Page 113 of SEAL's Promise

“Maddox called in a few markers.”

Of course he did. “Let’s go. I want her checked out as soon as possible.”

Minutes later, the ambulance stopped in front of the ER entrance at Longview Hospital. The EMTs wheeled Rachelle into an exam room with a warm blanket covering her.

Cal followed her into the room and wrapped his hand around hers. Jackson took up a guard position outside the door while they waited for the doctor. Although the nursing staff coming in and out cast questioning looks at Cal, they didn’t insist he leave. Good thing. He wouldn’t budge from Rachelle’s side.

A knock sounded on the door. Jackson peered into the room. “Doc’s here.”

A middle-aged woman entered the room. She held out her hand to Cal. “I’m Dr. June Watson. You must be Cal Taylor. Brent Maddox called our chief of staff and requested that I check Ms. Carter.”

He’d owe Brent a boatload of favors, favors he would gladly pay. “Thanks for agreeing to see Rachelle personally.”

“Hey, it’s not often my boss asks for a favor. Wait in the hall, Mr. Taylor. I’ll bring you back in as soon as I’m finished.”

Cal glanced at Rachelle. “You okay with this arrangement?”

She nodded.

“I’ll be outside the door. If you need me, call out.”

Dr. Watson smiled at Rachelle. “We won’t take long, my dear. You’ll soon have that handsome man by your side again.”

After a quick kiss, Cal left the room and took up watch directly across from the door. Dr. Watson opened the door fifteen minutes later and motioned him inside.

A glance at Rachelle’s face told him she was unhappy. Cal shifted his attention to the doctor. “What’s the verdict?”

“She looks good considering what she’s been through. No concussion. Since she was drugged, I ordered a blood draw to see if we can determine what the kidnappers used on her. I want to keep her overnight for observation but plan to release her tomorrow morning. Ms. Carter explained about the athletic tape which needs to be replaced. She prefers that your medic take care of it. An orderly will be in soon to transport Ms. Carter to her room. You’re welcome to stay with her overnight, of course.”

He would have insisted. Cal didn’t think Hale’s men would track them to the hospital to exact revenge, but he wouldn’t risk Rachelle’s safety.

Forty minutes later, Rachelle was settled in her room with Cal at her side. Jackson had once again taken up guard duty at the door.

“How soon will the FBI arrive?” Rachelle murmured. Her eyes were heavy.

“Shouldn’t be long. Sleep while you have the chance.”

“Don’t leave.”

He kissed the back of her hand. “No worries. I’ll be here.” Between one breath and the next, she was out. Cal settled back to watch over Rachelle.

An hour passed before Jackson tapped on the door and stepped inside the room. “Feds are here to interview you and Rachelle.”

“Has anyone else from Fortress arrived?”

A snort. “Nope. They’re dealing with the feds themselves.”

“Then the feds interview us together. I won’t leave her.”

A slow smile curved Jackson’s mouth. “I’ll pass the word.”

“Give me a minute to wake her.”

With a nod, the medic returned to the hall.

Cal trailed his fingers down Rachelle’s cheek.

She stirred. “What’s wrong?”

---