Marine's Mission - Rebecca Deel Page 0,44
the file is the key to a software program. Without the key, the program won’t run.”
Explained why the kidnappers were desperate to get their hands on the flash drive. “Do you know what kind of program it is?”
“Not yet. Anything happening on your end?”
When Owen told Caleb the latest, his brother whistled. “Is the thug still breathing?”
“For the moment. I’m regretting my decision to follow the rules. However, Elliot is interrogating him before Blair arrives.”
“She won’t be happy if Elliot leaves a mark on him.”
“He won’t. Does Blair know what he’s trained to do?”
“She knows he’s a SEAL, but that’s all.”
“Blair’s in for a surprise.” Although an excellent deputy, Elliot didn’t mind pushing the boundaries of the law. “Keep working on the file. It’s the reason Toni was taken. She was the leverage to force Ellis’s cooperation.” The kidnappers planned the same tactic with him and Gigi. This time, though, they failed.
“Because Toni didn’t have what they wanted, they came after Gigi. If this file is that important, they won’t stop until they have it in their possession.”
Owen gripped the phone so hard the plastic creaked. “I know.”
“I’ll call you when I have more.” Caleb ended the call.
Owen continued to hold his girl, reveling in his right to provide comfort and safety. Minutes later, he heard movement at the front door and aimed his weapon in that direction. Although Jase wouldn’t escape his brothers, Owen hadn’t forgotten more kidnappers might be in the area.
“It’s Blair. I’m coming in soft.”
“Slow and easy.” He kept his weapon trained on the doorway until Blair walked inside alone, hands clearly visible.
Archer’s police chief glanced at Gigi as Owen slid his weapon away. “How is she?”
“Five stitches in her neck. The medic said one more centimeter, and Gigi would’ve been in trouble.”
Blair scowled. “Did the attacker get away?”
“He’s in the back of Levi’s SUV, handcuffed.”
“Will we have a jurisdictional issue?”
“Archer is your town, and Jase Kilgore hurt Gigi in an attempted kidnapping.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t kill him.”
“Can’t question a dead man.”
“Toni’s disappearance and Gigi’s attempted kidnapping are related.”
“That’s my guess. I didn’t question him.”
Blair’s eyes narrowed. “Who?” She held up her hand. “Never mind. Elliot’s here, isn’t he?”
An interesting observation from Archer’s police chief. “Maybe.”
“Ha. Definitely. Better not be even one bruise on Kilgore that I can’t explain.” She inclined her head toward Gigi. “I need to talk to her before I deal with Kilgore.”
“There’s coffee in the kitchen. I’ll wake Gigi while you get some. Where do you want to set up?”
“Kitchen might be best.”
“Don’t push her too hard, Blair. She’s been through a lot in the past two days.”
“She’ll go through harder things if we don’t find Toni soon.”
“Get your coffee. We’ll be right behind you.” He waited until Blair left before he rubbed Gigi’s back. “Wake up, sweetheart.”
She sighed. “One of my guests needs me?”
“Blair wants to talk about what happened with Kilgore.”
“How long did I sleep?”
“Thirty minutes.”
Gigi opened heavy-lidded eyes. “Adrenaline dump is a real thing, isn’t it?”
“Oh, yeah. Ready to talk to Blair or should I delay her?”
“Needs to be now. My housekeeping team arrives in an hour, and I have a full house tonight.”
“Are you baking again for breakfast tomorrow morning?”
She shook her head. “Faith will be here bright and early to take over breakfast duties.”
Excellent. Gigi wouldn’t have to rise before dawn tomorrow. “Would you like to go to dinner with me tonight?”
She smiled. “I’d love to.”
“No pressure, G. If you’re too tired, we’ll order in.”
“I want the women in town to know you’re off the market.”
His eyebrows rose. “Why?”
“Are you kidding? Everywhere you go, women follow you with their eyes. You must have noticed.”
He shrugged. “They aren’t you.” He tugged Gigi to her feet. “Come on. We need to make an appearance soon, or Blair will hunt us down.”
Since none of Gigi’s guests were in kitchen, Owen figured Blair had questioned them and sent them on their way. Only Blair and Jackson remained.
Owen frowned at the medic. “I thought you were sleeping.”
“The police chief vetoed that plan. Once she’s finished with me, I’ll sleep on Gigi’s couch.” He shrugged. “It’s fine, Owen.”
He poured Gigi a glass of iced tea, then grabbed a fresh mug of coffee for himself. He sat beside Gigi and wrapped his hand around hers.
“Tell me what happened this morning, Gigi.” Blair pulled a small notebook and pen from her pocket. “Start at the beginning. I need as many details as you can remember.”
Gigi repeated the story she’d relayed to Owen. “I don’t know