by Becky Harmon
“And then Barnes and Shepherd decided to kill you when their distraction plan wasn’t working.”
“Right,” Micalah said, jumping in. “So, a simple distraction plan gone bad?”
“Yes, but not so simple,” Ellie answered.
* * *
Angel walked silently beside Micalah, wondering how long it would take her to put her concerns into words.
“I’m not going to lecture you,” Micalah finally said, breaking the silence.
“Good. There isn’t anything you could say that I haven’t already said to myself.”
Her phone rang and Stacey’s name displayed on her screen. “I need to take this.”
Micalah nodded and stepped away, walking to the end of the hallway.
“What did you find?” She listened while Stacey relayed what they had found in the container. “That’s awesome. Thank you.”
Micalah turned as Angel disconnected the call.
“What is it?” Micalah asked.
“The girls have been rescued, and Flagler has a team in place to pick up whoever comes to meet the container when it arrives in the US.”
“That’s great. With the information provided by Pigott, catching Barnes shouldn’t be a problem either. I’ll call you with an update when I get back in the US.”
“I’ll take good care of her,” she said softly. Since Micalah’s arrival, she hadn’t really had the opportunity to talk privately with Ellie. She didn’t need to hear Ellie say Micalah was a good friend. She could see it in Micalah’s face and her actions.
Micalah nodded. “Thank you for not making me say it.”
She smiled. “Have a safe trip.”
She headed back to Ellie’s office. It was time for her nightly briefing, and she couldn’t wait for a few seconds alone with Ellie.
* * *
Ellie closed the door behind Angel. She had sent Chloe home hours ago. The embassy employees were happy to be able to return to their homes throughout the city.
She willingly fell into Angel’s arms and relaxed as they tightened around her. She inhaled the scent that had become a part of her over the last couple of weeks. She wasn’t sure where they were going to go after this. No doubt Angel would be sent on a new mission soon.
“Can you stay until Micalah sends word that she’s found Barnes?”
“I plan to stay until everyone involved is caught. Even the mysterious Lars.”
“And then maybe a little longer?”
“I can.”
She pulled back so she could look into Angel’s eyes. “Seriously. You’ll stay for a while?”
“Vince thinks my team should remain in place for a few more weeks to make sure everyone involved is in the hands of authorities. He wants to make sure you and your staff are safe.”
“That’s great. Though it will be hard for me to concentrate while you’re here.”
Angel smiled. “If you can make it until my team leaves, then I’ll be on my own time. All restrictions will be removed, and touching will be allowed. Welcomed even.”
“You’re staying after your team leaves?” Ellie gushed.
“Vince has agreed that I need a couple weeks of vacation.”
“He has?”
“He thinks a nice sandy location would be good.”
“I know the perfect place.”
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