Page 47 of SEAL's Providence
“Hold on, we don’t know that it’s Mary or that you triggered it. It doesn’t matter, anyway. The important thing is that since we know where they are we can get them out of there. I’d be more concerned if one was missing from the house.”
“That’s true. I had to warn her.”
“I know.” Tony reached for her hand, and she let him take it. She needed his calming strength to help her hold it together.
A moment later, Providence’s phone buzzed with a text. Somehow, she knew this wouldn’t be good news, and her stomach churned. Tentativelyreaching for the phone, her heart bottomed out when she read the message out loud so Pat could hear it too.
Mary: I’m Sandy. I’m scared. The bad men hurt mama.
Providence turned her tear-filled eyes toward Tony. “We can’t wait. We need to go now.”
CHAPTER 12
TONY
The color leached from Providence’s face as she read the text from Mary’s daughter. He watched as tears filled her eyes as the horror of what she’d read sank in, and she struggled to hold herself together. It gutted him.
Tony didn’t care how mad she’d been earlier. His need to comfort her was overwhelming, and he pulled her into his lap to cuddle her against his chest. Touching her and inhaling her soft peach scent calmed his nerves.
“Pat, can you get the guys and meet us at the diner at the corner of Fremont and Church? Also, text Mike with the address. This information escalated the situation. We move ASAP.”
“Copy that. Are we modifying the plan since we know there are injuries?”
“I’ll take care of Mary. You take care of the assholes,” Providence interjected, as she wiped her tears away.
He tilted her head so he could see her better. “No, you’re not. That was never part of the plan.”
“I’d like to see you try to stop me. If you leave me behind, I’ll just drive over there myself.” She tried to climb off his lap, but he wasn’t letting her get away. He couldn’t. He needed her close.
“It’s too dangerous, and you’re not skilled in combat.”
“Uh, I’m going to get on these other calls. I’ll let you two hash that out. Rendezvous at Church and Fremont. What time?” Pat asked.
“Twenty-two hundred hours. No guns, except for Adam’s sniper rifle. The last thing we need is to wake up the neighbors and have them call the cops. As discussed—in and out—take one tango alive for interrogation.”
“Roger that, boss man. Call if anything changes.”
After disconnecting the call, Tony turned Providence around in his lap until she faced him.
“I can hold my own. I’m still a naval officer.”
“When was the last time you were in a combat situation?” he asked gently.
“When were you, Commander Knox? You send the teams out, but you stay home.”
Her anger was palpable, but he needed her to understand. “That’s true. But I train every day. Not just to stay in shape, but with the same weapons the teams use.”
“Fine. But you need me. I’m a doctor and Mary’s injured. Y’all can take out the tangos and leave the women to me. You know it’s a good idea.”
He didn’t like it, but she was right. Finding out Mary had been injured changed everything, and not knowing how badly made it more dangerous. It would be harder to extract her if she wasn’t mobile. Providence would be an asset, and not just with whatever injuries they found, but with all the women. They’d met her and would be more likely to go with her than his team. Besides, none of them was capable of more than basic first aid.
Tony sighed heavily. He hated this idea, gave it zero stars, and would definitely not recommend it to anyone. “Okay.”
“Okay?” Providence’s excited response belied the fear still visible in her crystal blue eyes.
He loved her. She’d probably stab him if he told her now, but it was true all the same. Tony wanted to wake up every morning with her nestled in his arms, and be the last thing he saw every nightbefore he closed his eyes. He’d fucked up royally, and he’d have to fix it. But right now, they had six women and a little girl to rescue. Plus, the added worry of keeping the love of his life out of the crosshairs.
“Yes, you’re right. We’ll need you. They’ll need you. But you have to promise you won’t take any chances. If I tell you to duck or run, you do it. No hesitating, no back talk, just follow orders. There can only be one commander on every mission. I’m it. Understand?”
