Page 65 of Storm Warning

John was going to die if he didn’t get medical attention. That was Hawk’s priority. “We need to call 911!”

Remi held her phone up. She had already tried. “The signal isn’t going through.”

“Couldn’t ... call...” John struggled. “He ... disabled...”

Someone had disabled cell signals and electronics? “Remi, can you help me?”

Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees by his side and pressed her hands against the wound.

“I’ll run out to the boat and use the radio to call for help,” he said. “I’ll see if I can find a medical kit with something we can use to stop the bleeding.”

He hated leaving his mentor, his friend, in what couldbe the man’s last moments, but John needed help, which included Life Flight off this island. It wasn’t ideal for a helicopter to land, but they could hoist him up.

He started to get up, but John grabbed his wrist, proving he still retained much of his strength, which surprised Hawk.

“Careful. He ... Cole...”

This had to have happened moments before they arrived or else John would already be dead.

“Is he still here?”

John said nothing but closed his eyes. He was fading fast. “Remi, stay sharp. Keep your gun ready. John is one of the good guys. There’s an explanation for everything. We need him alive so we can learn more.”

He cringed at his attempt to persuade her, as though she would deliberately facilitate his death, but Remi was only human and could have doubts about saving a man who she believed might intend her harm. Still, she appeared to be completely focused on helping John, and Hawk shouldn’t doubt her.

“I’ve got this.” She nodded to Hawk.

He left John in Remi’s hands and rushed through the house, gun ready in case he faced the enemy. His brother. How had Cole beat them here? Or had Hawk misread the situation at his condo? Regardless, he hadn’t wanted to leave John or Remi in case Cole made an appearance. Hawk’s options were limited.

Carefully, he stepped out the door and then eyed the surrounding grass—no bushes for someone to hide in, but beyond the small yard, trees filled his view. He bounded down the porch steps, watched his six as he covered ground, especially moving through the trees. Once out of the trees where someone could have hidden and ambushed him, he was exposed. Every egress had vulnerabilities.

Protect me, Lord!

Hawk raced to the boat and hopped on. He got on the radio and called for emergency assistance. Then he searched the boat for a medical kit. Found one, but it didn’t include gunshot wound powder. He exited the boat and headed back to the house while taking in his surroundings. Gray skies. Rain. Wind. No other boats were about. And no Cole.

Then again, Hawk would only see Cole if and when he wanted to be seen. Myriad emotions—anger, agitation, apprehension, and a familiar fear that all would go south—twisted in his gut as he ran back to the house. Once he entered, he prepared to face anyone and anything as he made his way back to Remi and his former commanding officer.

Voices echoed down the hall. Raspy mumbling, along with Remi’s upset tone. When Hawk finally entered the office, Remi was no longer pressing her hands against the wound.

“I found the Celox and gauze. He told me where to find his medical supplies.” Her big blue eyes held his gaze. “It was a risk, but I didn’t think he would survive otherwise.”

He still might not make it.

“What did he say to you?”

She frowned, unshed tears in her eyes. “Later, okay? So, what now?”

He understood, but there could be more questions to ask.

“You can go wash your hands.”And wipe your eyes.He knew she wanted to swipe the tears away but would only get blood on her face.

“Okay, but then what are we doing?”

“We’re waiting for the police and emergency services. The bathroom’s just across the hall. Get cleaned up.”

He went with her just in case Cole had decided to make an appearance and ambush them.

She stood just inside the bathroom door and made to close it. “I’m good, Hawk. Go talk to him.”

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