Page 45 of Indirect Attack
Ben stood up from his chair and stretched mightily, then wandered over to the window, where he pulled back the curtains.
“Wow.”
“What?” I asked. I couldn’t see past his broad shoulders.
“Look at the view.” Ben stepped away from the window to reveal the red roofs of Florin and the ocean just down the street. I could hear the water and sea birds when he opened the window.
“When I brought you here, I didn’t realize the hospital was so close to the bay,” he said, returning to his chair.
“You never do things halfway, do you?” I asked, half in jest, half in all seriousness, my smile fond.
“I’m a Rusev. Of course not,” he scoffed, then grinned my favorite boyish grin—even in this state, it made my heart flutter. But the grin faded as his gaze found mine again. “Just promise me you won’t scare me like that again, okay?”
“I don’t plan to,” I promised, squeezing his hand. “I need to stay with this dig for a while—it’s the find of a lifetime—but after this, I think I’m done with archeology in war-torn areas.”
Ben looked relieved at my admission, then leaned forward and kissed me on the head again.
“Why don’t you go back to sleep? I’ll stay until you do. Then I have to get back to work.”
The thought of being alone, without Ben to watch over me, suddenly seemed frightening.
“So soon?” I asked, my hand clutching at his. He took it, held it, kissed the knuckles, and then lifted his hand to my cheek.
“I promise I’ll be back to check on you. And there are armed guards in the hallway and downstairs, not to mention the terrorists who were left scattered. You’re safe.”
I wasn’t entirely convinced, but the medicine was making me sleepy again, and I finally drifted off. But not before I felt Ben kiss my head one last time. The warmth I felt at the gesture was overwhelming, and I finally felt safe again.
Chapter 21
Ben
I WENT TO SEE MY COearly the following day. He was neck-deep in paperwork, but he made a moment to see me.
“Rusev, what can I do for you this morning?” He leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms over his slight paunch. “How is Miss Davis?”
“Doing well, sir. No lasting damage and the doctor should discharge her today if she keeps improving.” I settled in the seat he had indicated.
“I’m glad to hear it. She’s brave young lady.”
“Yes, sir.”
“Someone said you knew her growing up?” The lieutenant colonel looked thoughtful.
“Yes, sir. She was our neighbor.”
A thick eyebrow rose, then the man chuckled, shaking his head. “Growing up next to Miro Rusev and his boys? That must have been an experience.”
“It certainly was,” I agreed.
“Odd coincidence that you both ended up here.” The lieutenant colonel sat up and leaned forward, arms on the desk, leveling his stare at me.
“Yes, sir.”
The man seemed to look for something else, but I didn’t offer it. What else could I say, anyway? It was a coincidence, or maybe fate, or perhaps someone looking out for us.
“So, Sergeant, what can I help you with?”
I cleared my throat and sat up straighter. “I came to tell you of my intention to not reenlist after my current tour is over this winter.”
