want the name of the buyer as soon as you get it. Eli, you’re on medical leave until Sorenson or one of the other Fortress physicians releases you for active duty.” He held up a hand. “Don’t argue.”
Eli glared, but kept his mouth shut.
“Jackson, will Owen’s injury hamper his ability to continue the mission?”
“No, sir.”
“Anything else I should be aware of before I start making phone calls, Eli?”
“Wagner’s widow called in reinforcements. Two dozen security guards are dead. We destroyed three vehicles with RPGs, and killed five more of Wagner’s men at the airstrip. In other words, we sparked a firestorm. Expect some backlash.”
A short nod. “I’ll be ready. Keep me updated. I’ll be in touch soon.” The screen went black.
Eli turned his flat stare on Jackson.
“Get over it, Eli. My priority is your health, not pandering to your ego,” the medic snapped.
“Eli,” Jon said softly, his eyes filled with an unspoken warning.
Wolf Pack’s leader growled. “Fine. I’ll be the first one in your face the next time you’re injured.”
The sniper snorted and returned to his seat.
“The rest of you should sleep while you can.”
Sounded good to Owen. He and the others hadn’t slept much on the flight to Chacala. Because they were safe for the moment, Owen settled into his seat and relaxed. Jon would remain awake and alert for trouble.
Some time later, Jackson said, “Owen.”
He sat up, instantly alert. “What is it?”
“Toni wants to talk to you.”
“Where?”
“The back of the jet. Ellis is still asleep, and she didn’t want to disturb him.”
Owen walked past the rows of sleeping operatives to Gigi’s friend. He sat beside Toni. “How do you feel?”
“Better. Thank you for rescuing us, Owen.”
“You’re one of our own, Toni. I’m glad you’re safe now. Jackson said you wanted to talk to me.”
“I have questions.”
He settled back, preparing for a long session. “Ask. I’ll answer what I can.”
“Are you in love with Gigi?”
Wow. Toni didn’t believe in pulling punches. Did he have a neon sign flashing on his forehead or something? “Yes. She doesn’t know yet, so don’t tell her.”
Toni scowled. “How long do I have to keep the secret? She’ll know I’m keeping something from her.”
“I don’t know.”
She groaned. “I hate that answer.”
“I can’t give you a better one.” He smiled. “But I won’t be able to keep this from Gigi for long.” His feelings for her were too strong and growing by the minute.
“Good. Next question. You’re a cop, Owen.” She indicated the rest of the operatives on the jet with a wave of her hand. “These guys are obviously not law enforcement. Why were you included in a rescue mission in a foreign country?”
“I was Special Forces in the Marines, and I work for Fortress Security on a part-time basis. The rest of these guys are full-time operatives with Fortress.”
“What about your brothers? Are they part time with Fortress, too?”
He nodded.
“That’s why you and your brothers were gone for two months. Were you on a mission?”
“Training.”
“Will you resign from law enforcement?”
Owen shook his head. “We love the work, and our Fortress missions will be short-term assignments.”
“Gigi knows this?”
“I wouldn’t keep that from her. She supports my decision.”
“What if she changes her mind?”
“We’ll work it out. I want her to be happy.”
“Even if it means you have to resign from Fortress and just be a deputy?”
“Absolutely.”
“Gigi’s really okay? The kidnappers didn’t hurt her?”
He squeezed her hand. “She’s fine. You’ll talk to her soon.”
“Are you officially dating now?”
Owen thought about the dinner date, and smiled. “We are.”
“Why did you wait so long to starting dating? She turned down dates for years while you were gone.”
“I wanted to protect her, Toni. I wish I hadn’t waited, but I’ll make it up to her.”
“You better. Don’t forget what I said. If you hurt Gigi, you’ll regret it.”
“I’d never hurt her. She’s everything to me.”
With a nod, she rose. Owen moved into the aisle and waited until she returned to the bedroom before taking his seat again.
“Tough lady,” Jackson murmured.
“Like Gigi. Is Ellis improving?”
“Hard to tell. He’s exhausted, but wakes every hour or so to check on Toni. It’s obvious that he loves her.”
“Does he still have the ring?”
The medic nodded. “How’s the arm?”
“Hurts,” he admitted. Now that he’d noticed the pain, the throb would keep him awake.
Jackson handed Owen a packet of pills. “Take two every six hours. Don’t forget to take the antibiotics twice a day.”
“Thanks.”
“No problem.” Jackson rose and returned to the bedroom to check on his patients.
Owen swallowed two pills with water and reclined his