Page 49 of Protecting Jess

The dread within him intensified. Kaley had said Jess. “Jess what, Kaley? What’s happened to Jess?” Finn practically shouted, making a move toward the exit, only to stop when a hand landed on his forearm.

Kevlar plucked the phone out of his boneless fingers and hit the speaker button. Muffled voices, along with sobs, filled the area.

Finn should be pissed that Kevlar was taking over, but he wasn’t. He didn’t have his team at his back, but Kevlar and his team were there, doing what SEALs did, having his six.

“Finn, sh-she’s been stabbed. Someone stabbed her while we were sitting at a bar.”

“Where are you?” Kevlar demanded.

Words were impossible for Finn.

“Who’s this?” At least Kaley had the presence of mind to ask before giving out any information.

“This is Kevlar, or Vincent. We met the other night at Aces.”

“Oh, we’re at a wine bar not far from the hotel where we’ve been staying, but they’re taking her to the hospital.”

“Which one?” Kevlar asked.

Slowly, Finn’s heart rate was returning to normal. Well, as normal as possible, considering the circumstances. He felt like he should be the one asking the questions, but he was still dealing with the fact that someone had stabbed Jess.

Was it a random attack?

Or was it related to the incident at the hotel?

“County.”

“Right, we’ll meet you there.” Kevlar ended the call and handed the phone to Finn; he grabbed automatically and pocketed it. “You good, Hive?”

He took a deep breath, rolled his shoulders, and let it out. A sense of calmness washed over him. “Yep. Let’s go.” He headed for the exit, aware that Kevlar was talking to his teammates and, no doubt, the commander.

Not that Finn had to speak to his commander; he was officially on leave.

Guilt that he shouldn’t have left Jess alone simmered in his belly. He couldn’t allow himself to think that way. Nothing good ever came from asking or thinking about what-ifs.

Even if he’d been with Jess, the same thing could’ve happened, and he would’ve been torn between needing to make sure she was okay and chasing after the asshole who’d stabbed her.

The fresh, salty air hit him as he exited the building. The smell was comforting.

“Are you going to be okay to drive?” Kevlar strode beside him.

“I am. I appreciate you coming.” Finn glanced over his shoulder. Only Smiley was following them. “The others not coming?”

“Yeah, there is some intel we need to go over before we head out on our next mission. The commander wasn’t happy when I said I was coming with you.”

“If you’ve got stuff to do, I can do go by myself.”

“Not happening,” Smiley said. “I think Safe was going to call House and let him know what’s going on. I’m sure your team will be at the hospital.”

Finn nodded. “Thanks. I should’ve contacted them.”

“Pretty sure your mind is on your woman. And that’s where it should be.” Kevlar unlocked his car. “Change of plan—give Smiley your keys and he can follow us. I’ll drive you.”

Without questioning Kevlar, Finn tossed his keys to Smiley, who caught them with a snap. He climbed into the car and soon they were heading off the base, toward the hospital.

He pulled his phone out, checking to see if he’d missed a message or a call from Kaley, which was ridiculous; he would’ve felt and heard his phone if she had contacted him with an update.

Kevlar didn’t try to make conversation, and Finn was grateful, because he didn’t think he’d be able to string too many words together. The closer they got to the hospital, the more anxious he became.

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