“Raven?” Liam had no idea what had just taken place or why.
She pulled herself to full height and spun to face him. “That”—she pointed at the lady clutching her jaw—“is my therapist Breana. Also, the person responsible for everything that has happened to me. She and Evan are in this together.”
No further explanation was needed. Xander yanked Breana to her feet and zip-tied her wrists behind her back.
“Dax, Evan, and Breana are yours. The rest of you confirm we’re alone. I’ll call it in.”
His men obeyed without question.
Raven’s face lost all color. Her body went boneless and collapsed.
“Raven!” Liam rushed over and caught her before she hit the floor. He cradled her in his arms. “Raven, honey? Can you hear me?”
Her head lolled to the side.
“Charlie Two, Report!” His heart slammed against his breastbone. Liam had to get her to the hospital.
“All clear. No tangos.”
“Get the SUV, now!” Liam had never lost his composure on a mission until now—until Raven.
Chatter over the comms ran like background noise in his ear. Xander filled the others in while Liam focused on the only thing that mattered. Raven.
CHAPTER 12
Cold River, Alabama – Ashford County Hospital
Tuesday – 0930 Hours
Code Name: Raven
Eyes closed, the low voices of men Jade recognized cocooned her. Charlie Team had brought her to the hospital yesterday after she’d collapsed. She’d awoken, terrified Breana and Evan would continue their threats, but then she’d peered into Liam’s eyes and knew, at that moment, everything would be okay. He’d found her.
After tests and X-rays, the doctor had ordered an IV with a mild painkiller. When the medication had taken effect, she’d fallen asleep. Only to wake up during the night to Liam dozing in the recliner next to her bed. His constant presence had calmed her racing heart when the nightmares came for her.
Forcing her eyes open, she let her gaze roam. All five Charlie Team members stood or sat in various areas of the room. The chatter died down when each set of eyes landed on her.
Warm fingers laced with hers. “Hey, there.”
Jade rolled her head. “Liam.”
“I’m here, honey.”
“What about?” she licked her lips. “What about your injuries?”
“Don’t worry, Raven. I forced him to see the doc.” Xander folded his arms. His gaze shifted to Liam, and he raised a brow.
Liam shook his head. “He’s like a dog with a bone.”
“And?” Jade refused to use the little energy she had to pry the answer from him with complete sentences.
“A concussion. But I’m already feeling better. Doc said no spinning up for missions for three to four weeks.”
“Yup, our fearless leader is grounded.” Boone’s cheesy grin made her smile.
“Does this mean we get time off?” Dax asked.
Rafe held up his hands, palms out. “Don’t look at me. I’m not going to be in charge of you yahoos.”
