“Fort Irwin,” he said.
“You know what I mean,” Fani snapped.
Gwen stiffened. “I don’t know why it matters, but our family is of English descent.”
“Mmm. What are your intentions for my son? He says he loves you.” Fani’s tone sharpened.
“Gosh, Mom. Stop,” Sophia begged. “Gwen, I’m sorry.”
“Sofia, you didn’t say anything wrong. Fani, I think that’s between your son and me.” Gwen chewed her cheek, trying her best not to be snarky.
Fani reached forward, pulling on Gwen’s headrest. “Take this as a warning: a woman who comes between a mother and her son will suffer. And how can you be a good wife if you’re forever getting hurt?” She shoved the headrest before sitting back.
Noah wrapped his hand around the back of her seat to prevent Fani from repeating the behavior.
Gwen undid her seatbelt and turned in her seat. “Mrs. Bremen, Troy loves you very much. I’d never do that to him.”And if you piss me off too much, I know a bunch of ways to take you out, she thought and smiled.
“Very good. Tell me what my son is hiding from me? You swear you’re not pregnant?”
Sadness suddenly enveloped her. She knew how much he wanted, needed to feel whole. Her temper flared. “No, I’m not pregnant. And if you have questions about Troy, ask him yourself,” she snapped.
“Well, if you’re going to be impertinent… I was trying to make conversation,” Fani said.
“I didn’t mean to snap at you, but I’m exhausted. It’s been a long day.”
They pulled onto the secure grounds of the hotel. Gwen stepped out and watched Papa Team escort the three women inside. She got back in her seat and closed the door, securing her seat belt as Noah pulled out. Her emotions were frayed, and she was angry at herself for letting Fani get under her skin.
Gwen was quiet during the ride, while Scott engaged in conversation with Noah. At their home, she walked inside and headed to the kitchen, only to find Kip and Martin waiting for her.
Gwen sat beside Kip, while Martin grabbed two sodas and sat on Gwen’s other side. “Troy settled?” Kip asked.
Gwen was tired of the question already. “He’s admitted. I’m concerned at the number of other patients for security reasons. He’s scared. And his mother is overbearing.” She held up her hand. “Sorry, that was inappropriate.”
“I’m going to take over Troy’s office until he’s able to return,” Kip told Gwen. “As much as all of us wish we could focus solely on Troy, the company has to run.”
“As soon as Troy’s stable, the remaining executive team will head home. I’ll do my job from Julian’s office.” Martin passed a file sitting between him and Kip toward Gwen. “Your instincts were good. This is the entire file, reference the trial he testified at when he was still at Annapolis, and just after the man accused, Luka Valent, was convicted of rape in the first degree, according to the COMJ. He was released and dishonorably discharged six months ago. He raped Kim Pesce.”
“Wait, isn’t she a major who runs the sexual assault division for the Navy?” Gwen’s bloodshot eyes opened as much as they could.
“And she’s married to Brody Garrett. I have Tate Webster and Tighe Cummings picking them up for questions and for their protection. Zach and Wes are heading to Valent’s parents’ home. Here’s his release photo. We will find him,” Kip said.
“He’s our best guess. You aren’t going to tell Troy?” She rocked in her chair.
“No, not this close to surgery. Gwen, get some sleep. We’ll see you at 0500. Papa Team will do a direct transport of Troy’s family. You and I will come in with Bravo Team’s Bravo Squad. Your dad and Scott are welcome to join us.” Kip patted her hand.
“Thank you.” Gwen headed to the room she shared with Troy.
Chapter 49
Friday, June 8th
Troy sat up in bed. It was a little after five AM, and the morning parade had started. Pete, assigned as Tim’s dedicated go-to, came into his room and put the lights on low.
“How ya doin’?” His Boston accent full on display.
“I’m peachy,” Troy answered.
“Good. I love peaches.” Pete checked his vitals and temperature. “All good.”
