Page 17 of Long Past Deadly

He stepped aside to let the medic through. “She can’t hear. Force of the explosion, I’m guessing.”

The striking woman had dark hair and stood tall in her blue uniform. She checked him over with wide eyes. “Are you all right?”

“Yes, I was in the pool.” Leaning over the side, horror ripped through him at all the shards in the water.

“Shoes. You’re gonna want them.” Her dry tone forced him to get a handle on his emotions. “She’s gonna need transport. We can’t check her hearing here.”

“Understood.”

Before the medic finished speaking, Quaid saw Niles at the broken windows.

“Niles, I need shoes. And call QM and tell them we need assistance from Bets in the ER at UCSD.” She was the day-time charge nurse there and worked part-time for QM.

Niles didn’t hesitate. “Immediately, sir.”

A few moments later, his loafers and a robe were in his hands. Niles checked Alanna, cataloging her needs, too. It’s what he did.

Quaid struggled with his focus. A gurney came through the damaged area with another couple of firemen.

Alanna shook her head. “I can walk.”

The medic smiled at her, shaking her head. “We give everybody a ride. It’s the way it works.”

The fire alarm abruptly silenced. Thank God. Alanna cooperated, but barely. Stubborn woman. He followed the gurney up the stairs to the main living area of the suite. The fire department was spraying the smoldering remains of the cart and the living room furniture. Three fireman were standing in the entryway talking with Barker.

“Quaid?” Alanna grabbed his wrist.

Surprised, he took her hand. “I’m coming with you.” He did a sign to convey his words.

“You might cause a stir that way.” The medic grinned.

Old Quaid might have flirted back, but he didn’t do that anymore and wasn’t in the mood. “Can you hold three minutes? She can’t go alone.”

The medic smiled. “That’s sweet.”

“No, that’s security. This wasn’t an accident.”

Niles interrupted. “Sir, clothes. They’re on the bed.”

He made a sign to Alanna and went to his room. “Get Mackey. We have to go unarmed. He can meet us at the hospital.”

“Noted, sir.” Niles shut the door.

He talked as he dropped the towel and checked for glass again. In less than the three minutes, he dressed and grabbed his wallet. “Sweep the room, get all our gear, and I’ll let you know where to meet us. Make sure every hotel employee is all right and if not, organize assistance.”

“Understood. Be careful.”

“Tell Barker to do a thorough check of all cameras, doors, and personnel, then talk to Mackey. I’m sticking with Alanna.” Quaid stopped by the door and closed his eyes. Tiredness crashed through him. This wasn’t about him. It was about Alanna. The surety came from his gut, but obvious was staring him in the face.

“I’ll meet you at the hospital with more clothes and supplies for Ms. Williams.”

Quaid turned back to him. “I don’t say it much, but I am grateful I have you at my back.”

Niles cleared his throat. “Likewise, sir.”

Quaid joined the medic as she was about to leave him behind.

She smiled at him. “Good timing.”