Page 12 of Oliver

“I came to save you,” I said. “And I’m staying here to protect you. You’re safe now.”

Her jaw trembled just once.

Then she nodded.

And reached for my hand.

She didn’t say thank you.

Didn’t have to.

The way her fingers curled into mine—thatwas enough. She was thankful.

“I just don’t understand why they took me. I have money, but not that much to hold me for ransom.”

“What about your family? Are they wealthy?”

“No, my Dad was a Navy SEAL, and my Mom was a schoolteacher. Dad helps his buddies, who rescue Americans from other countries.”

“Oh yeah, who does he work with?

“The Band of Navy SEALS.”

“No kidding, I know those SEALS. Is your dad Jason Blake?”

“Yes. Do you know my Dad? We should call him and let him know I’m okay.”

“My buddies would have done that already.” I looked up as Cyclone walked inside. “Cyclone, Emery’s dad is Jason Blake, he sometimes works with the Band of Navy SEALS.”

“Oh yeah, so that’s who taught you to fight?”

“Yes, and shoot a gun, and throw a knife.”

“Do you have any idea why these guys took you?” Cyclone asked.

“No, I have tried to think why they grabbed me, but I have no idea.”

“I came to tell you we are leaving, early in the morning. We’ll fly back to the United States.”

“Where do you guys live?”

“Southern California.”

“Me too. I live in San Diego.”

“We all live in Carlsbad. That’s not far from where you live,” I said, smiling.

“You’ll have to go to a safe house until we find out what these guys wanted from you,” I said.

“Why? I want to go home. These people most likely wanted to ransom me. I’m going home, I’ll be careful, you no longer have to worry about me.”

“When we return to the States, I’ll talk to your father and see what he says. But it doesn’t matter if you decide to go home. I will be with you.”

“Why are you doing this?”

“I’m making sure you live longer. We are still investigating who these people are.”

8

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