A chorus of "hell yeahs" and cheers echoed through the room until Isaac's ears rang with them. But this wasn't over. Not by a long shot. They still had no idea where Jenna was. What if Ramie wasn't able to see? Her gift wasn't infallible. But she was their only chance. Because it didn't matter how much firepower and muscle they had behind them or that every single man and woman involved in the mission had vowed to bring Jenna back at all costs. If they couldn't find her, then all the might and resolve in the world was utterly useless.
THIRTY
WITH half a dozen groups of men, including two military black ops groups, waiting nearby for the command to move out once Jenna's location had been ascertained, the mood inside had gone silent and tense as all focus was directed on Ramie.
Knowing well how devastating the process was on her and how vulnerable she was during and in the aftermath, Caleb quietly conveyed his wishes to Dane that only he, Isaac and Dane be present during Ramie's ordeal.
"I understand, Caleb, and normally you know I'd agree to keep the people around Ramie to a minimum, but in this case, I think we should include Gavin and Wade Sterling, as both men are familiar with the underworld where Jesus operates and it's possible they would clue in on things Ramie says better than we would. I also think Eliza should be present in support of Ramie," he concluded quietly.
Caleb nodded, closing his eyes. "I understand. I hate it but I get it. And Ramie will understand as well. Hell, she wouldn't care if the whole room was present. It's me who's so protective of her and tries to shield her from as much scrutiny as possible when she's at her most vulnerable."
"Let's get to it," Dane said. "We don't have any more time to waste if we're going to get to Jenna in time."
Everyone except those mentioned by Dane left the room to prepare to leave at a moment's notice. The tension could be felt throughout the room and every single agent was armed to the teeth, determination etched into their expressions. Tonight, only Caleb and Beau would remain in Dane's fortress to watch over Ari, Tori, Gracie and Ramie. The women had argued vehemently in favor of going but were shut down on all sides so forcefully, they'd had no choice but to give up the argument.
But after the showdown between Eliza and Wade, no one dared suggest she too remain behind. She would have had the balls of every single man who suggested it. In the end, it had been Gracie who'd gotten Eliza to agree to remain behind by telling her with complete sincerity that she would feel much safer if Eliza was here to help Beau and Caleb should anyone breach the safe house.
Wade had shot Gracie a look filled with gratitude and relief, but he'd made sure his wife hadn't seen his silent thank you.
Ramie sank down on one of the now vacant couches and immediately locked eyes with Isaac. "I won't stop until I have what we need to find her. I swear it." Then she turned to her husband, whose face was a mask of agony. "Promise me you won't stop me, that you won't bring me back until we have what we need. Swear it, Caleb." Her expression was identically tortured and her fear of not being able to provide the information they so desperately needed was tangible in the air.
Caleb merely nodded tersely and then positioned himself beside his wife. Isaac sat on her other side, while the remaining people gave her appropriate space, but remained close enough to hear and witness anything she said or experienced.
The rest of the room fell away, and there was only Isaac and Ramie and the quiet vow he read in her eyes as he tentatively held out the sweater Jenna had been wearing earlier that day. Ramie sucked in a deep breath, staring down at it for a moment before finally taking it and wrapping her hands in the material.
Isaac immediately moved back to give her space while Caleb closed in, hovering anxiously over his wife. Ramie's eyes glowed brightly for a moment before she closed them and slumped forward, Caleb catching her and easing her to the floor, where she lay in a fetal position.
Isaac stared, unable to look away, studying every nuance of Ramie's demeanor, seeking some sign she'd connected to Jenna. Then Ramie hunched inward, grunting in pain, her arms instantly surrounding her stomach. Tears burned Isaac's eyes as helpless fury began to eat away at his very soul.
"You think you can so easily make a fool of me in front of my men and all those people you claim are so precious to you."
It was a gruff voice that sounded eerily just like Jaysus. Coming from Ramie's mouth, it was even stranger that it held nothing of her soft, feminine tone. It was as if she was channeling the very devil himself in that moment.