Page 33 of ELITE Justice
Alex scanned the hundreds of men working on different parts of the building. “I’m glad it’s more my job to find him.” His gaze fell on the Army Staff Sergeant petting his dog. “How soon will you be able to go back in?”
“Give us an hour. I’ve talked with the other men on my team. We’ll work in shifts so that the dogs have plenty of time to rest.” The soldier stood. “Sir, request permission to speak freely.”
The corners of Alex’s mouth twitched as though he was fighting a smile. “Granted.”
“We could use another team with dogs. And an EOD team to remove the bombs once we identify the location. I don’t have the authority to call back to base and tell them to send in another team from some other base.” The staff Sergeant grinned. “But you obviously do.”
“Consider it done.” It was Alex’s turn to smile. “I’ll suggest it in my report to the Director of Homeland Security when he calls me at one o’clock.”
“Thank you, sir.”
The soldier and dog turned to join the others on his team.
“Staff Sergeant, we have a mess hall set up over there.” Alex pointed. “Feed your men. Rest your dogs. It’s going to be a long day.”
“Yes, sir.”
Alex returned his attention to Kane and Jonathan who had just finished uploading their findings. “Grab something to eat. We’ll regroup at thirteen thirty. The SOG team hasn’t reported back yet.”
“Yes, sir.” Jonathan and Kane spoke in unison.
CHAPTER13
By seven-thirty Thursday night,Gwen was glad the supper patrons were dwindling when Jonathan called her cell phone. She asked her head waitress to take over as she quickly walked into the back office and put her tired feet onto the desk.
“Is there anything you can tell me?” She was well aware of operational security but wanted to know something. Anything.
“We have the location,” Jonathan confirmed.
She was dying to know. “Did you get them?”
Silence.
Oh, damn.
“We will tonight,” he announced.
“You’re going back out, tonight?” Dread filled every pore in her body.
“Yes, sweetheart.” He reassured her. “You don’t need to worry. There will be a policeman outside your apartment door and another on the street.”
So, police were now involved. She wondered who else was in on this op.
“Are you…can I see you before you leave?” Gwen wanted to tell him, especially now, just how she felt about him. She’d seen too many men leave camp on a routine mission and return injured, or…
She. Would. Not. Go. There. The mere idea of never seeing Jonathan again had her heart twisting and stomach roiling.
“I don’t think—” he started, but she suddenly had a brilliant idea.
“What time are you leaving?” she interrupted.
“We’re meeting some others at midnight,” he replied warily.
“Then be here at ten. All of you,” she insisted.
“I don’t know—”
Cutting him off again, she ordered, “Put Alex on the phone.” She wasn’t taking no for an answer.
