Page 94 of Sheltering You

This she understood. But the wound could get infected, and then they would have to go to the hospital, no? And then, more likely jail.

But she didn’t argue, just drove, willing the phone to ring.

They’d driven through the small town of Wheeling and were ten or fifteen miles past it before it finally did.

Derrick barely reacted to the shocking trill in the silent car.

She pressed the phone icon on the steering wheel. “Hello?”

Derrick straightened a little.

“You guys okay?” Michael asked. “No issues? No more lurking SUVs?”

Derrick responded with, “We’re fine.”

“We are in need of antibiotics and bandages and a safe place to rest. Your brother is pale and sick.”

She could practically feel him glaring at her.

Well, it was true, whether he wanted to admit it or not.

“I’m looking now,” Michael said. “You’re driving, sis?”

“We have just passed into Pennsylvania.”

“Perfect. We’re making calls about the shooting, telling the locals it’s a federal matter, that we’ve got it under control—national security and all that. But it’ll take some time, so don’t get stopped.”

“We won’t get stopped for speeding.” Derrick attempted to add a little humor to that remark.

“He is teasing about my driving.”

“Better too slow than too fast,” Michael said. “Bro, can you make it another forty-five minutes? I got you a motel in the city, the kind of place that won’t ask a lot of questions.”

“I can do it,” Derrick said. “You all right to drive that far?”

“Yes,” she said. “We must have a pharmacy.”

“I found one. I want you to check in, get Derrick and Rabie settled, and then go to the pharmacy alone.”

“No.” Derrick sat up straighter. “She’s not going alone.”

“Can you do it, sis?” Apparently, Michael was ignoring Derrick.

So she did the same. “I will, yes.”

“I’ll text all the information. Let me know as soon as you get there.” Michael ended the call.

“You’re not going alone.” Derrick was practically grumbling beside her.

“This is the first I have seen you injured. Are you grouchy when you’re sick, too, or only when you’re in pain?”

“I’m not grouchy. I’m trying to keep you alive.”

“As I am doing. And to keep you out of jail. This you also want, yes?”

“I’m just saying⁠—”

“I do not think it has to be one or the other, me or you. Your brother says I will be safe, and I trust him.”