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The woman said nothing, just stared down at her hands. Albert reached for them, giving them a squeeze like a father would. But Chris had the distinct feeling it wasn’t fatherly affection at all. He looked at Albert, who said nothing at first.

“Moira and I have a special relationship,” said the man. The woman looked up at him with admiration and love.

“I’m not here to judge, brother. I’m just trying to help keep a woman alive.”

“I came here about eighteen months ago when Moira called asking for beefed-up security around the home. She’d asked her husband not to return, and he wasn’t happy about that. He was living in a small flat near the hospital.”

“I see,” said Chris.

“I don’t think you do,” said Moira. “My husband was an egomaniac. He was a risk-taker in the operating room. Most of the time, it worked, but sometimes, he put the life of his patients in extraordinary danger.”

“Was he reported?” asked Chris.

“He was. By me. I’m an anesthesiologist by training. I used to work with him but then refused. I was in the process of obtaining a divorce.”

“I’m as old as you, Chris. Though you damn sure don’t look a day over forty,” grinned the man. Chris grinned back, nodding. “I couldn’t help but fall in love with her. She’s smart, beautiful, and a wonderful mother. You know what it’s like. You’re an old salty SEAL for so many years you forget to give yourself a life. I think I have one now.”

“We have one,” she said, squeezing his hand.

“I’m happy for you both, really, I am. I’m just trying to figure out why your husband would be willing to do something so terrible to someone he didn’t even know. Money?”

“It could have been, although I was giving him alimony,” said Moira.

“Did he still have ties to anyone in Iran?” he asked.

“Only his family that I’m aware of, and they’re really nice people,” she said. Chris looked at Albert.

“She’s right. They’re hard-working people who gave their son a chance to succeed. He’s treated them like shit, but Moira bought them a home so they would always have a nice roof over their heads. As far as I know, he doesn’t contact any of them.”

“Then what he did, he must have done solely for money. Someone paid him to harm the woman.”

“I wish I could tell you that I was surprised by it,” said Moira, “but I’m not. He was obsessed with fame and fortune. I only wish I’d seen it sooner.”

“I didn’t mean to interrupt your day or anything,” said Chris, standing. “I’ll be on my way.”

“Chris? I hope you’re all doing well,” said Albert. “Everything is kosher here; you have my word.”

“Brother, I trust you,” said Chris, shaking the man’s hand. “I really do hope you find your happiness. Good luck to you, ma’am.”

“Thank you,” she smiled.

Chris stood to leave the room and noticed a stack of books on the huge mahogany desk. He pointed to them, and she nodded. Picking one up, he thumbed through it.

“They were my late husband’s,” she said. “I was going to box them up and send them to his flat in London. As far as I knew, he had no interest in such things, but he bought those anyway.” Chris looked at them both, nodding.

“You’ve been very helpful.”

“Albert Giamarco? Are you fucking kidding me?” smiled Travis. “I haven’t seen that asshole in years.”

“He looks good,” said Chris. “Gray, weathered, but he’s solid as a rock and definitely in love. Good news is, she’s in love with him.”

“That is good news, but what do you think?” asked Carter.

“I think our doctor was working with someone to find something very, very special.”

CHAPTER NINE

“Elena?” whispered Major. “Honey, we’re here.”

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