Chapter 17
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Foster woke to his phone ringing. He groaned then snatched it off the charger, groaning again when he saw who was calling.
“Foster here.”
“We need you at base in an hour.”
“Got it.”
He ended the call then rolled to his feet, knowing that today would be crap. After a quick shower, he wrote a note for Pen, telling her that he would text when he figured out what was going on.
He grabbed a quick peanut butter sandwich and headed to the base. He had no idea who all had been called in, but the number of vehicles in the lot told him it was more than just his team.
Sure enough, Kevlar, Flash, and MacGyver met him inside the door. He greeted them, noting they all had coffee, so he headed to the coffee maker to grab a cup.
“It looks like it’s going to be a long day, let’s get started,” someone called out.
Foster glanced around, seeing it was Lieutenant Marsh. They were taking their places when Admiral Newton walked in and moved to sit at the center of the table.
“At ease. We’ve received information about a potential terrorist action.
I believe all of you in this room are familiar with the initial information we had.
I was informed last night that the area around Italy is heating up.
That doesn’t mean the heat is off for the other two locations.
Every Navy base is on high alert. Heck, we’re even on alert.
All of that to say we will be sending six teams over to assist with the men already on the ground.
Lieutenant Marsh has assignments. This is top priority.
We don’t know who will experience action, so keep your head on a swivel, and let’s shut this bastard down. ”
The admiral left, and it was up to them to get their orders and prepare. Wave received the packet of information and came over as he flipped through the pages.
“We’re headed out this afternoon. We’re going to Italy with Kevlar’s team.”
Foster nodded, thinking about everything he needed to do before he took off.
This would give Pen time to adjust to life on her own but in a safe space.
She would have Willa and the rest of the women around her.
He knew his buddies’ wives and girlfriends were good people and wouldn’t do anything mean to Pen.
It was good that Willa lived next door. He should talk to Cy and a few other men.
Wave got their attention. “We have seven hours before heading out. Get your pack ready, and I’ll see you back here in six.”
Foster moved to Kevlar’s team. “Hey, do you all have a text group with your women?”
Smiley’s face twisted up. “What do you need that for?”
“Pen, I want her to have someone to contact while I’m gone.”
Kevlar nodded. “I’ll send a note to Remi and make sure she and the women get in contact with Pen. They won’t leave her hanging.”
“Thank you.”
Smiley slapped his forehead. “Oh yeah, that’s right. You’ve got a woman.”
Foster shook his head. “No, she’s not mine. We’re just friends and I don’t want her being alone.”
“That’s nice of you,” Smiley said.
He rolled his eyes, hoping he really was doing it to be nice. There really weren’t ulterior motives behind his wanting her to have someone to contact if she needed help. He was putting her first, not to get into her pants, but because she needed help. “I’ll see you all in a bit.”
He didn’t want to be the type of jerk who only did things for a woman who might sleep with him.
Pen needed help. She wasn’t in the right mindset to be alone.
With Willa living next door, and a few of the other women he knew checking in on her, maybe she would be okay, and he didn’t need to feel guilty about leaving.
Pen woke up to find a note from Foster in the kitchen. She hadn’t even woken up when he left the house. Staying at Foster’s place was nice and allowed her some great rest.
She made an egg and sprinkled some cheese on top, wondering if it was too much food. She’d just sat down to eat when she heard a car out front. Panic set in. Was it someone she knew? Maybe she should get up to look and see who it was.
Then the door opened. Foster was home. She glanced down, feeling a little guilty for not cooking him anything.
“Hey, you’re back.”
“Only for a little while. We’re flying out this afternoon. I can’t tell you where we are going, or what’s going on, but I’ll be gone for a while. Not sure how long. Please stay here. With Willa next door, you’ll at least have someone close.”
“Oh, um, I don’t know what to say.”
His lips spread into a smile. “It will give you time to heal. I’ve made sure Remi and some of her friends will check in on you.”
She stood and was about to go to him but had no reason to approach. She wasn’t going to hug him, that wouldn’t be an appropriate reaction to him coming home. “Um, you didn’t have to.”
He moved to her and put his hands on her shoulders, his touch sending warmth through her. “Hey, I want to help you. If you need anything, there will be people here for you.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to be a bother.”
“Trust me. Every woman who helps you would bend over backwards considering you gave us the information you did.” His lips screwed up to the side. “You can’t tell them. Not yet. The information may eventually be released, but for now it’s not for the public.”
“Oh, gosh, of course. While you’re gone, do you want me to do anything?”
“Yes. I want you to enjoy your life. Eat some food, get rest, watch some movies, and take care of yourself. Go to your doctors’ appointments and talk to a psychologist. Do what you need to do to feel better. I’ve got five hundred dollars in the bottom drawer of my desk. Use it for food.”
Panic slid through her and she glanced around. “That’s a lot of money.”
“Hey, it’s there for emergencies. I know you don’t have access to your money yet.
Dang it. I meant to introduce you to Tex.
He is looking into getting you access to your accounts.
I’ll have him call when Remi is with you.
I wish I had more time right now, but I need to take care of a few things before I take off. ”
“Sure. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry about me.”
“I just want to make sure you’re set before I go. There are people around here who can help you. I’m sorry I have to take off now, but you’ll have some time to heal and think. If you need someone around, I know the women would be more than willing to hang out.”
She nodded, unsure if she’d want other people around. She kind of liked being alone. “Thank you for looking after me. I kind of feel like I’m using you by staying here, but I have nowhere to go since my family is crappy.”
Foster chuckled as he stepped back. “You can stay here as long as you like. And I’m glad you’re away from the crap.”
“Thank you.” She watched as he headed into his room and wished he still held her.
She would miss him, but while he was gone, she would work on herself.
It would be good for her to have some alone time so she could think.
With time alone, she could heal before he got back, and then maybe she would be ready for more with him.