Page 84 of Shadow Redemption
“The adhesive is stronger than what you can buy over the counter. I use them in the field when we’re on the run from the enemy. In a pinch, I’ve even used duct tape.”
She blinked. Right. Every field medic’s kit wouldn’t be complete without a supply of all-purpose duct tape. Ripping open a package, Ruth handed the medic one of the bandages. “Sorry. I’m worried about him.”
“So am I.” Sam flicked her a glance and held out her hand for another bandage. “Your man is tough as nails, Ruth. We’ll get him through this, and he’ll be as good as new once he heals.”
Perhaps. In the meantime, however, her invincible SEAL would be the walking wounded. Yet again, Ruth wished she’d insisted on Ben and the others standing down from this assignment. Impossible, she knew. Ben would no more duck and run from danger than any Fortress operative.
Ruth shoved her guilt aside and focused on her task.
“Fair warning, though.” Joe glanced over his shoulder with a quick grin. “Ben will be grumpy while he heals. He’s a terrible patient.”
“True,” Sam agreed. “He hates being laid up and refuses to take pain meds unless it’s necessary.” She smiled at Ruth. “All of the operatives refuse pain meds unless the pain is unbearable.”
Ben was tough, all right. No wonder she was crazy about this man. As she continued handing bandages to the medic, Ruth’s fear settled to a manageable level. Sam worked fast, but she wasn’t in a panic which gave Ruth more confidence that Ben would survive.
Nico returned, sliding his phone into his pocket. “Found a safe house thirty minutes out. Will Ben hold?”
“He’ll make it.” Sam applied another bandage and held out her hand for another. “The sooner we go, the better.”
“I agree,” Joe muttered, scanning the area with his weapon held by his side. “We’re too exposed out here.”
Two minutes later, Nico’s phone signaled an incoming text message. “Trace is parked one block from here, waiting for us. Can we move Ben?”
“Thirty more seconds,” Sam said. She applied two more bandages. “Go. Be careful.”
Ruth scrambled back as the medic scooped the medical detritus and dumped it into her bag, then moved aside.
Between the two of them, Joe and Nico maneuvered Ben to his feet, and Shadow’s leader hoisted him over his shoulder. Nico signaled for Joe to take the lead. When he fell in behind Joe, Sam urged Ruth to walk in front of her.
She hurried to keep up with the operatives who’d set a fast pace, on alert for distress from Ben or someone who intended to harm him further. She might not be a trained operative, but she would alert Shadow if she spotted trouble before they did.
Two minutes later, Joe held up his fist when he reached the edge of the tree line. Nico stopped. After a few seconds, Joe used another hand signal and moved toward the black SUV idling at the curb.
“Sit on the floorboard in the back,” Sam murmured. “They’ll lay Ben on the backseat. If Ben wakes, he has to know you’re safe or he’ll undo my handiwork to get to you.”
Ruth watched as Nico and Joe maneuvered Ben onto the backseat where Sam could work on their injured teammate if necessary while Trace drove them to safety.
When Nico motioned to her, Ruth sprinted for the vehicle and leaped into the back. She scrambled to the far side as Sam got in behind her. Joe climbed into the cargo area and Nico claimed the shotgun seat.
Trace sped away from the curb as sirens grew louder. Sam pressed several packets of alcohol wipes into Ruth’s hands. “Take off your gloves and clean your hands.”
After complying with the medic’s orders, she dropped the trash into a bag from Sam. Ruth concentrated on keeping her balance as Trace took corners too fast in the race toward the safe house. Did Bridget know about Trace’s mad driving skills?
Ten minutes later, Ben groaned. “Ruth?” he murmured.
Thank God. “I’m here. Don’t move. You have a bad cut on your back.”
He stirred. “You hurt?”
Sam sent her a sharp look, reminding her without words to keep Ben from moving.
“I’m fine. Be still. Sam only had time to slap on a few bandages. Don’t make more work for her than necessary.”
His lips curved. “Yes, ma’am.” He raised his voice. “Anyone get a look at the joker who knifed me?”
No one had. Ruth wasn’t surprised. The hallway was pitch black after the lights went out.
“Two of the models were ten yards behind us in the hall,” Joe said.