Page 106 of Silent Comrade
A pause. “So. Anything you want to talkabout?”
Britt pinched the bridge of her nose to keepfrom crying. “No.”
“Seriously? Talk to me.”
“I’m just super tired, Reagan. It’s anotherlong story, probably like yours. I can’t wait for this all to beover and get back to our normal lives.”
“Me too, sis. You have no idea how much Iwant that.”
“So, you’re not coming, right?”
“If I do attend your show, I’ll have Peleright there with me.” Reagan’s voice changed when she said theman’s name. Something more happened on the Smoky Mountain mission,than an escape from Lequire’s men. Britt would put money on it.
“Please don’t. It’ll just stress me outmore.” She pressed the phone to her ear and whispered, “I’m scared.I don’t want anyone else being hurt. But I need to finish thisdegree for me … and for Mom.” Her heart pounded as she glancedaround. “I’m not making the right decision here, am I?”
“Old Reagan would say to play it safe.However, life is sometimes too short for playing it safe. When thatnasty Lequire guy takes away your choices? Forget it. Be smart, butdon’t let that jackass ruin your future.” She chuckled. “I say getyour degree, Britt. Let Red and the teammates do their jobs. Theyknow how to keep you safe.”
A bubble of a sob hit her, and Britt took amoment to pull herself together. “Thanks, Reagan. That’s reallyhelpful.” A big shuddering sigh. “You’re still staying away,right?”
A few seconds’ pause. “I don’t like it, butI’ll stay put if it that’s what you want. Just know that I’ll becheering you on when I watch the video. I know what this projectmeans to you. You’ve worked hard for this degree and it’s been ajourney to get here. I’m proud of you. We all are.”
Britt sniffed. “Thanks.”
“Oh, sweetie. I wish I could give you a hug.Kiera wants to hug you, too.”
Tears rolled down Britt’s cheeks. “It’salmost over. Another few days left in this week that will notend.”
“Trust the guys. They will do whatever ittakes to protect you and keep you alive.”
Britt whispered, “That’s what I’m afraidof.”
Chapter Forty-Seven
Red’s Wednesday morning shaky trucebreakfast with Britt, Tachi, and Rodeo started off fine. Until thericochet of a vehicle backfire outside the apartment sent Red andRodeo diving to cover the ladies.
Britt’s soft body caged beneath Redtormented him as he counted down the minutes for Gonzo to give theall clear. Any danger would have to get through Red first. Nearby,Rodeo similarly sheltered Tachi. A quick grin and a thumbs-up toldRed all he needed to know about his teammate’s not-so-unpleasantexperience as a human shield.
A backfiring car. Damn it. When it came toLequire and his next move, the other shoe hadn’t dropped today, butat some point, it would. How and when, no one knew yet.
Yet.
Britt pushed hard to complete her work, andRed had no idea how she did it. The woman had worked for severaldays straight on only a few hours’ sleep each night. With endurancelike that, she’d make a hell of a Special Forces soldier. Herrelentless schedule kicked Red’s butt. Even with the virus onboard,reducing his baseline requirement for sleep, Red was tired.
Two more days to go. Mission almostcompleted. He couldn’t lose focus yet. He wanted this mission toend. Did he?
He didn’t know what his life would be likeonce the mission ended, not seeing Britt. He inhaled, his noseburied in her hair, and the floral scent tormented him as much asthe sound of her citrus sweet breaths as she lay tucked in beneathhim.
Gonzo’s text came back:Allclear.
In Red’s world, nothing was clear.
****
A day later, Britt couldn’t keep her eyesopen for Thursday’s class, Fashion 399: Concept Development. Shepropped her forehead on her hand for a few seconds.
“Ms. McNeill?” The words cut into herunconscious state. “Ms. McNeill?”
She jolted, whipping her head up. Titteringand murmurs filled the classroom. Was she drooling? She rubbed hermouth. Even Red looked amused, sitting next to Jenna. Whatever.
