Page 61 of SEAL's Resolve
The security guard ended the call and motioned for Rafe and Kristi to proceed to the elevators.
“Interesting,” Rafe said as the silver doors enclosed them inside the car. “The security guard assumed your father had paid the ransom.”
“Frank isn’t involved in this. He’s been on staff here for 30 years. He’s known me since I was born.” He was a pseudo grandfather to her. No, Frank wouldn’t be involved in anything nefarious.
“I’m suspicious of everyone, remember?”
Right. “It’s not Frank.”
The elevator arrived on her father’s floor a moment later. Kristi stepped out of the car and turned right toward the CEO’s suite. Since Alice, her father’s administrative assistant, wasn’t due to arrive for another two hours, Kristi walked to her father’s door and knocked.
“Come.”
As she entered the office, her father stood and came around his massive desk. “Kristi.” He wrapped her in a tight hug, the scent of his cologne a reminder that she was home and safe for the moment. “I’m glad to see you.”
Alan released her and held out his hand to Rafe. “I can’t thank you enough for the risk you took to free my daughter. I’ll never be able to repay you, Rafe.”
“I’m glad I was there, sir.” Rafe glanced at her, the slight curve of his lips and the heat in his eyes an assurance that this was no longer just a job to him.
Kristi smiled. Her rescue might have been a mission to him in the beginning. Now, however, her safety was a more personal mission.
Alan turned back to Kristi. After his gaze dropped to her jaw, he flinched. “Are you sure you’re all right, sweetheart? Your jaw looks painful.”
That was nothing compared to the deep bruises on her ribs. “I’m all right.”
“I’ll have the doctor slot you in first thing this morning to be sure.” He reached for the phone’s handset. “He’ll be happy to come to the house to examine you.”
Kristi stopped him with a hand to his arm. “Dad, I’ve been checked by a doctor and two medics. They all agree I have minor injuries. I’ll be fine in a few days.”
“I’d feel better if our personal physician said as much. I don’t trust anyone but Dr. Flannery.”
“No. Seriously, Dad, I’d know if I was worse. No more poking and prodding by a doctor.”
“All right.” He laid his hands on her shoulders. “The code to the alarm system at the house is still the same. The housekeeper has prepared your suite of rooms, and I’ve doubled the security team on duty. You’ll be safe.” Her father looked at Rafe. “I hope you won’t mind escorting Kristi to my home before you move on to your next mission.”
“Dad, I’m not moving back home.”
“Of course you will. Don’t be childish, Kristi. We’re talking about your life.”
“I won’t live in fear.” Even though she was scared to death the kidnappers would try again. “I have a business to run. I can’t hide at your home. Like you, I have immovable deadlines, and my business and equipment are at my home. I can’t pack up and move to your house.”
Alan sighed. “I’ll send a security team to your place, then. No arguments, Kristi. I insist on that safety measure at least.”
Her earlier concern for his safety resurfaced in her mind. “I already have a security team. Keep the extra security for yourself. I want you to be safe, too.”
A frown. “What security team? Did you hire someone without me vetting them?”
“Rafe and his team are protecting me.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. They can’t unmask the kidnappers and babysit you.”
“I told you yesterday that I wouldn’t stop until we discovered who was the behind the kidnapping and why,” Rafe said. “I meant every word.”
“You don’t have to multitask. My security teams will protect Kristi. They’re very good. I only hire the best.”
“You hired Fortress because we’re the best in the business. We don’t walk away from an op without finishing the job. I won’t walk away from Kristi.”
Did her father understand what Rafe meant? “Dad, enough.” Kristi folded her arms across her chest. “I don’t want one of your security teams. I’m comfortable with Wolf Pack, especially Rafe. I’m safe with them.”