Page 8 of Cold Silence
He didn’t like seeing it. Not one bit.
He wanted to erase the line and put a smile on her face. The only way he could do that was to recover the virtual device and stop the person who attacked her. Travis could have a go at it alone, but he would work faster with Gage’s help. Not only in the investigation, but in protecting Claire.
Ignoring what was best for him, he got out his phone and tapped Vogler’s phone number.
“This better be important, Chapman,” Vogler said.
Despite the warning, Travis continued. “I’m checking to see if you got my email.”
“Reviewing it now,” Vogler said.
“Impressive team, right?”
“Yes,” Vogler said.
“And Gage’s clearance? You confirmed that okay?” Travis was bordering on insubordination in questioning Vogler, but if that was what it took to protect Claire he would do it.
“He could be read-in.”
“You approve, then?”
Vogler let out a long breath. “I swear dealing with you spec ops guys is like herding a bunch of toddlers sometimes.”
“So you’ve said in the past,” Travis said. “And yet, you know we’ll come through for you every time. And if we’re asking for something, we truly believe we need it.”
“Fine. We’ll hire Blackwell Tactical to assist in protection and investigation, but for now, Gage Blackwell is the only one in the know.”
“Got it.”
“And Chapman, if word of this theft gets out, I’ll hold you personally responsible.”
Travis opened his mouth to point out that the information could come from Claire or even the thief, but Vogler ended the call before Travis could get out a word.
Fine.Travis would need to warn Claire again, but first a call to Gage.
He dialed his friend’s number.
“G-man,” Gage said, using the nickname short for Green Beret that Gage had given Travis many years ago. “Been a long time, bro. You still active duty?”
The last time Travis had seen or talked to Gage was when Gage had wanted a reference on Jackson Lockhart. “Yeah. Lockhart working out for you?”
“Better than I could’ve hoped.”
“Told you he was a strong operator.”
“You did,” Gage said. “I know you didn’t call just to catch up. What can I do you for?”
“I hoped you’d like to take a trip to see the big mouse.” Travis laughed over his Disney reference and explained his need in Orlando, leaving out any mention of his personal connection to Claire. “And if that’s not intriguing enough, I’ll bet Dr. Reed would be glad to have you run some training sessions with her prototype.”
“When do you need me there?”
“Yesterday.”
“I’ll have my chopper pilot take me to Portland and can catch a red eye out of there tonight if there’re seats available.”
“Seriously. You have your own helo?”
“I do,” he answered, pride of his accomplishment behind his words.
