Page 4 of High Value Target

“What about him?”

“That was not in the playbook, Grady. I took hell from the commander of the ship. They don’t like surprises like that.”

“What the fuck did you want me to do? Leave him there? They had him in a hole, Chris. You know the kind I’m talking about, because you and I have both been in one before.”

Chris drug his hand through his hair. “I get that. And no, of course I’m not saying you should have left him.”

“I was just as surprised as you.”

“You should have given me a heads up before you got to the boat.”

“I tried. The transmission must not have gone through.”

“Okay. All right. I just don’t like surprises.”

“We saved the guy, Chris. Let’s just be happy with that.”

“Not sure my contact in the Navy higher-ups is going to be so eager to help us again.”

“He’s a Green Beret. Hell, maybe we’ll get invited to the White House.”

“Going illegally into a foreign country? Don’t count on it. This mission didn’t happen. They escaped on their own. That’s the official story.”

Grady chuckled. “Who’s buyin’ that?”

“I don’t care. As long as Tri Star isn’t brought into the conversation.”

“What was he doin’ there? Did you ever find out?” Grady asked.

“No one was talking. Probably one of those missions that doesn’t exist on paper.” Chris pulled out his phone. “Gonna call Lanie. Go hit the shower.”

“Tell her I said hello, and tell her to kiss that godchild of mine for me.”

“Will do.”

Grady moved off, leaving Chris standing outside. By the time he made it to the locker room, Big Al was dressed and headed out the door. “You takin’ off?”

“Yeah. Stan just left, too. I’m goin’ home to the wife.” He slugged Grady’s shoulder. “Good mission, brother.”

“You, too.” Grady strolled into the locker room and stripped down, then grabbed a towel and headed to one of the showers. Chris spared no expense on the Tri Star facilities, and that didn’t stop here. Soon steaming hot water pelted his skin. He dipped his head and let it pour over his head and shoulders. The heat felt incredible, and he moaned, feeling his tight muscles relax.

He stood there for a long time before finally filling his palm with body wash and soaping up. Five minutes later, he wrapped a towel around his waist and headed for his locker.

There was a tap at the door.

The only ones who did that were the women, either Heather or Lanie.

“Yeah?” he called out. Heather popped her head around the door.

“You decent?”

“Enough. What do you need?”

“Chris wants you in the conference room. Something’s come up. It’s urgent.”

“Christ, we just got back.”

“Sorry, honey.” With that, she giggled and left, calling out as the door closed. “You’ve still got it, Grady.”

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