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He leaned over and kissed her. “OK, well, I’ll see you soon.” He turned to Axe. “I need you to stay with the ladies, bud. You’re in charge until I get back, OK.”

The dog answered him with a single bark.

“We are capable of looking after ourselves, Mr. tough guy SEAL,” said Ali as he made to leave.

“I know that babe,” he said with a wink. “But we mere males need purpose, especially super dogs. Look after our boy for me.”

He jogged across to the chopper and climbed in, taking a seat alongside Deb. “Good to go.”

“I could get used to traveling like this,” said Jenny as she relaxed into the plush seats aboard the CIA’s Gulfstream business jet.

“Beats the hell out of flying commercial,” agreed Ali.

“I’d order champagne, but you two aren’t drinking,” said Maria.

“Oh, don’t let us hold you back,” said Ali. “The dogs are in the cargo area, munching on dried venison. Someone up front needs to be making the most of the luxury.”

Maria waved down one of the attendants. “May I have a glass of champagne?”

“I’m sorry, ma’am, government employees aren’t allowed to drink on chartered flights,” the woman replied, pleasantly.

“Good thing none of us work for the government,” said Jenny.

“Well, in that case, I’ve got a bottle of vintage Bollinger in the main fridge. I will get you a glass. Would you ladies like something too?”

“Maybe some orange juice with sparkling water?” said Jenny. “Then I can pretend it’s a mimosa.”

“Oh, make that two,” added Ali.

As the steward made their drinks, the beat of a helicopter’s blades could be heard. Ali glanced out the window and saw the Blackhawk touch down a short distance from the jet. Mike, Rick, and TJ stepped out of the helicopter minus their weapons and equipment and walked toward them.

“Here are the boys,” she announced as their drinks arrived.

“Is there food onboard?” asked Jenny. “They’re going to be starving.”

“Yes, ma’am,” replied the steward. “The galley is stocked full of snacks and meals. We’re going to be airborne shortly, and then I’ll get them fed.”

Rick was first into the cabin. Jenny rose and hugged him before directing him to the seat next to her. Mike and Ali did the same, and TJ took a seat near the front of the jet.

“Is Deb not coming?” asked Maria.

“She’s handing over with the tactical team from Langley,” he replied. “She’s going to catch a commercial flight down tomorrow.”

“How are you feeling, babe?” Jenny asked Rick once he was strapped in and the jet had started rolling.

“Tired, but good. Mission was a success, and no one got hurt,” he replied.

“Except for the guys on that boat.”

“Yeah, although they’re not going to get much sympathy from me. Kane and his cronies were going to kill us, and they chose to do business with the Koreans.”

She snuggled in against his arm. “Well, I’m just glad you guys are safe, and we got the pups back.”

“How are you and our little lady doing, babe?”

“We’re good. The tactical team had an advanced medic who gave me the once-over. Baby’s heartbeat is strong, and all I need is a little sleep. Which I’m going to do right now.” She reclined her chair and let out a sigh.

“Not a bad move,” said Rick as he did the same.