The Soldier's Mission by Lenora Worth Page B

happened on an annual basis to protect those who came and went in the big security complex. Everything from iris and fingerprint scanners to updateddigital equipment and big-brained computers had been tested and retested. But certain people knew how to overcome all of those things. Was Lawrence Henner one of those certain people?
    â€œShe should be safe here, Warrior,” Eli had assured him on the phone earlier. “I’m bringing Gena and Scotty here in two days, so that should tell you something.”
    That did tell him everything. Eli Trudeau wouldn’t put his new wife or his child in jeopardy. Nor would Devon, Brice or Shane, all so lovesick they’d protect those they held dear at all costs. Devon’s wife, Lydia, was expecting their first child in a few weeks but she’d be at Eagle Rock, too. And Brice and his wife, Selena, would be together at Eagle Rock next week. Selena’s father was a superior in CHAIM. Shane Warwick had married Katherine Atkins in England but he’d be remarrying Katherine, the daughter of CHAIM founding member Gerald Barton, again here in the States. They planned to repeat their vows sometime in the spring. But for the next week, they’d all be gathered there in the huge private complex, happy and secure while they celebrated Veteran’s Day and Thanksgiving.
    It sounded like a good place to leave Laura. Especially since she’d gone from broken and afraid to determined and mad. Not good in a woman even on the best of days.
    â€œI need you to take her in then,” he’d told Eli and Shane in a conference call. “I’ll get her there but I’m not staying.”
    â€œMandatory,” Eli interjected.
    That, coming from the original rogue agent.
    Paco quickly retorted, “I didn’t sign up. I don’t have a family so I don’t need a retreat or a self-imposedvacation. I need to work. That’s what I need to do. I have to get to the bottom of what’s going on with Laura Walton. Don’t you think that overrides a retreat at Eagle Rock?”
    â€œHmm. Maybe,” Warwick the Brit quipped. “The man does have a point, Eli.”
    â€œ Oui, he does at that, my friend,” the Cajun said in a low growl. “We’ll protect the woman and let the Warrior do the hard work. Sounds like a solid plan to me.”
    So that was the plan for now. Paco would get Laura to the safe house and he’d get to the work at hand. Starting with tracking down Lawrence Henner. The man was as slippery as a desert snake. But like any snake in the grass, he’d strike again. And sooner than later, Paco figured.
    If they had the right man, of course.
    He heard a door opening and turned to find Laura dressed, but bleary eyed. Thinking about how she’d fit so nicely in his arms there on the couch, Paco did a mental shrug to let go of that notion. He didn’t get involved. Ever.
    Just find out who’s after the woman, he reminded himself. All that touchy-feely stuff last night has to be left behind this morning. You offered her some comfort on the worst day of her life.
    â€œGood morning,” she said as she headed to the coffee pot. “Have you heard anything from your grandfather this morning?”
    â€œYes. He had a good night. The doctors believe he’ll be okay. Buddy is going to hang around near the hospital to make sure.”
    She drank a sip of the rich coffee. “This is good.”
    â€œGrandfather’s special blend. He orders it for the restaurant from a friend in Columbia.”
    â€œThat explains why the café’s coffee is so strong.”
    â€œBut good for you,” he said with a smile.
    â€œRight now, I agree.” She sipped it again, her hands clutching the heavy brown mug. “I’ll need the jolt.”
    â€œYou need to eat,” he said, moving toward the tiny kitchen, the scent of the spicy shampoo she’d used to wash her hair surrounding him.