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Lizzy-girl. He didn’t know you were my daughter. I picked this town because I’ve kept tabs on all of my men.” The General turned toward Mike. “Are Briggs, Donavan, and Edwards still living here?”
    Mike stared up at his mentor, his old general from days gone by. He’d been stunned, not only to see the man, but to realize that he was “Lizzy’s” father.
    He cleared his throat. “Yes, sir.” Mike held out his hand to his old commander. “And all of us know about the professor.”
    His commander shook his hand and nodded. “Then I expect if she’s set on staying you’ll make sure she stays safe. Won’t you, son?”
    Mike nodded. “Absolutely, General. We’ve already started making plans, and that was before we knew she was your daughter…sir.”
    Elizabeth threw her hands up in the air. “Great, just great.”
    Gracie glided up beside her daddy. “You’re one sneaky man.” She winked up at her dad.
    “As for you, little girl, get your gear. You’re leaving with me.”
    Gracie defiantly put her fists on her hips and glared at her father. “I am not.”
    Elizabeth put her arm around Gracie’s shoulder. “Gracie Lou, I think it’s best for right now. That way I won’t have to worry about you. When everything calms down and the professor is no longer around, you can always come back.”
    Gracie’s grin was noncommittal. Her face clouded with unease. “Fine.” She pulled from under Elizabeth ’s arm and stomped off to grab her bag. “But I will be back, Elizabeth .”
    Surprise hadn’t even begun to describe how Mike had felt when he saw the general, and finding out that Elizabeth was his daughter had left him stunned and speechless. He’d served under the man for almost a decade and hadn’t known the man was even married, much less had children.
    “I’ve got to get ready for work.” Elizabeth pointed to the two of them. “You guys can stay or leave or whatever.”
    The General patted Mike on the back. “You’ve got your hands full.”
    “Don’t I know it.” Mike answered on a whisper.
    Mike thought for a moment before he spoke again, this time louder so Elizabeth could here. His voice was colored with a tone of concern. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Elizabeth . It’s not like we can protect you as you do your rounds.”
    Elizabeth sauntered over to Mike and rubbed her palms up and down Mike’s chest. “I’m safe there; besides daddy taught me how to take care of myself.”
    Elizabeth smirked and headed down her hall to her room. Mike knew what was coming, and he didn’t have to wait. When he heard Elizabeth ’s door shut, he turned toward the general.
    “You seem mighty comfortable with my girl, Bennett.”
    “Yes, sir. I care about her.”
    The general nodded. “Good. Let me give you some advice.”
    “Sir?”
    “Don’t knock her up, don’t break her heart, and, whatever you do, remember she’s my daughter, I carry a gun, and I taught her everything I know. Understood?”
    Mike felt his eyes widen. He’d never expected to have that kind of conversation with the general. For once in his life, a reply escaped him. What do you say to that? “Uh… yes, sir.”
    Gracie strolled out into the living room, putting an end to the shotgun-carrying father routine the general had displayed. She walked up to Mike and poked her finger in his chest. “Let’s make this simple. You let anything happen to her, and I’ll kill you. You break her heart, and I’ll kill you. If she so much as sheds a tear, I’ll kill you.” Gracie patted him on his chest. “Okay then. Let’s hit the road, Daddy.”
    The general patted him on the back. “Take care of my daughter, Bennett. I’ll be calling for updates.”
    Elizabeth hurried out of her room, dressed in her scrubs and carrying a black bag. “Good. They’re gone.”
    Mike took her bag. “Let’s go, Lizzy-girl .”
    Elizabeth stopped and narrowed her eyes, throwing her hands up in the air. “I knew it, you’re on his