Page 42 of The Search

“Inside the plane with Monty and Bassett.” Galen paused. “You still have a bullet in your thigh. I didn’t think there’d be any additional damage if I let you go back to the States and have it taken out there. Sarah didn’t think so either. So we plugged you up and she’ll give you a shot of morphine once you take off. Where do you want to go? Monterey?”

He tried to think. His mind was so blurry, he already felt as if he had the morphine. “It depends on whether Rudzak’s alive. Go back and check and phone me. It would be nice if the bastard crashed and burned, but we’re probably not that lucky.”

Galen nodded. “I was going anyway. I thought you’d want to be certain one way or the other.”

“And don’t let her give me the morphine. Tell her you just remembered I’m allergic to it or something. I need to know about Rudzak as soon as possible.”

“Why not tell her the truth?”

“And let her find out this may be only the beginning? I promised her when we found Bassett, her part would be over, but the situation’s changed and I don’t know how it’s going to affect her. I’m not up to handling her right now. I have to stall.”

“And what do I tell the pilot?”

“Just tell him to get us out of South American airspace and I’ll give him his orders when I hear from you.”

“Okay, but it’s a long flight and you’re going to hurt like hell.”

“I’m hurting like hell now, but Rudzak had to have seen her and Monty. If he’s alive, then he may try to take her out first. She’s an easier target and it’s pretty clear he doesn’t want me dead before he can make me suffer.”

“Are you going to tell her that?”

“Not if I can help it. It may get in the way and she’s pissed enough at me. I just have to be wherever she is to keep Rudzak in check.”

“You’re not exactly in prime condition to keep anyone in check. You could get protection for her. You don’t have to do it yourself.”

“I made her a promise.” He smiled crookedly. “And, hell, I probably owe her for more than Bassett now.”

“You mean for picking you up and throwing you into the helicopter? It’s possible. Seconds were counting at that point.” Galen grinned. “And it was an interesting role reversal. Do you suppose she has Amazon blood?”

“All I know is that I could have done without that particular guilt trip.” He closed his eyes. “Get me in that plane and go back and check on Rudzak. I have to know.”

Logan’s eyes were closed, but Sarah knew he wasn’t asleep. His mouth was compressed and deep lines were engraved on either side of his lips.

She sat down on the bed beside him. “Take this.”

Logan’s eyes opened and looked at the glass in her hand. “What is it?”

“Tylenol.” She popped two tablets on his tongue. “You’re not allergic to that too, are you?”

He shook his head as he swallowed the water. “Thanks.”

“Tough luck about the morphine allergy. The Tylenol may help a little. I gave some to Monty too.”

“Then I know it’s a surefire remedy. You might take chances with my health but never with Monty’s. How is he?”

“Better than you.”

“That must give you some satisfaction. After all, I was responsible for his being hurt.”

“It doesn’t give me any satisfaction. I hate violence. I never wanted you to be shot.” She glanced away from him. “And you told Galen to save Monty before you. Not many men would have done that for a dog.”

“Don’t give me too much credit. I’m not the selfless type. I wanted to tell Galen to get me the hell on that helicopter.”

“But you didn’t.” She was still not looking at him. “And I’ve always found it’s what you do and not what you think that’s the bottom line. Fear’s always there.”

“Is it?”

“If you’re not stupid.” She rose to her feet. “I have to get back to Monty. You’re probably in too much pain to sleep, but you can try.”