Page 92 of Heartless

“See you soon,” the voice said. The call went dead.

Whatever he had to do, he’d do it. Finding a woman to pose as Iris Gates might be tricky, but OZ had talented makeup artists at their disposal. They could make anyone look like someone else.

How this was going to play out, he didn’t know. He only knew he didn’t have a choice. If this was Olivia’s only chance, then he would damn well take it.

The door banged open. Hawke turned, surprised to see Ash striding toward him, Dr. Steiner on his heels. Their urgent expressions filled his body with dread. What now?

“What’s wrong?” he asked.

“We’ve got the antidote!” Ash announced.

His breath halted, and his heart leaped in his chest. “How?”

“Suffice it to say, having friends in low places sometimes pays off. I made a bargain with a weapons broker a year or so ago. Omar twisted some arms and came through.”

“You trust him?”

“Not in everything. But in this, I do.”

Turning, Hawke watched the doctor insert a needle into the tube going into Olivia’s hand.

“How long will it take?” Hawke asked.

Dr. Steiner shook his head slowly. “I don’t know. I have no clue what I’ve given her, but considering the options, this is her best hope for survival.”

Holding his breath, Hawke never took his eyes off Olivia’s face. She was so serene-looking, so peaceful. What if the drug wasn’t the cure? What if it was intended to stop her heart? What if—

Livvy’s eyelids flickered. The heart monitor picked up speed, and her breathing became noticeably louder.

Tears pooling in his eyes, Hawke leaned over and said hoarsely, “Livvy, can you hear me?”

She moaned slightly and then opened her beautiful eyes and looked up at him.

“Nic?” She swallowed, then whispered, “What happened?”

“Hallelujah!” Ash slapped Hawke on the back.

Hawke had never seen a more beautiful sight. He took her hand and kissed it. “You had us worried.”

She cleared her throat. “I don’t understand.”

Dr. Steiner gently touched her shoulder. “Olivia, my name is Dr. Steiner. I’m going to examine you.” The doctor looked up at Hawke. “Give us a few minutes.”

Hawke squeezed Olivia’s hand once more and walked away.

“Wait,” Olivia said.

“I’ll be right outside, Livvy. I’m not going anywhere.”

The worry left her eyes, and she smiled slightly.

Feeling weak in every part of his body, Hawke walked out the door and leaned against the wall.

“Take deep, even breaths,” Ash said.

Bending at the waist, Hawke did just that. The joy inside him was spiraling out of control. Olivia was going to be all right. She was going to be all right! Gratefulness flooded through him. Someone had been listening, and he’d actually received the miracle he’d prayed for.

Peering up at Ash, Hawke said, “I owe you, man.”

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