Page 132 of Covert Mission

Ryan and Ivan were the first two men through the door of the training center. Both men looked ready to begin their training. So did Colton Wells.

After a careful glance around, Ivan approached Seth and Teagan. He shook hands with both. “Thank you for helping Martina last night,” he murmured. “I owe you.”

Seth shook his head. “No debt between friends.”

“Is she all right?” Teagan asked.

“Thanks to you, she is.” Anger simmered in the other man’s eyes. “I didn’t know Peters was after my wife. If you hadn’t intervened….”

“I’m glad we were there,” Seth said. “We won’t always be available.”

A hard swallow. “I know.”

He had little time to address the problem. Perhaps this was the time to plant a seed. “You have some hard decisions to make. If you choose wrong, your wife will pay the price. Do you understand?”

Ivan was silent a moment, then gave a slight nod. “I think so, sir.”

“If you want help, come to me before it’s too late.”

Ryan approached. “Ivan, the rest of the trainees are coming.”

“Go,” Teagan said quietly. “Don’t call attention to yourselves.”

“Ryan, you set?” Seth asked.

“Yes, sir. So is Colton.” He joined Ivan and Colton at the side of the room.

He hoped his warnings were enough. Unless Ivan asked for help to leave the compound, he’d be on his own when Seth and his team finished their mission.

The rumble of voices heralded the approaching group of men. Soon, the training center was filled with trainees. Most of them weren’t happy to be up this early.

Too bad. They either get with the program or forfeit their spot to someone willing to work hard.

The last man to arrive was Kent. He slid in seconds before the start time of training.

Seth glanced at Noah, who nodded and stationed himself by the door. “Welcome to Day One of your training. Be prepared to work hard and show improvement. If you think you’ll lopethrough training without giving us everything you have, you’re mistaken. Grant.”

“Sir.”

“Five-mile run. After that, we’ll begin hand-to-hand combat training on the mat.”

“Yes, sir.”

Kent held up his hand.

“Problem, Kent?” Seth had a problem, and he was looking at him.

“Where are Jerry, Shane, Joel, and Ron?”

Silence fell on the rest of the group as everyone looked around.

“Where do you think they are?”

“I’m asking you.” Kent folded his arms.

“Worried about your buddies? You should be.” Seth looked at the rest of the trainees. “Kent deserted his post overnight to allow Jerry and his cronies to attack my quarters.”

Gasps were heard throughout the training center.