Page 36 of Loved by a SEAL

“Yep, programmed right into everyone’s GPS. We’ve pinpointed the hut the American woman is suspected to be held hostage in within a matter of inches.”

“Good. We can’t leave a damn thing to chance. There’s been a lot of movement around the camp today, and SecDef is worried the insurgents know how valuable their hostage is. He could just be projecting, but recent chatter indicated they were raising the ransom to $100 million.”

“It’s on the news,” Christopher said, walking over in his flak vest and gear. He rested his HK416 assault rifle on the table spread with maps.

“Shit, already?” Evan asked.

“All over fucking CNN,” Patrick confirmed. “They ran a story this morning saying an American woman is being held hostage, but it’s been nonstop coverage all day.”

“Guess we know why they moved up this rodeo,” Matthew drawled, adjusting his headset. He shucked his flak vest on, glancing down at the maps.

“They said a rescue mission is underway,” Christopher confirmed, adjusting his gear.

“Damn it,” Matthew said.

“Is Delta team on their way?” Ryan asked into the headset. “They flew in earlier than you and should be ready to roll out.”

“Affirmative. They’re gearing up and will be here in five for a last-minute debrief.”

“Let’s get this fucking show on the road,” Brent said, eyes blazing. “Every minute we waste is another minute harm could come to the hostage.”

Ryan pressed his lips together. Every man on the team knew how precarious the situation was. Any woman taken hostage would be in danger. If the insurgents had ascertained she was a high-value asset, it could either work to her advantage or work against her. Connections to Washington could possibly buy her time as they demanded more from the Pentagon. But it could also put her in greater danger. Make them quicker to pull the trigger or cause her harm if their demands weren’t immediately met.

“Is everyone clear on their roles?” Ryan asked. “Cobra and Gator will sweep the perimeter,” he said, referring to Brent and Matthew. “I want Flip and Blade on the inside. And Patch is with Ice in retrieving the hostage in case immediate medical attention is required.”

“Roger that,” Patrick said coolly into the headset. “Patch, you have all the medic gear?”

“Roger.”

Another group of men came into the room, decked out in most of their tactical gear. Ryan recognized Hunter “Hook” Murdock, the hardened man who led SEAL team Delta. Some of the men on Ryan’s Alpha SEAL team knew Colton from the Delta team and shook hands, and introductions were made to the rest of the men.

“The Alpha team will be sweeping in from the mountains,” Patrick said, pointing to the map. “We believe the hostage is being held right here.”

“We’ll be infiltrating the camp from the opposite side,” Hunter said, his voice deep.

“Hell yeah, we’re our own desert storm!” one of the men shouted.

There were a few grunts of affirmation before Hunter continued. “C-4 and I will head for the hostage in case something goes wrong on your end. The other men will be back-up as we sweep through the camp.”

“If everything goes FUBAR, head for the mountains,” Ryan said. “We’ll track your coordinates via GPS. Black Hawks will be sent in after you hunker down. Priority number one is rescue of the American woman.”

“Any updates on her condition?” Mike asked.

“Negative. Sat images haven’t shown her leaving the tent, but it’s still being guarded 24/7. Drones showed someone entering earlier, possibly bringing food or water. It doesn’t seem like they’re letting anyone near her.”

“Maybe that’s a good thing,” Hunter glowered.

“Hell, I’ll carry her out myself if I goddamn have to,” Patrick said, his voice steel.

“There’s no fucking way we’re leaving without her,” Brent said.

“Roger that,” Hunter spat out. “This shit is ending tonight.”

“The SITREP from 1900 indicated movement of some of the vehicles around the camp. Several are lined up by the perimeter. It’s possible they’re prepping to move out in the morning. We grab her tonight,” Ryan said.

“Understood,” Patrick said.

“Roger that,” the others agreed.

The two teams parted ways, with Patrick leading his team into a waiting Black Hawk. The feed turned grainy as Ryan watched the video through the night vision. The guys jumped into the helo one by one, helmets and headsets on, assault rifles in their hands. Good God there was a lot hanging on this op. Retrieval of the hostage, for one, but pressure from Washington loomed over their heads as well. The Senator wouldn’t be pleased if they fucked up and weren’t able to rescue his daughter. If any harm befell her. No one knew what condition she was in or how she’d been treated during captivity. And with orders sent down from the top to conduct the rescue mission, the weight fell squarely on Ryan’s shoulders.

It was going to be a damn long night.

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