Ray took a swig from his beer. “Anything I can help with?”
Pierce looked at Ray. “How much do you know about Operation Storm Current?”
Ray’s hand stalled halfway to his mouth, the beer forgotten as his gaze locked on Pierce. The easy humor vanished from his face, replaced by the hard, battle-ready SEAL Pierce knew all too well.
“It was a long operation. But I was there during the early stages of it. There was a lot of secret shit wrapped up in that mission, and none of it was the kind of thing that ever made it into an official report.”
“I figured you were involved,” Pierce said quietly.
“How does Charley fit into this? I mean, Operation Storm Current was public knowledge because of its broad scope. But again, there was a lot that wasn’t public.”
Pierce told Ray about Charley’s encounter a few weeks earlier with the man outside the foundation building, then about the first envelope that had arrived two weeks later, containing the three names. He went on to explain how, just a few days ago, another envelope had been left in the foundation’s mailbox—this one with the wordsOperation Storm Currentwritten inside. He also told him about Charley’s growing unease, the feeling she’d had more than once that someone was watching her, and what he himself had sensed earlier when he picked her up at her apartment.
Ray set his beer down on the workbench and ran a hand through his hair, looking like his mind was working angles and possibilities.
“So, she believes the person leaving the envelopes could be the same guy she spoke to?”
Pierce nodded. “Yeah. Alyvia, the volunteer at the foundation who intercepted the first envelope, gave Charley a description of the guy. Charley said it matched the guy she spoke to. The handwriting on both papers matches as well.”
“You said you felt something at Charley’s place. Did you notice anything, or anyone?”
“No. But I also didn’t sense that danger vibe, just that there were eyes on us.”
Ray nodded in understanding. “I hear ya. How about Charley? Has she felt threatened?”
Pierce chuckled. “No. She’s more concerned about the guy. She has a gut feeling that he needs help.”
Ray grinned. “Jessica said that Charley has a big heart.”
Pierce agreed. “That she does.” And that was a trait about her that he admired.
“Does she still have the papers?”
“Yeah. I told her that I’d look into it. She said she would get me copies of what she had. And before you ask, nobody else knows.”
“Good,” Ray said. “Tell her to keep it to herself for now. Let me take a look at them when you get them. I’ll ask around. Quietly.”
Pierce nodded. “I appreciate it. I know Charley will, too.” He knew Ray had connections who could access information that shouldn’t be accessible.
Ray waved him off, then slid off the stool and started walking around the Shelby, and soon they fell into easy conversationagain about engine parts, restoration plans, and the classic cars they loved as kids.
But the tension from before lingered at the edge of it. Pierce didn’t say it out loud. But he knew this thing with Charley, whatever it was becoming, was already tangled in something deeper. And someone out there knew it, too.
???
Charley rinsed the last plate and set it carefully into the drying rack, the kitchen warm and softly lit as the evening settled into a comfortable lull.
“Seriously,” Charley said as she wiped her hands on a towel, shaking her head. “I don’t think I can ever eat tamales again unless they are yours.”
Jessica laughed as she poured two glasses of wine and slid one across the counter. “That’s what everyone says. And then they all ask for the recipe, which I refuse to give because it makes me feel powerful.”
Charley smiled, accepting the glass. “Thank you again for dinner.”
Jessica leaned against the counter, studying her with an open, thoughtful expression. “I’m really glad you came. It was nice having you here.” Then, after a sip of wine, she added, “So, are you excited for the grand opening next week?”
Charley nodded, the familiar mix of pride and nerves stirring in her chest. “I am. It still feels a little surreal, honestly. Like I blinked and suddenly we’re here.”
“You should be proud,” Jessica said simply. “You’ve poured your heart into that place.”
