Page 98 of Target Acquired

His personal phone buzzed once more. He let out a low breath, snagged the device from his pocket, and slapped it to his ear. “Yeah?”

“It’s Riley,” his sister said on a sob. “She fell off her bicycle and needs your blood. She’s already had loads from the hospital, but they’re almost out due to some kind of shortage and they think she’s got some internal bleeding they can’t find and they’re talking surgery and they only have a pint of your blood left. They have a rush order in to process whatever you can give—” Another sob. “I’m sorry,” she whispered. “Can you come?”

“I got it, Mariah. Tell them I’m on the way.”

He filled the others in, and Kenzie met his gaze with a nod. “If I could give, I would.”

“I know. Thanks.”

Cole looked at James, then locked eyes with each of the other members of the unit. “Keep Kenzie safe.”

They nodded. All except Butler, who let his eyes slide from Cole’s. James scowled at the man, who sighed and said, “Don’t worry. She’ll be fine. Go.”

Cole darted to one of the officers to grab a ride. They headed out for the hospital with lights and sirens, and he found himself at the entrance in record time. “Thanks, man,” he said to the officer and raced through the doors.

He went straight to the triage desk. “Hi, Monica, I’m back for Riley.”

“I was told you would be. Follow me. You have the room to yourself today.”

“Thanks.”

As much as he wanted to go see Riley and give her a hug, the faster they got started with his donation, the faster it would get to her. He rolled up his shirtsleeve as he walked. It would take a couple of hours to get the max they’d allow him to give, but he had his phone and he could catch up on whatever he needed to catch up on.

Not that he could remember what that was at the moment.

Once he was settled and hooked up to the appropriate tubes and machines, including an IV to pump fluids since he was slightly dehydrated, he called Mariah and let her know he was there. “How’s Riley?”

“Stable at the moment, but the doctor says that could change at any second.”

“Tell her to hang on. Her Cole-y juice is coming.”

“Thank you, Cole. I’m sorry I called you so much. I know you were probably working. I was just terrified.”

“It’s all good. I’m here now. We’ll get Riley fixed right up, and then she can tell me all about her adventure.”

“Oh, it’s been an adventure, all right. I’ve got to go, Cole. I’ll come see you if I can.”

“You focus on Riley. I might take a nap.” He hung up and pulled out his phone. As if a nap was anywhere in his future. He texted James.

At the hospital. You got Kenzie in your sights?

I do. We’re just now leaving the scene and heading back to HQ.

Okay, great. Keep an eye on her. I don’t think this guy is finished with her.

We got it covered. You focus on helping Riley. Offering up prayers for her too.

Cole knew his friend wasn’t just spouting platitudes. He’d really be praying. And Cole couldn’t thank him enough.

Another text from James.

Dead guy’s name is Eric Matthews. He’s Charlie Matthews’ father.

Any more info?

He was seventy-two years old and lived at Harmony House.

Harmony House?