Page 54 of Hours to Kill
His stomach clenched. “The hypnosis didn’t help, did it?”
“It did actually. I can remember the investigation and even the accident now. And I—”
“But me?” He shot her a desperate look.
She took a step closer to him, then stopped and met his gaze. “No. Not you or the team. We ran out of time for that.”
Time.He’d assumed she would’ve made him top priority during her first session. Obviously not. He’d known it would hurt to hear she didn’t remember him, but it was worse than he imagined. Like a serrated knife plunged into his gut and jerked upward. Still, he should know that she would do the right thing and try to recall the investigation so she could find the miniguns before time ran out.
He needed to support that. “I’m glad you remembered things.”
She laid a hand on his arm. “I have another session scheduled,and Dr. Galt is hopeful from today’s success that I will remember more. He warned me, though, it could take several sessions. I need to tell you about what I did remember. It’s important.”
Mack gave a nod, but it felt stiff and falsely reflected his feelings. He had no hope or positive emotions to emit. “That will have to wait until we get back. We need to get going and keep our attention on our surroundings.”
He gestured for her to move to his side. She did, wreaking havoc on his senses. He swallowed away every emotion and put on his professional demeanor. He had one job right now. Get her to the vehicle without incident and back to the safe house.
She stepped closer to him, and they made their way to the elevator where he jabbed the button with a force that wasn’t necessary.
“You’re upset,” she stated plainly.
Once more, he kept his head on a swivel, watching areas where hallways intersected. “I can’t talk about this now. I need to concentrate on your safety.”
“All right. But when we get back to the safe house, let’s take a few minutes to have a private conversation.”
“Sure thing,” he said, but would rather go to the dentist and have a tooth pulled than hear her remind him that the investigation came before him.
Chapter 15
ADDY DIDN’T WANT TO BREAK MACK’S HEARTand hoped to talk more, but with the exit doors right in front of her, she had to think about her safety and not leave it all up to Mack. The automatic doors split wide, the cold, damp air washing over her face helping her to remain alert.
Mack took her arm. She was glad for his touch. It gave her more confidence and a sense of well-being. Kiley stood by the van’s sliding side door. She nodded at Mack. He urged Addy forward. She was aware of his head turning. Turning and watching. She followed suit, the misty rain coating her body as she stepped quickly toward the vehicle.
Mack suddenly stiffened. “Sniper!”
Addy gasped, drew her sidearm, and searched the area. Time seemed to slow. Like in the hypnosis. Each sight. Each sound. Intensified. Her feet still moving but barely.
Kiley, weapon out, spun.
Mack shoved Addy forward, pushing her into the vehicle, then hurling his body on top of her. She heard the crack of the gun. A loud boom. Rifle. Mack jerked and sucked in a quick breath.
“Go!” he yelled as Kiley slid into the vehicle.
Sean floored the gas, and the van jerked forward. The side door hadn’t closed, and she knew Mack hadn’t made it all the way inside. She felt his leg move, and he shoved his body farther in, remaining on top of her like a large burlap bag of potatoes,heavy and solid. The vehicle raced around a corner, and he held fast, his body rigid and braced.
Sean suddenly slammed on the brakes. “Pedestrian! Move. Move. Move.”
The van soon roared forward, and they were off again.
Another shot rang out, the bullet hitting the door above her head with a sharp ting, piercing the van and exiting through the other side. Had to be a powerful caliber to rip holes in steel like that.
“He’s got to be using .50s,” Mack said. “Get this vehicle out of here!”
“Doing my best.” Sean sounded calm amidst the chaos.
“Reporting the shooter’s location to locals at the hospital door,” Kiley announced.
Addy had no idea how Kiley knew the shooter’s location, but Addy wouldn’t ask now and disturb Kiley’s focus.
