Page 10 of SEAL's Promise

Cal chuckled. “He’s also the best hacker out there, on a par with Zane.”

Wow. Who knew the quiet, intense SEAL had those kinds of skills? “Tell him thanks.”

“Sure. How much battery life do you have on the phone?”

She checked. “Almost a full charge. Why?”

“Excellent. Leave the call live. If you see or hear anything that concerns you, let me know.”

“Okay. Cal?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you for coming to get me.”

“I would have insisted on coming with any team deployed to come for you. It’s my good luck that Wolf Pack was in Brent’s office when you called.”

She grinned. “Wolf Pack?”

“Eli is to blame for the name.”

“I like it.”

“That makes two of you, then.” He paused, then said, “Rachelle, I’m handing my phone to Jon for a minute.”

A moment later, Jon Smith’s distinctive deep voice sounded in her ear. “Eric Hoss is in recovery at St. Cecelia Hospital.”

“What’s his prognosis?”

“According to the doctor’s notes, he’ll make a full recovery. However, he’ll be out of commission for a while. Amy will have a different security team guarding her for several months.”

“What about Tim?”

“I’m sorry. He didn’t make it. I’m handing the sat phone back to Cal. We have plans to adjust.”

“Rachelle?” Amy’s hand clamped on her arm. “You’re crying. What happened? Is Eric all right?”

“He’s in recovery and expected to be as good as new in a few months.” Her voice broke.

“Those aren’t tears of joy. Why are you crying?”

“It’s Tim. I’m sorry, Amy.”

Her friend stared. “He’s dead?”

Rachelle nodded as Cal’s voice came through the phone.

“You okay?” he asked, voice low.

“Tim was a good man. He sacrificed himself to protect us and Eric.”

“For that, I will be forever grateful. I’m sorry, Rachelle.”

“Me, too.”

“I’m especially sorry I’m not there to hold you.”

Stunned, Rachelle’s eyes widened. “Are you serious?” she whispered.

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