Page 42 of SEAL's Tempest
Quinn walked in a moment later. Tempest knew Knox told him about her father being present.
“Master Chief Quinn Gallagher, nice to meet you, sir.” Quinn addressed her father after nodding at Knox.
“Yes indeed, master chief. I’m happy to see the missions were successful,” Pavel replied.
“Failure isn’t an option, sir,” he said and took the seat next to Tempest.
It was the perfect response. She had to stifle the urge to grin. When Quinn sat down, she could feel the tension radiating from him and she half expected him to growl, but his expression remained neutral.
Knox took a seat next to her father and the questions began. An hour later, she and Quinn had answered everything they’d been asked. There were only a few things that had to be clarified. While JSOC wasn’t happy that the mission didn’t go as expected, the end result was the same and there shouldn’t be any negative fall out for any of them. Though, Tempest wouldn’t let any of the team be reprimanded if it came to that.
“I think we’re finished here,” Pavel said as he stood up. “Tempest, I’ll take you back to your home unless you’re needed here.” He directed his gaze at Knox.
“She’s free to go after she gets checked out by the doctor. She suffered some injuries in the field.”
“Yes, that’s right. You should have done that before we met.”
Tempest wanted to tell him that was the plan until he’d shown up, but she knew better and kept her mouth shut. She was a badass but not a stupid one.
“It’s okay, Dad. I’m fine. I’ll head over there now.”
“The car is parked in front of HQ. I’ll wait for you there,” he said. Then he shook Knox’s hand and nodded to Quinn as he left the room.
As soon as the door closed behind him, Quinn turned toward her. “Is he always like that?”
“Pretty much, yes. He was different before my mother was killed. But he’s always made sure Grace and I have whatever we need. Whenever my friends would come over they called him old school.”
“There are worse ways to grow up,” Knox said. “Head over to get checked. I don’t think you should make him wait too long.”
“No, probably not. Although he’s not my CO, you are—at least for now.”
Knox smiled. “You’re not going anywhere. I foresee quite a few missions in our future.”
Tempest smiled for the first time since she’d stepped off the C-130, then nodded to Quinn and headed to the medical facility. Her plan to talk to Josh while they waited to see the doctor had been foiled by her dad. She hoped her text soothed some of the worry she’d seen on his face as she’d left with Knox.
After rooting through her bag, she found her phone. When she turned it on and saw a text from him she was filled with relief. For a moment, she thought about texting him back. Then she decided to wait until she saw the doctor and knew if her father would be staying for a visit or just dropping her off.
Dr. Providence Sheridan smiled as Tempest entered the examination room. “I’ve been expecting you, Commander Knox said you were hijacked.”
Tempest grinned. “Yes, you could say that. I’m sorry you had to wait for me. It’s late.”
“No worries. It’s my turn to work the night shift and it’s been quiet. Don’t tell anyone but I’ve been reading the newest Mia Downing book. The story totally sucked me in.”
“Really? You’ll have to let me know which one so I can check it out.” Since Tempest figured she’d be on desk duty for at least a month, she’d have more time to read at night without studying her mission plans.
“Remind me when we’re done. Now, have a seat and let me take a look.”
Providence gave her a thorough check. It took longer than Tempest expected, and her father was probably steaming while he waited, but that was his fault. That he’d been there to pick up the chips, made her wonder if there was more going on than she knew. Then she chastised herself. Of course, there was.
“You definitely have a slight concussion and bruised ribs. Your shoulder doesn’t look bad and I think the pain is radiating from your ribs. You’re going to be on---”
“Desk duty,” Tempest finished for her.
Providence laughed. “I guess you’ve been down this road before?”
“A few times. The only thing I don’t know is how long?” Tempest replied.
“At least four weeks. When you come in for your follow up I’ll have a better idea. I can give you a prescription for some mild pain pills if you’d like,” the doctor asked as she made notes on her laptop.
