Page 21 of Last Chance

“Watch me.”

He chuckled as she walked ahead of him toward Brody. His team leader stayed in front of Janie as she exited the jet, keeping her behind his taller, broader body.

Sawyer caught up with her on the first step and cupped her elbow to provide support when she wobbled. “Just a few more feet,” he murmured.

Once on the tarmac, he escorted her quickly to the closest SUV, helped her into the backseat, and slid in beside her. Brody climbed into the shotgun seat while Jesse sat on the other side of Janie. If anything happened on the short drive to Sorenson’s clinic, Janie would have plenty of protection.

Minutes later, the SUVs parked at the back of the clinic. The drivers got out first and scanned the area, then signaled the others. Sawyer opened the door and helped Janie from the vehicle. He guided her into the clinic while the others dealt with the Go bags and gear.

She paused halfway to the exam room, her eyes sparkling. “I hear dogs and cats.” Janie turned to Sawyer with a smile.

“Dr. Sorenson’s four-footed patients. Sounds like he has a full house today.” He nudged her toward the exam room. “We should have time to visit the animals before we leave again.”

“Where are we going to next?”

“Nashville, Tennessee.”

Janie beamed.

Sawyer’s breath caught. Janie Moran was absolutely gorgeous, especially when she smiled like that.

“You’re taking me home. Thank you, Sawyer.”

Home? He blinked. “You live in Nashville?”

“Close. I live in Hartman.”

How could that be? He’d never seen her in his hometown, which wasn’t that large. “So do I.”

A middle-aged man strode into the room and frowned at Sawyer. “Back again, Chapman?”

He flinched. “Yes, sir.” How he wished he could say they were in the clinic for Janie only. Couldn’t do that, though. Brody and Jesse would have his hide if he didn’t allow Sorenson to check his wound. “This is Janie. A gang took her hostage in Mexico.”

Sorenson eyed her. “Injuries?”

“A few scratches and bruises, which Jesse treated. Otherwise, I’m fine.”

The doc shifted his attention back to Sawyer. “You better not have pulled me away from my favorite patients to examine a scratch or bruise on you, Chapman.”

“Bullet kissed my shoulder.”

“Lose the shirt.”

Maybe one day a beautiful woman like Janie would give Sawyer the same order. After he complied with the doctor’s order, he sat on the side of the exam bed and waited in silence while Sorenson examined the injury and Jesse’s repair job.

The doc grunted. “Good work by your medic. I’m not seeing signs of infection. How does your shoulder feel?”

“Like a bullet kissed me.” He smiled. A long stare from the doctor had his smile fading into oblivion. Tough crowd.

“Out, Chapman. I have patients who need my attention.” When Janie started for the door, Sorenson held up his hand. “Not so fast, young lady. I want to see the scratches Phelps treated, then you and I need to talk.” He slid his narrowed gaze toward Sawyer. “Without an audience. You can wait outside the room.”

Sawyer tugged on his shirt and stared at the doctor.

Sorenson rolled his eyes. “Yes, yes. I’ve got her, now get out.”

He squeezed Janie’s hand. “I’ll be right outside the door. Call out if you need me.” Sawyer forced himself to leave.

Fifteen minutes later, Sorenson opened the door. “Go home, Chapman. You’re taking up valuable space and time. See one of the Fortress doctors on staff in a week. If you notice any redness, streaks, swelling, or heat, go to the headquarters clinic immediately.”

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