Page 129 of No Fear

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THE SEVENTEEN-HOUR flight to Daram was far too long for Donnie. He had tried calling Charlie, but his call hadn’t gone through. Only when he saw Charlie unharmed and safe on this plane would he relax.

Ten hours into the flight, most of the guys were getting some rest in hammocks. Donnie sat alone on the bench. Onyx had seen the staff list, and all knew Charlie was there. He had been reassured multiple times they would bring her home safely. They would. They had to. Anything else didn’t bear thinking about.

Dex sat next to him.

“How are you holding up?”

“I’m good.”

“Donnie, you put on a great display for Sam, but there is no way you’re that calm.”

Donnie looked at his team leader. “I’m good,” he repeated.

“I take it things are pretty serious between you two.”

Donnie paused. He had no idea what things were between them.

“I want them to be.”

“She doesn’t?” Dex asked with surprise.

“Not sure. I fucked up.”

“She seemed pretty worried about you when she visited. Things can’t be that bad.”

“Wanna bet?” he said dryly.

He didn’t want to talk about it. Thankfully, they were interrupted.

“Commander Dawson, I have Captain Harrison for you.” The co-pilot held out the satellite phone.

Dex took the phone and walked out of earshot to take the call. Donnie prayed it wasn't bad news. A few minutes later, when he returned, his face was tense.

Shit.

“Let’s get everyone up,” Dex said.

Ten minutes later, Raven were up and awake.

“Reborn stormed the embassy. They’ve taken the staff hostage.”

Donnie clenched his jaw, every muscle in his body rigid. “Are they alive?”

“Omar Aziz has made contact. Fourteen hostages were taken. Proof of life was given.” Dex said, gaze steady on Donnie.

Donnie recalled the list had fifteen names and his heart tightened. Dex’s next words didn’t help.

“We do not yet know who they left behind.”

A hand on Donnie’s shoulder. “Don’t even think it.”

Donnie turned his head to Steve. “We all know if they left one behind, it’s because they’re dead.”

No one tried to reason with him, because it was the truth.

“What about the Marines?” Tyler asked.