Page 43 of Flint's Battle

Milligan mumbled something under his breath before staring at Jack. “Seriously, McClane? Now you’re covering for them?”

Jack held his ground. “Somebody has to because if it weren’t for these four men, my sister and her best friend would be dead. No thanks to your man on the door. Where the hell are you getting these new recruits? And why the hell didn’t you have a tactical team patrolling the grounds?”

Milligan closed his eyes, pushing out another breath before meeting Jack’s gaze. “You know I can’t have a tactical team guarding the hospital on the off chance some lone mercenary might take a run at one of my officers. And the fact it happened doesn’t change anything. It was a long shot at best. As for Officer Bates, he played everything by the book. Has a concussion to prove it.”

“And yet, Emery’s back in that room short half a liter of blood. Do you know how close she came to slipping into hemorrhagic shock before I could even get her back here?” Jack took a visibly calming breath. “Do us all a favor. Write thisup however you need to in order to soothe your conscience — keep everyone above you happy. I’ll sign whatever statement you need. But Flint and his team walk.”

Jack leaned closer. “That’s non-negotiable. Or the next time you needmystation to help out, we won’t be available. And you need our help pretty damn regularly.”

Milligan snorted. “You McClanes will be the reason I have a fucking stroke.”

“Then, you’d better hope I’m working that day.”

Milligan all but growled this time. “Flint. Get your CO on the phone before any amount of bullshitting won’t put out this dumpster fire. Because as sure as I’ll be popping antacids like candy, I know this mission you’re on to keep Emery safe isn’t close to being over. And I’d rather not lose my job because some teenager films you capping a bunch of mercenaries, next time.”

Quinn stepped forward, handing Milligan his phone. “I figured you’d want to talk to Castle sooner or later. He’s already on the line.”

Milligan took the phone, barking into it as he turned away, crossing to the other side of the ward.

Quinn winced when one of the glass panels rattled as Milligan shouted Flint’s name. “Wow. He really does put Castle to shame.”

Flint nodded, twisting to face Jack. “Are you high? Lose even more blood than Emery? Because you just put your ass, not to mention your career, on the line for us.”

Jack waved it off. “I’ve got ninety-nine problems, brother, but Dave Milligan isn’t one of them. Now are you going to get your ass in to see my sister before she manages to stumble hers out here? Or do I have to go to plan B where I just shoot you, myself?”

“Jack…”

Jack’s cocky smile faded. “You took on mercenaries to bring those ladies back in one piece. Fully aware of what could happen. No one’s ever been there for Emery like that, other than me and Clark. Had her back no matter what. That’s worth a leap of faith.”

Flint shook his head. “Nothing you won’t do for family, right?”

“Hell yeah. Now, go before I change my mind.”

Flint gave Jack a pat on his shoulder as he moved to Emery’s door, stopping when Carter, Quinn and Bowie joined him.

Carter waited until Jack had made his way over to Milligan before leaning in close. “You know this confirms Emery’s on some cartel’s hit list, right?”

“Yeah, but we’ll wait until we’re somewhere secure to discuss the details.” Flint scanned the room. “No way that doctor’s name got put on the list Milligan approved. Someone altered it.”

“There’s always a catch.” Quinn motioned to Milligan. “Do you think we can trust Milligan?”

“Normally I’d say no. We know better than to put our faith in anyone before it’s earned. But if Milligan wanted Emery dead, he would have tossed my ass in jail the other night. Especially, when he knew I’d be hanging around. But we’ll only share what’s absolutely necessary until we know who’s pulling our strings.”

Bowie nodded. “Agreed. Now, you better see Emery before Jack changes his mind and shoots you in the ass.”

“I’m betting you’re on the list, too, buddy so don’t get all cocky.”

Bowie snagged Flint’s elbow when he went to open the door. “We need to move her to the ranch.”

“I know. Just let me make sure she’s still breathing, first.”

“I’ll call Hawk. Tell him we need to up security. See if he can have that new K9 team patrol the grounds. Regardless, we’re done playing by their rules.”

Flint nodded, then opened the door and walked through, pausing just inside because… damn. If he’d thought she looked bad before, she was exponentially worse. Every bruise twice as dark, her skin whiter than the sheets. He must have inhaled or made some kind of noise because she blinked, her gaze finding his.

A smile, and he was at her side. He wasn’t sure if he walked or teleported over. Didn’t care because she brushed her hand along his jaw a moment later. Anchored her fingers in his hair.

Flint leaned down, dropping a soft kiss on her mouth. Wishing the small movement didn’t look as if it had drained her. “Shouldn’t you have ten units of blood hooked up and another three IVs? Maybe a shaman chanting in the background because damn…”

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