Page 111 of Last Chance

“Really?”

“Why else would he drop everything and fly to America? He feared you’d be alone with your injuries and fear. And this is how you repay him? You withheld information that would have meant he stayed home with me where he belonged. You’re the reason my husband is in critical condition. It’s your fault.” Maria’s voice had risen to a screech by the time she finished her rant.

Sawyer had had enough. “Your accusations are unfair and untrue.” He spoke calmly, although he’d like to lay into the woman and tear apart all the unfounded accusations.

This wasn’t the place for a long, heated discussion. The skin at the back of his neck tingled, a sure sign they were being observed. He had to get Janie back into the safety of the hospital. Too many lines of sight out here for his comfort. “If you want to discuss this further, we’ll go inside. I’m sure you’d like an update on your husband.”

She glared at him. “Where is he?”

“At the moment, he’s in recovery.”

Maria blanched.

Fearing she might faint, Sawyer took a step toward her. Immediately, the two men with Maria moved to stand between the woman and Sawyer. Their hands hovered near their weapons.

“Back off,” the taller one said in heavily accented English.

“Mrs. Moran looks as though she’s ready to pass out. Take her inside the hospital where she can sit down while she talks to the nurse about David’s condition.”

“You speak as though you know David,” the shorter man said.

“We’ve met.” Sawyer hadn’t been impressed with Janie’s belligerent, arrogant brother.

“He never spoke of you to me,” Maria said. “When did you speak to him?”

“Yesterday.”

“You’re lying. He said nothing about meeting you or seeing his sister. Why are you lying to me?”

“Your husband probably didn’t have time to call you after we spoke.”

“Why not?”

“He was attacked after he returned to his hotel room,” Janie said. “David could not call before he was injured.”

“I don’t understand.”

“Take Mrs. Moran inside. Now,” Sawyer ordered. His skin was crawling now. Not a good sign.

The two men stared at Sawyer before Tall Man herded Maria toward the hospital entrance. “Come. You need to speak to one of the medical personnel and sit down to rest. You must do what is best for the baby, yes?”

Maria leaned her head against the man’s shoulder, allowing him to lead her toward the building without protest.

After another fulminating glare, Short Man spun and followed the other two.

Although Sawyer longed to rush Janie to safety, he didn’t want to make Maria’s family members uncomfortable with his presence.

Janie glanced at him, unasked questions in her eyes.

“Wait,” he murmured.

Instead of arguing, she snuggled into his side and watched her sister-in-law’s progress toward the hospital.

Sawyer wrapped his left arm around Janie, leaving his other hand free to palm his weapon if necessary. “Thank you.”

“For?”

“Trusting me.” Once Maria and her family members were out of sight, Sawyer guided Janie into the hospital.

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