Page 75 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
“I did,” Liam replies, his voice grim. “I dialed, hung up quickly. But the number called back, left a voicemail.”
He reaches for his phone, pressing play without further explanation. Morales’s voice comes through, clipped and direct as usual. But behind Morales, faintly in the background, a deeper voice murmurs something indistinct. I lean in, focusing, but I can’t quite make out the words.
“You hear that?” Liam prompts us, shutting the recording off. “Another voice. Deep accent or speaking another language.”
Jax exhales. “Morales explain it?”
“Says it’s a new partner assigned to the case,” Liam says tightly. “A guy named Roger. We’ve never heard of him.”
“Because he’s never existed until now,” I mutter, irritation surging. “Morales doesn’t exactly make a habit of adding random new partners.”
Liam nods, running a hand over his jaw. “My thoughts exactly. None of this feels right. Morales isn’t giving us straight answers, and now these hidden files—seems deliberate.”
A silence settles briefly over the truck’s cab, heavy and contemplative. Finally, Jax breaks it, voice steady. “So, what’s the plan?”
Liam looks between us, his expression resolute. “We string Morales along for the next little while, see what information we can get out of him. But when we’re ready, we take Ava and Eli and we’re out. We’ve got enough contacts to vanish and keep them safe.”
I nod, feeling the familiar calm that settles over me when we have a clear course of action. “Agreed. We’re not risking them.”
“Damn straight,” Jax adds firmly from behind me. “Ava and Eli come first.”
Liam’s eyes darken, protective resolve clear in his expression. “No matter what. They’re ours now. Morales doesn’t get to play games with their safety.”
For a moment, silence fills the truck’s cab again. But it’s different now—focused, determined. I feel steadier, knowing we’re in this together, ready to do whatever it takes.
Finally, Jax breaks the quiet, clearing his throat.
“Speaking of transparency and keeping things in the loop,” Jax says, his tone casual enough that it immediately makes me suspicious. “Full disclosure, while you were gone today, Liam, I might’ve gotten a little up-close-and-personal with Ava.”
Liam arches an eyebrow, turning fully in his seat to look at Jax. “Define that.”
He flashes Liam a completely unapologetic grin. “Well, I ended up with her thighs around my ears. So, up-close-and-personal.”
“So, I’m driving forever and dealing with Morales, and you’re having a great time,” Liam rolls his eyes with humor behind it.
“Hey, let’s just say you didn’t see how good she looked in those shorts. Couldn’t resist.” Jax shrugs easily, though the gleam in his eye is unmistakable. “Pretty sure Cole can vouch for me.”
I snort, shaking my head with amusement. “He’s not lying. Caught them after the fact, both grinning like idiots.”
Liam lets out a short breath, and a faint smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. “Good to know you two kept busy while I was out dealing with Morales.”
“Hey, transparency, right?” Jax leans forward, clapping Liam on the shoulder. “Figured you’d appreciate being informed.”
“I do,” Liam says, mildly amused. “But if you two think I’m going to fall behind here, you’re wrong.”
“Oh, I’ve already got plans to even the score,” I say calmly, leaning back comfortably. “Trust me.”
Liam’s mouth quirks into a dry smirk. “Looks like I’ll have to get creative, then.”
Jax chuckles, relaxing fully into the seat behind me. “That’s the spirit.”
Liam shakes his head, amusement lingering.
“Let’s head inside,” he says calmly, stepping out. “Act normal until we know more. No reason to worry Ava or Eli yet.”
Jax follows suit, climbing out of the truck and stretching casually. I join them, shutting the door behind me. I don’t know what’s going on with Morales. But I do know that if anyone tries to lay a hand on the two people in that house, there’s nothing on earth that could stop me from getting to them.
I deeply hope Morales doesn’t make that foolish mistake.
