Page 64 of Gwen's Delta
“We break down our missions by checkpoints. This way, we know where we are on our timeline.”
“Oh, okay. I think I get it.” Gwen studied the map.
“Woof will carry the bag with the ransom and go through last. If there’s trouble, we’ll already be through.”
“And what happens to him?”
“We’ll make some calls and come back for him. He’ll be fine.” Luke’s confidence made her feel a little better. The last thing Gwen wanted was for one of them to be hurt while trying to save her parents.
“You don’t have to worry about me. The important part is to get you out of there and to the safe house,” Woof added.
“Safe house? I feel like I’m in a Jason Bourne movie.”
“You’re not far off,” Jangles said. Luke shot him a look that didn’t seem pleased, and Jangles shrugged.
“We’ll settle into the safe house, then check-in with Roe. Hopefully, he’ll have updated intel,” Luke replied.
“I did some research yesterday. You’re not just Army, you’re some kind of special forces. Rangers? Or are you the ghosts—Delta Force?” Gwen figured she deserved to know who all the players were before she risked everyone’s lives. But would they trust her enough to answer?
She’d swear she felt some silent communication between the teammates before they looked toward Luke. He’d told her he was the unofficial leader, and from his expression, he wasn’t happy about it, either. Or maybe her question had put the brackets around his lips and hardened his expression.
“We are Delta. This is top secret information, but since you’re on the mission, it was inevitable that you’d figure it out. It’s dangerous knowledge to possess. Now that you know, you need to swear you’ll never discuss it or tell anyone, even after you’re back home. You could endanger our lives if that information gets out.” Luke’s gaze searched her expression for understanding.
“I swear on my grandparents’ lives that I’ll never breathe a word. Thank you for trusting me,” Gwen pledged.
“Welcome to the team,” Zip said with a smile. He was the first, but the others quickly echoed his words.
“What happens after you hear from Roe?” Gwen asked as she continued to stare at the map, committing the circled locations to memory. It might help her later.
“We’ll either sit tight or check out some of these locations.” Luke refilled her coffee cup.
“That doesn’t sound too bad, and I’ll get to see Cairo.” Gwen wouldn’t mind seeing some of Cairo.
“We’llbe checking out the locations. You’ll stay in the safe house with one of us.”
“Why?”
“To keep you safe, for one. We don’t want the kidnappers to know you’re here yet if we can help it. Although, they might have people watching the airport.”
“I don’t like it. Does it really matter if they know I’m here early? I didn’t come here so y’all could lock me in a room. And another thing, how am I going to find out where I have to hand over the money? They don’t have my cell phone number, and it probably wouldn’t work here, anyway.”
“I’m sorry you don’t like it. It gives us an advantage, and we need all of those we can get. So you’ll stay hidden until the handoff,” Luke answered. She’d never heard the steel in his voice, and it didn’t leave room for argument.
“And how do I find out the location of the money exchange?”
“We think they’ll email you. It would be the easiest method, and they used it to send you the proof of life.”
Gwen frowned. “How do I check if my phone doesn’t work? I didn’t think to bring my laptop.”
“We have a laptop you can use. Gwen, it’ll be okay. Leave the worrying to us,” Luke said.
Closing her eyes, Gwen took a deep breath and tried to relax. It wouldn’t do for her to freak out. “Okay, sorry. I really am trying to stay calm.”
“You’re doing great,” Woof said.
It didn’t feel like it to her, but she appreciated their encouragement. The last thing she wanted was to make their job harder. That triggered another thought. They were helping her but were there for another reason. “What about your other mission?”
“What do you mean?” Luke asked.
