Page 8 of Thin Ice

Abby motioned toward the door. “Let’s leave her in peace to rest.”

“If you don’t mind, I’d like to stay with her for a bit. I don’t want her to wake up alone.”

“Of course. If you need me, I’ll be right outside.” Abby reached the door and glanced back at him. He’d taken Kinsley’s hand again and clutched it between his. There was something almost personal about their connection. Two people who had feelings for each other but would never act on them because they worked together. She immediately thought of Brookes. She cared for him deeply. Yet how could she hope to have a relationship with Brookes when the world around them was falling apart? Every time she thought about the future, it broke her heart. No matter how much she longed to tell him her true feelings, she couldn’t. It was best for them to remain friends.

She walked past the empty exam room and found Hannah and Brookes were talking quietly in the waiting room. Though it was still dark out, as soon as a new day dawned, the clinic would be filled with people. They’d need to be gone by then.

Brookes rose as Abby approached.

The woman beside him stood as well. “We’ve never been officially introduced. My name is Hannah Olivero. I’m Brookes’s sister.”

Abby couldn’t hide her surprise. “I had no idea he had a sister.” She faced the man who meant so much to her and searched his face. Abby had wondered about his connection to Hannah. She’d thought perhaps she was an old girlfriend. And didn’t like her reaction to the notion one little bit. By her own doing, she had no claim on Brookes’s affection.

“I’m not surprised.” Hannah smiled. “He never was much on talking.”

Brookes held up his hands. “That’s because I could never get a word in edgewise with you around.”

Abby watched the two together and was reminded again about the things she’d missed growing up as an only child of two military parents. “It’s nice to meet you, Hannah. When we have time, I’d love to hear all about what Brookes was like growing up.” Her smile disappeared as she told them about Kinsley waking. “She appears lucid and is resting comfortably now. I spoke to the president about leaving Kinsley here in your care until she’s strong enough to travel. He refused.”

Brookes turned to his sister. “Is she strong enough to travel?”

Hannah didn’t sugarcoat her words. “Probably not. But it doesn’t look as if you have a choice.”

Not exactly the answer either of them wanted.

“We’ll need another vehicle if we stand a chance of escaping. By now, the police will be looking for ours. Can we use yours?” Brookes asked his sister.

“I have a better idea. Use the clinic’s van. There’ll be more room and it’s fully stocked. Don’t worry about getting rid of your SUV. I know some people who can do that for you.”

“Who are you talking about?” Abby asked, noticing the tension between brother and sister.

“Hannah, you know I supported you when you opened the clinic in your old neighborhood, even though it’s in the middle of two rival gang turfs. It’s admirable, and you are doing good work here, but you need to steer clear of these gang members. They’re dangerous, and if you get caught between the two. . .you could die.”

Hannah shook her head. “They won’t hurt me. They need me to patch up their people when they shoot each other. Believe it or not, they respect me. I know someone who can get rid of the SUV without asking questions.” She glanced out at the darkness beyond the windows. “I’ll move the van around back. Abby, can you get Agent Allison ready for transport?”

“Of course.” Abby turned to her partner. “Brookes, a word.”

Abby waited for Hannah to leave. “Have you heard anything from our people yet?” The last word from Strike Force came in the form of a text from James letting them know their temporary location in Idaho had been compromised and the team was en route to a new location in Canada.

“Nothing, and I’m concerned. I’ll try to reach out to them again, but if they’re still in transit, they may not have service.”

Exhaustion clung to his handsome features. “How are you holding up?” she asked and gently touched his face.

He reached for her hand and held it between his. “I’m okay. Worried. What if we can’t get them out of here? And what about Nolan? I believe he’s in real trouble when the news of us rescuing Legion reaches Collins.”

A chill sped between her shoulder blades. “Let’s hope he’s safe. Until we can figure where they’re holding him, Nolan is on his own. I don’t understand why his video camera isn’t working. Or his cell phone.”

Nolan had been fitted with a tiny video camera inside a button that would transmit his conversations back to Strike Force headquarters. The team had lost all contact with him when he’d been forced onboard a plane headed to Washington D.C. His purpose was to take out the president of the United States, or at least that was what Legion believed. Only Strike Force members knew Nolan was working for them. Since then, no one had been able to reach Nolan by phone and Abby was worried sick. “I’d better make sure Agent Allison is ready for transport. Keep trying to reach command.”

“I will,” Brookes assured her, and released her hand but didn’t take his eyes off her.

Abby ducked her head to keep him from seeing her true thoughts—the love that filled her heart for him alone. She swung on her heel and headed back to the exam room. Kinsley was awake once more and quietly talking to President Douglas.

Both looked up when she entered the room.

“Has something happened?” Kinsley tried to sit up but couldn’t.

“Take it easy,” Victor warned and gently eased her back down.

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