Page 56 of Fatal Intent

Rayne dried off and dressed in a fresh black t-shirt and cargo pants. She walked into the bedroom. “Need anything, Jake?”

He paused in hooking up an IV. “Two bottles of water would be great.”

“What about food? I’ll be happy to bring both of you a meal.”

Jake glanced at Tara. “What about it, Tara? Do you want to eat something?”

She nodded. “I’m hungry but I don’t know if food will stay down.”

“I’ll find you something.” Rayne returned to the cabin and put her Go bag in the overhead compartment.

Grant walked toward her with two plates in his hands, one piled high with sandwiches and chips.

She smiled. That plate must be Grant’s. “What did you make us?”

“Roasted chicken sandwiches. I didn’t know how hungry you were. If you need more, I’ll be happy to go back to the galley and put together another round of sandwiches.”

Of course he would. Man, Grant must have a hollow leg. She didn’t know where he put all that food. “I need plates for Jake and Tara along with bottles of water.”

He handed Rayne the plates. “Take these to them. I’ll bring water to the bedroom, then make plates for us.”

She brushed his lips with hers. “Thanks.” Pivoting, she retraced her steps to the bedroom and eased the door open with her hip. “Roasted chicken sandwiches and chips. Grant’s bringing water.”

“Thanks, Rayne.” Jake took the plates from her and handed the plate with one sandwich to Tara. “Eat what you can. Start with the sandwich. If you feel sick, stop. Don’t be surprised if you can’t eat much. You haven’t been eating your normal amount of food for a while.”

A knock sounded on the door frame, and Grant stepped inside the room with a water bottle in each hand. He gave them to Jake.

“Thank you for everything,” Tara said. “Especially for risking your lives to save us. I don’t know what we would have done if you hadn’t arrived when you did.”

“We’re glad we were available to help.”

“I can’t believe what you accomplished with so few people on your team.”

Rayne reached over and squeezed Tara’s hand gently. “It’s what we’re trained to do.” She stood. “We’ll go so you can eat. If you need us for anything, have Jake come get us.”

Back in the cabin, she and Grant went to the galley and made more sandwiches for themselves and joined the others still eating at the conference table. Sean and his children huddled together in seats near the back of the jet, blankets draped over them. Gerald White and his bodyguard still sat at the conference table, sipping coffee.

The operatives kept the conversation to neutral topics, aware of the children nearby. When everyone finished their meals, Grant picked up the empty plates and tossed them in a garbage can, then headed back to the bedroom. He returned a moment later with empty plates and water bottles.

Seth motioned for Grant to join them again. When he dropped back into his chair, Seth said, “The boss wants to talk to us.”

Rayne’s stomach knotted. “Is that good news or bad news?”

“Your guess is as good as mine.”

“Might as well get it over with,” Elias muttered. “I don’t want to spend potential sleep time staring at the ceiling, wondering what’s going on.”

“Same,” Andre said. “Besides, it’s never good policy to keep the boss waiting.” He grimaced. “Maddox has devious ways of making you pay.”

“Truth,” Seth said. “So, let’s find out what’s going on.” He glanced at Riley and nodded.

A moment later, a grim-faced Maddox appeared on the wall screen. “Sit rep, then we need to talk.”

Oh, man. Rayne exchanged glances with Grant. More trouble was brewing.

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

GRANT WRAPPED HIShand around Rayne’s. Whatever had happened wasn’t good. Did this problem concern the team, or would he and Rayne be under even more scrutiny by the time this conversation was over? As far as he was concerned, he didn’t care. The same couldn’t be said about Rayne. He didn’t want her name dragged through the mud.