Page 33 of No Man Left Behind

Then she remembered. “I had the feeling again in Albany. Just before I headed to Phail. I was in a gallery for the first time and at an open-air market the second. I decided to leave a few days earlier than I’d planned. At a rest stop, I spotted Phail on the map, and headed here.”

He chuckled. “At least one good thing came of all of it. Do you think someone’s following you?”

She leaned back to look up. “I’ve been travelling for about a year and only felt those vibes in two places. It seems impossible and ridiculous to think it’s the same person.”

“Doesn’t mean it’s not true.”

She thunked her head on his chest. “I don’t know. I felt like it was all in my head. I’ve talked myself out of believing it.”

“You weren’t the only one to feel it tonight. Once Finch broke my concentration, I felt it as well. I’m sorry I got so caught up that I dropped my guard.”

Despite the emotional drain from having this conversation, Elina laughed. Truly laughed. “Don’t you dare apologize for getting wrapped up in emotions while you’re kissing me. I like it.”

He laughed as well. “Noted. It’s easy to get lost in you, Elina, but we’re going to keep our guard up until we’ve figured this out.”

She knew he would. Marcus was nothing if not determined. His callsign of Arrow was accurate. He always aimed directly at the problem, and he didn’t quit until he solved it.

She hoped this time wouldn’t be any different.

And then she wanted to have some of that determination aimed directly at her.

Marcus grinned when the dog woofed softly and nudged his leg. “Hey, Finch. You need to head outside?” He hadn’t thought about that when they’d arrived at the B&B and headed inside. His only thought had been to get Elina to where she felt safe.

He’d considered taking her to his house, but she hadn’t been there before. The B&B would feel more secure for her. She already knew the security system was top-notch, and she was surrounded by other people.

When they headed downstairs, they found Jim and Carl on the couch in front of the fireplace. He wished he didn’t have to disturb them with the news, but he knew they’d want to help. Plus, they needed to be aware of any threats toward their guests.

“We’re going to take Finch out, but can we talk with you after?”

Something in his voice must have alerted the pair because they both stood, kittens cuddled to their chests. “What’s happened? What’s wrong? Elina, why don’t you fill us in while Marcus takes out Finch?”

Elina smiled. “It’s okay. Nothing major.”

He didn’t agree but let the comment go. They moved into the kitchen to take Finch out the back. If someone was watching from a distance, he didn’t want Elina exposed.

Marcus didn’t let Finch off the leash to do his business and bounce around the yard. The dog had bonded with Elina, and he wasn’t going anywhere without her but Marcus worried Finch might head towards a threat. He didn’t want the dog in danger, and he hoped if the dog did sense something, he’d lead Marcus right to it.

“I should leave Phail.”

Marcus stiffened at Elina’s words. He’d wondered if the thought would occur to her. “Hell, no.”

Shit, he hadn’t meant to be so forceful. She was an adult, and it was her decision whether she stayed or left. “I’ll try that again. I think it’s better if you stay.”

“I’m putting people in danger by being here.”

“We don’t know anything for sure. Plus, the people here are some of the best soldiers I’ve ever known. We’ve got lots of people out at Midnight Lake with similar skills. You’re safer here than almost anywhere else.”

She frowned. “That’s a lot of people who would be putting themselves in danger if I stay. Including you. I don’t want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt.”

Marcus tugged Finch back so he could take Elina’s hand. “You wouldn’t be. We’re good at keeping each other safe, and none of this is your fault. This is what we do, and we’re good at it.”

She sighed heavily, and he looped his arm around her shoulder. “Let’s go in and talk to the guys. They’ve probably concocted a dozen scenarios by now. Maybe even one with aliens.”

That earned him a smile. Counting that as a win, they headed back inside. Finch moved directly to the box by the counter, where the kittens were rolling around in a heap. From what he’d seen, the kittens had only two speeds. Full and stop. Nothing in between.

Finch stuck his huge nose in the box, and the kittens immediately tried to reach him, stumbling over each other to pat his nose.

Elina smiled as she watched the animals, and Marcus figured he owed the group some extra treats soon.

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