The ambassador tried to comfort her husband, gently moving her hand over his arm. "Honey..."
"No," he looked down at his wife, drawing her against his side, "I have a right to say what I need to say."
Pallas nodded when the ambassador turned to look at him. "It's quite all right, ma'am. Sir, say what you need to."
"I'm concerned. I'd be crazy or stupid not to have concerns about the situation that we're quite literally stuck in. I need toknow that you're not keeping us here as some kind of political stunt. This is my wife." He hugged her closer. "And our two daughters are upstairs sleeping peacefully, thank god. I want to know that you truly believe that we're safe right now. Or I want you to take us to the base and evacuate us."
Pallas knew that he could give the man the normal platitudes that they've both heard and said to keep things calm. But things were different for him now. A whole new world had opened up for him.
"Sir, I may not be married or a father yet, but there is a wonderful woman waiting for me back in Hawaii. The last thing I would do while I'm here is to risk my chances of going back to her."
The ambassador's husband nodded, the tight line of his jaw easing as his embrace relaxed around his wife. "That's good. That's really good. If she's that special to you, you should get back to her in one piece." He looked down at his wife with a soft smile. "The best thing I ever did in my life was to marry Susan. I'd follow her to the ends of the earth and back."
The ambassador lifted a hand and gently stroked his cheek. "According to my mother you did follow me to the ends of the earth."
He smiled back at her. "No regrets, honey."
She shook her head. "No regrets."
Wolf appeared in the doorway with a smile. "Ambassador?"
They all turned toward the leader of the team and Wolf gave the ambassador a nod. "Some of the leaders you are scheduled to meet with tomorrow are at the gates."
Pallas took a breath to calm his own nerves that matched the ambassador's own in drawn breath.
"Are things getting worse on the street?"
Wolf shook his head. "No, ma'am. They heard about the fire thrown over the fence and they'd like to meet with you tonight if you are able to."
The ambassador took a step closer to Wolf, wiping off the palms of her hands on her slacks. "I'd like to meet with them." She looked over at Pallas. "I had asked for meetings this afternoon or this evening, but I was told they weren't available."
She looked at Wolf, lifting her chin and straightening her posture. "Please have my staff clear out the meeting room that your Marines feel would make the best sense to use. We'll meet with them in there."
One of her staff members appeared at Wolf's side in the doorway. "Ma'am. We have enough supplies in the mess that I can put some snacks and drinks together for the meeting. Food is always good when things need to be discussed."
"Thanks, Cait. I'd appreciate that."
The staffer grinned. "I'm so happy that things are starting to turn around." She turned to leave and almost collided with Wolf in the doorway. "Sorry."
He stepped to the side to give her more room. "No apologies needed."
Pallas saw the staffer blushing as she moved into the hall.
Women had that reaction around Wolf, but the Marine never seemed to notice.
Buck gave him a nod and a smile saying that he'd noticed as well.
The ambassador's husband gave her a reassuring hug. "Is there anything I can do for you, Susan?"
She shook her head. "Just keep a watch over the girls. I think it's going to be a long night."
"I think it's going to be a productive one." Her husband pressed a kiss to the top of her head and left the room.
"Ma'am." Pallas addressed the ambassador. "Would you like to freshen up before the meeting?"
"Do I look like I need it?" She turned to look at a mirror and grimaced. "I look like I've slept in this suit."
Buck gave him a look before he addressed the ambassador. "You look fine, ma'am, but sometimes it helps to... Well, it just helps."
