Page 65 of Flint's Battle

She crossed her arms, leaning against Kian when he placed his hand on the small of her back. “Is he asking for WITSEC?”

“It’s come up. Personally, with Henry no longer truly running the show, I’m not sure how much of his intel will even be relevant. And there’s the part where he gave Russo our plans so they could grab you.”

“But it’s a possibility?”

Another sigh. “Unfortunately, yes. The lesser of two evils, I guess. And before anyone starts in on me, I don’t make the rules. WITSEC has been harboring felons since it started. And generally, it pays off — we save the smaller fish in order to bring down the nasty shark. But I know that’s not the answer you want to hear.”

Porter walked over and nudged her. “If it makes you feel any better, if the asshole does end up in the program, I’ll ensure he gets sent to Alaska. Or some small town in the middle of Iowa.”

Blake huffed but relaxed.

Emery studied Porter, noting the tight lips and tense back. “There’s more? Because you would be more relaxed if that was the only bad news we were getting.”

Porter chuckled. “Just once, I’d love a case where the people involved are just regular folk. And it’s not news, really, just a friendly tip. The Russos know who you are, now, Emery. That you were instrumental in collapsing their infrastructure. True, you actually did them a bit of a favor by eliminating Morgan and the others. But in the end, their connections are compromised and their plans for expanding to Indonesian and the Philippines, ruined. If I were a betting man — and we all know I am — I’d be worried you just put a target on your back.”

Porter focused on Flint. “Though, it might help if the Russos knew that at any given time, a Navy SEAL would be home. Permanently. I don’t suppose that’s on the table, Flint? Even if you all re-enlist, it would be a huge deterrent.”

Flint looked at her, lips curved into a stunning smile. Warmth coloring his cheeks. “Can you do me a favor, Porter, and have your Miami crew pass along a message to Thomas and James?”

“I could swing that. Would you like my guys to tell them?”

“That if I get even a hint that someone from their organization is tailing Emery. Hell, thinking about her. They’llhave four SEALs on the next flight to Miami. And I promise them… they won’t see us coming until it’s too late.”

“Make that eight.” Kian grinned. “Waylen, Raider, Lane and I will definitely join in the fight. And you can let them know we won’t offer them the same courtesy of going to jail that we extended their father.”

Flint nodded his thanks. “And that promise doesn’t have an expiration date. Because I’ll be here. No matter how our situation pans out. For as long as Emery will have me.”

Porter snorted. “Well, Detective McClane? How long should I tell them that’ll be?”

Emery smiled. “We’ll start with sixty years and see how it goes. But I’m not above haunting this place with Flint at my side.”

“Understood. I’ll give Miami a call.” He turned and headed out the door, stopping in the threshold. “And Flint? You might want to work on that restraint. I stopped by Jack’s room, first, and he was already arranging for the nurses to have him and Emery share a room. At least for tonight.”

Bowie laughed. “And that’s our cue to get the hell out. Before Flint and Jack start measuring shit.” Bowie walked to the foot of the bed. “Moana said she’ll be by later… in case you need another X-ray and she has to go allRamboon some fake doctor’s ass.”

Emery sighed. “I’ve created a monster.”

“An adorable one. Flint, we’ll go grab everyone some food — another latte with way too much caramel for Emery — then be back. Try to keep all your clothes on until we can drive you both home.”

“No promises, Bowie. My guy’s hot.”

“And now, I’m going to puke. One hour. don’t make us walk in on anything.”

Flint returned to her side, dipping the bed as he shuffled her over — tugged her good side against his chest. “Ghosts, huh?”

“I has a nice ring to it, don’t you think?”

“I think you’re crazy. But I happen to love your brand of crazy.”

“Good, because you’re stuck with me, now.”

“That’s my line.”

She stretched up and kissed him. “I know. Now, kiss me, again, before Jack gets here.”

“Sure thing, detective.”

“I love you, sailor.”

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