SEAL's Embrace - Makenna Jameison Page 0,66
it,” Hailey said. The woman got up and walked away while Hailey sorted through the papers outlining procedures that the woman had left for her. She heard her cell phone buzzing on her own desk across the open office space but ignored it, trying to wrap up what she was working on.
“Hi there,” the security officer said, walking over to her. “Everything is set for your official start date next week, but we need to head over to base to finalize a few things.”
“Oh, okay,” she said, standing. “Are you sure we can’t do it right here? I thought everything was basically online. I already have my DOD badge from my previous position.”
“Yes, we just need to continue the processing. I understand you’re without a vehicle, is that correct?”
“Um, yeah, actually. Is there a shuttle we can take?”
“Why don’t I give you a lift? It’ll be faster than waiting around. I know you’re still recovering from your injuries.” His gaze slid to her forehead. Everyone in her new office of course knew about the explosion at Bagram and that she’d been injured. People had been considerate toward her, helping her out, and her new manager had been grateful she’d come in a few days this week just to learn the ropes.
“Sure, that’d be great,” she said.
“The car ride will be smoother than the shuttle anyway,” he told her.
“Good point. I’m mostly healed, my scar notwithstanding.”
She went over to her desk, grabbing her cell and tucking it into her purse. She saw she had a new text message but figured she’d check it in a little while. Grayson was busy in meetings and training today, and she’d touch base with him later about a ride home.
She walked with the security officer out of their building and into the warm California sunshine. Even from blocks and blocks away, she swore the air smelled salty like the ocean. “After you,” he said, opening the door to his dark sedan.
It looked similar to half of the other cars on the road—unobtrusive and most likely reliable. She needed to figure out what type of car she wanted to buy. Grayson loved his pickup truck, but she’d be getting a small SUV or sedan for herself.
“It’s just a quick ride over there,” he said, shutting the driver side door and starting the engine. He pulled out of the lot, driving in the opposite direction of where she knew base to be.
“Shouldn’t we head west?” she asked, looking around in confusion.
“Traffic,” he said easily, and he turned on his signal and went left at the light. She waited for him to make another left turn, heading in the direction of the base, but he continued on. Growing uneasy, she reached into her purse for her cell phone. She wanted to text Grayson and let him know she’d had to run out for the afternoon. If something was indeed wrong, she’d feel better if he knew who she was with.
“Give me the phone!” the security officer said in a harsh voice, reaching over and snatching it from her.
Shocked, Hailey froze as she realized he had a gun. “Don’t make a fucking move, or I’ll shoot you right here,” he growled.
“What? Why? What are you doing?”
“Something that should’ve been done earlier,” he snapped. He held the gun in his right hand, pointing it toward her as he continued driving. She trembled in her seat, wondering what she should do. If she grabbed the gun, he’d probably just shoot her. Or it would go off and harm one of them anyway. And there was no way she could overpower him. He had at least half a foot on her and outweighed her. She could unlock the door at a stoplight and try to escape, but what would stop him from shooting her then?
Taking a deep breath, she felt the muscles in her ribcage pull. She was still healing, but she’d do whatever it took to escape from this maniac. His job was to keep up-to-date on all the personnel working in the office—ensuring their clearances and background checks were current, making sure certain protocols were followed, that sort of thing. He wasn’t a police officer, military or otherwise, so she had no idea why he’d be carrying a gun.
“Don’t tell me you don’t know what the fuck this is about,” he muttered. “You worked with the damn IT staff in Bagram. You saw Dave there late at night.”
“Dave Walters?” she asked, dumbfounded. He was one of the IT guys on