Page 13 of A Gathering Storm

“I don’t know, sir. She’s in bad shape. But I do know of someone who can help her. We just have to transport her there.”

Kevin came back with the branches. Michael and Cam secured them to the damaged leg and wrapped it as best they could. “We’ll help you to your feet.”

With both men on either side, they managed to lift the president to his feet. “Don’t put pressure on the leg. Lean on us. We’ll carry your weight.”

With President Lancaster between them, he and Cam slowly returned to the SUV with Kevin on the lookout for enemy troops. It took all three to get their injured commander in chief into the back beside his wife.

“Cameron, I’ll need you to drive,” Michael told his youngest team member.

Cam climbed behind the wheel with Aiden and Kevin beside him.

The back door of the SUV shut, and they were on their way.

“Here, take this.” He handed the president something for his pain before he checked on Susan Lancaster.

Her pulse was weak, but she was breathing on her own and still unconscious. Probably best under the circumstances.

The SUV bumped along the trail they’d used to find the wreckage.

“The road’s in sight.” Cam made sure there was no one coming before he entered the road.

“Do we have any news on Abby and Brookes?” Kevin asked, his voice raspy with worry about his teammates.

“We have people on the way to get them. Right now, we need to take Mrs. Lancaster and the president to a physician to help with their injuries.” He didn’t want to tell the young man that his people had been captured and were being held hostage at an airfield rarely used. Cam pressed the SUV as fast as he dared under the icy conditions.

With the First Lady stable, Michael grabbed his phone and called Jordyn. “We have them. The president has a broken leg and the First Lady is hurt.” He glanced the president’s way and explained about Susan Lancaster’s injuries. “I have a friend who is a doctor. I trust him.”

“Okay. Have you run into any resistance?”

They hadn’t, and that was alarming. Michael glanced behind, a bad feeling growing. “Nothing so far. The rescue went so smoothly something’s bound to happen.”

“Let’s hope you’re wrong.” But her tone confirmed she had doubts.

No sooner had the words cleared Jordyn’s lips than a set of headlights appeared in front of them.

“I spoke too soon. We have company.” Fortunately, Cam had the foresight to keep the lights off as they drove. “I’m looking for a spot to pull off the road.”

“I’ve got to go, Jordyn. Things are getting hairy here. I’ll call you when we’re safe.”

“Be careful, Michael. These men can’t afford to fail.”

He ended the call with a chill speeding up his spine.

Cam headed the SUV into a group of trees along the side of the road. “I sure hope they didn’t see us.” He brought the Suburban to a stop some distance from the road.

Kevin leaned forward in his seat and watched out the windshield.

Was keeping the lights off enough? Michael sure prayed it was because they had a seriously injured woman who needed immediate medical attention and there was a price on the president’s head.

Tension filled every corner of the vehicle’s interior. It felt like hours instead of seconds before headlights illuminated the road they’d just exited. Multiple vehicles passed by their hiding place. None seemed to slow. Relief sped through Michael’s limbs. “Wait here,” he told the group and slipped from the vehicle. Nearing the road, he kept out of sight as he watched the taillights speed away. So far, they hadn’t been spotted, but it wouldn’t take those men long to realize the occupants of the chopper had gotten away.

He ran back to the SUV and climbed inside. “Let’s get out of here before they reach the wreckage.”

Cam fired the engine and eased the vehicle from its coverage. When he reached the road, he turned right and floored the pedal without any means of illumination. “Where to?” He asked, while keeping a careful eye behind them.

“There’s only one person I trust enough to help us without asking too many questions.”

“Doc.” Cam confirmed with a half-smile. He referred to the man who had put back together more soldiers than Michael could remember anymore. Liam had patched up several of Michael’s Ranger team, and in the process they’d become good friends.

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