Jason held up his good hand in a half-hearted attempt to calm his friend. “I know. I know.” He lowered his hand and wished for the millionth time that night that he’d discovered Eric’s duplicity sooner. “For now, let’s focus on Leland. And get things wrapped up with Frederick and Drakos.”
Knox huffed. “At least he untied Enzo. Now I don’t have to go back and do it. I’m not thanking him, though.”
“I know.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m going to bring Tayla back in here. She shouldn’t be alone.” He lowered his voice. Not that anyone else was around. He just hated saying the words. “This could get bad. Leland lost a lot of blood. I don’t . . . we just shouldn’t leave Tayla alone until we know Leland is going to make it.”
“Understood.”
Chapter 20
Emotionally, Tayla was right back where she started a week ago—wanting to hug Leland, and throttle her stubborn uncle at the same time.
“Leland, you have to be nicer to the nurses. They’re doing their job.”
“They don’t need to come in here every few minutes. I’m fine. Where’s that doctor? He was supposed to come by before lunch.”
She was thrilled to tears that he felt well enough to complain. He didn’t speak much the first twenty-four hours after the surgery. That was scary. Seeing him weak. It wrecked her.
She’d held his hand while he slept. When he woke, he’d told her he loved her. And apologized again for putting her in danger. She’d spent two nights by his side, listening to the doctors, praying he healed quickly.
But now, she felt the need to stay close for the nurses’ well-being more than Leland’s. “The doctor will be by soon. You have to stop snapping at the nurses. They have to check—”
“Knock, knock.” Jason’s voice drifted into the room.
His presence elicited an unbidden grin on her face. And she didn’t care that Leland noticed. “Hey. I didn’t think you’d get back that quick.”
He shrugged. “Knox and I convinced Drakos his life would be in perpetual danger as long as he hung on to the disputed goods. He agreed to hand over most of it to Frederick. Knox called a friend in the FBI, though.”
“Chuck?” Leland asked.
“Yeah.” He nodded to Leland, then looked at Tayla. “He’s on the FBI’s Art Crime Team. He’s going to make sure none of Drakos’ treasures have been reported stolen before Frederick takes possession.”
“How does Frederick feel about that?” Tayla asked.
“After everything that’s happened,” Jason lifted his chin toward Leland. “Frederick decided he doesn’t want anything that will garner so much dangerous attention. I’m not saying Drakos and Frederick have both been scared straight, but maybe straighter than before? At least for awhile.” He stepped closer to Leland’s bed. “So, how are you feeling today?”
“I’ll be fine when I can get out of here. I don’t like hospitals.”
Jason shook his head. “No one likes hospitals, Leland.”
“The doctor will stop by soon,” Tayla said. “He’ll tell us how soon you’ll be strong enough to fly home.”
“I’m ready now,” Leland groused.
Jason touched her shoulder. “Can I talk to you outside?”
“You can’t talk in front of me?” Leland asked.
“We’ll just be in the hallway,” Tayla assured him. “If the doctor shows up, I’ll come back in.” She squeezed his hand.
“Wait a minute,” Leland said, a new softness in his tone. “Jason, I haven’t said . . .” He cleared his throat. “Thank you for saving Tayla twice the other night. You saved us both. And took a bullet doing it. You’re . . . a good man, Jason Bridger. I’m grateful. I won’t forget what you did.”
“Anytime, Leland.”
“Now,” he said in a stronger tone, “go have your private conversation.” He waved them away with a mock-gruffness that wasn’t fooling anyone.
They took their cue and walked into the hallway. Tayla walked about ten steps from Leland’s door and turned to face Jason. “So, what’s up?”
Tenderness shone in his eyes. But he didn’t smile. “We haven’t had a chance to really talk the past few days. But now that Leland is feeling better . . .” He scratched his unshaven jaw.
