Broken SEAL

by Geri Foster

Harrington grimaced. “It appears Nagi put a tail on you and spotted your car in the parking lot.”

  “Has the FBI checked out the place where the terrorists kept Haley?”

  Harrington leaned forward. “They didn’t get a chance. Just as they were about to move in, the building blew up. They weren’t able to find anything.”

  “What about El Hashem’s body,” Haley gasped, her eyes wide. “Was he killed in the blast?”

  “If he was, they haven’t recovered the body.”

  “He can’t be alive,” she rubbed her forehead. “The man was minutes away from slipping into a coma.”

  “We may never know. Your supposition about Nagi holding a grudge against Dr. Kingston is true, though. He wants her, and we don’t know if it’s because El Hashem is still alive or if he’s just pissed she got away.”

  Garrett laced his fingers through hers and squeezed, silently reassuring her that he’d protect her and they’d get out of this mess. “Since the car is hot, did you get another one?”

  “Yep,” Harrington handed him a set of keys. “I suggest you take the back door and get away from here.”

  “I wonder why Nagi and his men aren’t trying to get out of the States,” Garrett rubbed his chin. “Unless their mission isn’t done yet.”

  “You think they have something else planned?”

  “I’ve always thought the airport bombing was a distraction. They have bigger fish to fry and I intend to find out what it is.”

  “If you’re going hunting,” Grey raised a brow, “I suggest you get the doctor to a safe place so she’s out of harm’s way.”

  “She stays with me,” Garrett insisted. “This is as safe as it gets.”

  “Okay, give us a minute. We’ll cause a diversion out front and you two go out the side door.”

  Garrett walked with Haley until they reached the employee exit. He spotted the vehicle Harrington left for them right away. It was a beige Taurus and would easily blend in on the highway, if they could make it that far without being made.

  He pressed her body against the wall and looked into her eyes. “Stay as close to me as you can. Don’t run, don’t panic and avoid drawing any attention to us.”

  “What are we going to do?”

  “We’re going to casually walk across the parking lot, get into that Taurus, and drive away. The more we try to avoid detection, the more suspicious we’ll appear.”

  “So, in other words, remain calm while at any minute someone might shoot us.”

  “You don’t have a lot to worry about. Odds are, Nagi wants you alive. Me, on the other hand, he’ll kill without a second thought. So, stay close.”

  “Okay.”

  He took her hand and pressed his palm against the exit door. “Are you ready?”

  She nodded, and he shoved open the door. Dusk greeted them as they walked across the parking lot to the vehicle. He opened the door for her then quickly went around to the driver’s side. He fired up the engine and backed out.

  Then, before he could put the car in drive and move forward, the passenger window shattered.

  The phone in Preston’s hand finally rang. His heart ticked loudly. It was about damn time. “Zareeb?”

  “No, my name is Mehaza Nagi.”

  “Where is Zareeb?”

  “He was wounded in the airport bombing, but we managed to get him to a safehouse before the authorities could capture him.”

  “Is he all right?”

  “No, I’m sorry to say I believe the wound is fatal. We managed to capture a doctor from the hospital to treat him.”

  “Which doctor? Who?” Preston shouted. Had they screwed that up too?

  “It was a Dr. Haley Kingston. Zareeb would not let her touch him.”

  One thing had gone right.

  “Do you still have her?” Preston’s relief that part of the operation went as planned was short-lived.

  “No, she managed to get away.”

  His heart nearly fell out of his chest and on to the floor. How could this happen? So far, they hadn’t done one thing right.

  “Can she identify you or Zareeb?”

  “Yes, I’m certain of that. I had planned to get rid of her.”

  “So, she’s running around free and knows who and where you are?” Preston paced the floor of his office frantically. “This changes everything, damn it.”

  “Not if she’s dead.”

  Preston stopped short. “No, do not kill her. Do you hear me?”

  “Yes,” came a faint reply.

  “What about Zareeb?”

  “We managed to get him out of the house before blowing it up, but he’s getting worse by the minute.”

  Preston didn’t want anyone getting their hands on the leader. He was too valuable. Besides, if anyone were to interrogate him in his condition, he’d more than likely give away enough to blow the mission all to hell. “You must keep him alive.” Preston said carefully, unsure of Nagi’s allegiance to El Hashem. “I mean, he is the only one who knows the complete plan...”

  “We’re doing everything we can, but he desperately needs surgery to remove the bullet and repair the damage done to his body. The men are his, and they love him dearly. We pray for his life to be long and prosperous.”

  “Good, if anything happens to Zareeb, there will be serious repercussions.”

  “I’m in a difficult position here, Mr. McCoy,” Nagi growled through gritted teeth. “I have to save El Hashem while gaining the trust of his men should he come to any...misfortune. Now do you want me to get the doctor back so she can save him?”

  The whole thing was about to blow up in their faces, potentially bringing down their entire organization. America must be brought to its knees. Fulfilling their holy mission was all that mattered. Also, he’d invested so much money in the mission he couldn’t back out now. He wondered if Nagi was a man he could trust.

  “Did El Hashem explain our goal? Do you know everything? What I want accomplished?”

  “Zareeb and I have been friends since childhood. He told me the bombing was a mere distraction. He’d planned to tell me more afterwards but never had the chance.”

  “Then we need to meet. I want this to go forward, and you’re all I have.”

  Haley screamed when the glass shattered. Garrett shoved her head into her lap and ducked while he peeled out of the parking lot and onto the main street. She lifted her head when he turned a corner on two wheels. They were being chased, but by who?

  Did Mehaza want her back to do the surgery on El Hashem, or did he plan to kill her because she saw their faces? Haley’s heart pounded loudly in her chest and she felt faint. She glanced over at Garrett and saw his eyes focused intently on the road. He drove at a speed too dangerous for the heavy traffic, but as she checked behind them she saw two men in a white sedan right on their tail.

  She was still struggling with her seatbelt when Garrett made a sharp right, throwing her against the car door. The pain in her shoulder made her groan, but she finally managed to get the damned thing fastened. Jaw set, he resolutely kept his foot on the gas pedal. Haley’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped when he hit the brakes, and spin the wheel to the left, and jammed the car into reverse. Haley’s eyes flicked from the car now in front of them to the man at the wheel.

  The other driver’s eyes narrowed as their car shot forward.

  Garrett pulled a gun from the back of his waistband and fired twice. Suddenly, the car veered to the left and slammed into a concrete barrier.

  The sudden deafening silence unnerved her.

  “My God,” she whispered. “What just happened?”

  “I think we outsmarted the bad guys.”

  “Really? I thought they were going to run right into us.” She brushed back her hair and gulped for air. “I think my life flashed before my eyes.”

  “Let’s get out of here. There are a lot more men where those two came from. Nagi’s made his intentions clear. He’s after you.”

  She brushed the glass fr
om her lap. “But why? I’m no threat to him.”

  “You can identify the entire cell.”

  “But I won’t. I don’t want anything to do with this mess. I was minding my own business until they kidnapped me.”

  “That’s not exactly how they see it. In Nagi’s eyes, you’re the reason everything fell apart. If you’d done the necessary surgery and El Hashem had lived, they’d be on track to finish whatever it was that brought them here in the first place.”

  “But they tried to blow up an airport and failed.”

  “That probably wasn’t their main objective.”

  She rubbed her forehead. “I don’t understand any of this. Why bother with the airport at all? It only brought attention to them.”

  “It also diverted Homeland’s attention. While they’re busy investigating the airport, I’m sure Nagi has moved on to their real target.”

  “You don’t think they’re through?”

  “Not by a long shot. They didn’t go to all this trouble to just do a flash bang. They have a lot more planned, and I have to find out just what that is.”

  “But shouldn’t I just go home?”

  “You want to dodge Nagi by yourself? What if he wants you dead? He won’t give up until he reaches that goal.”

  “I don’t know how I got involved in this, Garrett. I was just leaving work. I didn’t even know that much about what happened at the airport.”

  He put his arm around her shoulder and pulled her against his side. “I know it isn’t your fault, and as soon as I stop these guys you can have your life back. Until then, you’re safer with me. These are very dangerous men who’ll stop at nothing to get what they want.”

  She leaned away and looked into his brown eyes. “But what if you never do?” Her voice was choked. “This could go on for years before it ends.”

  “History tells me El Hashem getting shot wasn’t part of the plan. It shouldn’t have gone down like that. My guess is they didn’t come here to blow up the airport. They have a bigger target. And no matter how long it takes, we’ll find out what it is and deal with them once and for all.”

  “But Garrett, you could just let the FBI, Homeland...” she wrung her hands, “...or anyone else do this.”

  “I was given this mission. It’s my job. Maybe I should put you on a plane to Frank. He can protect you until this is over.”

  “I don’t want to leave you.” Tears burned the backs of her eyes. “I don’t want anyone shooting at me and I don’t want you getting hurt.”

  He put his hand behind her head and pulled her toward him. Their foreheads touched. “We’re going to be okay. Just take a deep breath and let it go.”

  “But...”

  “No buts. It’s okay. We’ll find someplace safe and then we can figure out our next move.” He looked out the busted window. “We need to get out of here, now.”

  “Do you have any idea where to go?”

  “I know where to start, but first we have to ditch this car.”

  Chapter Nine

  Garrett called Harrington and asked him to get them another vehicle. Then he took Haley to the west side of Baltimore and booked a room at another hotel. This place had only two adjoining rooms, but it was well off the beaten path and Garrett felt confident they could make it work.

  The night grew late and they still hadn’t eaten. “Let’s run down to a local joint and grab a bite. I’m starving,” Her stomach growled. “And my guess is you are too.”

  Haley didn’t answer. She was staring silently at the wall, still in a daze after being shot at. He hoped she’d snap out of it if he got some food in her stomach. He wished none of this had happened to her. Haley was innocent and was dragged into something she had nothing to do with because she was the best surgeon around.

  She crossed her arms, hugging herself. “I don’t think I can eat.”

  “Let’s get out anyway. I’m sure you’ll take a few bites once there’s food in front of you. Did those assholes feed you at all?”

  She shook her head. “No. I never saw any food, but I sure smelled it.”

  He took her arm and led her to the door. “Let’s find someplace where we can at least get a burger.” He looked down at her waggled his brows and sing-songed, “I know that’s your favorite meal.”

  She tried to smile but failed. Looking away, she whispered, “I think I can handle that.”

  They walked out into the chilly air and he remembered she didn’t have anything on but a thin pair of cotton scrubs. She needed clothes. He made a mental note to stop at a store on the way back to the hotel and pick up something for her to wear.

  Once downstairs, they approached the car. She hesitated a little.

  “It’s fine,” he said. “No one knows we’ve changed vehicles.” He pointed to the rear plate. “Look, out of state plates. It says we’re from Virginia. No one will be looking for that.”

  “I guess you’re right.” She glanced around the dimly lit parking lot. “It’s just kind of frightening when someone comes out of nowhere and starts shooting at you.”

  “I know. And it’s hard for you to understand, but we will get through this. It’ll be over before you know it.”

  He put her in the car, patted her shoulder, and shut the door. Moving around to the driver’s side, he got in and started the engine. He backed out of the parking space and drove to the busier part of town. He found a hamburger chain she loved and pulled into the parking lot. He turned to her. “How about your favorite burger?”

  She smiled and glanced down at her clothes. “I look a hot mess.”

  “You’re beautiful. Besides, this place isn’t all that fancy. Let’s go eat.”

  They entered the popular restaurant and were immediately seated where he could watch the front door. He’d also noticed the back exit. He refused to take any chances with Haley.

  Sitting across from each other, they ordered, then waited for their food. “So,” she studied her hands, the peeped at him through her lashes. “What have you been doing these last two years?”

  He shrugged. “Same as always.”

  “Nothing changes?”

  “Why should it?”

  Her brows dragged together, and she tilted her head. “You know, I half expected you to resign and come back to me.”

  He lowered his head and glanced up at her with his serious brown eyes. “I love you, but I never had any intention of quitting my job. I love what I do.”

  “As much as you loved me?”

  He didn’t like these kinds of conversations, where everyone emptied their souls while keeping their secrets close to their chest. “I think we’re talking about two different things.” He glanced away. “Would you quit your job for me?”

  “Well, no.” Her eyes were huge and she was obviously flummoxed. “But I went to school for years and trained hard. Besides, I save lives.”

  He cocked a wry brow. “You know, I could say the exact same thing. We just go about it in a different way.”

  She pouted, not liking his answer. “I don’t agree. There is very little chance I’ll be killed while doing my job.”

  “I don’t know...” he laughed smugly. “You were kidnapped.”

  “Come on. That does not happen every day and you know it.”

  “I’ll give you that, but what if there wasn’t someone like me around to save you? What if those men used you to fix El Hashem, then killed you?”

  “Well, of course, they could’ve done that—”

  “Haley, you know very well that was their plan all along. And while the world needs people like you, they need men, and women, like me as well.”

  “But that doesn’t have anything to do with our relationship. I worried about you night and day. I practically went out of my mind.”

  He took a sip of his iced tea. “And after you booted me out, did you sleep better?”

  “No, not really,” she admitted, grudgingly. “For a while, a long while, it was actually worse.”

  Their food came
and they both changed the subject and enjoyed their burgers and fries. Both replete, they returned to the hotel. Stepping out of the car, Garrett surveyed the parking lot, ensuring no one lurked in the shadows or other vehicles had arrived while they were gone.

  She headed for her room, but he stopped her. “I’m going to run to the local dollar store and grab you a clean change of clothes. Lock the door and flip the security latch. And don’t let anyone in. I’ll rap twice on the door between our rooms.”

  Her eyes widened. “You’re leaving me here alone?”

  “The place is right across the street. I’ll only be gone a few minutes.”

  “Okay,” she replied weakly. “But please hurry.”

  “I’ll be back before you know it.”

  He’d almost reached the door when she stopped him. “Do you need me to write down my size?”

  He glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “I have a good memory.”

  Closing the door behind him, he’d got a certain amount of pleasure from her blush. He hurried down the stairs and out the back door. He nodded to Harrington, then hopped in the car and drove to the store.

  Inside, he made quick work of getting them both a few personal items along with a change of clothes. He was at the checkout counter when he saw a man in a pathani suit and keyffiyeh who looked familiar. He took his phone out and dialed Harrington.

  “Yes?”

  “You’re not going to believe this, but I think one of El Hashem’s men is doing a little shopping.”

  “You’re kidding.”

  “Nope. He’s got a little blue basket on his arm and he’s shopping in the pharmacy. That tells me El Hashem might still be alive.”

  “It also indicates they’re trying to keep him that way.”

  “Yeah, but I find it a little ironic that they’re so close to where we are. You think they’re on to us?”

  “No, Grey’s keeping an eye on their other suspected hidey-hole on the other side of town. Maybe this guy just decided not to shop in the neighborhood.”

  “Could be.” Garrett paid for the purchases then said, “I’m going to leave, then I want you to stop this guy on his way out. He’s wearing a green shirt and a Dodger’s ball cap.”