Page 35 of Cole
“We have to find exactly where that nuke is being held,” said Luke. “The Ranger team that blew the other site is already back stateside and they’re not thrilled about returning. I can’t say that I blame them. It might not have been the nuke, but it would still piss him off enough that he’d kill them without question.”
“I’m finding hotspots in the area,” said AJ, “but you need to give me time to findthehotspot. I think he’s placed small amounts of plutonium around the area to confuse the United Nations, or anyone else.”
“What about the other tribes? The government? Could they be of help or support for us?” asked Cole.
“It’s a good thought,” said Ham. “They might be willing to discuss how to stop him.” He turned to look at Bailey.
“Dad, I’m a negotiator of hostages, not nukes.”
“Same thing,” said Luke. “Negotiation is negotiation. You have a way of speaking to people that makes them feel at ease, Bailey. Let us connect you with their government officials and let’s just see what you can find out for us.”
“I’m willing to try but you guys know as well as I do they don’t always respond well to women in authoritative roles.”
“We’ll give you backup,” smirked Cam. “JB and East? You two sit with her during the meetings. Let them know that you are supportive of her and will carry out their wishes.”
“This is gonna be fun,” smirked East.
“East? Be nice,” said Luke. East frowned, disappointed that he couldn’t enjoy himself while working. Truth be told, he’d find a way to have fun no matter what.
“Let’s go beautiful Bailey,” grinned JB. He heard the low growl of Angus and all eyes turned to the big man.
“No need for growling,” said Luke. “You’ll be by her side as well. Don’t bite anyone.”
“I won’t bite unless they bite first,” smiled Angus. Bailey rolled her eyes walking toward the door to head to the office.
“Men!”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“What did your grandparents say?” asked Cole.
“They’re thrilled that I’m alive and okay, and sad that they knew nothing of my parents’ deaths. It makes me sad for them. My mother was their only child. I think they’re going to come over here for the holidays. They hoped that it would settle down by then. They were worried that if they left England now, my grandfather might know and follow them.”
“That’s all very thoughtful of them,” said Cole hugging her. “I look forward to meeting them and welcoming them to our chaos.”
“Cole, this is not chaos. Your family, your friends are wonderful. They’re kind, intelligent, helpful, all the things I knew family should be. My grandfather was cruel. Most of that cruelty was directed at others but only because he needed me, he needed my skills.”
“Why do you think he allowed you to become a doctor and not one of his men?” asked Cole.
“I have to guess that it was because they had no education. I mean, most knew how to read and write but they didn’t attend schools. I was allowed to attend school, even having tutors. If I allow myself to think about it, I suspect he did it so that I could be used later as a tool, a pawn in his game.”
“I’m sorry, babe,” he said kissing her.
“Don’t be,” she said smiling up at him. “I’m married. I am Mrs. Cole McDonald and I am thrilled about it. I never dreamed this was possible and the clinic is something I’ve only seen once in my lifetime. I can’t wait to work there.”
“That makes me very happy to hear.”
“Cole? What about your SEAL team? Will you have to return?” asked Layla.
“Would you be angry if I did?” he asked.
“No. No, of course not. I know that it’s important to you and it’s not like you’d be leaving me alone. You have to serve and I understand that.”
“I’m glad you feel that way but my contract is up soon. Even though my injuries are gone, the report of the injuries was sent to the Navy. They’ll re-evaluate me and make a decision.”
“But-but if your injuries are healed, they won’t see anything,” she said with a confused expression.
“By the time they look at me, they can deduce that the injuries have healed, but they’ll rely on the severity of the x-rays and reports from our doctors. Right now, I have leave and they know where I am. Sort of,” he grinned.
