Page 25 of I Promise You
“It means they want to bring the war to us, son. Intel has got a hold of some disturbing information. They’re already lurking inside the United States looking for you, Grim. Stay alert. I need the team to stay grounded in North Carolina in case of more threats. Only need-to-know personnel know about these threats because we don’t want to cause a panic in this country.”
“Holy shit, it’s that serious?” Lopez exclaims.
“I’m dead serious, son. They’re out to get all of you, specifically Grim and anyone that stands in their way.”
“Operations have changed to stateside for the time being. Is that what you’re saying?” I ask.
“Exactly. No out-of-the-country deployments for now. This team has been granted special clearance for CONUS operations. But, Grim, there’s more.”
More?How much more could there be?
“Make sure you keep your family close when you can, but also express the seriousness of their discretion. Stay close to them whenever you’re not at work. These evil motherfuckers won’t hesitate to use the ones you love and care about the most to get to you.To find you.”
I look around, making sure Ari can’t hear any of this. She doesn’t need more stress added to her plate right now…because of my job.
“I know, Sir. I know how this all works. You don’t need to tell me twice.” I clench my jaw. I’m coming off rude, but I know how this protocol works. I’ve been in for fifteen years already.
I look at my phone, turning it on to look at my screensaver. It’s a picture of Ari and me on the Black Hawk helicopter. I took a photo of us before it took off. She was in her scrubs, cuddled against me, her hand on my chest, smiling brightly. It’s my favorite picture of her.
This means they’ll be coming after my family…they’ll be coming after my little angel.
I won’t be able to keep this secret with me forever. But if my silence about the dangers at hand can help her worry less, then I’ll keep it to myself.I’llworry about it. I’ve carried weight like this on my shoulders my entire life. I need to take care of her…in the ways that I know how.
“One more thing, boys,” Admiral Ravenmore continues to spill information, and I wonder when this meeting will fucking end.
I need to make sure I’m in her bed because it’s not a matter of“if”Ari wakes up with a night terror; it’swhen. I need to be there, so she knows I’m never leaving her again. I will be there toconsole her back to sleep, feeling her heartbeat against my chest until she’s okay again.
“Daegan Hannibal, Operator Creature, will be a new asset to the team, Executioners. Welcome him with open arms.”
Rooker’s eyes widen, and it looks like he just saw a ghost.
“Creature? You’re talking about the SEAL that broke records for distance. The deadliest sniper in the entire military?” Lopez blurts out with an ecstatic tone. I look at his side of the camera, and he shifts in his seat, elated with a huge grin. The cowboy from Texas jolts with curiosity like a fan, but I’m impassive. Another team member I’m in charge of…responsible for.
“Yes. That’s exactly who I mean. He’s…special,to say the least. He’s a little off, but nonetheless, he shows immense promise. He doesn’t say or talk much, but he always places the job and mission first, so I expect him to thrive. He always does in every situation he’s been put in.”
“With all due respect, Sir, I’m still on leave and need to go, so let’s cut to the chase,” I interrupt, looking straight at Ravenmore’s green, dull eyes, tightening my lips. He’s unbothered by my honesty, and at this point, almost fifteen years in, he’s not surprised. I’m in no mood nor interested in getting to know Creature’s backstory. This is just another operator attached to my team. I can bother with the details later.
“When does this take effect?” I start to pack my cigarettes against my thigh.
“Immediately,” Ravenmore replies.
8
ARI
“I’m glad you’re doing better, Ari. You’ve had the worst possible year. I won’t be leaving for vacation again anytime soon,” Emilia says while hugging me.
We’re all at my house having a girls’ night before I have to start work again. It’s been two months since the attack and I feel weird. Like I’m not entirely healed. I keep having nightmares of a Grim Reaper whispering the same eerie words to me almost every night. I still haven’t told Danny anything.
“At least he’s dead now and can’t hurt you again,” Meredith chimes in.
“Danny killed him,” I murmur.
“Damn. A man that literally would kill for you. He’s a keeper.” She raises her eyebrows, shrugging her shoulders in awe.
“He is.” I purse my lips, the emotions getting to me. I feel like I’m about to fall apart again. I bounce my foot up and down, holding my blanket tighter.
“What is it, sweetie?” Emilia grips my shoulder.
