Page 35 of Flint's Battle

She paused, coughing as she looked at Dahlia and Mia. But they just stood there, hands wrapped around their ribs as if they were cold.

Emery glanced at the closed door then over to the glass wall that overlooked the nursing station. Not quite a direct sight line to the waiting room, but all Flint needed to do was step into the corridor, and he’d see her. “I thought we were leaving the depressing stuff to the guys?”

Mia was the first to recover. “Absolutely. So… You. Flint. That kiss. I’m thinking you didn’t share nearly enough this morning.”

“I shared plenty.”

“And yet, I have questions.”

Emery laughed, tensing when the door creaked open, some guy in a lab coat walking through. He tripped a step as he took in all four of them, grinding to a halt just inside the threshold.

He cleared his throat, holding up a piece of paper. “I’m Dr. Fisher. I’m here to take Emery McClane…” He paused to look at her. “I assume that’s you, for a series of X-rays.”

Emery frowned. “I already had an X-ray.”

“I realize that, but our orthopedic team wants to double check your shoulder.” He smiled, but it seemed forced. “It’ll only take ten minutes or so, and I’ll bring you right back here.”

“Why didn’t my other doctor tell me about it?”

“It’s after seven. He’s gone home for the day. But he signed off on the request if you’d like to see it?”

She nodded, taking the sheet once he’d walked over to the bed. She scrutinized it, but it had definitely come from the hospital’s system. “It looks right, but you’ll have to clear it with my crew.”

“His name’s on the list, Detective McClane.” Officer Bates nodded at his clipboard. “I triple checked. And the captain personally approved everyone on it.”

Emery frowned, inhaling when a simple twist sent a stabbing pain through her shoulder blade. What felt like that metal plate grinding on bone.

Fisher sighed. “And that’s why you need a few more X-rays. They’re worried about that plate. I promise I’ll have you back in record time.”

Officer Bates moved in beside the doctor. “And I’ll follow you to the elevators then tell your friend once I’m back so he can make his way over and be there for your return trip. Okay?”

Emery braced her elbow, looking between the two men. “I appreciate you’ve done your due diligence, Bates, and I’m thrilled his name is on the list, but I’m not going anywhere without a member of my crew or at the very least, my service weapon. Get me one of those, and I’m all yours.”

Moana grabbed her hand. “You really should let them check your shoulder, Em. Even Kian said he was concerned the bullet might have damaged that plate.” She winked. “Bet I can be back here with Flint or Bowie before your doctor gets an orderly in here to help push that bed.”

“I doubt it but you’re welcome to try. And tell Flint I want my damn Beretta, seeing double or not.”

Emery shifted to scoot her ass closer to the back of the bed when Fisher moved. Two seconds flat, and he had Bates snugged against him, one arm around the officer’s neck. The other palming the cop’s side arm. Another second and Fisher was cracking Bates on the side of the head. Dropping him hard to the floor. By the time Emery was able to react and roll off the edge and gain her feet, it was over. Just that muzzle pointed at her. Fisher’s wild gaze scanning the room.

He grabbed the cuffs off of Bates’ limp form, tossing them on the bed. “You two…” He waved the gun at Dahlia and Mia. “Slip the cuffs through the rail then each secure your right hand.”

The women stood there, staring.

Fisher grunted. “Either do it, or I start shooting.”

Emery teetered in front of them. Not quite balanced, but at least she hadn’t fallen onto the floor yet. Was able to shift enough to block any shot at her friends. “Easy. You’re in charge, just give them a moment. They’re in shock.” She turned to her friends, nodding. “It’s okay. Just do as he says.”

Fisher sneered at her, motioning to the wheelchair stashed against the wall. “Plant your ass in the seat, detective. And you…” He swept the weapon over toward Moana. “You’re coming with us. You can push your friend.”

Emery stopped short of sitting. “She’s got nothing to do with this. Trust me. You don’t need more bargaining power than me.”

“I’m not bargaining, bitch. And despite your condition, I’m betting you’ll be much more cooperative if it’s her life on the line, and not just yours.”

Moana moved in behind Emery. “It’s okay, Em. I’ll go with you.”

Emery gave Moana a firm stare, hoping her friend got the message. While Emery wouldn’t try anything until they were clear, she wasn’t going down without a fight. Moana simply smiled, moving the IV pole then pushing the chair to the end of the bed.

Fisher snuck in behind them, scouring the room one more time. “I swear, if I hear so much as a whimper, I’ll start shooting. And yeah, I might not make it out alive, either, but then neither will any of you. Because I can drop all of you before your goon squad can get in here. Are we clear?”

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