Page 38 of Echoes of Danger

“Yeah,” I clear my throat, putting the phone back against my ear. “Yeah, I’m here. How are you doing?”

“Fucking pissed,” he says. “I need you guys to get my brother back, Reynolds. I’ll lose my fucking mind without him.”

“We will,” I promise. “I bet wherever they are, he’s giving them hell.”

“I guarantee it,” Blaze says, a little laughter in his voice. “He’ll do everything he can to keep your woman safe.”

“I have no doubt.”

“We’re heading out before the cleanup crew comes,” King says.

“I’ll keep you updated,” I tell Blaze. “You keep our family safe.”

“You have my word,” he says. “Ghost is bringing over the rest of the family so everyone else can focus on helping you guys. Don’t worry about us. Focus. Get the job done. Don’t let that mother fucker walk.”

Knowing he’s talking about Paston, I nod my agreement.

“On that, you havemyword,” I say, repeating his promise.

Ending the call, I pocket the phone, step around the dead officer, and follow Taylor, King, and an apparent knocked-out Mark hanging over King’s shoulder out of the building.

Chapter Twelve

Steel

Four Days Ago

“What do you mean surgery?”

“Her appendix is on the verge of rupture. If we don’t remove them now, she’s going to die.”

“What? Die?”

“When the appendix bursts, it releases bacteria and other toxic substances into the abdominal cavity, leading to an infection called peritonitis. Peritonitis causes inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, which can spread throughout the body and lead to sepsis, a severe and potentially fatal condition.”

“Okay,” I say, trying to gather my thoughts. “How long will she have to stay here?”

“If everything goes smoothly, twenty-four hours. After that, she’s free to go back home to rest and heal.”

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

“Where do I go to wait?” I ask, already knowing that I won’t leave her side.

“The family waiting room is on the third floor,” the young doctor tells me. “As soon as she’s out of surgery, someone will update you on how it went and then show you to her recovery room.”

“Thanks,” I mutter, stepping around the doctor and heading for the stairs.

How the hell am I going to keep her safe in this unsecure building?

*** Two Days Later ***

“I know we’ve only been here for two days, but I’m ready to leave.”

“Me, too,” I say, trying to remain calm when my nerves are a wreck. I’ve felt someone watching us for the past day and I have no way to contact my brother or anyone else. I can’t use my phone for fear of it being traced back to my family.

“Has Ghost called back?”

“No,” I answer. “He’s supposed to call your room at three. Then we can leave.”

---