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Ethan’s face popped into view, and he took the hand on my good side and gave it a gentle squeeze. “We got the bullet out. You’re going to be fine.”
His words reassured me enough for me to close my eyes. I must have passed out again. The next time I woke up, the pain was pretty much gone. I blinked at the harsh light above my head and then sat up.
“Whoa, easy there.” Ethan appeared by my side and put his hands out to steady me. “How are you feeling?”
I poked around at my injured arm and my face, but there was barely a twinge of pain left. I looked down at my ankle and gently worked it in a circle. It still hurt, but it wasn’t bad. “I’m okay. My ankle hurts a little, but everything else is fine.” I smiled at him, trying to ease the worry on his face. “I’m okay. Really. How are you doing?”
“Fine. Pretty much back to normal.”
I glanced around at the small room filled with medical equipment. I was glad Ethan was the only one there. “How long was I out?”
He shrugged. “Not long. It took a long time for them to finish cleaning up the warehouse. They had to dispose of the bodies, and they stripped down Rodney’s ship, taking anything that was useful. It’s been two hours or so. We’re on our way to Archuleta’s estate now.”
“Good. I want to be there when Emerson hands over Rodney and the guns.”
“Are you sure you’re up for it?”
I took another moment to check my pain level before nodding. “Yes.” I carefully stood up, testing my ankle to see if it could take the weight. It was stiff and sore, but it supported me.
Ethan stood up as well, putting his hand on my elbow. He didn’t try to stop me, but he was ready to help. I pulled on his arm until he leaned towards me, and I gave him a quick peck on the lips. “I’m really glad you didn’t die.”
He smiled, the worry lines on his face relaxing at my tender words. “Same goes for you. You really had us worried there for a minute.”
I walked slowly out the door, and he followed right behind me, ready to help if I needed it. It took me longer than it should have, but I eventually arrived at the bridge without incident. Emerson, Gabby, and Reuben were in their seats, and Steel stood propped against the wall. Other crew members manned their stations as well, but I didn’t know their names.
“How long until we get to Archuleta’s?”
All eyes turned to me. Emerson lifted an eyebrow. “Should you be up yet?”
“I’m fine, thanks for asking.” I stepped forward gingerly and leaned against the back of his seat. “It’ll take more than some broken bones and a bullet to keep me down.”
Emerson gave me a look before returning his attention to the screen in front of him. “Don’t get blood on my chair.”
I leaned back and looked down at myself. My clothes were caked in dried blood. I wrinkled my nose and looked at Ethan. “Is my face clean at least?”
“Yes, they cleaned off the blood after they set your nose. Don’t worry; it’s just the clothes. And the hair.”
Maybe it was a good thing I passed out. I turned back to face the screen. “Are we almost there?”
“Five minutes or so.”
Ugh, I don’t have time to shower.“I want to go with you.”
Emerson gave me another long look, full of annoyance, but he didn’t argue. “Fine. I’m not going to stop you.”
I smiled sweetly at him. “Smart man.”
Steel gave me a look I couldn’t read. “You sure are in a peppy mood for someone who almost died.”
“Well,” I shrugged, “I’m grateful to be alive. And I’m even happier that my kidnappers are dead.”
“Agreed,” Ethan murmured.
I shot Ethan an empathetic look, knowing we were both relieved that at least part of our ordeal was finally over. Then I cleared my throat. “Steel, can I talk to you for a second.”
He gave me a probing look before nodding. He followed me out into the hallway where we could talk in private. I leaned against the wall to take the pressure off my ankle, and Steel stood across from me, hands in his pockets.
“I wanted to say thank you. Again. For saving the both of us.” I owed him a lot for saving not only me, but also Ethan. I knew, without a doubt, that if he hadn’t heard my scream and come to help, both Ethan and I would be dead.
