Marine's Mission - Rebecca Deel Page 0,53
dealer, this must have something to do with drones.”
“Ellis developed a software program that takes control of drones and enables the user to turn them in any direction he chooses. The aim of the program is to protect our troops.”
“Unless it falls into the wrong hands, and the enemy turns our own drones against us,” Jackson said.
Owen glanced at his friend in the rearview mirror. “We won’t let that happen.”
Jackson snorted. “Maddox’s plan has holes big enough to drive a tank through.”
That didn’t sound good. “What’s the plan?”
“Go on our date, and hope Kilgore’s partner takes the bait.”
“Bait?”
“The flash drive.”
Shock rolled through her. “But you said if the terrorists got their hands on the program key, they wouldn’t need Toni and Ellis.”
“That’s right.”
“Your boss is going to sacrifice them?” Her voice rose.
“He wants us to follow the kidnapper to Toni and Ellis.”
“How?”
“Plant a GPS tracker on Kilgore’s partner, and follow him.”
“Jackson is right. That’s a terrible plan. You already know Paul Wagner has Toni and Ellis. You should be able to find him.”
“It’s not that easy. Toni and Ellis may not be in the same place as Wagner. He has several homes and warehouses in and around the port town of Chacala. We’ll only get one chance to free Toni and Ellis. If we hit the wrong place, Wagner will know we’re on to him, and he could kill them before we go to a second location.”
She groaned. “Don’t you have another option?”
“We always have options. This plan will take us to Toni the quickest.”
“And risks your life. I don’t want to do this.”
He glanced at her. “What do you mean?”
“Come on, Owen. You’re the biggest threat. If Kilgore’s partner is smart, he’ll eliminate you first.”
“Won’t happen.”
“Why not?” She couldn’t imagine that the kidnapper would be foolish enough to discount Owen. All he had to do was look at Owen to see how dangerous the Marine was.
“I’ll have backup. If anything happens to me, you’ll be covered.”
“That doesn’t make me feel better.”
“I’m with her,” Jackson said.
“You aren’t helping, buddy. Look, G, we’re running out of time. Wagner will soon use Toni to pressure Ellis to cooperate if he hasn’t already started. Ellis will recreate the key to spare Toni’s life. If he gives Wagner what he wants, Toni and Ellis will die.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Owen cradled Gigi’s hand in his throughout the drive to the B & B. She remained quiet through most of the journey, gazing out the side window. Although he wanted to draw her into conversation, Owen kept silent. She needed time to process the information, especially the last bombshell.
After parking at the back of Gigi’s home, Owen caught Jackson’s eye and tipped his head toward the B & B. He wanted a minute with Gigi.
The medic walked to the kitchen door and went inside.
Owen helped Gigi to the ground and nudged her back against the door. “I’m sorry I upset you.”
Gigi hugged him. “You didn’t upset me. I hate that you’re risking your life on a bad plan.”
“We have to rescue Toni and Ellis.”
“Yes, but I don’t want to lose you, Owen.”
“You won’t, baby.”
“You can’t guarantee that.”
He wanted to argue, but she was right. “I’ll do everything possible to protect myself and you tonight,” he amended. “My brothers will provide backup. The odds are in our favor, G.”
She sighed. “I wanted our first date to be about us, letting people know we’re a couple now. I didn’t expect our first date to include a crowd of protection.”
“We’ll still show people from Archer that we’re together.” He cupped her face with his palm. “I want the single men to know you’re mine.”
“I want the single women to know you’re off limits, too, but instead of enjoying our time together, I’ll be concerned about when the kidnappers will make their move.”
“Let me worry about that. Your job is to focus on me. We have to make this as real as possible so these guys don’t suspect we set a trap. I want them to believe I’m so besotted with you that I’m not paying attention to my surroundings.”
“I thought I always distracted you,” she teased. “Are you telling me I’m not interesting enough to keep your attention?”
Owen gently tapped the tip of her nose. “You know better. You’re gorgeous. The fact that you’re mine makes me more vigilant about your safety, not less.”
Gigi kissed him. “Since we’re inviting kidnappers to our first date, what can I do to help?”
“We need to spread the word around town about our date. Any