Her name is a constant question. Need drives me. I don’t care about myself. I’ve wanted to make sure she was okay since the moment I laid eyes on her up on that ledge back in October.
“That’s right. Miss Parker. She’s about as pleasant as she was when she was in that bed. Came up here saying she doesn’t do doctors.” The corner of his mouth twitches. “She was really concerned, though I’m not sure she ever made it into the room.”
I frown. Did they not let her?
“Listen, Ranger Sullivan. You lost a significant amount of blood from the stab wound to your side. We were able to stop the bleeding and repair the damaged tissue with surgery. You were lucky. The knife avoided major organ damage, but the blood loss put serious strain on your body. Right now, we need to keep you hydrated, keep infection away, and let your body recover. The bullet in your thigh was removed, no issue.
“You’ll be weak—fatigue, dizziness when you stand, and pain are expected, but with rest, and I mean true rest, you should be back on your feet in about two to four weeks. No heavy lifting, no sudden movements, and if there’s any fever or shortness of breath, you call immediately. Give yourself time to heal.”
My jaw clenches. Two to four weeks. That’s not as bad as I thought. “When can I get out of here? Where’s Max?”
Dr. Young side-eyes me. “Let’s get you up and to the bathroom. See how you move around on your thigh. I’ll have a nurse come in just a bit.”
He nods and exits the room while Ranger Dan drops into the seat Morgan had occupied.
He sighs. “You didn’t wait for backup.”
“Couldn’t.” I push up into a sitting position and wince. “Were you able to report Paul? What about Brent? Thank you for sending in the agencies. I’m assuming my location went through.”
“The FBI has former Sheriff Tate detained, and the whispers between agencies have Brent on the run. They say he’s back in Alabama. But, Noah, we didn’t send the FBI or DEA in.”
I freeze. “What?”
“We didn’t report to the FBI or DEA. We were still trying to sort out your location.” He leans back, sliding a hand over his sun-worn face.
“Well, then who the hell did?”
“From what I was able to find out the tip came from Mississippi. You’ll have to inquire some yourself, Noah. It’s not our jurisdiction, and I’ve already been reprimanded for poking around.” He chuckles. “That dog of yours is pissed without you, though. Doesn’t want to train.”
“Who’s got him?”
“Greg.”
I roll my eyes, laughing. “Max’s never liked him.”
Dan joins in, then his smile dies. “Heard from several agents they were worried Max wasn’t going to leave Lily’s side.”
That makes me grin. “He loves her. I swear sometimes I think he likes her more than me.”
He stares at me. “You shouldn’t have gone, Noah. It was dangerous. You’ve got a woman outside this room who wants you, might even love you. Is this girl someone you want to hang your life on? You’re not the type of person to go off the rails, Sullivan. Not once have you disregarded protocol, but taking Max, an asset, out alone into the woods—reckless. They aren’t happy.
“I told them it wasn’t you. Look where you are?” Dan’s voice grows louder.
I sniff. “I’m right where I’m supposed to be. I will always stand between her and anyone who wants to bring her harm.”
“Damn, Noah.”
Actually …
“Where’s my phone?” I reposition, searching for it. I need to talk to Lily. Make sure she’s okay. Everyone here keeps saying she’s “okay” or “fine,” but I want to hear that from her. I need to know.
“I’m not sure. I don’t think you had one on you when you came in. Here, use mine. I brought you some clothes. They’re over on the chair.”
I glance at the clothes, and Dan’s phone extended in his hand. A phone call is not enough …
“Damn it. I need to get out of here.” I sit up, wincing at the pain, but moving my stiff limbs is surprisingly therapeutic.
“Noah, come on. Rest. If you want, I’ll swing by and check on her.”
