Page 30 of Storm Warning

“Since the day I met her. I’ve been courting her ever since, only she didn’t know it.”

“Then it’s a good thing you’re on medical leave, Marsh. Otherwise, we’d be having an entirely different conversation.”

Andre grinned. “Yes, sir.”

Maddox shook his head, his lips curving. “Our reputation in the big, wicked world of black ops will be toast if my operatives keep pairing up.”

Elias glanced at Iona, his stare intense as though conveying a message. Iona’s chin went up, and her cheeks turned red.

Riley had a feeling she knew what was being said in Elias’ silent message, although her team leader acted as though she was clueless. Odd. Iona was a very intelligent and intuitive woman. Had she missed the obvious interest of Elias or was she ignoring the interest for the moment? From her reaction to The Look, Iona knew something was up with Elias, regardless of whether she acknowledged the truth.

“Just think of all the positive press we could get from that, sir.” Seth wrapped his arm around Teagan’s shoulders. “It’s the softer side of Fortress Security.”

Maddox scowled. “Pass.”

The room filled with the operatives’ laughter. Christopher looked puzzled as his gaze shifted from one operative to the next. After a beat, he shrugged and slipped to the floor to play withRex, who waited under the table for someone to drop a bite of food for him to clean up.

Riley wanted to ask about the situation with Christopher but preferred not to do it within the boy’s hearing. If things were bad at home, she didn’t want to call attention to it in a room filled with people. Closed-mouthed as Christopher was, he wouldn’t want to have his home life discussed in a public setting, and she didn’t blame him.

Her gaze rested on him for a moment. He reminded Riley of herself when she was fending for herself on the streets. At least she had Angie, a woman in the homeless community she had lived in for three years, to steer her right. Thanks to Angie, Riley had graduated from high school and gone to college to major in computer science. There was no doubt in Riley’s mind that Angie had saved her.

And Ben. She mustn’t forget the former Special Forces soldier also in the homeless community who taught her everything he knew about self-defense, fighting, and various forms of martial arts he’d picked up over the years. By the time she graduated from high school, Riley could defeat Ben in their sparring matches. All that skill had come in handy when she’d begun a career after college graduation.

Andre’s hand wrapped around Riley’s. “What are you thinking about so hard?”

“Christopher.”

He gave a slight nod. “No news yet, but I think that’s part of the reason the boss is here. He’ll want to talk to us.”

Riley hoped he had news to tell them. The idea of letting Christopher go back to his home without proof that he’d be safe made her ill.

After the operatives finished their meal, Riley accompanied Andre back to the examination room where Sorenson waited for them.

“On the table, Mr. Marsh.” Sorenson eyed Riley. “Are you here for yourself or Marsh, young lady?”

“For Andre.” The scratches on her back were minor. She didn’t need help with that. A long, hot shower would take care of her itchy back. Probably.

He turned to the operative, who tugged off his shirt. “Do you mind if she stays?”

Andre’s eyes met hers. “No. We’re dating, Doc. No secrets between us.”

A twinge of guilt made her flinch. She had more than one secret she was keeping from Andre. How did those few words make her feel terrible?

He winked at her.

“Very well. Lie back, Mr. Marsh, and let’s have a look at your wound.” Sorenson removed the bandage and examined Andre’s arm. After a moment, the doctor gave a slight nod. “It’s healing well with no signs of infection.” He placed a new bandage over the wound. “Keep taking the new antibiotic until it’s gone. Don’t skip doses, Mr. Marsh. Take the pain pills when you need them. Are you hearing me?”

Andre grimaced. “I hear you, Doc.”

“I know you and your teammates hate taking pain meds because it messes with your response time. While I understand, you won’t heal as quickly if you’re hurting all the time.” He glowered at Andre. “Take the medicine.”

“Yes, sir.”

Sorenson rounded on Riley. “Have you set up an appointment with a Fortress counselor yet?”

Her cheeks burned. “No, sir. I haven’t had time.”

“Get your phone out and do it now.”