SEAL’S Secret Vows

9. Chase

Chapter nine

Chase

T oday is no longer about a mission that went awry. It's about digging up my past mistakes that threaten to pull down everything I've built so far. The outcome of this meeting will make or mar my future. Miller sits beside me answering a myriad of questions. Commander Keith sits opposite me, with two admirals at his side. He whispers to them, finalizing their decisions before making a verdict to bring the meeting to an end.

“You have four months left to solve this mission, Chase. There are a lot of lives at stake, here. You knew that and yet you let this happen.” Commander Keith's voice cuts through the tension in the room. The rest of the admirals eye me with the same look of distrust and carelessness.

“If, after four months, we're unable to get our hands on that information, you'll be brought up on charges,” the admiral sitting on Commander Keith's left pipes up. Adorned with his insignia, his name L.A. David is attached to his jacket.

“Yes, sir.” I reply, swallowing hard, the weight of his words heavy on my shoulders. “I understand, sir. I'm fully committed to resolving this,” I reply, my tone steady.

“Unless you can provide evidence that it wasn't you, you'll be convicted of your crimes, and you know what that means.” Commander Keith continues, his stern gaze unwavering.

I nod, my mind racing with the implications of his ultimatum. “I won't let it come to that, sir. I'll do whatever it takes to clear my name and bring those responsible to justice,” I vow, determination seeping into every word despite the turmoil churning inside me.

“You can both leave now. I'll expect an update on the mission this week.” Miller stands from his seat, and I follow after him, shutting the door quietly.

He shoots me a supportive smile as we near the hallway before patting my back. His presence is a silent reminder that I'm not facing this alone, just like Nora's presence appears to be the only thing keeping me steady at home.

“We'll get through this, Chase. Together,” he whispers, his voice reassuring me just like it's done for years.

I offer him a grateful nod, drawing strength from his unwavering support. “Thanks, Miller. I appreciate it.”

As I reach my door, I replay the events from the past and steel myself for the challenges ahead, knowing that the next four months will be the toughest test of my career. But I refuse to let fear or doubt hold me back. I will uncover the truth, no matter the cost.

“Hey, Miller, can you get Nora for me? I need to speak with her.”

“Sure, boss.” He makes a salute and takes the next turning that leads to Nora's office.

I take a seat and start looking through the case files on my table. I should find more information on the hostage here. Maybe I’ll even find a clue to what she's holding.

My mind drifts back to a mission gone wrong, a mistake that still haunts me to this day. My commander's words echo in my ears, a relentless reminder of my negligence.

I sigh in exasperation when I find nothing, nothing to put me out of this misery, except pursuing those who came after us.

Five minutes later, Nora opens the door, concern etched into her features.

I try hard to not take my frustration out on her, but it's impossible not to let it leak out a little. How do I tell her that I'm facing jail time? I called her here, and I can't just watch her leave.

“Wait, Nora.” It’s not her fault I'm in this position.

She sighs and walks up to me, facing me squarely. “Let me help you, Chase. We’re going to be working on this mission together, so I deserve to know what happened at least.” She grabs my arms, shaking them lightly and nudging me on.

“If I’m found guilty of the leak, I’ll be facing a ten-year jail term.” I blurt out the words that have caused my stomach to churn, gaining some relief when I finally say it.

“What?” Her voice cracks with disbelief, as she tries to comprehend the gravity of my revelation. “You’re not guilty of anything. You will be fine. Is that what the law says?”

“Yes, there are other charges too, but going to jail is a certainty unless I can prove my innocence. I put the lives of both the hostages and my team at risk. That’s a big deal, Nora. We don’t even know who’s taken her or if she’s fine. If she dies with the information she has, a lot of lives will be in danger.”

“Wait,” Nora interrupts, her hands raised in a calming gesture. “Take a deep breath, calm down, and explain everything.”

Before I can say anything, there's a loud knock, and Commander Keith strides in, his expression grave. He looks at our position, and Nora steps back. An awkwardness permeates the air as he closes the door.

“I should leave.” Nora says, raising a finger unsure of what to do. “Excuse me.”

The commander puts his hand out to stop her. “Wait. I checked your office, but Emma said Chase sent for you. I’m actually here to talk to you both.”

Nora glances at me nervously. I give a small, almost imperceptible nod so that she knows I’m with her.

“Have you gotten any leads on who did this, Nora?” Commander Keith asks.

“Not yet, sir.”

“But you think going undercover as a couple will solve this case.” His tone hints at a bit of sarcasm, and I see Nora wince. He really should not say anything to her. I suggested the idea.

“Sir, Nora’s working on it.” He looks at me for a few seconds before his face contorts into a weak smile, the creases around his eyes betraying his age and a ton of experience.

“It’s okay, really. Let’s just hope this plan works. I chose not to mention it to the admiral because, unlike what you hope—whatever that is—they might not see things in the same way and dismiss the idea. But I’ve known you for over a decade now, Steele. You’re a tough one, and after that time when you lost some members because someone leaked information, I didn’t think the past would repeat itself. That’s why I was hard on you, and that’s why we’re all being hard on you.”

“I understand, sir.”

“No, you don’t. The last time you made a mistake like this, do you remember what happened?” The images flash in my head, smoke, blood, gun shots, and bleeding that wouldn’t stop. Bile rises in my throat.

Swallowing hard, I reply, the taste of bitter memories lingering on my tongue. “Yes, sir. I remember.” His words dig up memories I’ve tried so hard to bury, pain I’ve tried to forget.

“Remember Chase, this mission cannot fail. You know what is at stake.” He glances at Nora before turning to the door. He pulls down the lever then stops. “Do not let what happened in the past repeat itself.” I clench my fist in anger as he shuts the door.

“Chase.” Nora places a hand on my shoulder offering support in what little way she can, but it’s not enough to soothe the pain inside, the wounds that refuse to heal, and the nightmare that haunts me at night. “I’m here for you,” she whispers softly.

“It wasn’t my fault. We were attacked. They knew we were coming, and I wasn’t sensitive enough to pick it up beforehand. But I’ve led over twenty missions making sure all of us were safe and this one mistake is too hard to forget. I wish I could erase things.” I say through blurry eyes, fighting tears that are threatening to fall. Nora grabs my arm and pulls me into a hug, tugging my head low onto her shoulders, calming me down.

“It’s okay. I believe you. I’m here for you. You can talk to me, Chase. Talk to me.” She rests her head on my chest, my height towering over her petite frame. I can't hold back any longer. The walls I've built around my emotions begin to crumble as she holds me, revealing the man hidden beneath the tough exterior.

“It was supposed to be a rescue mission, but we ended up being rescued ourselves.” I chuckle, a bitter sound bubbling out of my throat. “The mission failed, resulting in the death of several teammates. My negligence caused it then, too. This was before you started working here. It resulted in the loss of my comrades and those who didn’t die were left with severe injuries. It shattered their faith in the system, and they felt betrayed by my incompetence and negligence.”

“Oh, Chase,” she says sympathetically. It makes my stomach roll. I don’t deserve her kindness.

“Those with severe injuries had to leave the army, the incident cut short their dream to serve their country. Some left because they felt betrayed, some even questioned why I should remain alive when their best buddies were dead. Believe me, Nora, the last thing I wanted was for anyone to die. I had my own fair share of bullets, but I was just lucky to make it through.”

She pats my back gently before leaning back with dewy eyes, luring me in, taking me away from this moment, filling the void in me. I relish the moment even if it’s just a fleeting second, but I don’t want it to pass. I want to hold onto it.

I'm consumed by an overwhelming desire for something more. I lean in, my lips inches from hers, she lets out a small gasp of surprise as my lips collide with hers, capturing her in a heated kiss. Before things can escalate further, Nora pulls away, her eyes searching mine for answers.

With a shocked and confused look on her face, she exits my office without saying a word, leaving me grappling with a whirlwind of emotion.

As I watch her go, I feel everything snap like a rubber band. Jesus, what was I thinking?

What happens now?