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TWENTY-SIX
Cannon’s high from the data restoration sank as he and Rosalie entered Julia’s hospital room. “What the hell?”
Easton rolled off the bed and tumbled to the floor.
Julia bolted upright. “Jeez, Cannon. Most people knock first.”
The cowboy sprang from the tiles and dusted off his jeans as he glanced at Julia. “She was cold and couldn’t sleep, and the recliner sucks and?—”
Rosalie touched Cannon’s arm. “Neither one of them has to explain anything.”
“Yes, they do,” Cannon muttered. No way would he let Julia be the next broken heart Easton left behind.
Rosalie dug her nails into his skin. He got the message and shut his mouth. As for Easton, he’d have a chat with him about why he’d been snuggled up to his sister.
“Great news.” Rosalie sat on the bed. “We recovered the trial dataandthe oncology records. You don’t have to go to another hospital for treatment, and the trial will start on time.”
Julia’s eyes widened. “Oh my God. You’re a genius.”
“That’s what I said.” Cannon had meant it then, and he meant it more now.
“Yeah, Rosalie, great job.” Easton tugged at the hem of his untucked flannel shirt. “It’s great you got the data back, but this terrorist is still a threat, isn’t he?”
“Yes.” Rosalie explained her concerns about the data, which had been too easy to recover.
Julia nodded her agreement. Cannon stood beside Rosalie as the two women in his life discussed Malgor’s motives and possible next moves. He waited for his ulcer to flare like it always did when Julia talked about work, which inevitably led to him debating what would kill her first—her job or cancer. To his surprise, his gut didn’t burn.
Julia adjusted the bandanna wrapped around her head. “Do you think Malgor is playing some sort of calm-before-the-storm game? Like restoring the data so he can royally screw it up later and cause someone to get hurt? Or die?”
Die? Oh, hell no.
“This is my house.” Cannon jammed his fists into his pockets. “Nobody is going to die here. I won’t allow it.”
Rosalie’s spine stiffened as she turned to face Cannon. “Tell me, how many nights have I slept in your office? Easton and Julia are my friends. This isourhouse now. You’re in charge of medical issues. I’m in charge of catching terrorists.”
“With my help,” Julia said.
“Of course.” Rosalie shot a thumbs-up to her ally.
Cannon massaged his temples. “Look, you two. I appreciate that you’re both brains, feminine brawn, and beauty rolled into fearless packages, but when it comes to your safety, I won’t sit in the waiting room.”
Rosalie’s lips twisted like she’d drunk sour milk before she turned to Julia. “Officer Ford, did he just say feminine brawn?”
“I believe he did. I don’t think there is anything feminine about my brawn when I put a man twice the size of me on his ass, do you, Agent Zenner?”
“No. And your brother will have a better appreciation for my brawn when I put him onhisass.”
Cannon threw up his hands in surrender. “Okay, I get the point. You both fight as well as a man. I’m just trying to make sure neither one of you winds up in the operating room.” He pointed at Julia. “Again.”
He wouldn’t think, let alone say, the morgue.
Easton slapped a hand on Cannon’s shoulder. “Now, that was entertaining, but I get how you feel like you’re solely responsible for this place.” His voice dropped to a grave tone. “You grew up here, but Julia did too. So did I. And Grady. Did you forget that our mom worked in radiology? Or that our families sat together when your dad and mine were sick? We did our homework here. Got yelled at for playing in the stairwells.”
Julia nudged Easton. “He’s also dated every available female in this hospital, including the newest member of our Red Snow family. You know, the special agent with the gun.” She winked at Rosalie. “Welcome to our kooky gang.”
Cannon stared at Rosalie as her gaze swirled with hues of gold and brown, each rich shade pure emotion. Did the idea of being part of his family—of being his—put that mesmerizing look in her eyes?
She wrapped her hand around his and squeezed. “Sounds like the cocky cowboy and the cop know what they’re talking about. You’re not alone.”
