”
“Yes, she is,” Cal said.
Fourth man’s eyebrows rose. “I’m surprised you’re on your girlfriend’s security detail.”
The EMTs brought in a gurney and transferred Blake into the ambulance. A moment later, they left to the accompaniment of flashing lights and blaring sirens.