Page 144 of Last Chance

“If Janie needs witness protection, we’ll put her in our security protection program,” Brent said. “That’s nonnegotiable, gentlemen. She will not be hidden with the Marshals.”

Lowell held up his hand to quell the response from his partner. “Let’s get on with the interview. We’ll discuss security arrangements for Janie later. That all right with you, Janie?”

Under cover of the table, her hand wrapped around Sawyer’s. “Yes.” Her fingers were icy.

Sawyer sandwiched her hand between both of his, hoping to instill warmth. He looked at Lowell. “Go easy.”

A slight nod from the agent, then the questions. Janie told them everything, starting with her rocky relationship with her brother, and took them through her rescue outside the compound.

“Let’s go through it again,” Lowell said. “I’ll stop you when I need clarification on details.”

“Fifteen-minute break first,” Sawyer said and stood. He helped Janie to her feet. “We’ll be back.”

“Hey,” Saunders protested. “No one gave you permission to leave with our witness.”

He ignored the furious agent as he led Janie from the conference room. In the hall, he guided her toward the break room.

Once inside, he grabbed a chocolate bar and seated Janie on a comfortable leather sofa. “Rest here a minute. I’ll make you tea.”

Paper crinkled behind him, and Janie moaned. “Oh, Sawyer. This is perfect. How did you know I needed this?”

Score one for Cherry. He smiled. “Got a tip from a lady whose husband figured out the secret to helping her feel better. Now I know it works for you, too.” He planned to keep chocolate on hand for his woman from now on.

Sawyer removed the cup of tea from the microwave, secured a lid on top, and sat beside her after handing her the tea.

“Thanks, love.” After finishing the tea and her chocolate bar, Janie leaned her head against Sawyer’s shoulder. “How much time do we have before we have to go back?”

“Enough. Take the time you need, Janie. You’ll remember more details when you’re not so tense and have a little food on your stomach.”

He gave her as much time as he could without ticking off the agents waiting to finish the interview. When he couldn’t wait any longer, he said, “We need to return to the conference room unless you’re not up to answering more questions. If you’re not, I’ll stop the interview and we’ll resume tomorrow.”

She shook her head. “I don’t want to drag out the interview. Let’s finish this.”

An hour later, the questions were answered, and the agents were gone. “You should rest, Janie,” Brent said. “Until we’re sure the threat to you is over, you can’t go home or stay by yourself.”

She groaned. “Come on, Brent. Texas Team needs to go back to their own lives.”

“No. The only other option is for you to stay at my home.”

Janie frowned. “Absolutely not. I won’t bring danger to your doorstep. Your family means too much to me to put a target on their backs.”

“Then you’ll return to the safe house. The guys will trade off keeping watch.”

“We’ll be fine,” Brody told her. “Trust me. Our wives and Jesse’s girlfriend don’t mind. One shift a night is much better than being gone for weeks at a time.”

“All right. Please, tell the ladies I appreciate your help and the sacrifice they’re making for my safety.”

Max rose when Sawyer helped Janie to her feet. “I’ll drive you to the safe house and take the first watch. Both of you need rest. You’ve been through an ordeal.”

“My head is pounding,” Sawyer admitted.

Janie turned. “Do you need to see the doctor before we leave?”

“He checked me out while the tech took X-rays of your ribs. I have a slight concussion and a pretty bruise on my chest. Otherwise, I’m fine. I’ll be cleared for duty in a few days.”

“What about you, Max? I thought you had a date with your wife.”

“We changed it to a dinner date. She said she’s looking forward to meeting you.”

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