Page 244 of Chaos has a Name
That’s when Ethan dropped the bomb.
“We don’t want the family without cover. We’re moving them immediately. We’re not keeping our kids on the reservation. They will be easier to watch if we shift locations. Then, more of the Marines can focus on Elizabeth. Callen, makehotel reservations for our children for tonight, and then contact the agent who is selling the house. Tell him that we’re willing to pay over if they close tomorrow.”
Callen got it.
It looked as if they were buying the house and everything in it. They didn’t have time to play around on the reservations.
Honestly, that worked for him.
Before Ethan could say anything else, his brother was already on his phone.
Turning, Elizabeth focused on her head tech.
“Benjamin! Get my gear swabbed, and tested. Again, I want these assholes’ DNA by morning when I show up. At that time, I’ll be expecting my gun and badge back. My phone too. Capice?”
He nodded.
“Yes, ma’am!” he said.
As they began heading out, the rest of the Marines surrounded her.
If that wasn’t enough protection, Rayna was right beside her.
“I’m glad you’re good,” she said. “That was scary thinking they got you.”
Yeah, she had no idea.
Since he was flanking her, Michael saw her shivering. The temperature had gone down since the rain stopped, and he didn’t want her cold.
Yes, it would mean contaminating her clothing with his DNA, but they would have to exclude it and move on. It bothered him to see that she was uncomfortable.
Elizabeth had been nothing but kind, caring, and loving as he was nursed back to health. She even looked the other way when he said he was fine, and she knew he absolutely wasn’t.
His shoulder was still fucked, and his heart was in a million pieces.
To give her something back, he pulled off his light jacket and put it over her shoulders.
“Thank you, Saint Michael,” she said, sure she didn’t have any suspect DNA on her tank top. It had been under her vest.
He tried to lighten the mood.
“I mean, you fucked that evidence playing in the rain anyway, so what’s a little more work for the new team? It’s not like they’ll complain on day one.”
Wasn’t that the truth?
Oh, she appreciated him trying to keep it light.
Really.
For the whole walk back, everyone was tense—and with good reason.
This was a rough case with a lot on the line. Tomorrow was going to be a marathon. She had zero suspects, and no profile.
YET.
As soon as they were on the trail back to the cars, and out of earshot of the head of security, she went there.
It needed to be said—just in case anyone wanted to play the blame game.
