Page 19 of Last Chance

There was the spark Sawyer wanted to see. “We’ll do our best to get you out of the clinic in record time.”

She settled deeper into the pillows. “You mentioned something about dogs and cats. Does Dr. Sorenson have pets?”

Sawyer smiled. “You could say that. Not only is the doc a world-class trauma surgeon, he’s an excellent veterinarian too.”

“Oh, I see. I guess he must have furry patients, too.”

“If you show any interest at all in a dog or cat from the shelter, you’ll go home with a new pet.”

Janie laughed. “Got it. I’ll be careful.”

Jesse finished bandaging Sawyer’s shoulder. “All right, my friend. You’re all set until we reach the clinic.”

“Thanks, Jesse.”

“Yep. Janie, you’re next. Show me the scrapes and cuts. I’ll treat them, then give you cold packs for the bruises.”

Fifteen minutes later, Janie’s injuries were treated, and Jesse handed her three cold packs for the worst of the bruises.

When he left the room, Janie said, “He didn’t have to do all this for me. My injuries are slight.”

“No injury is minor when we’re in a tropical climate. Infections set up quickly. Jesse’s being cautious.” Sawyer rose and dug in his Go bag for a clean shirt. After tugging it on, he grabbed a chair and set it beside the bed. He dropped into it. “How do you feel, Janie?”

“Washed out,” she admitted. “I think I could sleep for a week.”

“I understand. Can I get you anything before I leave you alone to sleep?”

“Can you stay? Only if you won’t be in trouble, that is.”

His heart skipped a beat. “You want me to stay with you?”

“Please. I feel safe when you’re near.”

One barrier he’d erected around his heart crumpled to the ground with a whoosh. Oh, boy. He might be in for a tough time. Janie Moran was his principal, not his girlfriend. He couldn’t lose sight of that fact. “I can stay. I’ll let Brody know. Otherwise, my team leader will track me down to see what’s going on.”

Sawyer grabbed his phone and sent a text to Brody, then settled back in his chair. “We’re set. Do you have enough blankets?”

Janie nodded.

“Rest, Janie. I’ve got you. You’re safe with me.” He meant every word. No one would harm this woman. They’d have to go through him first.

She sighed, tugged the blankets up to her shoulders, and went motionless.

Sawyer watched her for several minutes until his own fatigue caught up with him. He found another blanket and settled deeper into the chair for a quick nap.

He woke two hours later, his internal alarm rousing him from a light doze. Sawyer checked on Janie, who appeared to be resting peacefully. Excellent. Now that his own adrenaline dump had dissipated, he needed food.

Slipping from the room, Sawyer laid a hand on Max’s shoulder. “Monitor Janie until I get back.”

His teammate rose and stood in the bedroom's doorway, his back to the room.

Satisfied that Janie would have someone near in case she woke up disoriented, Sawyer made his way to the galley. He slapped together two sandwiches and picked up two bananas. Hopefully, the scent of food wouldn’t wake the woman he was guarding.

On his way back to the bedroom, Brody stopped him. “How is she?”

“Considering what she’s been through, Janie’s doing great.”

“Was she….” He didn’t finish the question.

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