Page 124 of Luck Be Mine
She sank into her head, trying and discarding a bunch of different approaches to connect with Delaney while Hunt navigated the roads.
His hand closed over her restless fingers. “Be yourself, Cait. Your commitment rings true from your words and your actions. It’s the only way to convince him.”
She shifted in her seat, studying him, and finally agreed. “Good session with McIvers today?”
“Yes. I have another one next Monday.”
Cait stopped herself from uttering “Huh?” Covering, she switched. “It must have gone well?”
“He gave me some things to think over, some of it I want to talk with you about, but not now. It’s a deep dive conversation.”
“Okay. Sounds like it might be an ice cream night.”
Hunt changed lanes. “Yes, definitely.”
“Did you pass your psych eval?”
“Yeah, I did. Carter has his appointment in the morning, but the rest of us are cleared.”
“Operational?”
“We’ll have to find out in the morning. Up to command. We still have to pick a new member for Baxter’s slot, and one for Stemmons.”
“He’s out, then?”
“Yeah. Medical.”
Cait choked off the grief and fear stabbing at her heart.This is who he is. This is what the job requires. Let it be.
By the time they pulled into the correct parking lot and found Mackey, Cait switched back to what she wanted to say to Delaney. Honesty had worked with him at the hospital, and it was the only way to go.
Hunt put a hand on her arm. “Wait.”
She sighed, resigned to the need for security. He got out of the truck and called to Mackey who gave them a come-ahead motion. Hunt opened her door and took her hand as she stepped out. “Remember, be you.”
She wanted to run, but Hunt kept her at a steady pace, giving him time to assess the area. She found Delaney. He was perched sideways in the front passenger seat of Mackey’s SUV. A whole lot of attitude stared back at her.
She’d been right. His height matched Hunt’s. But old jeans and a checkered shirt masked the tattoos, and a Chargers hat covered the thinning gray hair. The posture was all Army. Mackey had bought him coffee.
She walked to the open car door where the man sat. “Can you two take a hike for a few minutes?” She made a shooing motion with her hand.
Hunt leaned in and whispered. “I want introduced.”
“Mr. Delaney, this is my husband, Travis Hunter. I’ve been a bit focused on finding you, and he’s curious.”
“He’s overprotective,” Hunt corrected. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.” He reached out a hand to shake.
Delaney took it reluctantly. “Spec Ops.”
“Correct.”
“Active?”
‘Yes. Be nice to her.”
The two men made their way three car lengths away. She didn’t ask why only three.
“Mr. Reynolds briefed me, Doctor. Why don’t you tell me why this matters to you?”
