Page 32 of Gwen's Delta
“Agreed,” Merlin responded. “But Turano has our six and is trying to put it on hold for now.”
“Yeah. Do you think it’s safe to call Des and tell her we’re not going? I’d hate for her to head back to Dallas,” Zip asked.
“Maybe just tell her not to go anywhere until you get back to her. I don’t want to jinx it.”
“Excellent point.”
“Let’s go through this intel while we’re waiting for confirmation on the stand down. Maybe we’ll find something to figure it out.”
Two hours later, they still hadn’t heard from Turano, but they’d finished analyzing the intel. They still weren’t any closer to what was really going on with the Daesh in Egypt. The only new bit of information they’d discovered was that there were two additional operators in play, and they’d also missed their last check-in. No wonder the CIA was having a meltdown. At least three operatives were missing. It could be a coincidence, but that was doubtful and definitely meant trouble.
If Daesh had the agents, it was too late for any of them. At the very least, they’d release torture videos, but it was more likely they’d record videos of their beheadings.
The mission to Egypt would happen, and Merlin would bet it happened soon. He prayed that when the time came, he’d have figured out the missing piece. Because he sure as shit didn’t trust the intel that came from the CIA.
“Anything from Roe yet?” Woof asked as he stood up and stretched.
“No. Maybe we should head over to his office,” Merlin said.
“Yeah, because I’m starving. It’s time for lunch,” Jangles added.
“What? You’re not just popping some vitamins?” Zip asked.
“No, asshole. Already took them.” Jangles grinned.
Merlin’s phone rang as they were packing up. It was Turano, finally.
“Commander?” Merlin answered.
“Mission is on hold—for now. Command wants more verifiable intel before they send you into the shit storm.”
“Yes, sir. Copy that.” Merlin breathed a sigh of relief.
“Well? Are we going or staying?” Duff asked.
“We’re staying for now. Command agreed with the Roe. I’m sure Sand is livid.”
“Looks like Sand gets to pound stone,” Jangles joked.
“That was the funniest thing I’ve heard all day,” Woof said.
Merlin shook his head. “We’re off the hook for now, but I wouldn’t count on it to last too long. I want to brief Roe on the additional operators before I go. Are you guys heading out?”
“Yeah, I’m meeting Des at my parents’ house. But we’ll stay close,” Zip said.
“I’m grabbing some lunch at the Ugly Mug, then maybe target practice at BF’s,” Jangles replied.
“I’ll go with you,” Woof said. “You coming, Duff?”
“Yeah,” Duff said, surprising Merlin.
Duff could be ornery and standoffish. There was a story behind it, but he’d never shared it with them.
Merlin nodded. “Okay, maybe I’ll see you there. It depends on how long it takes with Roe. If not, see you for PT tomorrow.”
While Merlin made a few more notes, the others left him alone. The office was quiet, and he sighed. As much as he loved them, sometimes, he missed the silence. After shoving the intel in his bag, he locked his desk and pulled out his cell phone to text Gwen. Waiting another few minutes to talk to Roe wouldn’t matter. Nothing needed immediate attention.
Merlin:Hi, princess. We canceled our trip. I’m still at work, but I’ll call you later.
