“I apologize for that, sir.”
Another quick look at Seleina who was still silent and waiting.
“Yes, well, I guess I can assume your involvement has become somewhat personal, hence the excessive force.”
“I believe that to be the case, sir.”
“Corps officer, I might suggest you cut all ties to that woman as soon as possible. I might suggest that and I know you would only disobey, so I will leave that command for another time. I will, however, advise you that the moment your relationship with her compromises your duties or your responsibilities to the Corps or jeopardizes the EOC itself, we will have to take action – with both of you.”
Ryan’s thoughts paused. He would deal with any repercussions as they came to him, but he would never allow them to hurt Seleina – never.
“I understand, sir.”
“I am sure that you do, Corps officer. Back to more pressing matters. The man you apprehended, David Vida, was only able to give us a handful of names, not enough the get to the core members of the Order of the New Rising. If you were hoping that his information would lead you to an early reprieve, you were mistaken.”
Ryan ran his fingers through his hair, now slick with sweat.
“I understand, sir.”
“It would also seem that those other members we were able to detain through Mr. Vida’s intel – he’s dead by the way – kept giving us the same name again and again.”
“Who would that be, sir?”
“Seleina Vaughn.”
Ryan’s heart pounded under his skin.
“That is one reason you were allowed to remain where you are for so long without interruption. Seems the Order has a special interest in your lady friend and your mission has not concluded as of yet. Keep her close until you hear further word from us. Understood?”
Before Ryan could respond, the phone clicked and the secure line went dead. He tossed the cell beside him on the bed.
“Ryan. Who was that?”
Seleina draped her arms around his shoulder and placed her face against his back.
“Ryan, you’re dripping with sweat. Who was that?”
She slung her legs over the side and placed a warm hand against his clammy skin.
“Seleina, my sweet Seleina.”
Ryan placed his hand behind her head and pulled her face close to his and rubbed her cheek with his own. I will protect you with my life, I swear.
“You’re scaring me. Please tell me what’s going on?”
She pulled back from his embrace and he allowed her eyes to meet his own dark gaze.
“We need to get dressed – now.”
“What for?”
“We have to leave. It’s the Order. I think they still want you dead.”
A sob escaped her lips. Large hands went under her legs and pulled them over his lap. Seleina buried her head against the angle of Ryan’s neck and held on to him for dear life.
“Seleina, I will never let any harm come to you. I promise. I love you.”
“I believe you. I love you, too.”
Ryan had to take his newfound love to the one place where she would be safe, and the one place he wanted to avoid at all costs. They would have to travel to the nearest EOC command post where Commander Nicholas Brimm would be awaiting their arrival. The senior officer did not have to directly issue the order for Ryan to understand Nick would be expecting the couple to arrive no longer than two days from now. This was standard operating procedure for bringing a witness in to custody.
Ryan Day had been a bad mofo in his day, but his half brother was damn near psychotic before he was recruited into the Corps. Not only would Ryan have to protect Seleina from a crazed cult, now he would have to keep her from the dirty hands of his older sibling.
He stroked her hair and prayed for a way out of this mess.
~End One~
Breaking Day Page 7
