Page 81 of Rules of Engagement

"Garrett?"

"I have my crime scene guys picking bullets out of walls at the hospital. Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. It was a narrow miss but we're both okay. Did you catch him?"

"No, but I'm in the security room now going through the camera footage. I don't have a clear view of this guy. It looks like he evaded every camera and knew when to put his head down, and when to turn his back, or raise a hand."

"Do you think he's connected to Mooch?"

"We haven't located the mysterious Mooch yet."

"What about the syringe? Maddox says you plan to get it tested?"

"I put a rush job on it."

"What about Solomon?"

"We've moved him to a different room and he's under extra guard. I've locked down the whole end of the ward and reamed out the officer I had posted. No one will get past us this time. I feel really bad about this, Lexi. I'm so sorry. He walked right by us. That's some crazy move."

"Professional?"

"A hundred percent. Nothing like Mikey Gibbs. Whoever has it in for Solomon definitely stepped up their game."

"I could help catch this guy. I might recognize him."

"No, you stay put until morning. I don't want you getting in harm's way and I have to echo the sentiment that this might be about you."

"But..."

"No buts. I'll tell Mom and Dad you're resting and not to disturb you. Put Maddox back on."

I handed the phone to Maddox and they continued their brief conversation before hanging up. "You should get some rest now," said Maddox. "We're here until tomorrow."

I shivered again, the cold instantly returning. "I don't think I can."

Maddox turned the TV on and passed me the remote. "Then find us something to watch."

"Are you really going to watch anything?"

"Not yet. My mind is still buzzing but I need the distraction and so do you."

I flicked through the channels until I found a film that was barely ten minutes started. Now that I knew Solomon was okay and his risk minimal, I found I could relax a little even though I wished I were with him to be absolutely sure. My muscles felt sore from all the tension, and the fight, and the weariness was totally exhausting. I yawned and nestled onto the couch, trying to stop the shivering. Maddox got up and returned a few minutes later with a cup of hot tea and a blanket. "Here," he said, "drink this."

"Thank you." I yawned again. "When did this become my life?" I wondered.

"Want to be a temp again?"

"No thanks."

Maddox laughed. "This remind you of anything?" he asked, waving a hand around the room.

"It reminds me of when you and I first met, after I just found out you were an undercover cop and your name wasn't Adam Shepherd, it was Adam Maddox."

"I like it when you call me Adam." I drew my legs up, curling them under the blanket, and he reached over and draped the blanket over my legs. "Your bravery has always impressed me," he continued. "You were brave then and you're brave now."

"I don't feel so brave." I leaned against him, my head on his shoulder. He dropped an arm around me, and hugged me against him.

"You're safe now," he said softly. His hand brushed my hair and I yawned again, unbearably tired and desperately trying to stay awake.

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