Page 53 of SEAL's Patience
“They don’t. But we flew some drones over, and this is what we found.” Tony clicked on the computer to change the view from the map to overhead shots of the camp.
It was obvious something was wrong. They’d expect to see visuals of people moving around, but it looked like a ghost town. Except there were several trucks parked at the edge of the location. If someone took them, how did they move them?
“Do we have subsequent surveillance images?” Josh asked.
“I’m afraid not. The asset is no longer in the area. That’s why you’re being sent in.”
“To do what? Scan for intel. A rescue mission? We don’t have any information other than there’s been no contact, and the place looks deserted,” Quinn said. Not that he was objectingto going. He was ready to hop on the transport immediately and burn the country to the ground until he found Patience. But he had his team to worry about, and the others involved.
“Yeah, it’s a clusterfuck as usual. Rick Kern has been trying to get what intel he can, but so far without success.”
Ry mumbled, “Big surprise there.”
Quinn had to agree with him. The man was mostly useless. He still hadn’t gotten his hands on him to tell him about Felicity and her baby. They’d been standing in as surrogate dads. Grace, Harmony, and Tempest had been helping, too.
“When are we leaving?” Lucky asked.
“Sixteen hundred, since it’ll take about twelve hours. We want you dropping in at night when it will be easier to hide your chutes.”
Quinn nodded. It’s what he would have asked for. Jumping in the daylight hours amped up the danger one thousand percent.
“I sent all the intel to your devices. Details about the camp, how many doctors and nurses, terrain, anything deemed useful. If anything else comes in before go time, I’ll send it your way. Questions or concerns?”
Tony met each of their gazes. As usual, he was the best commander Quinn had ever worked under. It was going to suck when he retired next year. They were still waiting to find out who would replace him.
“If there’s nothing else, you’re dismissed. Quinn, stay behind please.”
Quinn nodded. “I’ll meet the rest of you in the office.”
“Yes, sir.”
Quinn watched as they filed out of the conference room. He had a good idea of what Tony wanted to talk to him about, and he didn’t have long to wait.
“What’s this I hear about a woman? I didn’t know you were involved with anyone.”
“I’m not, not really. She left without me talking to her, telling her how I feel.”
Tony ran his hand over his face. “Have you learned nothing from all the times we’ve barely made it back? You never leave unfinished business.”
“I know, trust me. It’s been eating me alive. But I never thought she’d be in danger. Her parents have been part of that group for most of her life. She’s been there before and had no issues.”
“Will you be able to handle what you find?” Concern shone in Tony’s gaze as it met Quinn’s.
“Yes, sir. I don’t really have a choice, do I?”
“No.” Tony sighed. “Probably not. You need to keep it together. I can’t have a repeat of that mission in Marikistan. You are not to beat anyone to death, no matter what you find. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir. Implicitly.”
“Now, as your friend, not your CO, what do you need? Tell me and you’ve got it if it’s within my reach.”
“Thank you. I hate that we’re going in blind. If you can get us another drone flyover, it could change everything. The date stamp on those images is two days ago. We don’t know what the situation is like now.”
“Trust me. I’ve been trying every department I can. I’ll keep working on it. I would have anyway. You’ll get her back. I feel it in my gut. Just be ready to grovel hard when you do.”
Quinn felt the corner of his mouth tick up. Grovel. Yeah, he could do that. He’d been working on it for the last month.
After leaving the conference room, he did what he should have done a month ago, or longer. He texted Patience.
