Page 40 of No Man Left Behind

Her expression must have shown her thoughts because Slick sat down on her other side. “Definitely fun. Nothing like watching their faces when they realize they’re not even close to well-trained enough to take us on.”

That made her feel better. From everything she’d seen and heard overseas, this team had been the best of the best. Other units spoke about them with respect and maybe a bit of awe.

“I don’t want any of you to get hurt.”

Scooby laughed. “No one wants that. We don’t go looking for trouble, but we’re well-equipped to deal with it if it finds us. None of us know who this guy is or who he’s trying to annoy. But we’ll keep aware and figure it out while keeping each other safe.”

The absolute confidence in each man helped to steady her.

When Marcus had finished logging and securing the evidence and filling out his report, the entire group trooped along the quiet streets. They turned down a street she hadn’t visited yet and she realized they were heading down the street parallel to the Saloon and the new station. Marcus’s house, not the B&B. Which meant they all knew she was planning to spend the night with Marcus.

Her cheeks flushed at the thought, but the light from the street lamps would conceal that. None of the men acted any differently. No one made snide remarks or sly innuendoes. It wasn’t like they didn’t know Marcus and Elina were getting closer.

As they neared the end of the street, everyone except Marcus and Troy moved in different directions. “What’s happening?”

Marcus tucked her under his shoulder. “They’re checking the area.”

Troy stayed on her other side. “Marcus has the best security in town. We all think you should move out of the B&B and stay here while we figure out the threat. He’s got space.”

Marcus nodded. “While I was working on the computer, I let Jim and Carl know what happened and that you’d be here tonight. We’ll figure out the rest in the morning.”

She wasn’t sure what to say to any of that, so she nodded.

When they arrived at the final home on the street, she knew it had to belong to Marcus. The Craftsman-style two-story home with steel-blue siding and white trim exuded friendliness. Gorgeous maple trees sat out front with several bushes in various shades of green and burgundy. “It’s beautiful.”

Marcus squeezed her shoulder. “Thanks. I’ve been renovating since I moved here.”

The other four men appeared from all directions. “All clear. No one in the area, and no surprises anywhere.”

Which meant the person didn’t know where Marcus lived or that he was targeting Elina. A chill ran through her. “What about Jim and Carl? What if he tries to get into their B&B?”

Troy nodded. “We’ll do another check there before we head home. Arrow talked to them already, and they’ve got a great security system. When we’re there, I’m going to tweak the system. Any alerts will be sent to all of our phones until we figure this out.”

“Good. You’ll make sure they’re safe?”

He nodded. “We will.”

Marcus squeezed her shoulder again. “Hang out here while Falcon and I check the inside.”

“You think someone might have been inside?”

He grinned. “Not a chance, but it’s better to check.”

It didn’t take long before the two men were back outside, and everyone ushered her and Marcus inside with a chorus ofGood nightandDon’t worryandHave fun.

She was laughing as Marcus locked the door and set the alarm. “You have ridiculous friends.”

He grinned. “They are, but they’re the very best. And they’re your friends, too.”

That filled her with warmth. “They are, aren’t they? It’s a nice feeling.”

He studied her with those serious eyes. “I don’t think you’ve had enough of that feeling in your lifetime.”

She shrugged but he was right. “It wasn’t a life that led to deep friendships, but I don’t regret the way I grew up. My parents were amazing.”

“I’m glad. They’d be so proud of you, and what you’ve done.”

She scrunched up her nose. He’d seen all sides of her. He might as well know this side, too. “I’m not so sure about that. I was too scared to go back.”

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