Page 43 of SEAL's Tempest
“I’ll stick with acetaminophen.”
Providence nodded and typed some more. Then the printer in the corner of the room turned on and spit out a few sheets of paper. “Here you go. It has the concussion and rib protocol. Make sure you follow it, or you could end up with complications. If the pain escalates or you don’t feel ‘right,’ go straight to the ER.”
“Yes, ma’am. Thank you. Oh, and that book—” She pulled open one of the drawers in the cabinet and winked as she pulled out the paperback. “It’s called Chasing Time. It’s kind of paranormal, kind of time travel, and a lot of angsty romance. If you enjoy that type of book, you’ll love it.”
Tempest pulled out her phone and took a photo of the cover. She’d be adding that to her TBR list. “Thank you, it sounds wonderful. I really enjoy the paranormal books. As much as I love military romance, so much of it is just like my job. And well HEAs are not guaranteed in my line of work.”
Providence smiled as she replaced the book in the cabinet. “You might be surprised. Never doubt the possibility of a happily ever after. Call me if you have any questions. Feel better, petty officer.”
“Thank you, ma’am. I will.”
Tempest folded the paperwork and tucked it into her pack. Time to deal with her father.
* * *
As Tempest approached the black Lincoln Navigator, the driver got out of the car and took her bag, then held the door for her. She climbed into the back seat and turned toward her father.
“What did the doctor say?” Pavel asked.
“Nothing I didn’t expect. Bruised ribs, slight concussion and desk duty for at least four weeks.” As she tried to fasten the seat belt she grimaced. Okay, that was unexpectedly painful.
“Do you need me to help?”
Tempest looked across at her father and she was sure she looked shocked. They were raised to show no weakness. She could count on one hand how often he’d helped her do anything even as a child.
“Thanks, but I’ve got it.”
Pavel nodded and but didn’t say anything else until the driver got in and they pulled away from the curb. “I’m sure you’re wondering why I’m here?”
“I am. I guess you knew about my dual missions all along.”
“I did. I’ve known about all your missions. Even suggested that you be assigned to a few of them.”
Tempest shouldn’t have been surprised, but she was. “So, you’re not just a pencil pusher at the State? Not that I ever believed that, not really. Not with some of the comments you’d made over the years. But you never mentioned that you knew POTUS. Have you worked for him all seven years?” Tempest wasn’t sure he’d answer. When he did it was another surprise.
“Yes, I have. We’ve known each other for years. I worked with the two prior administrations as well.”
“I don’t even want to know the details, I’m sure it’s way over my pay grade. But why involve me?”
“Because you’re the most capable woman I know. Not even woman, person in general. You are brilliant, always have been. I know I haven’t been a very loving father, but I needed you and Grace to be tough, to be the badasses I knew you could be. It’s what your mother would have wanted. I couldn’t be prouder of both my daughters.”
Okay, who was this man and where was the pod containing her real father? He thought she was brilliant? She had to be exhausted, that could be the only reason she had to blink back her tears. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. I almost lost both of you in Marikistan. That was a nightmare I never wanted to relive. But at least your mother died knowing how much I loved her. You and Grace didn’t have that knowledge. At least I wasn’t sure of it. I needed to fix that. I’m sorry I never told you any of this before.”
This time it was her father’s eyes that were glassy. Tempest released her seat belt and ignored the pain in her ribs as she reached for her father. She couldn’t remember the last time they’d hugged but his words had torn down whatever remaining walls she’d had around her heart.
There was so much she wanted to talk about, to ask him about, and she wanted to tell him she’d finally found someone.
“Are you going to stay for a bit?” Tempest asked as the car stopped in front of her townhouse.
“I can’t this time. But I’ll be back with Grace in a week or so. I promise. I have to get these chips back to Washington and there is a plane waiting for me.”
“You’re not going to wait to see Grace?” After his confession, she’d expected him to be different.
“They’ll be landing in DC. I’ll see her tomorrow when they get in.”
“Oh, I thought they were coming here.” Tempest couldn’t hide the disappointment from her voice.
