Page 51 of SEAL's Angel
“You’re leaving at zero-four-hundred. Azfaar has returned to his old haunts in the Afghani hills near Pakistan. The order is to apprehend if at all possible, but you’re cleared to eliminate the threat if necessary.”
Jake didn’t have to look at Rafe to know he was hoping they’d have the chance to put a bullet in the terrorist’s head, and he wasn’t alone in that desire. There wasn’t a member of the Black Eagles who wouldn’t want that job.
“Yes, sir,” Jake responded.
“The Red Falcon team will be with you for this mission. Command doesn’t want to lose him again. I briefed both teams earlier. Quinn will bring you up to speed on the flight. Questions?”
“Who’s taking lead on this mission, sir?” Jake asked.
Even though he liked Quinn and he was an excellent SEAL who handled the Red Falcon team well, Jake wanted the Black Eagles to be the ones to take down Azfaar. He didn’t know the other team members as well, but he’d seen them in the Ready Room often and knew they were good men.
“I’m assigning Black Eagles point. But with all the personal connections here, don’t make me sorry.”
“Copy that, sir,” they replied.
“Who is our CIA POC?” Jake asked.
“Chrissy Stillwell.”
Jake and Rafe exchanged glances. Oh, shit. Ryan was going to lose it.
“I can see from the look on your faces you don’t like it. But that’s too bad. Ryan isn’t happy, either, but the CIA has final say on their operatives. Make it work. Get some rest. You’re dismissed.”
“Yes, sir.” They stood and saluted.
“I’ll meet you outside, Rafe. I need a moment,” Jake said as his teammate opened the office door.
Rafe nodded and closed it behind him.
“What don’t you want to talk about in front of your SIC?” Tony asked as he pointed to a chair.
“Permission to speak freely?” Jake’s gut churned. Their conversation before he’d left for Colorado was fresh in his mind. He wasn’t ready to sit behind a desk, even after spending time with Dawn.
“Of course. What’s up, Jake?” Tony leaned back in his chair.
“It’s about the promotion. I’m not ready to stop operating, and I’m fully capable of leading the team through whatever hell we’re assigned.”
“This is a first. Most officers want a promotion.” Tony’s gaze was laser sharp.
“Not operators, and you know it. Were you happy when you moved behind a desk?”
“I was ready. But I’m not you. Although I understand.”
Jake knew Tony well, but when the man wanted to keep his thoughts to himself, there was no way to read him.
“Is there something you’re not telling me?” Jake asked. He’d been wondering if there was an ulterior motive. Just because he was eligible for the promotion didn’t mean that he’d get it. It happened all the time.
“No, not that I’m aware. It’s already approved. I’ll see what I can do to stall it, but no promises.”
“Thank you, sir.”
“Now get out of here and get some rest. This mission is going to be like an extra-crispy day in hell.”
“Yes, sir.”
It wasn’t the answer he’d hoped for, but it was something. He knew Tony would try his best, but the decision was up to Command. Jake had done what he could, and now, he needed to keep his focus on the mission.
When Jake approached his truck, he didn’t expect to see Rafe waiting for him.
