Inhaling deeply, the team leader spoke in his low voice. “I wasnotquestioning your commitment to all of us, and I never would, Cuz. I would also help a woman in danger, even if it meant risking my life, but everything you said pointed at her being a trained operative, not a defenseless female. Your hesitation stole extra time for you to run from the house. I am not losinganyof you on my watch for any unknown operative.”
Sam hooked his thumbs in his pants pockets and stared at the ground. He’d had the same thoughts of wasting precious seconds but still felt justified in his effort to find her before leaving. He owed Nitro thanks for keeping him from drowning and had to admit that in hindsight his hesitation to leave without her had been a mistake.
Before he could get the words out, Nitro added, “One day, a woman in trouble at the wrong moment is going to be the reason you don’t walk away from these ops.”
That crushed Sam’s moment of understanding. Nitro would report everything to Logan, which he should.
But Sam could do without being condemned for losing ten seconds. “That’s bullshit, Nitro, and you know it.” So much for mending their argument. Sam looked around and his head spun. He covered his mouth, inhaled, and forced the contents of his gut back down where they belonged.
“Blade,” Nitro called out softly.
When the medic came back, Nitro asked, “What’s Sam’s diagnosis?”
“Sam is fine,Cuz,” Sam snapped at Nitro.
Ignoring that, Blade said, “He’s got a few nasty cuts from debris, which I’ve cleaned. Second-degree burns on the back of his arms. I’ve treated that, too. He’s gonna heal.”
“See?” Sam snapped.
Blade added, “But he’s also got a concussion.”
“No, I don’t.” Damn if Sam’s stomach didn’t lurch and almost prove him a liar.
“Yes, you do, Partyman. We’ll watch you for twenty-four hours, then ...” Blade paused, his gaze shifting to Nitro.
Nitro finished. “You’re going home for a two-week R&R.”
“What? Hell, no,” Sam argued and realized where he’d have to go. “That’s no R&R.”
“It is compared to what we’re doing. I need you a hundred percent.”
Sam stopped himself from yelling, “Finish that thought. You need me a hundred percent if I’m still on the team.”
He had to do damage control before they returned stateside. This couldn’t be happening. Logan would not penalize him over getting hurt in the explosion, but he would have issues with how Sam had barely escaped considering he had been the first one warned.
Sam couldn’t go over Nitro’s head, not unless he wanted to bring their boss, Logan, into this along with Margaux. Nobody wanted to cross Margaux. She had a lightning-fast temper.
Also, Sam would never do that to Nitro and expect to have any working relationship.
He gave in an inch, hoping by daylight to convince Nitro to change his mind. “Before we go, we have to find the leak. The woman said W knew a team was coming, which is why he left guards and the torture goon as bait for us to continue into the mansion. He wanted us deep inside before he triggered the bomb. No one knew our plans except Moose and Logan once we left. The leak has to be here.”
Angel called over, “Most obvious is the arms supplier.”
Sam’s mind had already gone there. He’d trusted Esteban for many years now. Hard to imagine that one giving up his team after how Esteban suffered daily in the prison camp and never gave up a word even for a cup of water.
Still, Sam’s team had to start at the most obvious point.
Proving he was ready to continue with the team, Sam said, “Angel’s right.”
Nitro eyed Sam, probably looking for any sign of second thoughts on the arms dealer.
Sam reminded everyone, “We notified Pablo only an hour in advance and he had no idea of our final destination until we were airborne. He’s not a good option as a leak. Logan agreed to use Esteban and had Moose run a quick check. At this second, Esteban is the most obvious breakdown point. Once we talk to him, we may learn something new.”
“Agreed.” Nitro stood.
“I want to go with you to see him.” Sam wouldn’t plead. He just made it clear he’d like that one concession. If that worked, he’d have time to prove he was healthy enough to stay with the team.
Angel piped up. “Esteban may only talk to Sam, and it will save time for Sam to fly back with us.”
