“According to the Department of Defense, Senior Chief Foster and Petty Officer Drake are dead,” Devon said. “I’m not sure anyone has jurisdiction.”
The general crossed his arms and stared at Devon and Graham. “Major Foster is still active duty and does fall under my jurisdiction.”
Addison stood and matched the general’s pose. “Well, sir, I’ll tell you the same thing I told the last general who stood in the way of me and my family—court-martial me.”
Devon couldn’t fight the grin that tugged at his mouth and looked down. He thought she was going to tell him to fuck off. It was a completely inappropriate time to get turned on.
“I’m going to the hospital with my brother,” she said. “So you can either let me go, and I’ll answer anyone’s questions after I’m reassured my brother is physically cared for, or you can arrest me. Which, given the fact that I and everyone on this plane brought him and Michael Drake back from the dead, isn’t going to look good for you or the Air Force once it hits social media.”
The general’s lips pinched together. “I’ll inform everyone of the change of venue.” He spun and pushed passed the chief master sergeant, then stomped down the stairs.
The chief turned and winked at Addison. “Major Foster.” She followed the general down the stairs at a more sedate pace.
The German official handed Paige the stack of passports. “Welcome to Germany.”
“I hope coming back from the dead is easier than getting to the hospital.”
Everyone turned and looked at Michael Drake.
Devon grinned. “Here’s hoping.”
* * *
They were met at the emergency entrance of Landstuhl Regional Medical Center by every person who worked in the hospital—at least it seemed that way when Addison exited the large SUV they’d ridden in. The crowd threatened to swallow her whole as the team of doctors and nurses pulled the two gurneys out of the ambulance.
“Addison!” Devon grabbed her arm and pulled her from the throng of people.
She looked over her shoulder at him, then back at Braedon, disappearing through the automatic doors.
“Let them take care of him. They aren’t going to let you in the examination room anyway,” he said.
She vibrated with tension and anxiety.
He rubbed her upper arm. “I know it’s hard to let him go, but he’s going to be fine.”
Her shoulders sagged. “I really don’t want to let him out of my sight. I feel like if I can’t keep eyes on him, he’s going to disappear again, and this will all turn out to be a dream.”
Devon pulled her close and wrapped his arms around her shoulders. “I know, but let the docs do their job. Besides, there’s a shit ton of people that want to talk to us. You probably most of all.”
“Fuck,” she said under her breath.
“Yeah. Come on. Let’s see what Paige and Graham have coordinated.” He released her shoulders and followed behind the crowd. She threaded her fingers in his and caught his surprised glance at their hands. Had she crossed some kind of line? Had he left everything back at the castle? His tightening grasp eased some of her worry and she stayed close to his side.
Lieutenant General Bucton was waiting for them inside the reception area when they entered. “Major Foster, Colonel Jefferson and General Dixon would like to speak with you.”
“They’re here? For the debrief?”
She couldn’t keep the panic from her voice. How the hell did Colonel Jefferson and the CENTCOM Commander get there so fast? Paige had only made the call a few hours ago.
General Bucton shook his head. “No, this isn’t part of the debriefing—they asked to set up a video teleconference to speak to you separately. I told them you’d be available in two hours. You’ll be debriefed first, but if nothing else, this will give you a reason to end the debrief.”
She cocked her head, wondering at the sudden change of attitude. “Thank you,” she said.
“I apologize for earlier,” he said. “Chief Tiller reminded me of everything you’d been through the past few months. I’m sorry that I forgot to take that into consideration.”
“I—Thank you. And thank Chief Tiller for me.”
“I will. If you’re still in the debriefing, I’ll grab you for the VTC. I assume Mr. Graham and Ms. Davis will want to be present,” General Bucton said.
