The admiral blew out a sigh. “As you know, I’ve been the target of blackmail. Most of it is utter nonsense, but they seemed to think I’d give up highly classified intel. They knew I had access to codes to nuclear warheads on one of our ships, but damn. Those could be quickly changed if they fell into the wrong hands.”
“Unless they have someone inside one of the subs,” Raptor nodded.
Troy scrubbed a hand over his jaw. Damn. The only nuclear weapons the Navy currently had were aboard submarines. They hadn’t been used in the Surface Forces in years. What they intended to do with the codes was concerning. And wasn’t that the understatement of the century.
“How’d you trick them?” Troy asked.
“We’ve got a decoy computer system set up because of the blackmail and threatening letters I’ve received. The Navy’s been planning to feed the suspects bad intelligence in hopes of getting whoever was behind this to out themselves. We believed it was larger than just a lone wolf. If we can determine some of the players, there’d be a huge break in the case.”
“Given the number of gunmen that breached the ship, it’s clearly a bigger threat than one person.”
The admiral nodded. “It’s a well-organized group. Domestic terrorism is the current theory. These people are here in the U.S. or have contacts that are. It’s not just info they’ve gleaned online. They had photos of my daughter walking around her college campus. They had my wife and son grocery shopping. My family is being tracked and targeted. The threats had been de-escalating until tonight.”
“What can we do?” Raptor asked with a frown.
“I’ll speak with your commanding officer. We’ve been keeping knowledge about the blackmail to a select few, but the whole damn world will know about this incident by tomorrow.”
“We’ll do whatever we can,” Troy assured the admiral.
Admiral Rice cleared his throat. “None of the NCIS agents onboard tonight were held with the rest of the men. Did you find them?”
Troy and Blake exchanged a glance. The fact that they hadn’t been discovered was troubling. Add that to the blood that had been found on the ship’s deck? Troy clenched his jaw. It looked like they’d lost some good men.
“No, sir,” Raptor said. “The yacht will be thoroughly searched when we dock. They’ll send a separate dive team out in the morning as well. The gunman who jumped is also missing. There was blood on the deck and signs of a struggle.”
“God damn it,” the admiral muttered. “Are we cleared to head back to the pier? I need to go check on my wife. And then we’ve got a hell of a lot of work to do.”
Chapter 13
Caitlyn rubbed her head and groaned the next morning. She had a splitting headache and was exhausted beyond all measure. After being brought back to the pier the night before, she’d been taken to the hospital and checked out. The wounds on her wrists were treated but weren’t nearly as bad as they could have been. She’d been interviewed by the police and had a meeting with another investigator tomorrow.
By the time Harper had picked her up from the emergency room and dropped her off at home, it had been three in the morning.
Glancing at her clock, Caitlyn realized it was already eleven a.m. She headed straight into her bathroom and took a ridiculously long, hot shower. She’d been too tired last night to do anything but sleep, but now, she just wanted to be clean and wash the entire memory of last night off her.
She watched as suds from her shampoo washed down the drain. She felt like a worn-out, exhausted mess, but at least she was a step closer to normalcy.
Her phone buzzed on the bathroom counter, and after she stepped out of the shower and wrapped a towel around herself, she realized she had a text from an unknown number.
Hi Butterfly. Any chance you’re up for some company? I have your purse from the yacht.
She flushed as she stood there in a towel, hair sopping wet, re-reading his text. Of course, he couldn’t see her. It was a text message. But she was naked in her bathroom. When Troy had said he’d call, she hadn’t expected to hear from him the next day. Especially not this morning.
Was he just coming by because he felt obligated? Maybe he’d helped gather everyone’s personal belongings or something.
But…no.
He’d kissed her last night—only gently, against her forehead, but goodness. She’d been in too much shock to even react to that. He was a big, tough, alpha male who’d literally swooped in and rescued her. He’d had other things to do—no doubt—but he’d stayed at her side until she climbed off that yacht.
Yes! But I just woke up.
Her phone buzzed with Troy’s reply.
Good. You needed the rest. How about in 30 minutes? I’ll bring bagels and coffee.
Bagels and coffee? Meaning…he was planning to stay? Or…?
Caitlyn looked into the bathroom mirror at the dark circles under her eyes. There was no way she’d look decent anytime today. She might as well let him see her at her worst and then that would be that. He’d probably abandon his idea of asking her out to dinner. She did need her purse and wallet though.
Sure. As long as the coffee is iced, pretty please!
His reply came right away.
Sure thing, Butterfly. Already have your address, so see you soon. xx
Her heart pounded in her chest. Were those little “X’s” symbolizing kisses? Or was it a typo? Had he fat-fingered his phone and accidentally sent them?
She was overthinking this. Overthinking it in every way imaginable. He was doing her a favor and bringing over some food.
Running a comb through her red waves, she decided to just let them air dry. They’d be decent enough by the time he arrived. Moving to her bedroom, she pulled out black yoga pants and a comfy, long top. It wasn’t fancy and certainly didn’t scream “date,” but it was the morning after she’d been taken hostage. She wanted comfortable clothes. She put on minimal makeup—just a little mascara and lip gloss. With her red hair, her eyelashes looked almost nonexistent without mascara. She added a touch of blush just for good measure. Otherwise she was as pale as a ghost.
Hurrying into the living room of her apartment, she quickly tidied up. She kept things neat in general, but in case Troy was actually coming inside, she needed it to look presentable.
Exactly thirty minutes after he’d texted, there was a knock on her apartment door. She looked through the peephole and almost groaned. Troy once again looked handsome as hell. He had on cargo shorts and a tee shirt, held two iced coffees in his hand, and also had a huge bag of bagels. Oh, and her purse.
She opened the door, and he grinned down at her. He was big and broad standing there in her doorway, and he smelled clean, like he’d just showered and shaved. “I didn’t want to be presumptuous, but I brought myself a coffee as well. We can sit outside if you’d prefer and are up for some company.”
“No, you can come in. I think after last night, I feel safer with you than anyone.”
Troy stilled and looked directly at her, his blue eyes filled with concern. “I don’t like that you were put in that situation,” he said. “I’m happy as hell that I found you again, but it never should’ve been like that.”
“Definitely not,” she agreed with a shudder. He frowned, but she took the cardboard drink tray and her purse from him. “Come in. Thank you so much for bringing my things and the food. I know I look terrible,” she rambled as they walked into her living room.
“Hey, you look as pretty as ever,” he countered with a wink.
She blushed but took the bag of bagels from him, setting it on her kitchen counter. “Well now I know you’re lying, but thanks for the sentiment, I think. How’d you end up with my purse, anyway?”
Troy had the decency to look embarrassed. “The PD was sorting through everyone’s belongings. I sort of volunteered to come see you.” He watched as she looked inside her purse, pulling out her keys.
“How’d you get into your place?”
“I had to get the man
agement office to let me in. They weren’t happy given that it was the middle of the night, but Harper—that’s my best friend—basically threw a fit. She drove me home from the hospital.”
“Hell, sweetheart. You had a late night.”
“Yep. Which is why I’m thrilled you brought me this massive coffee.” She smiled at Troy, loving the grin that broke out across his face.
“And here I thought you were just happy to see me.”
“That too,” she assured him. “Like I said, I lost your cell number. I guess I was flustered and didn’t save it in my phone like I thought.”
“I would’ve found you eventually,” he said. “I was even ready to get my sisters to help track you down. I never would’ve heard the end of that,” he said with chuckle.
She grabbed some plates from her cupboard, feeling Troy’s eyes on her as she stood up on her tiptoes.
“Can I help with anything?”
“Nope. I think you’ve done more than enough.” She grabbed some butter knives from the drawer and watched as he pulled several different types of cream cheese from the bag.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d like. I know I got a lot, but you can freeze the extras.”
“They smell awesome,” she said. “And I have to admit that I’m starving. Did you get in late, too? I assume you had to stay on the boat awhile doing your SEAL stuff.”
“I did,” Troy said, grabbing a bagel and spreading cream cheese over it. “I didn’t get home until nearly five a.m. I slept a good five hours before texting you.”
Caitlyn reached over and grabbed her iced coffee, taking a long sip. “Want to sit in the living room to eat? It’s more comfy than the table.”
“Whatever you want works for me, Butterfly.”
She flushed, and he chuckled. “I have to admit I love that blush that spreads across your cheeks. And the freckles are cute as hell.”
“More like embarrassing.”
“Believe me, I’m not complaining,” he said with a wink. He grabbed his own iced coffee and plate and made his way into her living room, looking totally at ease. If Caitlyn had shown up at his place, she was sure that she’d feel awkward and nervous. He acted like he walked into women’s homes every day.
Shoot.
Maybe he did.
Troy sank down onto one end of her sofa, and she took the plush chair right beside it. They set their plates on her coffee table. “Damn. Your apartment even smells like you,” he said, nodding at the candle. “When we first met, I thought you smelled like vanilla cupcakes.”
“I’m kind of obsessed,” she admitted. “I’ve got vanilla candles and lotion. But I actually prefer chocolate in my food.”
“Noted,” he said with a grin. “And you like iced coffees. I hope having them add cream and sugar was okay?”
“Perfect, actually.”
They started eating, Troy eating twice as fast as she did, she noted with a smile. Once again, she noticed he seemed completely at ease around her. She just felt…disheveled.
“How are your wrists?” he asked, eyeing the red rope burns.
“Pretty good. They cleaned them yesterday because I had scrapes and small cuts from the rope. The saltwater stung like crazy when it splashed onto them. God. It was complete and utter chaos back at the pier when we docked.”
Troy nodded. “We showed up hours later with the yacht. A massive investigation is already underway.”
“I can imagine. When I met with Evelyn a few weeks ago, she had those federal agents with her. It seemed a little unusual, but I have to admit I don’t know how much security is usually around a Navy admiral. But when those gunmen rushed the boat—”
She cut off, her voice choked, and hastily set her plate down on the coffee table.
“Hey, Butterfly,” Troy said, setting his own plate down. He was up before she realized it, kneeling down right in front of her. Troy’s hand lightly clasped hers, his thumb rubbing over her skin as his other landed on her thigh. “You were amazing. More than amazing. I even told my SEAL team leader that I couldn’t believe how well you held yourself together.”
“Believe me, it didn’t feel like it,” she said, brushing away a few tears that streamed down her cheeks. Troy reached up, swiping one away with his thumb.
“It was amazing. We train for situations like that. We drill daily and practice for multiple scenarios. But most people never expect or imagine they’ll be caught up in something like that. To keep your cool and not panic, to escape from those ropes? I’m impressed as hell.”
She bit her lip but nodded, looking at him with watery eyes. Troy looked so worried about her. And to have this huge man literally kneeling in front of her made warmth fill her entire body. She was attracted to him, sure, but it was more than that. He genuinely cared for and was concerned about her. It seemed crazy given that they didn’t know one another, but he’d been protective that very first night they’d met at the beach as well.
“I thought they were going to kill me,” she admitted. “They kept Evelyn and me separate from the others.” Suddenly she gasped.
“What’s wrong?”
“I recognized one of those men. I forgot to tell the investigator because I was so out of it by then, but I saw him before. He was outside of my office a couple of weeks ago.”
Troy’s gaze narrowed. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, absolutely. I remember it was specifically the day Evelyn came. She had two federal agents with her, we met for a few hours, and when they left, I saw him outside. It freaked me out because I’d forgotten to lock my office door.”
In a panic, she turned toward her own apartment door.
“I turned the deadbolt,” Troy assured her.
“Right,” she said, letting out a shaky breath.
“So what happened?” he asked. He was still holding her hand, his thumb lightly caressing her skin. It was comforting but still intimate. She felt safe with him here. Of course, he’d just come for breakfast though. Soon he’d leave, and she’d have to go about her life.
“He saw me looking at him. He was just looking in the front windows. It’s a busy area and people walk by all the time. When he saw me looking at him, he bolted. It was creepy. I recognized him on the boat, and that’s why he pulled me aside. I’m easy to spot with my red hair.”
Troy’s gaze tracked to her hair, and he gently reached up and caressed it, as if he couldn’t help himself. “It’s concerning that he knows where you work and that he recognized you. It sounds like he was following the admiral’s wife that day. Damn. Let me quick give my CO a call, okay?”
“Yeah, sure,” she said, sinking back into her chair.
Troy grabbed her iced coffee and handed it to her. “Drink this. You need the sugar.”
She nodded weakly and took it from him. Troy quickly made the call, pacing her living room. He almost seemed too large for her space. He looked like he was coursing with adrenaline and ready to move. Clearly, a man of action. Meanwhile she was barely holding herself together.
Troy tucked his phone back into his pocket and came to her. “The CO is going to follow up with the investigators on this. Most of the gunmen are dead, but one jumped overboard. He’s presumed dead, but of course others who weren’t on board the yacht are likely involved. One escaped early on as well.”
Caitlyn nodded. She didn’t need to ask to know that Troy and his team had ended their lives. She felt absolutely no remorse for them. They’d shot the NCIS agent. They’d taken over fifty people hostage.
Troy ran a hand through his short-cropped hair. “I’m glad you remembered that, Butterfly. They’ll try to pull surveillance from near your office to see if we can get an ID on him. The San Diego PD was already looking through footage from near the pier last night.”
She nodded again.
“Are you okay?” he asked gently.
“Yeah. I’m just kind of overwhelmed by it all. I took on this project when their first event planner had to cancel. I thought I’d get a whole new group
of clients from it. I mean, if the admiral and Evelyn were happy, maybe their friends would want me to plan their parties, graduations, and all that. I was trying to shift away from weddings. Now what could have been a turning point in my business is all for nothing. It’s silly,” she said, blowing out a sigh as a tear ran down her cheek.
Troy sank down onto the sofa close to her again. “What do you have planned for today, Butterfly?”
She eyed him warily. “Not leaving this room? I figured chocolate and chick flicks were in store after my night.”
He chuckled. “You want some company?”
She looked at him in surprise. “You don’t have work?”
He shook his head. “We were there until early this morning. Of course, there’s always a chance we’ll be called in, but we gave our statements to the commander. I’ll be back there early tomorrow morning.” His gaze trailed over her hair, and she fingered it nervously.
“What?”
“It’s wavier than I remember.”
“Oh. Well, I usually dry it. I was getting out of the shower right when you called.” She flushed, wondering why she was telling him that. “And honestly I didn’t feel much like wasting time fussing on my hair.”
“I like it,” he assured her. “And no fuss is good. I’ve got sisters, remember? They could spend hours in the bathroom.”
“How old are they?” Caitlyn asked.
“One’s a senior in college, so she’ll be graduating in a few months. The other’s still in high school. I’d graduated and moved out before they were teenagers.”
“How old are you?” she asked.
“I’m thirty,” he said, his lips quirking.
She nodded. “I’m twenty-seven, but everyone thinks I’m younger. It’s the freckles,” she said with a shrug.
“I still think they’re cute as hell,” he said with a wink.
“And you’re really going to watch a chick flick with me?”
“Hell yeah,” he said. “And I still plan to eventually take you out to dinner. But today? Relaxing with a movie after that insane night sounds just about right.”
SEAL's Promise (Alpha SEALs Coronado Book 5) Page 10
