Rescued. Such a basic word for the intricate mission they pulled off.
"Of course." Rachel took a sip of her drink to steady herself. "Not something I'm likely to forget."
"You and I did not meet personally at that time but I understand you were extremely valuable in helping the foundation keep a low profile during the entire episode. And also providing support for Loraine."
"Both Sam and Loraine are very important to me," she told him. "As is the foundation." She looked at Gabe. "When we met at that barbecue…"
"I wangled an invitation," he confessed. "I saw you briefly when we returned Sam to his home and I wanted to meet you. I asked a few quiet questions, found out you were going to the barbecue hosted by a couple who owed me a favor." He reached for her hand again, a surprising silent declaration to the man who was obviously his boss that she was more than just a woman he was spending the evening with. If he meant it to make her feel more secure it was helping.