Page 127 of Tactically Acquired

“Not to mention all of the backlist movies they’ve already done for the studio,” I agreed.

“But this is all theory. We need evidence,” IRIS pointed out.

I rubbed my thumb across my lip as I considered all our options. “Rae can dig into the money. There has to be a trail.”

“And until then, he’s going to continue sending men after them. We need to get to a safe house and fast,” Thumper said, checking his phone. “Have you heard from Fox yet?”

“Nothing,” I answered.

“He’s supposed to check in after talking to Lock,” IRIS told him. “We should know something soon.”

Thumper nodded. “I’ll check in with FNG. IRIS, you stay here. Slider, get your fucking leg checked. You’re bleeding all over the fucking floor.”

I glanced down at my leg and grimaced. “It’s a paper cut.”

“Fine. Get your paper cut stitched up so we can get the fuck out of here. We leave in an hour.”

As he stomped away, I turned to IRIS. “You know, he’s always crankier when Fox is involved.”

IRIS slowly turned and looked at me. “Yeah, it’s that and not the fact that his head was nearly bashed in.”

The door swung open and Rae poked her head out. “You’re up.”

“Me?”

She rolled her eyes. “No, the other guy dripping all over the floor.”

Scowling, I shoved the door open and followed her inside. The doctor finished up with Audrey, then left without filling me in as to how she was.

“What the hell was that?”

“What was what?” Rae asked.

“The doctor. He just left.”

“Because he has other patients to see.” Rae grabbed her bag and slung it over her shoulder. “Can you handle this? I have work to do.”

“Of course I can handle this.”

“Are you sure? Because I can send IRIS in.”

I wanted to smack the smirk off her face, but that would only prove her point. “Yes, I’m fine.”

“Good. Everyone’s clear, so you can stop your fussing.”

“Clear how?” I asked as she headed for the door. “Minor injuries? Sprains? Lacerations?” The door swung shut and I still didn’t have any answers. I turned to the nurse, who was still scowling at me. “I don’t suppose you’ll tell me anything.”

“You could just ask the patients,” she said sweetly. “Now, how about you hop up on that bed so I don’t have to drag you off the floor when you pass out from blood loss.”

“Like I would pass out,” I muttered.

“I can make you sit down if you prefer to do this the hard way.”

“You know?—”

“Jesus, Slider!” Audrey shouted. “Just sit down!”

My anger immediately quelled as my eyes slid over to where Audrey rested on the bed. She looked worn out and ready to fall asleep. What she needed was some rest, and she wasn’t going to get any of that if I stood here arguing with the nurse.

---