Page 23 of SEAL's Sky
“Make it quick, you’ve got about five minutes until the briefing,” Jake said, as he and Rafe grabbed coffee for the rest of the team and left him alone.
“Copy that, boss,” Murph replied. Quickly reviewing the notes he’d made last night he dialed Tex, computer guru, ex-SEAL, and all-around badass. He’d pulled their asses out of the fire more times than he could remember and if it hadn’t been for him, who knows if Cam and Miranda would still be alive. Hopefully, he’d be able to help Sky too.
“Hey, Murph. I’ve been waiting for your call.”
“I don’t have long, but I just sent you a text with all the notes I made last night. Jake said he explained the rest.”
“Yeah. So what are we looking for?”
“Anything we can find on him. My gut is telling me that Sky isn’t the first woman he’s treated this way. If we can find even one other ex of his, then maybe it will be enough to prove Sky’s story.”
“Got it. Is she safe? Do you need me to send a tracker for her phone?”
“She’s at her mom’s, you’ve been to the Ready Room, right?”
“Yeah, many times but not for years.”
“Sky is Pam’s daughter. She’s using Sky Russell but her given name is Jennifer Turner. The douchebag is offering a fifty thousand dollar reward to anyone with information about her whereabouts.”
“I’ll definitely send the tracker. Better to be extra cautious.”
“Agreed. Thanks for doing this. I know it’s not something we’d usually be involved in.”
“If it’s helping a woman, you know I’m on board. I’ll let you know what I find.”
“Thanks, later.”
Feeling better knowing Tex was on it, Murph went into the briefing room and put his game face on, making it inside just before the captain started. Nodding, Murph took the seat between Cam and Ryan.
* * *
It was just before seven when Jen opened her eyes. Disoriented, it took her a few moments to remember she was at her mom’s. She hadn’t slept in her old bed in years, but it was the best sleep she’d gotten in forever.
Going over the events of the previous day, she couldn’t believe the rat bastard had put a reward out. She’d really hoped that he’d give up on her. Not that she wanted him to terrorize anyone else either. There was no doubt in her mind that he would continue to beat her. Leaving was her only option.
Jen sat up and put her legs on the floor. She wanted to stretch so badly, but the pain in her ribs still brought tears to her eyes. Pulling up her t-shirt, she checked the bruises on her stomach and chest. After almost three weeks, they were finally fading into an ugly green-purple color.
Reaching for the bottle of water on the bedside table, she noticed a photo of her and her dad. Was it there last night? Or had her mom brought it in while she was sleeping? It was from one of their fishing weekend adventures. Sometimes they even brought home a good haul. But her mom always packed tons of food for them to bring so they were never hungry. So many happy memories. Damn, what she wouldn’t give for just one more moment with her dad.
Still looking at the photo and reminiscing, she jumped as her door opened. When would that end?
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to startle you,” her mom said gently.
“Don’t be. It’ll just take time. I don’t like it either.”
“Ahh, I see you found the photo. It’s usually in my room, but I thought it should be in here with you.”
“We were so happy then,” Jen answered. It would be too easy to let the emotions bubbling up come out, but she’d done enough crying for a lifetime already.
“Yes, we were. I’m sure Dad is still watching over us.”
“Me too.”
“So…how about some breakfast? Are you hungry? I’ve already made a big pot of coffee.”
“I’m not really hungry.”
“Maybe not, but you’re going to eat. All you had was that burger yesterday. How about some toast? I have rye bread.”
