Page 112 of Death Wish

He smiled. “Of course. They love to have visitors. If you’re feeling up to it, you and Phelps can take a dog out to the play area. We have benches out there so you can sit and watch the dog play. Best to do it after we close the vet side down for the day. We don’t want too many questions about your presence here.”

“No problem. I feel like I ran a marathon, and I only walked across the hall.”

“You’ll be back on your feet soon. Doc Sorenson is the best.” He pointed to the nurse call button. “If you need something, ask. One of us will take care of it for you.”

“Thanks.”

After a nod, he left Simone and returned to his duties.

Man, she was so tired. Who knew being shot took your strength down to nothing? Simone scowled. The timing couldn’t be worse. What would Brent and Zane say about her needing time off this soon?

Since she didn’t have an answer, Simone settled deeper into the pillow and closed her eyes. She’d rest for a minute while she waited for Jesse to return.

When she woke, the sun was close to setting, and the animals were pretty quiet. She looked to her right and saw Jesse sprawled on a recliner that he’d pulled close to her bedside and wrapped his hand around hers.

He stirred as though he felt her gaze upon him and opened his eyes. Jesse smiled. “Hey, beautiful. Have a nice nap?”

“I feel better. What time is it?”

“Almost six. Someone is here to see you.”

She blinked. “Who?”

Instead of answering her question, Jesse lowered the chair footrest and opened the door. “She’s awake.”

Seconds later, Brent Maddox walked inside the room.

She stared. “Sir, what are you doing here?”

“I always help guard my people when they’re injured. Artemis and Shadow are away on other missions. Jesse is injured and should rest so he can’t share guard duty with Sawyer. Zane would have come but someone has to mind the store. He’s more crucial than I am at the day-to-day running of Fortress.”

“I don’t believe that for a minute.”

He smiled.

“Thank you for coming, sir,” Jesse said.

“No problem.” Brent turned back to Simone. “Sorenson tells me you’re worried about taking the recommended time off.”

“I’ve only been working for a month.”

“Doesn’t matter. You were injured in the line of duty. If the doc says you need two weeks off, you’ll take the time he’s recommending with pay. It’s the perks of the job, Simone.”

“I’m a computer tech. I’m not as important as the operatives.”

Brent pointed at her. “You’re dead wrong. We need your skills as much as we need boots on the ground. Without you, our teams wouldn’t be able to operate in the field as well as they do. Zane told me how many rave reviews the teams are giving you. You’re doing a vital work, Simone. Never underestimate your value to our teams and our company.”

Tears burned her eyes. “Thanks.”

He inclined his head. “You’ll take the time off with our blessing and the thanks of the military and the government. Because of you, they could prevent hundreds of deaths to military personnel and their civilian contractors.”

“I had help.”

“You had the lion’s share of the load, and you did well, Simone. You’ll find a bonus in your next paycheck.”

“But I didn’t do it for the money.”

“I’m aware. Doesn’t mean you didn’t earn the bonus.” He smiled. “Take the money and use it for your honeymoon.”

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