Page 8 of SEAL's Spitfire
“Not at all. Believe me, if there was anything I could do I would.” Rafe hated lying to Meghan but he wasn’t even sure what Tex could find. It wasn’t a military operation. The man was a miracle worker but there was always the first time he’d strike out. To make promises to help and then not be able to come through was worse than lying.
“It’s okay. I’m just grasping at straws. I told him he shouldn’t go. But he’s so damn stubborn.”
Rafe smiled gently and draped his arm along the chair behind her. She leaned against him and his smile grew a bit bigger. He didn’t think she even realized she’d done it.
“How long has he been a missionary?”
“Five or six years now. Well, doing this type of stuff. He went to college and then worked in local neighborhoods around Atlanta trying to help. Then he heard about this group, Deliver Hope Ministries, and before we knew it, he was flying off to Africa. He was there for a couple of years, then they went to the next place.”
“He sounds like a great guy.”
“Oh, he is. A stubborn little shit, but he’d give you the shirt off his back.”
“And how long has he been in Afghanistan?” He hated pumping her for information about her brother, but the more he could share with Tex the better chance he had of finding something.
“About six months. I think…” Whatever was coming next was cut off by the ringing of her phone. “Sorry, it’s my sister. I need to take this.”
“Go ahead. I’ll give you some privacy.” It was the perfect opportunity to give Tex a call without arousing her suspicion. If she hadn’t been so distracted about everything she probably wouldn’t have shared as much. There was still a lot he didn’t know.
Rafe strolled over to the windows and gazed out into the night sky. The airport was quiet, the only people still there were waiting at their gate. What had started out as an overfull plane was down to about fifteen people. Most of them were stretched out on the floor with red Delta Airlines blankets. Not wanting to be overheard, he made sure he was far enough away to have privacy for the call.
As he scrolled through his contacts looking for Tex’s number, he realized it was after twelve. In the old days it wouldn’t have been bad but now he had a wife and two kids. Maybe he should leave it until morning. Then he glanced toward Meghan and caught her wiping tears she’d managed to hold back for hours.
It sealed the deal. They could get clearance on the plane at any time now and then she’d be out of his life. This was his chance to help. With his decision made, he clicked on Tex’s number and waited for it to ring.
“Rafe? What’s up?”
“Hey, Tex. Sorry, it’s so late.”
“It’s not that late. I’m assuming this isn’t a social call?”
“No, it’s not. I’m not even sure you can help. Did you happen to see the news about the missionary group kidnapped in Afghanistan today?”
“Yeah. Are you being sent out?” No one was supposed to know about their missions, but there wasn’t much they could keep from Tex if he wanted to know.
“Not this time, at least not so far. I’m stuck in Norfolk Airport and I met a woman.”
“You called me at midnight to run a background check?”
“Asshole. I never even considered that. But it’s not like that. Okay, it might be, but dammit you’re distracting me.”
“She must be something to put you off your game.”
“That’s neither here nor there. Her brother was one of the missionaries kidnapped and she’s beside herself. And before you ask, no I haven’t told her about you.”
“I know better than that. I’m only giving you shit. What info do you have for me?” After that, it was all business. As Rafe told him all he knew about Charles Henley, he heard the tapping of the computer keys on the other end.
“That’s all I’ve got. Hopefully, it’s enough to find out something.”
“I’ll do what I can. What time is your flight?”
“No fucking clue. It was supposed to be four-forty-five yesterday. Now we’re waiting to hear if they can fix it. If not, I’m out of here on a ten a.m. flight.”
“And the sister?”
“Meghan. She’s stuck here until the later flight in the afternoon. Not sure what time.”
“Okay, I’ll get to work and hit you back when I’ve got something.”
