Page 48 of Stilettos and Outlaws

“We just evacuate with all the other people,” Grandpa said.

Giving him the stink eye, I jabbed the down button.

The elevator’s doors opened to sheer chaos. Where in the hell did all these people come from? It was past visiting hours. Was the emergency room that busy? Two children ran by us, shrieking like little banshees. Their mothers ran after them.

Hank motioned at me. “Ma’am, I need you to evacuate to the west parking lot.”

“Yes, sir.”

Grandpa whispered, “Get us out of here. More agents just arrived.”

I glanced at the doorway. Holy crap! Six FBI agents poured out of a black Explorer. I quickly shoved the wheelchair through the crowd and out the sliding glass doors.

Dad pulled up in his truck and yelled, “Get in.”

“What are you doing here?”

“Retrieving the damn cat,” Dad snapped.

“But…”

Hank appeared at my side and whispered. “You’re drawing unwanted attention, and they’ll have the cameras back online any minute now.” He raised his voice, “Let me help you get your grandfather in the truck.”

“Who are you?” Grandpa cried in a frail voice. “Where are we? Why are you driving my truck?”

I wanted to laugh. Grandpa was an amazing actor when he wanted to be. His portrayal of a dementia patient was dead on.

Dad watched us struggling to get him in the truck. With an evil grin, he yanked Grandpa into the front seat, smashing his head against the dash.

Grandpa balled his fists.

“No fighting,” I growled.

Hank moved the wheelchair out of the way.

“Are you going to be, okay? I don’t want you to lose your job.”

Hank grinned. “They won’t fire me, and I haven’t had this much fun in years.”

“Good to know.” I climbed in the truck and Dad drove off.

“Where’s your car?” Dad asked.

“North side of the groves.”

The expression on Grandpa’s face gave me the willies. “What does Tess see in you other than your big dick?”

“I know love is a four-letter word to you, but Mom loves him.” I smacked Grandpa in the chest when he snorted. “And Dad will never, ever leave her behind, like you did.”

Grandpa dropped his gaze. “I had my reasons.”

“I don’t care. Family comes first.”

Dad parked next to my car. “Let me have the damn kitten. Your mother is threatening to sleep on the couch.”

“There’s a horrifying thought.” I carefully surveyed the area. No sign of the FBI or the CIA.” I opened the car door and jumped down. “If you want to be a part of our family Grandpa, act like it.”

Grandpa gave me his psycho stare.

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