"She knew we were getting close," Thatcher says.
"That's our read. Either someone tipped her or she's been monitoring the investigation." Rivera pauses. "We've got roadblocks up, BOLO issued. But if she left last night, she has a solid head start."
"What about the enforcer? The guy who grabbed Dr. Abernathy?"
"That's where it gets interesting. We pulled Garrison's known associates. One name keeps appearing—former ArmyRanger, dishonorably discharged a few years back. He works private security now, off-books operations." Another pause. "Name's Briggs. Physical description matches what you and Dr. Abernathy gave us."
Briggs. The man who attacked me now has a name.
"So Garrison's running and Briggs is still out there," Thatcher says.
"We're sweeping the base now. Hospital security's being increased as we speak." Rivera's tone shifts. "Keep Dr. Abernathy close, Captain. If they're desperate enough to run, they might try something reckless first."
"Understood."
"I'll update you when we have more."
The call ends. Silence fills the kitchen.
"Commander Garrison. I've seen her name on supply requisitions and inventory logs. She runs base logistics, has access to everything."
"Perfect cover for systematic theft." Thatcher sets his phone down, turns to me. "You okay?"
"Processing." I wrap my arms around myself. "She would have had access to everything—personnel files, security schedules, my office. She knew exactly where to send Briggs."
"And now she's running, which means we were close to catching her."
"Or she's planning something worse."
Thatcher pulls me into his arms. "Rivera's increasing security. We'll be ready."
"What if she doesn't come back to base?"
"Then Rivera tracks her down and we stay alert until she's in custody." He cups my face. "Either way, you're covered."
"Good." I lean into his touch. "Because I have surgeries scheduled and I'm not hiding."
"We should get you to the hospital. Get you ready for rounds."
My phone buzzes. "Right. Back to reality."
It's Beth texting.
Beth: Heard security's being increased. You okay?
I type back:
Fine. Thatcher's with me.
Beth: Of course he is. You two figure things out yet?
Heat crawls up my neck.
Getting there.
Beth: FINALLY. Details later.
Later.
