Page 21 of SEAL's Patience
“Thanks. I’m good.”
His look said he didn’t believe her, but thankfully he didn’t pursue it. With a nod, he put the truck in gear and eased his way through the snow-covered parking lot.
“They haven’t plowed yet?” Patience couldn’t believe the road was as bad as it’d been a few hours ago when she’d gotten to the hospital.
“I’m sure they have but it’s probably falling faster than they can keep up with these roads. Although, I agree, the main roads to the hospital should be a priority.”
Quinn’s hands flexed around the steering wheel, but they weren’t tense. If he wasn’t worried about driving in this crap, then she could relax a bit. Maybe.
“Do you drive in the snow a lot?”
“Not anymore. But since I grew up in Minnesota, I had a lot of experience before I joined the Navy.”
That’s right. He’d told her he and Theo had been friends for a long time, and she knew Theo grew up in Minnesota. She just hadn’t made that connection in her brain yet. Work later was going to be a horror story if she didn’t get some sleep soon.
“Right. I guess I didn’t realize you grew up with him.”
“We met in high school.” His surprised expression said volumes. Quinn wasn’t used to sharing personal stuff outside of his team, probably. Maybe he was finally warming up to her. As much as she wanted to know more about him, she needed to know what the deal was with Rick Kern. It was probably a horrible time to bring it up, but this had been the most words he’d said to her besides his order in, well, ever.
Tucking a lock of hair behind her ear, she turned in her seat to face him, as much as she could while remaining seat belted. “So…what’s the deal with Rick Kern? Felicity might not have seen it, but you definitely reacted to his name. And contrary to what you said, I doubt there’s more than one of them in the states let alone the U.S.”
The stiffening of his shoulders would have given him away, even if the white-knuckle grip on the steering wheel hadn’t. Oh yeah, he knew him. Quinn remained silent for so long she didn’t think he was going to answer.
“Yeah, I know him. He’s no fucking SEAL, either. Though he was at one time. Now he’s a piece of shit alphabet guy.” Quinn’s words dripped with disdain.
Patience considered his words and his tone. What the heck was an alphabet guy? Maybe if she hadn’t been awake for the past twenty hours, she could have figured it out, but it was too taxing for her exhausted brain.
“What’s an alphabet guy?”
“CIA. I probably shouldn’t have said anything, but what he did to Felicity is unforgivable. No one should treat a woman that way. I don’t know what the fuck he was thinking, but I’m going to find out. We’ll make him step up like he should have all along.”
“Central Intelligence Agency, huh?” Patience repeated under her breath. Well, that made more sense, she guessed. No wonder they didn’t have a number for him. “Is that his real name?”
“Yeah, most likely. It’s what he’s using when he works with our team, at least.”
“Damn. Youreallyknow him then.”
“Unfortunately. The guy is a piece of shit. I am sorry Felicity got involved with him. But I’ll do what I can to fix it.”
“It’s obvious you don’t like him, but he did a good thing at least once when he helped that mother in the Food Lion.”
“Maybe he had an ulterior motive,” Quinn grumbled.
“For what, though?” Patience should really shut up. The more she asked, the tighter he squeezed the steering wheel. She needed to stop provoking him, especially if she didn’t want him to tell her to screw off. From the look of his clenched jaw, he wasn’t far from it.
“Don’t know, don’t really care. But he will take care of Felicity and the baby, or he’ll be in a world of hurt.”
Patience shuddered as a frisson of fear raised the little hairs on the back of her neck. She knew he was dangerous, of course she did. He was a freaking Navy SEAL. But it was the first time she actually felt it—saw it—and even though it scared her a bit, it excited her even more.
“What are you going to do to him?” Patience knew she shouldn’t ask, but she couldn’t help herself. Not that she feared for the jerk face. If he was a CIA agent, he could probably take care of himself. But this was Felicity’s baby daddy, and she didn’t want him dead.
“All you need to know is I’ll take care of it. Just like I told Felicity.” His tone didn’t leave room for discussion, either.
Patience could see the signs and knew not to push any further. She’d gotten about all she was going to get out of him. At least, for now.
“Fuck.” Quinn grunted under his breath.
Patience’s gaze went from him to the windshield in time to see a car skid out of control in front of them. Was this déjà vu orwhat? Luckily, as she held her breath watching, it straightened out and continued on in front of them.
