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“True, but that’s not what triggered Marsh. One woman Peters wants looks like she’s underage.”
“That’s not good on both counts. Do I need to pull him?”
“Not yet.”
“Don’t wait too late, Seth. If he can’t control his drive to protect the girl, he could blow the entire operation. I don’t want to lose any of you. I want all of my detectives back. You hear me?”
“I understand, sir.”
“Keep me updated. When’s the next check-in with Teagan’s boss?”
“In eight hours.”
“I better be your second call.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Uncover the information we need and get out of there, Seth. Sooner is better. The feds are pushing hard. The Internet is heating up with hints of something big happening soon, and the feds want results before we lose innocent civilians. Step it up. We have to stop their plan.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Burnett out.”
Seth slid his phone away. “Call the counselor, Teagan. Want me to wait for you on the porch?”
“Do you mind?”
“No.” Seth pressed a hard kiss to her mouth and left their quarters, closing the door behind him.
Through the window, Teagan saw Seth leaning one shoulder against the porch post, keeping watch to make sure no one interrupted her and to give her privacy.
She dragged in a shuddering breath. Seth Dixon was flat out amazing. How she got lucky enough to be in his life was a miracle. She could have chosen anywhere in Ardmore to run. Instead, she’d chosen the trail Seth used and met him.
She smiled. They’d gone on a coffee date the first time they ran together, and every time thereafter. What a sweet memory. And she was wasting time because she didn’t want to bare her soul to Marcus Lang.
Teagan squared her shoulders and made the video call she dreaded with every beat of her heart.
Seconds later, Marcus Lang’s handsome face appeared on the screen. The pastor of Cornerstone Church in Otter Creek,Tennessee smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Teagan, it’s been a while, my friend. How are you?”
“Not bad. How’s Paige?”
“My wife is fabulous. Thanks for asking. Brent told me you were on a short clock today. What can I do for you?”
“I need a refresher.” Teagan summarized the situation she and her teammates found themselves in on this mission.
“You’re afraid,” Marcus said simply.
She gave a slight nod, her cheeks burning. How embarrassing to admit.
“What you’re feeling is understandable, Teagan. You were traumatized as a teenager in a situation similar to this one.”
“Marcus, I’ve been undercover on missions before where the situation was similar and the possibility of discovery was high. Why am I having trouble now?” Her eyes stung. Oh, man. This wasn’t good. She couldn’t break now.
“I’m going to ask you a question, and I need you to be honest with me. Will you do that?”
“Of course.” He might be the only person she’d come clean with except Seth and Brent. Her Artemis teammates didn’t know everything that happened to her as a teen. No point in traumatizing them, too. They knew enough to help, just not the reason for the problem. Her friends were smart and had an idea what she’d endured.
“Do you care for Seth Dixon?”
