“Are you kidding?Law enforcement’s been tearing Philly apart looking for you.”
“I’m still in Philly?”
“Yeah.We’re heading straight back to Boston.Do you need medical attention first, ’cause you’re bleeding on the upholstery?”
“No.Don’t stop.I’m sure Warden will stump up for a valet.”
“I won’t.Recline your seat and get some rest if you want to.Ride’s gonna take us about six hours.”
Bryn closed his eyes, finally allowing himself to relax.There would be debriefings, medical examinations, questions about Russo.He didn’t care about any of it now he knew Gunnar was alive.
Chapter Fourteen
Ed Solomon was a smooth driver and the car glided through the night.Bryn’s adrenaline and Frost’s drugs had worn off and shattered, Bryn drifted in and out of consciousness.Each time he awoke it was with a jolt to scan their surroundings before he remembered he was safe.Solomon left him alone, speaking only to offer water or to check if he needed anything in his moments of lucidity.
When they crossed into Boston city limits, it was getting dark.
“Almost there,” Solomon said, breaking the silence.“Warden will be waiting for you.”
“How bad is Gunnar?”Bryn asked.
“I’m no expert but he took a bullet to the hip.Would’ve shattered a normal human’s pelvis, but with his lupine physiology, it’s just a nasty wound.The baton strike to his head didn’t help matters.”
“He has a hard head.”
“He’s healing.He’s also being an asshole about resting.”Solomon shook his head.“He keeps trying to leave the hospital, insisting he has to find you.Warden told him he would be tied down or sedated to keep him from getting hurt more.Gunnar said no to the tying down, because you were the only one he wanted to do that with.”
“You’re kidding.”
“He’s been out of it.Still fought to help you, stubborn bastard.”
Bryn found himself smiling.“Typical Gunnar.”
“You said it, not me.”
They continued toward GCR headquarters in silence, Bryn’s thoughts drifting between relief at being rescued, lingering concern about Gunnar and worry about what lay ahead.Solomon pulled up in Marlborough Street at the front of the building.
“The front door?I’m honored.”
“Can you walk?”Solomon asked.
Bryn nodded and pushed the car door open.“I’ve been kidnapped, drugged, and escaped a supervillain’s lair.I think I can manage.”His legs felt like rubber, and exhaustion weighed on him, but he managed to stand.Warden emerged with Emmett at his side and the two of them came down the path.Solomon hovered nearby but didn’t offer assistance.
“Bryn,” Emmett said, stepping forward.“Thank God.”
“Thank you, Solomon,” Warden said.“You’ve had a long drive.Go get some food and rest.Emmett has had one of the staff rooms made up for you.I’ll get the car moved.”
“Yes, sir.”Solomon disappeared into the property.
“I know I’m irreplaceable, but this welcome committee seems excessive,” Bryn managed.
Warden grunted.“Inside.The medic needs to check you over.”
“I want to see Gunnar,” Bryn said, heading in without rejecting Emmett’s hand on his elbow.
“Trust me, you’ll see him sooner than you expect,” Warden replied.“Medical first.”
Bryn wanted to protest but the entrance hall tilted and he knew arguing would be futile.He allowed Emmett to guide him to the room that served as a medical facility.A white-coated doctor and a nurse were waiting for him.They helped him onto the single bed, and he submitted to their ministrations with uncharacteristic docility.Warden and Emmett hovered nearby.
