Page 92 of Broken Wheels

Dix chuckled. “And that’s all we’ll be doing, at least until all the drains are out and everything is working as it should.”

Doc’s eyes glittered. “My mouth works just fine. So does yours, come to think of it.”

“Will you quit being such a horndog?” Dix rolled his eyes. “You’re supposed to be taking things easy.”

“But I don’t want to take it easy. I want to get back to work.”

Dix caressed his cheek. “A couple more days, Doc, and you’re outta here.” He pressed his lips to Doc’s. “Now be good, please? For me?”

Doc smiled. “Anything for you.” He closed his eyes, and it wasn’t long before Dix registered the change in his breathing. Carefully, he placed Doc’s hand on the blanket that covered him, then retook his seat.

He wasn’t going anywhere.

It had taken Mordaunt three days of surveillance—and one lucky break—but finally he was ready to make his move. He’d initially called the hospital to check on his dear Uncle Josh, only to be told there was no patient by that name.

A lesser operative would have concluded Mordaunt’s bullet had done its job and Malone was dead.

Mordaunt was better than that. Way better.

If by some miracle Malone had survived, the feds and Malone’s bosses would make sure he was protected. And if he was still alive, that left Mordaunt with only one option—to take him out, no matter the risks. He knew he’d reap rich rewards for completing the assignment Vreeland had botched so egregiously. He was smarter than Vreeland—not that it was difficult. What idiot doesn’t check the ice he’s given by a volatile man like the boss? Everyone who worked for him knew the man didn’t accept failure. The fact that Vreeland had at least three strikes against him that Mordaunt knew about was testament to the limited patience the boss had for failure. And that had run out, which meant Mordaunt couldn’t afford to screw this up.

He’d watched the hospital entrance for two days, scrutinizing everyone who went through those doors, looking for two people in particular. There’d been no sign of Malone’s boyfriend. And hadn’t that revelation been a gift from heaven? Another name to add to his list. The boss would be pleased to know Mordaunt had eliminated all ties to Malone.

Patience. Malone first. The boyfriend is a bonus.

The second day he had his answer. He recognized the fed who’d been with Malone at the bakery. Chalmers, isn’t it? Somehow he doubted Chalmers was there for a medical appointment, not armed with flowers. That had made Mordaunt smile.

So Malone is alive.

The next step was to locate him, and that was the tricky part. At least, it had been, until the previous night when he ran into the cute kid with the absolutely adorable Midwestern accent, on his way home after his shift, still in his scrubs.

The scrubs Mordaunt was now wearing, along with the kid’s doctored ID.

Allen Bennett had been in his midtwenties, quite affable, and even if Mordaunt wasn’t into men, the boy had been a looker. And after a few drinks—and a little flirting—he’d agreed to go with Mordaunt. Sure, there was the possibility someone would remember them, but Mordaunt had disguised his features. Besides, they’d be looking for a blond guy, and the wig was already in a dumpster.

The liquor had proved most efficient, however. Allen had said he was a traveling nurse, bouncing from hospital to hospital to cover shifts during the shortage of qualified personnel. Pity they’re now down one more. This week he was at the Eastern New Mexico Medical Center, working in the trauma department.

Perfect for Mordaunt’s needs.

He hadn’t hidden the body, but he hoped the authorities wouldn’t find it too soon. That would jeopardize everything Mordaunt had accomplished. He almost regretted killing Allen.

Almost.

He could see how much the kid wanted to be loved and cared for by someone. Mordaunt used that when he invited him back to his hotel, not missing the gleam in Allen’s eyes. But instead, Mordaunt had driven Allen to the Oxbow trail, telling him it was a place they could lay back and watch the stars as they held hands. Allen had been so excited.

Until Mordaunt had brought out the knife.

Allen had tried to get away, but Mordaunt was faster, not to mention stronger. A tackle, a blade drawn across Allen’s throat, a gurgle of blood, followed by a lot of coughing, and finally Allen shuffled off this mortal coil. Unwilling to dump his body, Mordaunt had placed it reverently along the trail, knowing someone would find him. It had been a true shame to see the light going out of those eyes, and Mordaunt didn’t want Allen to be another of the lost who never found their way home.

Ah, well. There was no time to mourn the dead. Mordaunt just needed to make sure Allen had some company.

He took one last look at the ID he’d cobbled together. Since time was a luxury he didn’t have, it’d been a rush job. It wasn’t his best work, but as long as no one looked too closely, it should pass muster.

As long as it gets me where I need to go.

He sucked in a breath as he headed for the doors. He had to be calm, cool, and collected. He had to remember he was now Allen Bennett, a nurse.

He had to find Dr. Josh Malone.