Page 57 of Grave Peril

“Here are your orders,” Zap said. “Get the SEAL out of the way. He’s about to draw his last breath.” He paused. “Once Lela’s guardian is terminated, she will be at my mercy.”

It was a given that the SEAL’s teammate would be taken out right along with him—if the man was foolish enough to be near the action.

*****

Packing hadn’t taken long, but Rip lingered, aware that Lela needed a moment. He stood on deck beside her, cherishing the last few seconds. The sun glimmered on the water, and the calm harbor contrasted with the reality of the situation.

Rip held Lela’s hand, at a loss for words. He should mention the romantic interlude, but he couldn’t settle on what to say. He couldn’t offer her a way out of this mess. All he could do was forge ahead, keep her safe, and hope for the best.

Lela’s perfume was tantalizing. Rip squeezed her hand. She turned, her brown eyes lovely. I love you. Rip’s thought was so loud that he could have sworn she heard him. But he caught himself just in time, and didn’t voice what was in his heart.

It wouldn’t be right, because Lela would feel obligated. And even if she returned the emotion, where could that lead? Rip was the same man he’d been two days ago, the same damaged goods. He was determined not to make promises he couldn’t keep.

So what did he have to offer?

The one thing he knew for certain was that he’d protect her. But then, he’d already told her that. There was no more to say on the subject.

Lela lifted their linked hands and kissed Rip’s fingertips. She was silent, although her expression revealed that her emotions were in turmoil.

Rip shifted from one foot to the other. “You made the right decision. I don’t see how contacting the FBI would be safe. There was a leak.”

“Yes, I know,” Lela said. “That’s the only way the cartel could have known about the agents escorting me into witness protection…which seems like a lifetime ago.”

“Even the FBI isn’t immune. One of their agents had to be in the cartel’s pocket, and that’s all it took. And there’s no way for you to know who the traitor was.”

“This is the best way,” Lela said. “I have to do this on my own. And you’re the only man I can count on.”

Rip pulled Lela close and she wrapped her arms around him. He hugged her tightly, then after a minute she pulled back. “I’m ready for whatever comes.”

“I should check in, then.” Rip pulled out his phone and made the call.

“I hope this is good news,” Travis said.

“Lela is here and she’s safe right now, if that helps.”

“Why do I sense that’s about to change?” Travis said.

Rip filled him in, sharing that Lela had more evidence in the Ortiz case. “It will be risky, but I’m convinced the documents are vital.”

“It might be a breakthrough,” Travis said. “And decryption can be done. How long it takes depends on the method used to encrypt in the first place. Let’s hope the senator was sloppy, and used the easiest method available.”

“And what do you have for me?”

“Tell Lela that her mother is fine. She was grateful for the message from her daughter, and is holding up quite well, under the circumstances,” Travis said. “Also, Hunter has moved Ashlee to the safe house. She is recovering nicely, but apparently she’s a handful…wants to be back in the action.”

“That’s not too surprising,” Rip said. “Tell Hunter to use his charm. I can’t have two women under siege. It’s all I can do to keep one of them safe. It’s best if Ashlee stays put.”

“Hunter assured me that he has the situation under control.”

“Guess that’s it, then,” Rip said. “Be ready. As soon as Lela turns over the encrypted files, time will be of the essence.”

When the call ended, Lela said, “You mentioned Ashlee. What did he say?”

“She misses you.”

Lela smiled. “Okay. Let’s get this done so I can see her again.”

Rip grabbed his duffel, and Lela put the strap of her bag over her shoulder. Then they got off the boat and headed for the boardwalk.

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