Page 56 of Shadows Relived
“That’s not what bothers me. What bothers me is that this isn’t you. Not anymore.”
Callen went still.
“I wasn’t in the Rangers with you like Hawk was, but I heard the stories. I know the reason behind the name. You looked half-dead already when you signed the papers, as I hear it. All rage and silence. The kind of guy who haunted his own damn skin.
Callen looked away, eyes fixed on the treeline outside the high security glass.
Elvis went on. “You’ve loosened up since you got out, putting your demons behind you for the most part, but there was always one demon that refused to leave. And after seeing the two of you together, I now know what that demon was. She’s the one you left. I get it. I’ve got one of those myself. But, Callen… Wraith… you’ve changed, and that little lady’s the one who changed you. Don’t undo that.”
“I’m not,” Callen said. “But if I lose her because I didn’t finish this… if I can’t protect her now, like I didn’t back then… then everything I’ve become means nothing.”
A long silence passed between them as Elvis simply stared at him, jaw tight.
Finally, Elvis blew out a breath as he dragged a hand through his hair. “You better bring your sorry ass back, man. Whole and breathing. Or I swear to God, I’ll find your ghost and punch it myself.”
Callen managed the barest ghost of a smile. “Take care of my girl until I get back.”
“Always. And when you do get back, you owe me the story of you two. What didn’t you protect her fromback then?”
Callen stared at him. “The same thing I’m trying to protect her from now. Her father.”
With a curt nod, he slipped out into the quiet, air heavy with the Gulf humidity, and climbed into the SUV. If he were lucky, the bad guys would grab his license plate and think they were heading back to St. Augustine, allowing him to lead them away from Meaghan and the others.
Before starting the engine, he grabbed his phone and dialed. He knew it was early, but he also knew it didn’t matter.
Tex answered on the second ring. “You’re up early. Or is this another ‘I’m about to do something dumb and I need a tech genius’ kind of call?”
A burst of laughter popped out of him as he shook his head. “And good morning to you too. And yes, I need your help. Blaze is still tracking the mercs that New Horizons hired.”
“Fun for him. What do you need?”
“I need a location on Senator Harrington. Should be in Savannah.”
Tex sighed. “You’re taking his daughter to him? Not the move I would make.”
“I didn’t make it. I left her back at the safe house. She doesn’t even know I’m gone yet.”
He heard the other man take a sudden breath. “Ghosting your lady? You’re seriously going rogue right now? So it’s a ‘Wraith mission’ kind of morning. Damn it, Callen, that’s not smart.”
“Just give me the ping, please.”
“After the lecture. You and I both know why you lefther. You say it’s protecting her, but it’s really to protect yourself from what happens if she watches you fall apart.”
“That’s not what this is.”
“You sure?” Tex’s tone turned razor-edged. “Blaze filled me on what’s been happening, and after everything the two of you have been through together, I wouldn’t be sneaking out the back door like a coward.”
Callen’s grip tightened on the wheel. “I have to do this my way.”
“Damn it, Callen, this isn’t like it was over there. You’re not that guy anymore.”
Callen’s silence was answer enough.
“She’s not just some asset, Callen,” Tex continued. “You let her in. Hell, you let us all in. And you know what that means. We watch out for each other, no matter what. You better not screw this up. I know what Meaghan means to you.”
“That’s why I’m doing this. To keep her safe, Tex.”
Tex paused. “Yeah? So how’s she gonna feel when she wakes up and finds you gone? You really think she’ll feel safe then?”
