Page 127 of Death Wish

“But there’s nothing here.”

He laughed. “That’s the point. I’m taking you to the middle of nowhere. No one will be around to hear you scream.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

JESSE GLARED AT the doctor. “Patch me up. I have to leave.” Hadn’t this guy listened to a word Jesse said? His future wife was in the hands of her ex. He had to find her before White hurt her.

“Are you out of your mind?” The doctor folded his arms across his chest. “Someone shot you less than two hours ago. You’ll be here at least the rest of the night and probably most of the day tomorrow, too.”

“Can’t, Doc Martin. Told you. My woman was kidnapped. The man who took Simone will hurt her if I don’t stop him.”

“Let the police handle it.”

“Not happening. Finish the patch job now or I’ll do it myself and check myself out against medical advice.”

“You’re not a doctor.”

“I’m a medic.”

“The police will want to talk to you. This is a gunshot wound. I had to report it.”

“Fine. I’ll talk to them after Simone is safe.”

Martin stared at him a moment as though assessing whether Jesse meant what he said. He did. Nothing would stop him from going after Simone, not even a bullet wound in the side.

The doctor sighed. “All right. Don’t say I didn’t warn you when the cops track you down and read you the riot act.”

“Won’t be the first time.”

“What about infection?”

“I’ll take care of it. Finish the patch job. You have two minutes.”

Muttering and cursing under his breath the whole time, Martin finished the stitching job and tossed his gloves in the trash. “I urge you to reconsider, Mr. Phelps. Checking yourself out of this hospital isn’t wise.”

“I’m aware, Doc. I’ll seek further medical treatment after I find Simone.”

Martin shook his head. “I hope she’s worth endangering your life.”

He slid from the exam table, masking the wince. “She is.” Without a backward glance, he strode from the room without a shirt. He’d get one from his Go bag or from Sawyer’s. Didn’t matter to him. His only goal was to get to Simone as fast as possible.

Sawyer glanced up as Jesse walked out of the exam room. “Sweet-talked your way out of staying overnight?”

He snorted. “I’m leaving against medical advice.”

“Figured that’s what you’d do.” He handed Jesse a shirt and walked toward the exit with him. “Zane’s tracking Simone as we speak.”

“Where are they headed?”

“West out of the state. Z doesn’t know where White’s taking her. Simone’s ex didn’t tell her their destination. He’s making her drive.”

His hands clenched. “Let’s go.”

“Just so you know, I’m driving.”

“Don’t care as long as we get moving.”

“Your mike bag is in the back of the SUV. Did the doc give you anything?”

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