Page 63 of Secrets Beneath the Waves

The phone went silent for a moment, the words settling over them like a heavy fog. Ellie’s grip on the phone tightened as the entire exchange made her uncomfortable.

“That’s why I worry,” he said softly, the edge in his voice giving way to something rawer, something closer to fear. “It’s not about control. It’s about keeping you alive.”

Ellie’s throat tightened. “I know, Dad. But I’m not walking into these situations blindly. You and Mom taught me better than that.”

He started to speak, but she cut him off.

“I don’t intend to let any of them progress much further. I’m focused on the mission first. You’re right, Mom. Dating all three is already a distraction. This whole conversation has been about them.”

“I’ll admit, it’s been entertaining hearing your father fret over your love life,” she said. “You’ve got him all worked up. I doubt he’ll sleep tonight.”

Ellie laughed. “Don’t worry about me, Dad. I know what I’m doing. Anyway, I should get going. Love you guys.”

“Love you, sweetheart,” Mom said.

Her father sighed. “Fine. Love you too. But if any of these guys step out of line, you call me.”

“I’ll handle it,” Ellie said quickly. “Bye!”

She hung up before he could argue further. Setting the phone down, she let out a long breath.

Her mom’s words echoed in her ears.

She’s dating three guys. That’s better than being hunted by three guys.

Her mother had meant it as a joke—a cynical quip about the dangers of their line of work—but Ellie wasn’t laughing now. The memory of the three Middle Eastern men trailing her earlier that day gnawed at the edges of her mind.

She had spotted them immediately, their movements too deliberate, their glances too rehearsed. Were they merely watching, or were they waiting for the right moment to make a move?

She should have mentioned them to her parents. That’s the main reason she called them.

She thought about calling back. Even picked up the phone and started to dial the number.

Immediately decided against it. She already knew what their reactions would be. Overprotective. Furious. Ready to insert themselves into the mission or pull her from it altogether.

No, for now, she’d keep it to herself. At least, until she was certain they were a real threat.

CHAPTER

FOUR

Later that night

The conversationwith her parents had been unsettling.

Her dad’s words echoed continually in her mind like a nagging headache. “What if one of the three guys you’re dating is the mole?”

Ellie now questioned everything, even the motives of the three guys she had been on dates with. The unease lingered long after she’d crawled into bed, twisting in her gut and refusing to let her sleep. Every time she closed her eyes, doubts crept in like shadows, replaying conversations, stolen glances, and offhand comments she might’ve overlooked.

Were they truly interested in her, or was there something more beneath the surface? She stared at the ceiling, frustration mounting, knowing she may not find rest until she had answers.

Mark’s easy laugh, Luke’s sharp wit, Matthew’s quiet intensity—she trusted them in different ways. And yet, here she was, analyzing them like chess pieces on a board.

Her father had used the wordreckless. Was she being strategic or reckless?

Ellie thought she knew how to tread carefully. Now her confidence was shaken.

Mark was disarming, but his innocence worried her. She replayed the chance meeting over and over again in her mind.