Page 72 of No Mistake

“If this isn’t a good time, I can come back?” Ryan stood in the doorway.

“No, come in. Chloe, this is Ryan. Ryan meet Chloe.”

Ryan closed the door and stepped closer to the bed. “Nice to finally meet you, Chloe.”

“Woah!”

Sophie glared at her sister as Ryan smiled, eyebrows raised.

“Sorry, but my sister’s description of you did not do you enough justice.”

Ryan chuckled. “So you described me to your sister, huh?” Sophie blushed.

“Oh she described you, alright, but she left out some important bits.”

“Now I want to hear what she said about me.” Ryan grinned.

“Will you two stop it,” Sophie said, trying not to die of embarrassment.

“I heard the surgery went well?” Ryan looked at Chloe.

“It did. I have to stay here for a few days, but no lasting damage.”

“That’s great news.”

“Thank you for taking such good care of Sophie.”

Sophie thought her sister was being sarcastic, but her face told her she was wrong. She was being serious.

“It was my pleasure.”

“Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

Sophie gave her sister a puzzled look, wondering what was going to come out of her mouth.

“Is Tracer OK?”

“Who’s Tracer?” Sophie asked.

“He’s the man that looked out for me. He kept the others away from me. He was... I don’t know... different... kind.”

Sophie looked at Ryan. “He’s the SEAL?” Oh shit, she probably wasn’t supposed to say that.

“That’s what the tattoo was. You’re right. He had that pitchfork thingy, tattooed on his arm. So you know him?” Chloe faced Ryan, too.

“Chloe, I shouldn’t have said that. Ryan can’t discuss this with us.”

“It’s OK,” Ryan said quietly. “Tracer was a SEAL. He left the Navy after he was injured. Dex and I know him from years back.”

“Dex. He was the guy in charge of the team, right?”

“Right. I can’t give you all the details, but Tracer is fine.”

Chloe nodded. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Tomorrow, if you’re feeling up to it, we would like to do a debrief with you.”

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