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“We land in Maple Valley in an hour,” Eli told Maddox. “I’ll check in when we’re at the Rocking M.”
“Copy that.” Maddox ended the call.
Eli stood. “Rest until we land. We’ll need it.”
Rachelle walked with Cal to their seats. “Why did Eli say we should rest?”
“Eli’s gut is telling him this mission is heating up.”
“How does he know?”
“He feels it.” Just like Cal. “We’ve been on enough missions to know when something is ready to break. Falcon is afraid you’ll identify him and is desperate to silence you before you expose him as a murderer and pedophile.”
“I saw his face for a split second, not long enough to recognize him.”
“Falcon doesn’t know that. To him, you’re a threat.”
Rachelle sighed. “He must have money at his disposal if he persuaded human traffickers to attack a hotel and hospital in their hometown. Wouldn’t Antigua law enforcement recognize them?”
“If enough money greases their palms, they’ll develop convenient amnesia.”
“Oh, man. Shadow shouldn’t go to Antigua.”
“Don’t worry. Shadow is the best at what they do. If any team has the ability to snatch Nichols from under the noses of his bodyguards, it’s Shadow.”
Cal grabbed a blanket from one of the overhead bins. When she snuggled against his side, he spread the blanket over them. “Relax for a few minutes.”
“We should be doing research.”
“Give your body time to recharge. Besides, I need to hold you.”
She smiled. “You won’t hear me complain.”
“Sleep, baby. You’ll remember more when you’re rested and relaxed.”
“I doubt I’ll be able to sleep. I’m almost vibrating with adrenaline and tension.”
She’d crash soon. “Close your eyes. Let me enjoy holding you.”
Within five minutes, Rachelle was asleep. Cal dozed, waking when the jet’s airspeed and altitude changed. Nearby, his teammates prepared for landing.
Cal kissed Rachelle’s forehead. “Rachelle.”
“Mmm.” She snuggled deeper into his arms.
“Wake up. We land soon.”
She blinked. “I can’t believe I fell asleep again.”
Cal chuckled. “You were warm and safe. Adrenaline dump did the rest.”
When the jet landed, the operatives grabbed their gear and headed for the SUVs, alert as they crossed the tarmac. After helping Rachelle into the vehicle, Cal stored their gear in the back. He got behind the wheel and Jackson slid into the backseat.
At the Rocking M, Mrs. Grady greeted them. “Welcome back,” she said, beaming. “Was your trip successful?”
“We learned a few things,” Cal said.
She laughed. “You sound like David, giving me an answer that tells me nothing but satisfies most of my curiosity.”
