Status Updates From Sealed with Courage (Called...

“We’re doing our best to provide a stable home for Lucas.” “I can see that.” Ms. Chapman didn’t seem to notice how much cleaning Aubrey had done in preparation for today. “And really, all that matters is that Lucas is safe and happy.” I am, Lucas signed with emphasis. Does this mean I can stay?
“Yes, I see no reason to move you to a new home.”

Lucas looked at the men warily, then settled his gaze on Mason. I don’t want to live with strangers. “Aubrey will do everything she can to make sure you’re able to stay with her, and Bravo and I will stick around too, just to make sure you’re both safe.” Good. Lucas looked relieved. I don’t want more bad devils to come after me. “They won’t,” Mason assured him. “I won’t let them. And neither will Bravo.”

A hand grabbed her arm. She nearly cried out, but another hand clamped over her mouth. Fear spiked but then receded when she heard Mason’s whisper. “Why are you here?” Rather than risking talking, she used sign language. This warehouse is owned by Benito Gonzales, he also owns a house in El Cajon. He could be el jefe. Mason gave a curt nod of understanding. Then he signed back, Get out while I keep looking around.

“God be with you, Mason.” “Thanks, and with you too.” He slid out from behind the wheel and waited for her to get into the driver’s seat. Then he lightly tapped the hood, indicating she should take off. He saw her fingers move in a sign language message before she drove away. He stared after her for a moment, wondering if he’d misinterpreted her intent. Had she signed I love you? Or had he imagined it?

He handed over his phone with the picture he’d taken through the window up on the screen. “Tell me what you think.” “Is this Lucas?” she demanded. “Do you recognize him as Lucas?” He shot her a glance. “Enough to swear to it in court if necessary?” She bit her lip and continued looking at the photo. “I—no. I can’t see his face.” That’s what he’d been afraid of. “I can’t either.”

Aubrey found the silence comfortable rather than awkward. Since first coming here last night, much had changed between them. These past twenty-four hours with Mason made it seem as if they’d known each other for months rather than hours. She’d told him things she hadn’t spoken of in years. From this point forward, she knew he’d never just be another adult student learning sign language. He was so much more.

Aubrey emerged from the bathroom, her eyes red and puffy from crying. He hated seeing her so upset and went over to meet her. “Aren’t you the one who believes that God is watching over us? You have to trust in Him, Aubrey.” “I know.” Her attempt to smile was rather pathetic. “I’m trying, but I just keeping thinking that the only reason the Blue Devils would want a deaf kid is to make him do something bad.”

I was helpful earlier, wasn’t I? I followed orders like a good soldier. I promise I won’t cause you any trouble,” she insisted. Little did she know she was already causing him a boatload of trouble. Or maybe angst was a better word. He was used to having his fellow SEALs covering his six, not a sign language teacher. “There aren’t soldiers in the navy,” he said dryly. “We’re sailors. And the SEALs are frogmen.

Granted, she’d also been shot at twice in less than twelve hours. Dodging gunmen took a toll physically and emotionally. She was hanging on by a thread. Maybe Mason was paranoid, but she was only alive now because of his strength and skill. The thought was sobering. It wasn’t a matter of if the next attack would come, it was more about when and where it would happen.

He was a good man. The way he’d saved her life, twice in a matter of an hour, spoke volumes too. Still, being in his personal space had her on edge. She hadn’t been this close to a man in ten years. Since her husband’s death, months after delivering their stillborn son, she’d kept to herself. Aubrey hadn’t been interested in dating, especially in those early years.

As a teacher at the school for the deaf, she enjoyed her elementary school kids. Maybe because losing her husband ten years ago meant giving up the idea of having a family of her own. When she’d noticed the bruises on Lucas’s arms, she’d used sign language to ask him what had happened. He’d flushed and claimed he’d fallen off his bike.