Grayson

Chapter Forty

Grayson ~

Hunter's scowl wasn't off brand, but it was deeper than usual as soon as he saw the Knight Security patch on the screen.

That emblem is on our tactical gear, not on the building or paperwork. If someone recognized the skull it was because they had engaged in combat with us...or against us before.

"Why is that bad?" Emma asked. The fear in her voice made Grayson's heart sink, but his adrenaline surged at the possibility of an enemy being close to his girl.

"We don't know that it's bad." Caleb offered, trying to sound reassuring.

"Let us do some digging." Nate said, already typing away on his computer.

"Don't panic sweetheart, it could all just be a misunderstanding." Grayson tried to keep his voice as even and calm as possible, making eye contact with Hunter who moved toward Nate's computer to watch his progress.

"I got a possibility, but I don't know how likely it is." Nate said, rolling his chair slightly so that Grayson could get a look at the screen.

"Look at this insignia." Nate zoomed in on a group of rebel soldiers that were photographed at a location near Emma's hospital. "There are some similarities in design and color. Look at the skull."

"They could have thought Emma was sporting the other teams colors." Caroline added.

Emma's eyes went wide at the thought of showing support for the enemies that the armed guards had been protecting her from.

"Oh my gosh, I'm such an asshole." Emma muttered, closing her eyes in embarrassment. "I'll explain that it was a misunderstanding tomorrow."

"How exactly will you explain it?" Hunter asked.

"I'll um say it's a logo of a sports team from my hometown."

Hunter locked eyes with Grayson and gave him a approving nod of his head.

"That's a good idea Em." Grayson affirmed. "Listen, why don't you and Olivia get some rest while we look into this a little further. Just to make sure everything is on the up and up."

"Okay." Emma's voice was shaky. "I'm sorry I created problems for you."

"You didn't sweetheart." Grayson gave her an endearing smile that she reciprocated with half of the enthusiasm.

"Probably nothin Em. Don't stress." Kincaid hollered out knowing that she'd recognize his voice.

Nodding along, Emma accepted her brother's words, but Grayson knew she was internally scolding herself.

"Gray? Can I talk to you for a second alone?"

Lifting his eyes toward the room full of teammates, including Emma's brother, Grayson swiftly stood and left the room.

"Alright you got me all to yourself." Grayson said happily, trying to lighten the mood.

"Gray, this is going to be my last one."

Dropping his brows Grayson tried to understand the meaning of the obviously difficult statement that Emma had just made.

"Your last call to me?" He asked in disbelief.

"No, No. Gosh no. I mean...my last outreach program."

Letting out a sigh of relief, Grayson acknowledged the hurt in Emma's eyes.

"Normally I feel fulfilled, like I'm doing something meaningful when I'm overseas. My heart normally feels full, but not this time...I thought it would be different, and the circumstances have definitely affected my time here, but I think one of the main reasons I feel so lost is...because of you."