Page 89 of SEAL's Promise

Jon looked at Cal. “Now or wait?”

He cupped her cheek. “We need to wait, Rachelle. I want to see the photos, but I want you in a secure location. Too many people know your location.”

Although disappointed with the decision, she appreciated his logic. She didn’t want to endanger Wolf Pack. “When do we leave?”

“As soon as you’re packed.”

“I’m ready. I never unpacked my bag.” Her lips curved. “I was afraid we might have to leave the suite in a hurry overnight.”

“Smart,” Jackson commented. He poured her hot tea into a to-go cup and covered the top with a plastic lid. “You can drink your tea on the way to the airstrip.”

While Eli checked out, Cal and the others gathered the bags and brought them to the suite. Twenty minutes later, they rode the elevator to the garage. Cal escorted her to the SUV and slid behind the wheel. He cranked the engine and pulled a signal detector from his pocket.

Rachelle’s eyes widened. Why check the SUV? The chaser lights went from green to red. Oh, man.

Cal held up the gadget for Jackson to see, then sent a text to one of his teammates. He glanced at Rachelle and pressed his forefinger to his lips to indicate the need for silence.

She nodded. Who gained access to the SUV and planted a bug?

The ride to the airstrip was silent with Cal and Jackson watching for signs of trouble. By the time Cal parked near the tarmac, Rachelle’s muscles ached from tension.

Would she and the operatives be prevented from leaving? Meyer, Caldwell, and Stokes wouldn’t be happy when they realized she was gone. Would she be labeled a fugitive?

The operatives exited the vehicles. When Cal was satisfied the area was secure, he opened her door, tucked her against his side, and moved quickly to the Fortress jet.

In less than a minute, Wolf Pack had boarded the jet with the bags. As soon as the door was secured, Eli instructed the pilot to take off.

Worry gnawed at Rachelle. They had too many questions and not enough answers. How would they find the necessary information to track down their quarry? She wanted her life back and a chance to date Cal without wondering if Falcon would get her before the feds did.

A hard, warm hand covered her clenched fist. “You okay?”

“Not even close.”

“What do you need?”

“Answers.”

“We’re working to find them as fast as we can. We want answers as much as you do.”

She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I know you’re doing your best, but I’m frustrated and afraid.”

His hand tightened. “I’ll protect you with my life, Rachelle.”

The reserve in his voice filled her with dismay. “I’m not afraid for myself. I’m afraid for you and your teammates. I don’t want you hurt on my account.”

“Baby, we’re SEALs and highly trained black ops warriors.”

“You can still be hurt and I don’t want any of you injured.”

Cal kissed her. “Thank you.”

“For what?”

“Thinking of us. Most of our principals are only interested in protecting themselves.”

Jon unbuckled his seatbelt and reached into the overhead bin for his laptop. He glanced at Cal and walked to the conference table.

“Ready?” Cal asked Rachelle.