“She’s the one who found the dead birds.”

“Birds die all the time.”

“Which is why she refrained from telling me about them. Ravens are found in the higher altitudes of California…not in the basin. They weren’t an accident, Chuck.”

“I’m not suggesting they were. Just wondering what kind of sick mind would do this.”

Neil took a drink. “Been trying to figure that out for a week. I thought if anyone had information on Raven’s allies it would be you.”

Chuck shrugged. “There are plenty of parties seeking revenge for his death. None of which are creditable let alone have the ability to do what you’re suggesting.”

“This attack is personal.” Gwen’s image swam in his head. Very personal.

“These guys don’t attack people, they attack nations. Who do you think is behind this?”

“Had to be someone with a grudge…someone who knew about Raven. I’ll find out soon enough. Rick’s on his way and we’ll flush this bastard out.”

Chuck tossed his hands in the air. “Don’t incriminate yourself, soldier.”

“The right to defend myself and my family is still legal in this country.”

Chuck grinned. “So what you’re telling me is you plan on trapping this man so you can bring him in for prosecution…right?”

Neil read through the cracks. “That’s what I said.”

“That’s what I thought you said. What do you need from me?”

Neil set his empty glass aside and crossed his ankle over his knee. “I need to keep Gwen here. Safe. While I do what needs to be done.”

“She’s willing to stay?”

“Yes. For a while.” For how long Neil couldn’t be sure.

Chuck widened his eyes. “For a while?”

“She doesn’t have all the facts and I’ve yet to meet a woman who takes orders like a marine. She’ll stay without question for a while…a day or two, maybe three. But I need to know she’s here and safe so I can wait this bastard out.”

“Keep her against her will?”

Gwen wouldn’t approve, which was why Neil hadn’t told her this part of his plan. “If need be. For the sake of the country and all that.”

Chuck stood and rubbed the back of his neck. “Do you know what you’re asking me to do?”

Neil’s jaw clenched. “Nothing I wouldn’t do for you and Ruth.”

“Ruth is my wife, Neil. I believe you introduced me to Gwen as your friend. She’s not even an American. And didn’t you say her brother is a duke or some such sissy-ass thing? I can see the headlines now…‘Major Blayney holds British Lady hostage on an American military base because her boyfriend said so.’ You’re asking the impossible, Neil. Perhaps if she were your wife I could. Then at least she’d be an American by default and I’d be protecting her because her husband would be in danger if she was walking the streets of Colorado Springs.”

Everything inside Neil tightened, and several life-changing blood vessels threatened to pop at the same time. Chuck was right. And even if Gwen didn’t try to leave, it was only a matter of days before Blake searched for them or got a call from her. Then all their cloaked running across the country would be for nothing. Raven would eventually find Gwen and they’d be back to where they were right now.

Chuck stared at him. His face as stern as a drill sergeant.

Neil made his decision.

“There still a priest on base?”

Chuck’s jaw dropped. “You’re shitting me?”

“Call him. I’ll be back in an hour.”

Chapter Twenty-Three

As much as Gwen adored all the alone time with Neil, it was nice getting away for an hour with another woman, even a woman Gwen hardly knew. Outside the commissary was a small boutique catering to the women on base. Ruth told her that most of the women simply left base to gather whatever they needed in Colorado Springs. The small clothing store had a surprising amount of fashionable selections from which to choose. And Gwen was more than happy to spend the money Neil had given her for shopping.

“How long have you known Neil?” Ruth asked as they made their way back to the white house on the hill.

“Several years now.” Most of which was while he was working for her brother…but Gwen didn’t think that fact was necessary to pass on.

“I’ve always liked him. The kind of man I wish our daughter had been attracted to.”

“You have a daughter?”

Ruth nodded with a smile. “She lives in Florida with her husband. I’m hoping to convince Charles to move there when he finally retires. I’d like to be closer to her.”

“How long has she been married?”

“Couple of years now. Keep hoping for a phone call about a grandbaby. But not yet.”

“Where does Charles want to retire?”

Ruth laughed. “He doesn’t want to retire at all. He’s fought me for years on the subject. I keep hoping that Annie will have a baby and Charles will realize there is more to life than the military.”

Gwen couldn’t imagine dedicating her life to something so passionately other than a family. “I’m sure he will come around.” Gwen wasn’t sure of anything…but it seemed the right thing to say.

“He despises Annie’s husband.”

“Oh…that’s not good.”

“Tell me about it. Andrew is a teacher. High school English. The two of them couldn’t be more opposite.”

“Your daughter and Andrew?”

“No. Andrew and Charles. Charles is a leader and Andrew is a follower. Or so my husband keeps telling me. Personally, I like him. He adores our daughter. But my husband thinks she should have married a military man. Between her life here and a relationship that ended abruptly with an enlisted man…Annie was ready for stability. A high school English teacher fit in her life. I think if Charles gave him a chance…moved closer so we could get to know him better, his view would change.”

“Did you know Andrew before they married?”

“Not very well. We met him when they were dating but didn’t think much of it. One day she said they were getting married and then the fighting started.”

Parents getting involved passionately never ended well. “She rebelled,” Gwen said.

“Yes. She did.” Ruth sighed. “They eloped and moved south. We’ve visited a couple of times. Stressful ordeals those were.”