"Commander Rhodes is probably willing to do it because he can't stand being pushed around from shadows," Lake said shrewdly. "And as impossible as it sounds, you probably are the one that saved me. I still want to know how you managed that."
"Maybe someday I'll be able to show you how, but not here," Reilly answered. "Not like this."
Lake could see the strain on her face and it filled him with a strong desire to know more.
"You said your unit knows where you are," Lake questioned. "But you said they were told you were dead."
"I just told them it was a clerical error due to complications in my treatment," she answered. "They were happy enough to see me alive and well that they took it as truth. Now I write stories under my nome du plume and travel under that name. It has afforded me a good deal of security."
"How can I help you," Lake asked quietly.
At this question, Reilly looked deep into his eyes, trying to read what she saw there. Slowly she reached into her boot, pulled out a small card, and hand it to him.
"That is my parents address," she whispered. "Tell them what happened to me, that I love them and my sibs. Can you make sure Jin-Soon is sent to them? I don't want him to be taken away with me, they'd destroy him. Or experiment on him just to torment me."
The thought of anyone hurting the innocent had always angered Lake, it was why he had become a SEAL, to stop evil men. But the thought of someone harming this woman enraged him! Some small part of his mind considered that she might be lying, but all he could read in her was sincerity.
"There has to be more that I can do," Lake whispered urgently.
"I imagine your unit is in plenty of hot water for interfering with the government of what is now a hostile nation, I wouldn't have you destroy your career for me," she said firmly. "That is what it would take, and I can't have that. You and your men have a unique opportunity to save lives and you must continue to do that."
Before Lake could argue, one of the guards announced that her visit was over. She didn't even spare a glance for the guard, she looked into Lake's eyes and stood up. Before Lake realized what was happening she leaned over and kissed him! The shock was still registering, but Lake kissed her back. It seemed like everything slowed down and condensed to just this point of contact. He was aware of nothing but the feel of her lips, the taste of her. The moment was ripped from him as the guards grabbed her and pushed her from the room.