Page 224 of Cowboys & Navy SEALs

Strip that away and there was something familiar about it.

For the life of her, she couldn’t place it though.

Chapter Fourteen

“What’s your risk assessment? Is it safe to say the threat is over?”

Maddox pushed a hand through his hair as he considered Corbin’s question. “It’s possible, assuming the formula was on the hard drive.” His gaze fell on Addie in the kitchen making dinner. Her movements were deft and graceful as she opened the fridge and pulled out a head of lettuce and tomatoes. Warm brown ringlets bounced softly on her shoulders as she moved.

“If it’s not?” Corbin asked, his voice tense.

Maddox tightened his grip on his cellphone. “Then we’re back to square one.” Maybe it was paranoia due to his time in the SEALs, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that they weren’t out of the woods yet.

Addie pulled a knife from the drawer and began slicing a tomato. He could tell from the tilt of her head that she was listening to his conversation. “Is that Corbin?”

He pulled the phone away from his mouth. “Yes.”

“Tell him I said hello,” she said loudly.

“Did you hear that?” Maddox asked into the phone.

“Yep. Sure did. How does Addie feel about going to New Jersey?”

“We haven’t had a chance to discuss it yet,” Maddox said evasively.

Addie’s ears perked up as she gave him a questioning look.

Corbin chortled out a chuckle. “You’d better get on the horn, dude. I talked to Sutton before I called you. He’s sending a jet to pick you up in the next few hours.”

Maddox let out a breath. “I’m planning on taking care of that next.” The inquisitive look on Addie’s face let him know that he’d be taking care of it immediately after he ended the call. “How are Delaney and the baby?” The pause on the other end of the line let Maddox know the answer to his question was not good.

“Delaney’s hanging tough, but she had a rough day. She’s been having a lot of lower back pain. The meds are starting to lose their effectiveness, and her blood pressure’s rising.” He paused, his voice sounding strained. “We just keep praying that all will go well.”

You and me both.“I’m sorry, man.” Maddox felt for Corbin, couldn’t imagine the stress he must be under, not knowing if his wife and child would come through this.

“What’s wrong?” Addie wanted to know, the corners of her mouth drooping. “Is Delaney okay?”

He held up a finger. “Hang on a sec and I’ll tell you everything.”

Reluctantly, she bit down on her lower lip, nodding.

“Keep us updated on your situation,” Maddox said to Corbin.

“Will do. You do the same. Safe travels to New Jersey. Hopefully, you’ll get some answers to put this thing to rest.”

“I hope so. See ya,” Maddox quipped, ending the call.

Addie gave him a steely look that said he’d better spill it right then and there. “All right. What’s going on? Don’t sugar-coat it,” she warned.

“Delaney’s hanging tough,” he said, using Corbin’s words.

Worry creased her features. “But?”

“But, she’s having a hard time. The meds aren’t working to keep her blood pressure down.”

Her lips formed a grim line. “I was afraid of that.” She rubbed a hand across her forehead, pushing back her bangs. “How did Corbin sound?”

He stood and walked towards her. “Stressed, haggard, but determined to move forward.”

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