Page 51 of Code Name: Admiral

“Because they’re…you.”

Alice leaned up and kissed me. “Keep this up, Pershing, and you might make me fall in love with you.”

“That’s my goal.” I winked.

After showingher the remaining structures that were accessible, Alice and I returned to the main camp, where she got back to work.

I was going through emails and reading the briefs Tank had sent over when he walked in.

“Hey, boss?”

“In here,” I said, walking out of the morning room.

He approached and handed me his phone. “Diesel is arranging for a few more satphones to be delivered today, but for now, Grit is trying to reach you.”

I took the phone and called his number.

“Hey, Admiral.”

“What’s up, Grit?”

“I want to bring you up to speed on the briefing.”

“Right.” The truth was I’d forgotten all about it. “Go ahead, unless you want to send something over.”

“I’d rather tell you in person.”

His words raised my hackles. “Is that necessary?”

“They’re suspicious.”

“Who is?”

“Like I said, this conversation would be better had in person.”

“I can’t travel presently.”

“I’m aware, Admiral. By the way, I had a conversation with Doc and Merrigan Butler earlier. I want to fill you in on that as well.”

I didn’t like where this was going. “What are you thinking, Grit?”

“I’ll come up there.”

“Let me get back to you on that.”

“Admiral?”

“Just give me an hour or so.”

He sighed. “Understood.”

When the call ended, I realized both Alice and Tank were studying me.

“He wants to come back up here,” I blurted. “He also said he had a conversation with Doc and Merrigan.”

Tank shook his head. “I don’t like it, boss.”

Neither did I, and based on Alice’s expression, she didn’t either.