CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
The atmosphere in the conference room at Ava’s office was tense, with a mix of concern and determination reflected in everyone’s expressions.
Around the long table sat Agent Jefferson, Derek, Judge Holten, Clint, Aussie, Ava, and Christian. Ava stayed quiet with her hands folded in front of her while Agent Jefferson took the lead and explained the situation to Judge Holten and Clint.
The room was silent except for Agent Jefferson’s words. Ava could feel the weight of everyone’s concern. Their eyes would occasionally glance toward Christian, who sat next to her. Even Clint, who was normally composed, looked unusually uneasy as his fingers tapped lightly on the table.
As Jefferson laid out the details, Judge Holten leaned forward, her sharp gaze directed at the agent. “And what exactly do you suggest for their protection while they’re away?”
Jefferson nodded. He glanced at Aussie and then went back to the judge. “Aussie will ensure their safety. He has experience with situations like this and is more than capable of handling any threats that may arise. They will also have the backing of the FBI should it be needed.”
The Judge absorbed that, nodding slowly. She then looked at Aussie. “So, you’ll be staying with your family?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Aussie replied.
“And where do they live?”
Before Aussie could respond, Derek spoke up. “With all due respect, Your Honor, for security reasons, we don’t disclose personal information involving the families of SEALs. What I can assure you is that the location is remote, private, and known only to Agent Jefferson and me.”
The Judge’s eyes flicked to Derek, studying him for a moment. Then, she gave a small nod of approval. “Good. The less who know, the better. If only a select few know where they are, that minimizes the risk. No one else needs to be aware of their whereabouts.” She then turned her attention to Ava. Her expression softened. “I know this is a big upheaval for you and Christian, but I trust you’ll do what’s best for both of you.”
Ava nodded, grateful for the judge’s support. She could see in her eyes that she was fully on board with the plan.
Ava glanced at Clint again. He was still just sitting there, not really participating in the discussion. Normally, he was vocal in meetings, offering solutions or asking tough questions. Today, though, he seemed distracted. It was unlike him, and it gnawed at the back of Ava’s mind.
Once everyone was on board with the plan, the meeting concluded, and everyone wished Ava, Aussie, and Christian a Merry Christmas. Ava was touched by the warmth and care they all showed, even in such a tense situation.
As people filed out of the conference room, Clint stopped her. “Ava, could I please speak with you in my office?”
“Of course.”
After she told Aussie and Christian that she would meet them in her office, she followed Clint down the hall, her steps slow as an uneasy feeling settled in her chest. Once inside, the door clicked shut behind her.
Clint walked over to his desk and leaned against it. His arms were crossed, and his expression was tight.
“Why didn’t you come to me first?” he asked, his tone sharper than she expected.
Ava blinked as she was completely caught off guard by his tone. “This all just happened the other day. Plus, I was following Agent Jefferson’s instructions.”
Clint’s eyes narrowed. “I get that, but a little bit of a heads-up would’ve been nice. Plus, you're leaving, and we have three kids coming in. With everyone’s scheduled vacations, do you know how stretched we’re going to be without you here?”
“I understand,” Ava said, trying to stay calm. “But I’ll still be working remotely, and Sarah can help handle things here in person.”
Clint’s jaw clenched. “You don’t get it. You’re the one who has the most experience here. I personally don’t think you should go.” He muttered, but Ava heard him.
The lack of concern in his voice stung more than Ava wanted to admit.
“I’m sorry, Clint,” she said quietly. “But right now, my priority is Christian and keeping him safe. You, of all people, should understand that.”
He didn’t respond. He just stared at her for a moment. His expression was unreadable. Finally, he signed.
“We can’t do anything about it now. Just don’t forget your responsibilities.”
Ava frowned. She was unsettled by his lack of concern for her and Christian’s safety. It was as if his focus was entirely on the agency’s work and not her well-being. But wasn’t Christian’s safety part of the agency’s work?
Before she could respond, his phone rang, and he answered it without another word to her, effectively dismissing her.
Fuming, Ava left his office and returned to hers, where Aussie and Christian were waiting. The moment Aussie saw her face, he stood.
“What’s wrong?” he asked, his voice low and steady.
Ava shook her head. “Something’s off with Clint. He was upset that I didn’t come to him first and didn’t seem to care about why I was leaving. He’s never acted like this before.”
“Maybe he’s just stressed,” Aussie offered, though his brow furrowed with concern.
“Maybe,” Ava said, though her gut told her otherwise. There was something deeper at play, but she couldn’t put her finger on it.
“Come on,” Aussie said gently, resting a hand on her shoulder. “Let’s get out of here.”
As they walked out to Aussie’s truck, Derek was waiting for them by the driver’s side door.
“Just wanted to say goodbye,” Derek said with a smile. “The team has your back. If anything comes up, you call me. Understood?”
“Understood,” Aussie replied, shaking Derek’s hand.
Ava couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe at the way Derek and the others looked out for each other. The bond they shared was unshakable, and it made her feel safer knowing Aussie was part of it.
“Thank you, Derek,” she said.
Derek smiled, “No thanks needed, honey. We always have each other’s back. You guys drive safe,” he said, stepping back. “And Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas,” they echoed as they climbed into the truck.
As they pulled out of the parking lot and onto the highway, heading toward Indiana, Ava glanced at Aussie and Christian. Despite the tension and uncertainty, she felt a glimmer of hope. They were together, and that was what mattered most.