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She stumbled back. “Sorry. I’m so sorry.”
“Not. A. Problem.” He forced the words out between clenched teeth.
Ignoring both of them, Tai shrugged out of his white tee and tore into it with his teeth, ripping off long strips from the torso. “Lemme see that scratch.”
Bridger didn’t make a sound as Tai bound his upper arm.
Tai eyed the wound before knotting the makeshift bandage. “It’s not so bad. Bullet went clean through. A couple of stitches and you’ll be good to go. You’ve had worse.”
Bridger bit down on a groan. “Wow. Your bedside manner stinks.”
“Yeah, but I’m pretty to look at.” Tai winked at her.
The gesture was meant to be reassuring, but Jane wasn’t in the mood. They should be taking Bridger straight to a hospital.
Insistent beeps came from the passenger side of the vehicle. “Stay put,” Tai mumbled. “Both of you.”
He dove into the Jeep reaching across the driver’s seat for a black bag. Whipping it open, he pulled out a tablet and frowned at the screen. “They stopped a mile north of town. Looks like they’re regrouping.” He trained his gaze on Bridger. “How do you wanna play this?”
Bridger met her eyes. “We have to go. Now.”
“As in yesterday,” Tai added. He winced. “You know what I mean.”
She did. But no way she was letting Bridger drive in his condition. She pointed at Tai. “You drive.”
He and Bridger shared a look before the big man spoke. “I’m not coming.”
“We need the whole team on this,” Bridger explained to her. “We can’t afford to go at these guys a man down.”
“And they’re not looking for me,” Tai added, eying Jane. “You’re the one in their sights.”
He held out a simple silver key and turned her gently around. A second later the handcuffs fell to the ground. She rubbed her aching wrists and waggled her fingers, making sure they worked. Then she shoved Tai out of her way and threw herself into the driver’s seat. She eyed the two men, trying to look as hard and tough as she could under the circumstances. “Then I’ll drive.”
The fact that neither man argued told her exactly how hurt Bridger really was.
Tai helped his friend into the passenger seat then came back around to her side. “You can’t take him to a hospital.”
“What?”
“You can’t,” Bridger echoed. “Gunshot wounds have to be reported. But don’t worry. I know a guy.”
Tai winked at her. “He knows lots of guys. In this case, I’m hoping he’s not referring to the veterinarian.”
“Just because he didn’t give you enough Lidocaine last time.” Bridger tried to smile at Jane, but the grin didn’t reach his eyes. “He’s such a baby.”
Gripping his backpack, Tai stepped back from the Jeep and slapped a hand on the roof. “You two better get going. Do what he says,” he instructed Jane. “We’ll be in touch.”
She gripped the wheel, squinting into the glare coming off the store’s display windows.
The store.
“I can’t go,” she said.
Tai looked from her to the shop and back. “No problem. I got this. Wes can show me the ropes. Me and the team’ll work around his schedule.”
“But—” She couldn’t justleave.
The store was her livelihood. Her responsibility. Her––
