Chapter 6

SAWYER SQUEEZED JANIE’Shand. So close to dying and yet her life was spared. Although he was grateful, the question was why had Janie was left alive when the hijackers killed all the others? “I’m sorry, Janie.”

She swiped at her tears. “The other passengers. What happened to them, Sawyer? You promised to tell me the truth when we were safe. Please tell me now.”

Man, he hated this. He’d give anything to share good news instead of bad. This situation reminded him of some of his undercover operations as a cop. Sometimes when the gangs felt threatened, they murdered innocents, and as a law enforcement officer, he’d had to deliver the bad news to family and friends. “The only hostage we found alive in the compound was you.”

Sorrow filled Janie’s eyes. “Why would they do that? Why take us hostage if they planned to kill us, anyway?”

“I don’t know, but I will find out. You have my word.” He’d promise and do anything as long as she stopped crying. Her tears gutted him.

When Jesse pinched Sawyer’s shoulder in various places to check the progress of the lidocaine, Janie’s tears slowed as her attention shifted to Sawyer. If that’s what it took to distract Janie, he’d gladly submit to Jesse’s less than tender loving care.

Jesse grunted as he poked and prodded Sawyer’s shoulder. “This is more than a scratch, buddy. The injury is deep.”

Sawyer shrugged his uninjured shoulder. “Fix it so I’m operational.”

Janie’s gaze shifted to Sawyer’s face. “You sound as though you expect more trouble.”

“I do.”

She blinked. “Why?”

“You said it yourself. The hijackers kept you alive for a reason. They’ll try to put their hands on you again.”

“I hope you’re wrong.”

“So do I.” He paused. “I’m not. Scar Face and his buddies will come for you or send someone else to finish the job.”

Jesse murmured, “You’ll feel tugs. If you feel pain, don’t tough it out. Tell me.”

Sawyer nodded, his gaze locked on Janie. “Finish eating. In a few minutes, you’ll be sound asleep.”

She looked skeptical. “How do you know that?”

“Adrenaline dump plus an emotional shock means you’ll probably need a good nap,” Jesse said. “Some of us pace or run a few miles. One of my teammates lifts weights to handle an adrenaline dump. It’s common for people to cry or sleep. I’m betting you’re a sleeper.”

Sawyer squeezed her fingers again. “Based on what you said, I doubt you slept at all. Am I right?”

Janie nodded.

“After you eat, settle back and sleep. When you wake, we’ll be that much closer to the states.”

Jesse finished the stitches as Janie swallowed the last bite of her food. He handed Sawyer two packets of capsules. “The red and white capsules are an antibiotic, and the white capsules are for pain.” He handed Sawyer a bottle of water. “Take one pill from each bag and finish the water. I’ll want to check you again tomorrow, unless Sorenson keeps you two at the clinic for a day or two.”

Sawyer shuddered. Doc Sorenson was the best trauma surgeon around, but his bedside manner wasn’t anything to write home about. “No way.”

“You don’t have a choice. The boss will decide, along with the doctor.”

He scowled. “You know how Sorenson is. He’ll gripe at me the whole time, telling me the dogs and cats he treats are sicker than I am.”

“In this case, he’d be right. However, he might want to monitor you for a few hours. Janie, too.”

She set aside her plate. “Why would he want to watch over me? I’m not injured.”

Silence met her question. Finally, Sawyer said, “It’s a precaution. You’ve been through a lot in the past two days.” Then he played his ace card. “Brent will want Dr. Sorenson’s assessment of your health before he transports you to Nashville.”

Janie narrowed her eyes. “We’ll see how long he keeps me. I want to go home.”

There was the spark Sawyer wanted to see. “We’ll do our best to get you out of the clinic in record time.”

She settled deeper into the pillows. “You mentioned something about dogs and cats. Does Dr. Sorenson have pets?”

Sawyer smiled. “You could say that. Not only is the doc a world-class trauma surgeon, he’s an excellent veterinarian too.”

“Oh, I see. I guess he must have furry patients, too.”

“If you show any interest at all in a dog or cat from the shelter, you’ll go home with a new pet.”

Janie laughed. “Got it. I’ll be careful.”

Jesse finished bandaging Sawyer’s shoulder. “All right, my friend. You’re all set until we reach the clinic.”

“Thanks, Jesse.”

“Yep. Janie, you’re next. Show me the scrapes and cuts. I’ll treat them, then give you cold packs for the bruises.”

Fifteen minutes later, Janie’s injuries were treated, and Jesse handed her three cold packs for the worst of the bruises.

When he left the room, Janie said, “He didn’t have to do all this for me. My injuries are slight.”

“No injury is minor when we’re in a tropical climate. Infections set up quickly. Jesse’s being cautious.” Sawyer rose and dug in his Go bag for a clean shirt. After tugging it on, he grabbed a chair and set it beside the bed. He dropped into it. “How do you feel, Janie?”

“Washed out,” she admitted. “I think I could sleep for a week.”

“I understand. Can I get you anything before I leave you alone to sleep?”

“Can you stay? Only if you won’t be in trouble, that is.”

His heart skipped a beat. “You want me to stay with you?”

“Please. I feel safe when you’re near.”

One barrier he’d erected around his heart crumpled to the ground with a whoosh. Oh, boy. He might be in for a tough time. Janie Moran was his principal, not his girlfriend. He couldn’t lose sight of that fact. “I can stay. I’ll let Brody know. Otherwise, my team leader will track me down to see what’s going on.”

Sawyer grabbed his phone and sent a text to Brody, then settled back in his chair. “We’re set. Do you have enough blankets?”

Janie nodded.

“Rest, Janie. I’ve got you. You’re safe with me.” He meant every word. No one would harm this woman. They’d have to go through him first.

She sighed, tugged the blankets up to her shoulders, and went motionless.

Sawyer watched her for several minutes until his own fatigue caught up with him. He found another blanket and settled deeper into the chair for a quick nap.

He woke two hours later, his internal alarm rousing him from a light doze. Sawyer checked on Janie, who appeared to be resting peacefully. Excellent. Now that his own adrenaline dump had dissipated, he needed food.

Slipping from the room, Sawyer laid a hand on Max’s shoulder. “Monitor Janie until I get back.”

His teammate rose and stood in the bedroom”s doorway, his back to the room.

Satisfied that Janie would have someone near in case she woke up disoriented, Sawyer made his way to the galley. He slapped together two sandwiches and picked up two bananas. Hopefully, the scent of food wouldn’t wake the woman he was guarding.

On his way back to the bedroom, Brody stopped him. “How is she?”

“Considering what she’s been through, Janie’s doing great.”

“Was she….” He didn’t finish the question.

Unnecessary. Sawyer got his meaning without the words. “Janie said the women from her plane were assaulted. She was the only one spared.”

Brody frowned. “Why?”

“Question of the day, isn’t it? I told her I’d find out.”

His leader’s eyebrows rose. “Taking this on personally, Sawyer?”

“She needed the promise, and I have to do this.”

“Watch yourself.”

Sawyer gave a mock salute.

“How’s the shoulder?”

“Hurts,” he admitted. “The bullet did some damage.”

“So, more than a scratch?” Brody teased.

“A little.”

The other man snorted. “Get some rest, my friend. We’ll be landing in Texas in a few hours. Hopefully, the terrorists will be too busy trying to figure out who hit the compound to track us to Texas.” He sobered. “Someone will come after Janie again.”

“I know. I told Janie, but I don’t think she believes me.”

“She’ll find out soon enough.” Brody inclined his head toward the bedroom and returned to his seat.

“Thanks,” Sawyer murmured to Max.

“No problem. She hasn’t moved.” Max returned to his seat.

Sawyer sat in his chair and wolfed down his meal. When he finished, he set the plate aside and settled back to watch over Janie.

Four hours later, the jet’s altitude changed. They must be getting ready to land.

Before he could wake Janie, she stirred. After a luxuriant stretch, she opened her eyes and stared at Sawyer. “Hi. Have a nice nap?”

“I feel better. What’s happening?”

“We’ll land soon.” He stood. “There’s a bathroom behind you. I’ll meet you in the cabin.” Sawyer closed the door behind him.

Five minutes later, Janie opened the door. He straightened from the wall and took her arm to escort her to their seats. Once she strapped in, he took his seat beside her.

Soon, the pilot announced they were on approach to the airport. Within minutes, the jet rolled along the runway and came to a stop near two black SUVs.

As soon as Brody and Logan lowered the stairs, two burley men stepped into the cabin. “Injured personnel?” Blondie asked.

“Two,” Brody said. “Both mobile.”

A nod. “How can we help?”

“Grab gear bags. The sooner the doc gets a look at Sawyer and Janie, the better.”

Blondie signaled his partner, and the two men helped the team take gear to the vehicles.

At last, Brody returned. “We’re clear.”

Sawyer helped Janie to her feet. “Can you walk?”

“Watch me.”

He chuckled as she walked ahead of him toward Brody. His team leader stayed in front of Janie as she exited the jet, keeping her behind his taller, broader body.

Sawyer caught up with her on the first step and cupped her elbow to provide support when she wobbled. “Just a few more feet,” he murmured.

Once on the tarmac, he escorted her quickly to the closest SUV, helped her into the backseat, and slid in beside her. Brody climbed into the shotgun seat while Jesse sat on the other side of Janie. If anything happened on the short drive to Sorenson’s clinic, Janie would have plenty of protection.

Minutes later, the SUVs parked at the back of the clinic. The drivers got out first and scanned the area, then signaled the others. Sawyer opened the door and helped Janie from the vehicle. He guided her into the clinic while the others dealt with the Go bags and gear.

She paused halfway to the exam room, her eyes sparkling. “I hear dogs and cats.” Janie turned to Sawyer with a smile.

“Dr. Sorenson’s four-footed patients. Sounds like he has a full house today.” He nudged her toward the exam room. “We should have time to visit the animals before we leave again.”

“Where are we going to next?”

“Nashville, Tennessee.”

Janie beamed.

Sawyer’s breath caught. Janie Moran was absolutely gorgeous, especially when she smiled like that.

“You’re taking me home. Thank you, Sawyer.”

Home? He blinked. “You live in Nashville?”

“Close. I live in Hartman.”

How could that be? He’d never seen her in his hometown, which wasn’t that large. “So do I.”

A middle-aged man strode into the room and frowned at Sawyer. “Back again, Chapman?”

He flinched. “Yes, sir.” How he wished he could say they were in the clinic for Janie only. Couldn’t do that, though. Brody and Jesse would have his hide if he didn’t allow Sorenson to check his wound. “This is Janie. A gang took her hostage in Mexico.”

Sorenson eyed her. “Injuries?”

“A few scratches and bruises, which Jesse treated. Otherwise, I’m fine.”

The doc shifted his attention back to Sawyer. “You better not have pulled me away from my favorite patients to examine a scratch or bruise on you, Chapman.”

“Bullet kissed my shoulder.”

“Lose the shirt.”

Maybe one day a beautiful woman like Janie would give Sawyer the same order. After he complied with the doctor’s order, he sat on the side of the exam bed and waited in silence while Sorenson examined the injury and Jesse’s repair job.

The doc grunted. “Good work by your medic. I’m not seeing signs of infection. How does your shoulder feel?”

“Like a bullet kissed me.” He smiled. A long stare from the doctor had his smile fading into oblivion. Tough crowd.

“Out, Chapman. I have patients who need my attention.” When Janie started for the door, Sorenson held up his hand. “Not so fast, young lady. I want to see the scratches Phelps treated, then you and I need to talk.” He slid his narrowed gaze toward Sawyer. “Without an audience. You can wait outside the room.”

Sawyer tugged on his shirt and stared at the doctor.

Sorenson rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. I’ve got her, now get out.”

He squeezed Janie’s hand. “I’ll be right outside the door. Call out if you need me.” Sawyer forced himself to leave.

Fifteen minutes later, Sorenson opened the door. “Go home, Chapman. You’re taking up valuable space and time. See one of the Fortress doctors on staff in a week. If you notice any redness, streaks, swelling, or heat, go to the headquarters clinic immediately.”

“How’s Janie?”

A slight pause. “Physically, she’s fine. You’ll need to watch her. She’s already dealing with survivor’s guilt.”

He nodded. “Thanks, Doc.”

“I don’t want to see you again for a long time. Hear me?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Out.” He turned back to Janie, who was behind him. “You are welcome back anytime. Hopefully not for injuries. Take care, Janie.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Taking a chance that Janie wouldn’t mind, Sawyer held out his hand to her. He breathed easier when she took his hand without hesitation, and he led her to the kitchen where his teammates waited. “We’re cleared to leave.”

“Excellent.” Brody stood. “I’ll let the pilot know we’re returning to the airport.” He walked from the room.

“Do you need anything, Janie?” Jesse asked. “Water, a snack?”

“Water. I can’t seem to drink enough to satisfy my thirst.”

“You’re probably a little dehydrated.” He dug into his mike bag and pulled out a familiar packet. Jesse grabbed a bottle of water and added the contents of the packet to the liquid. After he shook it, the medic handed the bottle to Janie. “I added a mix with electrolytes to help. We all drink this when we’re on missions, especially in hot, humid climates.”

Janie sipped the mix. Her eyebrows lifted. “It’s not bad.”

Brody returned. “The ground crew is servicing the jet. Grab your gear.”

The Texas Team and two of Sorenson’s helpers loaded the SUVs with the gear bags and they boarded the jet minutes later.

After storing their gear and strapping into their seats, Brody signaled the pilot to take off. Once in the air, the operatives settled back to take a nap.

Sawyer glanced at Janie. “You have time to take a nap like my teammates. Do you want to try sleeping?”

She shook her head. “I don’t suppose you have books on board, do you?”

“We always carry books. What genre do you like?”

“Romance, historical romance, mystery, suspense, and fantasy.”

He stood. “I’ll be back in a minute.” Sawyer made his way to the galley. Books filled one cabinet for operatives to pass the time as they flew back and forth on missions.

He scanned the titles. Hmm. No romance or historical romance. He’d have to mention that to Zane, their tech guru. Although they’d be in the air for a few hours, Sawyer thought Janie could use something totally different to read. He selected a thick book and returned to his seat. “Try this one. If you don’t like it, I’ll find you another book or take you to our stash so you can choose one.”

Janie studied the cover. “The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan.” She glanced up. “Have you read this?”

“I’m the one who put the book in the library. I love this series. Bonus that it’s a long series. Each of the books is the size of a good doorstop. It should keep you busy for a while.”

“This looks fabulous. Thanks for sharing your book with me, Sawyer. What will you read?”

He smiled and held up a copy of The Great Hunt, also by Robert Jordan. “Book two in the series.”

They settled back to read. Before long, Janie became so absorbed in the book she didn’t notice when Sawyer got up and returned with two bottles of water and placed one in her hand. “Thanks,” she murmured and immediately dove into the book again.

When they landed at John C. Tune Airport, Janie frowned. “We’re home already?”

Sawyer laughed. “Sorry, sweetheart. Want me to tell the pilot to take us up again?”

Janie wrinkled her nose. “I guess not.”

“Do you like the book?”

“It’s wonderful. I’ll have to buy a copy so I can finish the book.”

“Take it with you, with my compliments. I’ll get another copy for the jet.”

“Are you sure?”

“Positive. Everybody brings their favorite books to share with the others. This will be the sixth copy I’ve bought. Several of my friends have gotten hooked on the series. If you like the series, there’s also an ongoing television series based on the books.”

“Sold.” She held the book close. “I can’t wait to see what happens next. Thank you, Sawyer.”

“Sure.” He stood and held out his hand. “Come on. I have a feeling you have at least one person waiting to see you.”