“Damn it, Nathan, you think you’re under pressure? You haven’t a clue.”

“I know about pressure, Rebecca.”

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said that.”

He waited.

“I’m trying to protect you.”

“What do you mean, protect me?”

“I have orders to ensure, by any means necessary, the successful capture and interrogation of Montez. Remember those people in high places I mentioned in the hospital?”

“Are we talking about what I think we’re talking about?”

“Yes.”

He didn’t respond, didn’t trust himself.

She softened her tone. “Look, this isn’t a black or white directive. It’s my call.”

“Will you level with me?”

“To the extent I can, yes.”

“Would you actually do it?”

There was a long pause. For a second, he thought she’d hung up.

“No. I’d resign first.”

“That means a lot to me, Rebecca. And not for the obvious reason.”

“There are certain lines I won’t cross. Will you tell me generally where you’re going so I can have my people standing by?”

“San Diego. I can’t be more specific than that. There’s video equipment on the roof of the warehouse. Make sure your people retrieve it.”

“I will. Nathan, if you get killed, your father’s going to have my head on a pole. He has the president’s ear. I like my job.”

“I’ll talk to him. Tonight. I’ll make sure you’re insulated.”

“It’s after midnight out here.”

“He’ll take my call.”

“Will you keep me in the loop, please?”

“That’s a given. We’re on the same side, Rebecca.”

“I know we are. Be careful.”

Harv climbed out of the Mercedes. Grangeland joined them, hugging herself in the damp air.

“We need to get you and Nichole on your way to San Diego,” Nathan said. “We’ll call you from the road with a location. Keep assuring her we’ll find her daughters.”

“It doesn’t feel right abandoning you guys.”

“You’re not abandoning us. Don’t think of it like that.”

She gave them both hugs and turned to go.

“Grangeland, if you ever want it, you’ve got an ownership position with us.”

“After tonight, I just might need it.”

Chapter 32

Chapter  32

Julio was in considerable pain, but the bandage they’d applied to his hip showed minimal bleeding. They’d driven a few miles when Harv said, “Let’s pull over so we can call Dr. Reavie. I don’t want our guest to hear the conversation.”