Page 75 of Raven's Claw
“Let’s put it this way.I’ve done complete missions hurting far more than I am, right now.”
“Again, not a benchmark I’m looking for.”Chase motioned toward her back.“May I?”
“From the way Kash tells it, you’re the reason I’m still alive, so, knock yourself out.”
“Kash tends to exaggerate.I simply kept the staff motivated.Reminded them of all the transfers Raven’s Watch does on their behalf.”Chase checked her shoulder blade.“Everything looks good, and your vitals seem stable.You keep this up, and we can bust you out sooner than expected.”
“I’m ready.”
“Relax,Houdini.The doctor’s coming ‘round in an hour or so.Let’s get at least one more assessment before we’re breaking ranks.”Chase looked up when the rest of the team walked in.“Food’s here.”
Foster rolled his eyes.“I swear you’re always thinking with your stomach.”He smiled at her.“Look who’s back from the dead.”
Kash grabbed her some food, and she nibbled on a couple fries, drifting in and out as his buddies chatted, their voices soothing that rawness.They’d finished eating and changed places, maybe changed their clothes, when she roused, again.Clearer than before.
Kash cozied up to the bed, leaning over her as he brushed his fingers along her jaw.“You’re awake, again.That’s good.”
Jordan frowned.“Again?”
He laughed.“You ate two fries then passed out, which was to be expected.Feeling any stronger?”
“Ready for you to bust me out.”
“Easy, tiger.Let’s see if you can stay awake for more than five minutes before we make a run for the border.”
“Or, I can just sleep all the time in our bed.”
Kash’s lips quirked.“You said that on purpose to sway me.”
“Is it working?”
“More than you know.”He twisted when footsteps sounded in the doorway.“Greer’s here.She’s been hoping to chat for a couple days but didn’t want to push.You up to talking for a few minutes?”
“That depends.Does she have handcuffs?”
Someone laughed, then Zain moved in beside her.“Nothing in your size.I’m pretty sure Kash has a pair with pink fur if you’re interested, though.”
Kash groaned.“You’re such an ass.”
“I’m sorry.Is the fur blue?”
“Don’t listen to him.He’s sore because Nyx insisted on sleeping at the foot of your bed last night instead of curling up beside him on that couch.”Kash grinned.“And the fur’s purple.I’ll get you some water.”
He reached behind him, offering her more water as Greer shuffled over, Bodie at her side.They both wore uniforms, looking alarmingly official, despite Zain and Kash hinting that they weren’t there to arrest her.
Greer tilted her head.“I gotta say.I wasn’t sure you were gonna make it based on how pale you were a few days ago.Glad you proved me wrong.You sure you’re strong enough to talk?”
Jordan winced when she shifted.“I can’t promise I won’t black out on you, but…”
“I’ll risk it.”She glanced at Kash and Zain, then sighed.“That was quite the adventure.Do you remember everything that happened?”
Jordan relaxed against the thin mattress, easing when Kash held her hand.“Up until Tucker shot me.After that, it’s fragmented.”She frowned.“It was Tucker, right?I didn’t imagine that?”
“You didn’t.Which puts a whole new spin on that night in the café.Guess I should have locked him up, after all.”
“You couldn’t have known who he really was.I didn’t know.”
“But you picked up that something was off about him, other than the obvious.Anyway, he’s being moved to a high security psychiatric facility in a few days.I doubt he’ll ever leave.”
