Page 91 of Missing Marcus

Her brother stirred and sat up slowly. “What the hell happened?”

“It’s a long story. Kassie went to check on Gabrielle. What happened?”

“She made her speech and dropped her purse. Mr. Wilkinson took her hand to commend her on the speech. She said she didn’t feel good. I stood there while that bastard drugged her. I’ll kill him,” he vowed.

“Shhh, Marcus.” Bryanna glanced across the room at the strangers staring at him. “Gabby’s strong. She won’t allow anything to happen to this baby. You’ve got to have faith.”

Knight squeezed his eyes shut.Even his sister seemed oblivious to the evil in this world.

Doc entered with Kassie and crossed the room. Knight stood, weaving slightly.

“Gabby’s fine. The baby’s moving and the heartbeat’s strong. They drugged her. We can’t discuss it here,” Doc said in a low tone. “We’re moving her to Serenity, where we can secure her. They need your consent. Dr. Beecham’s waiting with Gabby.”

Knight rushed out the door to where he last saw Gabby. Dr. Beecham smiled encouragingly. “She’s fine. The drug’s wearing off. She’s a bit groggy. I’m running bloodwork. Do you want us to transfer her? I want to keep her for a few hours at the hospital. If she improves, we can send her to the cabin.”

“I want her safe. Do you have everything you need if something…happens?” he asked, staring at his wife.

“I’m equipped. I’ll ride back with you and Doc in the helo.”

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“You and Doc did all the work. I’m keeping a fetal monitor on her for precautions. The baby seems sleepy, but the vitals appear normal.” Dr. Beecham left, leaving him with his wife.

“Marcus?”

“I’m right here. How do you feel?” he crooned as he brushed the hair from her eyes.

“The baby?” She sent him a tearful gaze.

“Dr. Beecham says Little Tiger’s fine,” he reassured her. “She said you’ll feel better soon. We’re taking a helo back to Serenity. She’ll monitor you from there.”

“I don’t like those things,” she complained tiredly. “Are you sure Tiger’s fine?”

“Positive. Why don’t you rest? I’m not leaving.”

“Does this count as one of your jobs? Cause I won’t fight you this time. I’m scared.”

“Hey.” He wiped away the tears. “I’ll always keep you safe.”

She closed her eyes, making him wonder if he said the wrong thing when he really wanted to tell her how much he loved her. Knowing she’d refuse to believe him, he kept quiet. Maybe she blamed him for lying in the hospital bed now? Unease filled him.

“Hey, beautiful.” Patch walked into the cubicle. “Doc asked me to ride along with you. Do you want me to do you a solid and push this big lug out when we get into the air? Here’s your chance,” he joked as he wrote her vitals on paper.

“Doc and Dr. Beecham said they planned to take her.” Knight frowned. They switched the plan without discussing it with him.

“Don’t get your panties in a wad, big guy. Doc got delayed,” Patch informed him. “Do you feel up to sipping lemon-lime soda and eating a few crackers?”

She nodded.

“Wait a minute. I want Doc and the OBGYN to go back with us. We’ll wait if we need to,” Knight insisted, his voice growing louder.

Patch sent him a warning glare and smiled down at Gabby. “Doc Beecham wants to run through the list of items she wants at the cabin. Bryanna and Kassie are outside and asking to see you. How about I take the cretin off your hands and your visitors can come in? The hospital’s strict about the two-at-a-time rule.”

Knight’s jaw clenched as Bryanna and Kassie entered. Patch grabbed him by the arm, practically dragging him away.

“What the fuck is your problem?” Patch hissed angrily. “Can you not read between the lines? No wonder your last team asked for your transfer,” he grumbled.

Knight stopped in his tracks. “What did you say?”