Page 89 of No Regrets

He kept his voice soothing and calm. He’d seen teammates have panic attacks before and understood how frightening they can be.

“That’s it babe. I’m here, you’re safe.” He rubbed his thumbs over the backs of her hands as she held onto him. Her breathing began to slow and gradually she relaxed, loosening her grip. He stayed crouched in front of her waiting as she calmed down. A few minutes later she let go of his hands.

“I’m sorry.” She looked away but not before he saw the embarrassment on her face.

“Don’t apologize. Has that happened before?” The thought of her handling this alone tore at him.

“Not as bad as that.” She sighed. ‘Can I get some water?”

“Of course.” He quickly grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge. Handing it to her, he asked, “Do you want to talk about it?”

Opening it, she shook her head. “No.”

He wouldn’t push her. Fuck, he wasn’t sure he wanted to hear all the details, but he would listen if she wanted to share.

“I think I’m going to go home, Dex. Sorry to ruin the night.” She stood.

“Hey. It’s not ruined. I’m sorry you got triggered, but I’m glad I was here to help. Are you sure you want to go home? You can sleep here.” He offered before quickly adding. “In the guest room.”

“Thank you. But no. I think I just want to go home. But I did enjoy tonight, Dex, up until....”.

“Good, because I did too. If you get home and you can’t sleep or you want company, just call me. OK?”

She gave him a half smile and it took everything not to drag her close and hold her tight. But he wouldn’t risk it, not after the attack.

“OK.” She picked up her keys and they walked to the door.

“Do you want me to drive you?”

She smiled wider at that. “It’s thirty seconds away. But thank you.”

“Alright. I’ll call you tomorrow. Good night, Kelly.”

“Good night, Dex.”

He watched her leave, sad in the knowledge what happened to her in Daram was still very raw. There were probably going to be many more instances like tonight. It angered him. Kelly was suffering while Lazir still walked free. As her tail lights disappeared, he slammed the door shut in frustration.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

Amir smiled into the phone.

“It’s all going perfectly.”

His informant had come through. He’d gotten the names of the men on the team that had captured his brother.

“What about the woman? Any news on her?”

“No, he has no news on Lieutenant Kimber. She has not been seen with the team.”

“That is a shame. I will have to be satisfied with this Dexter Dawson for now. Perhaps he will lead us to her. You are moving forward as we agreed?”

“Yes.”

The threats were just a tease. Amir was eager for Dawson to find out what else he’d done, but all in good time. He’d activated a cell member to deliver the threats he’d carefully handwritten. No one was untouchable. Not even a highly trained Navy SEAL. Dexter Dawson had no idea who he had messed with.

“Good. You are doing great work. Your brother’s capture is unfortunate. He will be missed. It was a good decision of mine, asking you both to join Reborn.”

Three years ago, the US had ordered an airstrike, targeting a wanted ISIS leader after he had claimed responsibility for shooting down a US Army helicopter and killing the six men on board. The airstrike took out the compound, killing the intended target and many of his followers, which had included Amir’s parents and his sister. He and his brother had joined Reborn, seeking revenge by helping to bring the war to US soil. Lazir had the means and the money, with financial backing from some major sympathizers around the world.

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