CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Daphne remembered the man coming toward her with a cane. For the life of her, she couldn't think of why he would walk toward her with a cane. He wasn't limping. What did he need it for?

He needed it to beat the hell out of her. He swung hard at the side of her head, then slammed it into her face. Falling to the concrete, she only remembered pain and blissful darkness.

Opening her eyes just a crack, a man in black leaned over her, kissing her forehead. He lifted her easily, then walked away. When she opened her eyes again, she was lying on a bed, staring up at the ceiling.

"Don't move, honey," said the soft voice. "My name is Doc. I'm a medic and nurse. You're quite a mess."

"I h-hurt," she murmured.

"Why did you go in there?" said the familiar voice. She turned, only one eye actually seeing anything. Brix. He was there. "Why, Daph? I begged you not to do this."

"Lights," she whispered. "Lights were flashing inside the warehouse. Then it went dark, and then a few minutes later, lights flashed again. I knew they were in there."

"Baby, nothing is worth your life. Nothing." She nodded, tears filling her swollen eyes as Doc worked on her nose and lacerations on her face.

"Maybe try not to be an asshole to the woman, Brix. She's had enough for one day. He has no manners, honey. None. We've all tried to make him listen, even his mom and dad. Nope. He's just an asshole sometimes."

Daphne tried to smile, but it caused her tremendous pain. Brix reached for her hand, kissing the back of it.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to be an asshole. I was worried for you," he said, shaking his head.

"Home," she whispered. Brix nodded.

"Yeah. Sure, okay. I'll take you home."

"N-no. I don't want to go home. Take me to your home." Brix grinned at Doc, then leaned over her, placing a soft, gentle kiss on her lips.

"That I will definitely do."

When they heard footsteps entering the plane, Doc and Brix both whipped around, weapons drawn.

"It's us," said Sebastian. Evie looked at them, frowning.

"Do you honestly believe I'd let strangers on my plane? For shit's sake, have some confidence in me," she snapped.

"Sorry, Evie," smirked Doc. "Hey, we need to get her back."

"Leave," said Major. "We've got a trail to follow. Did she see anything?"

"Lights," said Brix. "She said she saw bright flashing lights, then the lights stopped and, a few moments later, started again. That's why she went into the warehouse."

"Well, the crates are gone, but so is Fayek."

"F-Fayek?" frowned Daphne. "Elena's father?"

"I'm afraid so, honey. He used Efram as a shield. He was in on this as well. They didn't know where the crates had been moved, and neither do we. Your director walked in on us with security. She said they were supposed to be unveiled in a few days."

"They weighed a ton," she murmured through her swollen lips. "Need a forklift or something."

"Get her home," said Major. "We'll stay here and try to find Fayek."

"Keys," she said, trying to reach in the pocket of her sweater. "Take my car. It's small but it's fast. My apartment keys are on there as well."

"Thanks, Daph," smiled Major. "You just get well. We'll take it from here."

"My clothes. My clothes are in the car."

"I got ‘em," grinned Garr. "I may not have a wife or girlfriend, but I've been around enough of them to know you girls always have extra somewhere. And before you ask, yes, I broke into your car, but I didn't damage it."

"Thank you," she whispered.

"Painkillers are kicking in," said Doc. "You guys do your thing. We're going to get her home and comfortable. Evie already called Savannah to head this way."

"Thanks, Doc. Give my wife a hug for me," said Major.

"I'll do that."

"What's the address that was in the other victim's car?" asked Sebastian.

"Looks like it's in a suburb. Haringey," said Garr.

"Hey, fellas? A few things about Haringey," said AJ. "According to the data, 129.1 crimes per one thousand people. It's green, lots of trees, but has a lot of violent crimes and thefts. Just watch your backs."

"Thanks, AJ," said Major. "Alright, let's go. Brix? Take care of your girl." He nodded at his friends as they left the plane. Doc stood, walking toward the front to sit with Evie as they took off.

He carefully lay beside her, making sure not to move her too much. Instead, he gently slid his arm beneath her, pulling her close to his warm body. He covered her with a blanket and listened to the soft sounds of her sleeping.

"Nothing to worry about now, baby. We're going home."