Page 142 of Last Chance

They thought they were going to dismiss him? Not happening. “I’m staying with Janie during her interview.”

“That’s not how we work,” Saunders shouted.

“Tough.” He wouldn’t back down. “It’s the only way you’ll talk to Janie. Keep pushing, and you’ll have not only me, but also one of our lawyers in the room as well.”

“Back off, Layton,” Lowell snapped. “That’s an order.”

Hands fisted, Saunders said through clenched teeth, “Yes, sir.”

“Start from the beginning, Sawyer.” Lowell flipped open a small notebook. “Once you finish, we’ll get information from the rest of your team.”

He drew in a deep breath and began. Sawyer censored details about the mission they’d finished before diverting to Mexico to free Janie. He clarified details when requested by Lowell. Otherwise, he shared the steps they’d taken to discover the identity of the missing passenger and the source of the threat to Janie.

When he related how Janie had been taken, Saunders snorted in disgust. Sawyer understood. He’d bear the blame for that failure for the rest of his life. Because of him, Janie had suffered needless injuries.

Once he finished, the interviewers turned to Brody and the rest of his teammates. While they talked, Sawyer frequently checked his phone. The doc should be finished with Janie soon. The only reason Sawyer had agreed to leave Janie in the clinic was because Teagan volunteered to stay with her every minute.

When Lowell finally began his interview with Jesse, Sawyer’s phone signaled an incoming text. He checked the screen and rose.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Saunders snapped. “We aren’t finished with you.”

Sawyer glanced at his boss. “The doc is finished with Janie.”

“Go,” Brent said.

“Wait a minute!” Saunders stood.

“Sit down, Layton,” Lowell ordered. “Sawyer will return with Ms. Moran.” He shifted his gaze to Sawyer. “Isn’t that right?” His eyes held a subtle threat.

Depended on Janie’s state of mind. If she was ready to talk, he’d return with her. Without a word, he left the conference room and went to the elevator. A minute later, he stepped out and turned left. Soon, he opened the clinic door and walked inside.

Teagan met him in the reception area. “She’s shaken up, but fine.”

“Something happen?”

“She had to tell the doctor everything that happened. Reliving the experience brought back the fear and trauma she endured.” Teagan folded her arms. “I like her, Sawyer. Don’t hurt her or screw this up. You hear me?” Left unsaid was the probability that Teagan would retaliate if Sawyer hurt her new friend.

He flinched. “Yes, ma’am. No worries. She’s everything to me.”

She punched him in the shoulder. “Make sure you treat her like she’s a priceless gift. Need me to stay?”

“I’ve got her. Thanks for the help.”

“Anytime, my friend. See you around.” Between one beat and the next, Teagan was gone.

Cherry, the doctor’s receptionist, stood. “This way, Sawyer. I think your girlfriend needs a hug.”

“She can have as many as she wants.”

“Chocolate cures everything, you know,” she whispered.

His eyebrows rose. “Is that right?”

Cherry nodded. “My husband learned the secret years ago.”

“Thanks for the tip.” Sawyer followed her down the hall to one of the exam rooms.

“She’s waiting in here.” The other woman patted his arm. “Take good care of her. She’s special.”