Page 17 of Storm Warning

“No proof, just suspicions based on things Chris said.”

“What’s wrong with his father? This kid is one of the smartest, well-behaved children I’ve ever met.” He paused. “And the behavior thing isn’t normal. I should have caught it. I’maround a pack of kids every time I visit my family and, as much as I love them, they’re not nearly as well behaved as Chris.”

“He’s afraid to step out of line or make a mistake for fear of swift, painful punishment.”

“We can’t accuse an ambassador of child abuse if we have no proof.”

“That’s why I’m not going to him. I’m going to Maddox. I held back when we were on that conference call because I didn’t want Chris to know what I suspected.”

“Well, you’re in luck. The boss is meeting us in Bayside since we have two injured operatives.”

“We’re not critical.”

A shrug from Seth. “Standing watch and helping where he can is his way of caring for his operatives.” Seth watched Andre for a moment. “As important as it is for Chris to be treated properly, you and Noah also need Sorenson to check you. You’re not skipping out because you want to figure out who’s threatening Riley, then take her someplace to have her all to yourself.”

He chuckled. “Guilty.”

His team leader rolled his eyes. “Make sure you’re seen by Sorenson, and that’s an order. Hear me?”

“Yes, sir.” Although he didn’t like it, he’d obey the order.

Seth continued to the back of the jet, making a return trip up the aisle minutes later. Must be checking that everything is still secure. He would have done the same himself if not for the woman and child leaning against him.

By degrees, Andre settled into a light sleep. Like his teammates, he wouldn’t fully rest until Riley and Chris were safe.

And there was the problem of his gunshot wound. Andre hated being shot. It freaking hurt, and the wound ached for months as it healed outside and inside. He hoped Riley didn’tmind a boyfriend a little banged up by life. He had scars everywhere. If she wanted perfection, well, that wouldn’t be him.

He scowled. Andre hoped she wasn’t that shallow because he didn’t think he had it in him to let her go if she preferred pretty to loyal.

As though she heard his inner debate as he drifted deeper into sleep, Riley moaned softly. “Andre.”

“Right here, baby. You’re safe,” he murmured near her ear.

“Need you.”

“You’ve got me.” Heart and soul. “Sleep, now. We’ll be in Texas in a few hours, and then the fun will start.”

Andre woke the moment the jet’s altitude changed and the hum of the engines dropped into a different pitch. He glanced around as his teammates stirred, though Riley and Christopher slept on.

Hoping to let them sleep a little more, he remained still, watching as members of Echo and Artemis checked their gear and Go bags.

Seth made eye contact with him, eyebrows raised. “Need anything?” he mouthed.

Andre shook his head. He had it all right here.

Christopher sighed and opened his eyes. For a moment, he looked startled to see Andre so close, then he smiled. “You stayed.”

“Told you I would. How do you feel?”

The boy nodded. “Better. Still tired, though.”

“You will be for a few days. Takes a bit for your body to heal.” The mind, though, took a lot longer and might need outside help to come to terms with things that happen.

Christopher’s gaze dropped to Andre’s side. “You were shot. How do you feel?”

“Like a truck ran over me.” When Chris laughed, Andre ruffled the boy’s hair. “You need anything? Drink, food, bathroom?”

“Bathroom,” was the quick reply.