Page 31 of Protect Me

“You took long enough,” I mutter.I was outnumbered and saw them walk in and train a gun on Talia.

“You try flying in this God-awful weather.Your girl okay?”

Before I can answer, Talia struggles to a standing position.“I’m fine.Thank you for getting here,” she says, ignoring her still-trembling limbs.

“The formula’s safe?”Ian asks.

She rubs her hands up and down her arms.“It’s available to whomever can get it to the FDA the fastest.I uploaded it to a freeware site to prevent anyone who could profit from its destruction from accessing it first.”

She sounds shocked by her actions, and I understand.The cure won’t be sold in a traditional sale from her employer to a big pharmaceutical company.

“You killed your company’s chance at a big sale.”

“And I won’t be able to guide a team of scientists into testing and see my product helping people firsthand.”She sucks in her bottom lip.“On the other hand, now scientists and even hobbyists will have the chance to work with my research,” she says, sounding more hopeful.“They could possibly even expand on it.”

“And there will be competition to market—competition that might take your discoveries to a higher level,” Ian offers.

“Regardless, what you did was selfless and brave,” I say, completely in awe.I slide my hand into hers.“I’m proud of you.”For more than just outsmarting the people after her.She faced down the men with guns like the brave woman she is.

She manages a shaky smile.“Thank you.”

“Okay, kids,” Ian says.“The local cops are coming in to clean up this mess.With any luck, they’ll find out who was behind this.We’re out.”He glances at Shane.“You know how much I hate dealing with bureaucratic shit.”

I roll my eyes.We’ll all be tied up late answering questions, but Talia is safe.Which means this particular job is complete.

Chapter Ten

Talia

Shane and Iare separated as soon as the local sheriff and his men arrive wanting answers, considering they have bullet holes everywhere and a few non-life-threatening injuries to the men after me.Shane refused to leave me, but the sheriff demanded our individual stories, so we separate.I am more than happy to provide my version of events.

The sheriff plans to get in contact with Dallas authorities so they can compare notes and tie up loose ends on both sides.I know it will take more time and investigation before the truth of what happened finally comes out.

After an hour of questioning, the men who aren’t sent off with police escorts by ambulance are rounded up and taken into custody.The end of my short nightmare has finally come, and I couldn’t be more relieved.

Shane and I are allowed to leave with Ian by helicopter to the nearest airport, at which point we’ll fly to Dallas.The rest of his men disperse using Shane’s car.Weight limits prohibit adding more people on the helicopter, and Shane wants me back in Dallas at a local hospital near home.I’m not about to argue.The pain in my hip has only gotten worse, especially after I was thrown to the floor to avoid flying bullets.

I take my first helicopter ride and am mesmerized by the feel and sights around me.With Ian around, Shane and I have no time to talk—not that I know what to say beyondthanks for saving meandgood-bye.I have no illusions about any kind of future for us.No sooner has my situation wrapped up than Ian engages Shane in conversation about an emergency case that has just come their way.Soon, he’ll be busy with his bodyguard business…as it should be.

I wonder how my company plays into people wanting to steal my work.No doubt, there is big money involved and high stakes for either developing my formula or burying it for good.My goal is and always will be to be back in a lab, doing my work.I don’t know or want any other way of life.

And if Sheila and her company can somehow get involved in the cure I uploaded today, I am hoping Jonah’s ex-wife will let me be involved in bringing the drug to market.I sacrificed too much of my life to the cause, and I desperately want to be a part of its future.

An exhausting number of hours later, I arrive at the hospital, where a doctor cleans out my wound while lecturing Shane on the dangers of a civilian playing surgeon.

The poor man doesn’t need the reprimand.I know he feels bad enough already.And I’ll have the scar to remember him by even when he is gone from my life.The scar will be even larger because the doctor needed to go in and clean out the wound before closing it up again.

At least this time, I have a local anesthetic to dull the pain.Not that the needles on the local are fun, but I survive the ordeal.It helps that I have Shane by my side, holding my hand while the doctor works.

Finally, the doctor, an older man with salt-and-pepper hair, snaps off his surgical gloves and tosses them in the trash.“I’ll be right back with your discharge papers and prescription for a painkiller and antibiotic.”

“Thank you,” I murmur.

“You’re welcome.”He pushes past the curtain and walks out.

Shane braces an arm on the top of the propped-up bed behind me.“Are you okay?”

I nod.“I am.”