Page 11 of Soldier, Tailor, Spy

“Nah.” Ginger shook her head. “Jake O’Malley is an old dog who has no interest in learning any new tricks.”

Rae snorted. “You might be on to something. Now, for the other reason, I’m here. If you’re comfortable with it, I can watch over Fawn and Declan while you go meet up with my husband. He said he promised you something and wanted to make sure he delivered it.”

If they had been outside of the base, Ginger would’ve hesitated, but she knew, deep down, they were safe here. And even if she didn’t know Rae past a few conversations they’d had, she knew Asher. He wouldn’t have brought Rae here to his base, let alone marry or had a child with her if she couldn’t be trusted.

“I’m okay with it. What about Knox?” Ginger gave a glance at her outfit. Was there a dress code to seeing someone locked in a cell who had destroyed your home and threatened her family?Jesus. She was being a bit bat shit crazy in her thinking. Her outfit was fine. It was a borrowed pair of jeans and a tank top she could cover with one of the flannel shirts she’d found in the clothes they’d been given.

“One of the guys will swing by with Knox in a bit, and the boys can have a play date.” Rae’s gaze drifted to the hallway. “Fawn won’t feel left out, will she? I can’t imagine how she is feeling, plus she is older than our boys.”

“She has a new iPad, with unlimited access to YouTube and games. She’s fine,” Ginger said with a soft chuckle. “Besides, she likes babies. You might not get rid of her.”

“Good to know. What’s my window with Declan?” Rae inquired.

“He should be good for a couple of hours. I have a stash of applesauce he can have if he gets fussy, and there is a small bottle of expressed milk in the fridge.” Ginger went to the closet to find something to put on over the tank top she wore. “Fawn ate not too long ago. I know you must be busy, so if you have to, take them wherever you need to go. Or even if you want to get out of the apartment.”

“At least the family apartments are more welcoming. The barracks.” Rae shuddered. “All green walls and barely functional furniture. I’m not sure how the guys stand being in them, let alone sleep in them.”

She pulled a shirt out and put it on. “After sleeping on the ground, in the cold and heat and bug-infested countries, with one eye open, I’m betting those rooms are most likely like five-star hotels to them.”

Rae nodded. “You’re probably right.”

“Give me one second.” Ginger went to Fawn’s room and knocked on the door before entering. She flashed the lights twice to get her daughter’s attention. Once she got her daughter looked up, she signed something they tried to do often.“I’m going to leave for a while. Rae will be here to watch over you and your brother. Be good and help when you can. Okay?”

Yes, mama.Fawn signed.

With a grin and a kiss on Fawn’s forehead, Ginger hurried back to the living room to give a quick kiss to Declan’s forehead. “How will I get to Asher?”

Rae frowned at her phone before looking up. “He sent an escort. They’re waiting for you outside.”

“If you need me—”

“I’ll contact Asher,” Rae assured her. Then teased, “Don’t worry, I’ve got this. I am a doctor, after all.”

Ginger laughed before opening the door. Her steps faltered when she saw Jake leaning up against the wall. He looked like hell, pale and tired. But, damn it all, he was alive.

“What are you doing here?” she snapped before she could stop herself. She kicked herself for sounding like a bitch, because without him, none of them would be there. “You look like hell.”

He shrugged. “Feel it too. Asher wanted me to escort you to integration. Plus, I would not let some other soldier get the pleasure of your company.” His eyes flickered to the door she just exited. “Everything okay with the kids?”

She nodded. “Declan is sleeping. Fawn is happy to have a new set of ears and a tablet to occupy her time. You want to pop your head in and say hello?”

He shook his head. “I want to see her, just don’t think now is the best time. She deserves more than a hello and goodbye from me. I want to give her the time to sit and talk with her. Besides, I look like shit, as you so eloquently put it. No need to get her upset.”

“I think that’s a good idea. Maybe she will talk to you,” she murmured.

Jake led them down the hallway to a massive set of doors. He leaned forward, swiping a card over a black box, and then pressed a button to call the elevator car.

“Why isn’t she talking to you? What’s going on?” His tone was rough and demanding. Ginger looked away, hating the tears that filled her eyes. “Look at me, Gingersnap.”

She ignored him. Her belly wobbled at the old familiar nickname he used to call her when they were married. Wouldn’t it be so easy if she could spill her guts to him? Tell him everything. The doors opened, and Jake all but rushed her inside until her back was against the back of the car, forcing her to look up at him. He towered over her. “Jake...”

“Talk,” he demanded. “We’re alone now, and I’ve got all the time in the world.”

Chapter 3

She wanted to get mad at his gruffness and how he manhandled her. Truth be told, she always loved that about him. With him, she never had to worry about much. He’d always taken control of everything, from their bills to their sex life. Right now, she felt secure with him. Something she hadn’t felt in forever. Not even when she was married to Oscar.

“Fawn won’t talk to me about what happened that night. She told me she heard nothing.” She looked away. “I think she could read their lips.”

---