Chapter 24
Stress and exhaustion held Garnet as they searched for information, leaving no stone unturned. It was midnight before they got back to Brady’s house, and though she was interested in exploring Brady’s body, there was no way she could stay awake.
Looking at information all day had drained her. Her back ached from sitting in the same position for hours. In the car on the way to his house, she’d almost fallen asleep.
They stepped into his house, and she dropped her bag next to the entry table, then kicked off her shoes. He set the alarm and then came up behind her, rubbing her shoulders and neck.
A low groan slipped from her lips. “That feels too good.”
“As much as I want to show you a good time, I need sleep.”
“So do I. Exhaustion has taken over, and even my eyelids ache.”
Brady chuckled. “You’re funny. But yes, even my eyelids ache. Let’s get ready for bed. Are you still okay sleeping in the bed with me? I swear I won’t try anything.”
Laughter bubbled up. “Yeah, I know you won’t. I trust you.”
He spun her and pulled her into a kiss that made her swoon. Or maybe that was just the exhaustion making her knees weak. Being with Brady was overpowering.
He stepped back, and she wanted to be in his arms again.
But he was right, they needed sleep. Tomorrow would be a long day.
His buddies were planning to call in other people so they could grab the guy and bring him in for questioning.
She wasn’t sure exactly how it would work, but she trusted Brady and his team.
It impressed her that his team was so well versed in searching for information.
Though she worked for the government and knew the military focused on anti-terrorist activity, she hadn’t expected them to be so into searching out information on their targets.
They were physically impressive, and she was impressed with their abilities on the computer.
“I’ll brush my teeth first, then you can use the bathroom.”
“Thank you.”
She rubbed her eyes, thinking she couldn’t get any more exhausted. Then Brady came out from the bathroom, his phone held up, screen facing her.
“Brush your teeth and freshen up. I have to head back to base, and you need to come.”
“What?” Surely she’d heard him wrong.
“The guy we were looking at did a runner. Something must have keyed him into the fact that we were watching him. Luckily, we put a notice on his file, and his passport was flagged in New York as he was boarding a flight to Europe.”
“Oh.” She turned around and looked at her bag, then back at Brady.
“What will happen?”
“You can sleep on the couch. I’ll grab a blanket and pillow for you. I just have to be there, and I’m not leaving you here alone.”
She nodded, then headed into the bathroom, a dull ache setting up behind her eyes. After brushing her teeth and swiping on more deodorant, she pulled on a fresh shirt and underwear, then something comfortable to wear.
They were back at base in less than thirty minutes. The men on Brady’s team seemed pumped. He led her to an office and told her to sleep, which she gladly complied with.
At some point, the door squeaked open, and she woke from the noise. Brady turned on a lamp, and she could see that his lips were down and worry lines creased the skin between his eyebrows.
“While he was being questioned, he tried to kill himself. They stopped him from actually completing the deed. The FBI found information that he was headed to an accomplice’s place. We’re flying out in two hours.”
She rubbed her eyes, confusion mixing with worry. “Oh.”
“We talked about it and decided it would be best if you stayed with Ansley. Two MPs will be stationed outside her house. The neighbor on the left is military. We aren’t telling him what is going on, but he will be on the lookout.”
“Okay. So I’m staying with Ansley?”
“Yes. You’re staying with Ansley. Link is talking to her now. You’ll be safe.”
She closed her eyes, trying to concentrate. Being tired sucked, and this exhaustion felt bone-deep. After a deep breath and a shake of her head, she stood.
“Okay. How am I getting to her place?”
“You’re being driven over there. I wish I could take you, but we’re headed out in a few minutes.”
Her sleep fog had cleared enough to grasp what he was saying. She placed her hands on his chest and met his gaze. The look in his eyes sent a shiver down her spine.
She nodded. “I’ll be fine. You go do what you have to do.”
He wrapped his arms around her, kissing the top of her head. His gentleness with her made her heart squeeze. This man was more than she’d ever expected anyone to be. The caring in his touch warmed her.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
“For what?”
“Watching out for me. I needed this.”
“Hey, we’re going to figure this out and keep you safe.”
She cupped the side of his face and would have kissed him had someone not knocked on the door. Brady stepped back, and she missed his warmth.
“Meeting in five,” Chase said.
Brady nodded. “Got it.”
She grabbed the pillow and blanket, and he took her by the hand, leading her into the hall. Two men she’d never seen before were waiting. They were young and held the rank of corporal. If Brady trusted them, she would trust them.
“Take her to Link’s house. You have the address.”
“Yes, Sergeant Carpenter, we’ve been informed.”
“Thank you.” He squeezed her hand, and she turned to follow the two men.
The drive to Ansley’s house didn’t take long.
She missed Brady, but he had to go and do his job.
The door opened, and Ansley waited on the porch for her.
The two MPs told her they would stay outside the house until they were relieved by two more men.
She felt better knowing the house would be secure. She didn’t think anyone would come after her here, but she hadn’t expected to be abducted in Beirut.
“Hey,” Ansley said as she pulled her into a hug.
“Thank you for allowing me to stay.”
Ansley gave her a squeeze before letting go. “Of course. I’m happy you’re here while Link is gone. It gets lonely sometimes.”
Ansley set the alarm, and Garnet felt better knowing she had another person looking out for her. It was weird being here in Ansley’s house, but she was glad she wasn’t alone.
“I’m exhausted, so I’m probably not good company right now.”
“The bed upstairs has fresh sheets.”
“Thank you.”
“Of course. Let me show you to the room. The bathroom is across the hall. I have a class at eight in the morning, but after that I’ll be free.”
Garnet hoped she slept past eight. She needed to catch up on sleep. Worry for Brady rose. He knew what he was doing, and she trusted him to stay safe, but knew wild things happened on missions.