Page 27 of Special Agent Anastacia

Therefore, when she now heard such a strong panic in Maria’s voice, she stiffened and saw both Nash and Dave swing her way. Had she made a sound? Could have. After all, when it came to Hanna’s welfare, she’d become deeply invested. And to hear that Hanna had disappeared long enough for them to instigate a search rattled her terribly.

“Slow down, Maria. What do you mean she’s missing?”

“Ana, I swear, everything was fine before she went to the cafeteria for iced tea. But then, I got caught up with Lew’s doctors and didn’t realize how long she’d been gone. Ana, she left well over an hour ago. We put out a message through the loudspeakers for her to go to the information desk. When shedidn’t show up, I got worried. Everyone in the hospital is looking for her.”

“I’m sorry, Maria. What could she be thinking? This is a bad time for you.”

“I know. Lew isn’t waking up like the doctors expected and now this. I’m half out of my mind. Look, she couldn’t have lost her way because we’ve been to the lunchroom more than once. Besides, she said she’d cut through the parking lot and that really only takes a few minutes.”

“Did you ask the girls in the cafeteria if any of them remember seeing her?”

“No. That’s just it. She never showed up. And we’ve checked everywhere in the hospital. What worries me is she isn’t answering her phone. Now what kid in today’s world doesn’t constantly check her messages? Jesus, I can’t believe this is happening, but I couldn’t hold off calling you any longer. Can you come?”

“I’m leaving now. Don’t worry, we’ll find her. She’s not used to the area and might have wandered off for a walk and gotten lost. I’ll contact the local PD and get them to keep an eye out for her. You stay with Lew. See you soon.”

Since Nash wouldn’t take no for an answer, they drove there together, the silence surprisingly comfortable between them. Finally, he spoke. “I can see you care about Hanna a lot. If she’s the same girl you had with you in the SUV the first time we met, and then later in the hospital, I’m thinking she’s a sweetheart.”

“She is a sweetheart. Totally. And she’s been through hell. Came here from Ukraine almost a month ago and has finally begun to relax. If anything bad’s happened to her, I don’t know if she could take it. The girl’s a breakdown waiting to happen.”

“I’m so sorry. It must have been hell for her back home.”

Ana told him a bit about Hanna’s background, how she lost her parents recently but kept the finer details to herself. That was Hanna’s story to tell.

When they finally pulled up to the entrance of the hospital, he stopped, got out of the truck and went to the passenger side. Holding the door, he spoke softly. “I’ll park the truck. You go. I’ll catch up with you inside.”

“Thanks.” Ana swiveled his way to say thanks, and their embrace seemed natural somehow. They stood together hugging. She breathed in his male fragrance that made her think of walks in the forest, and she found her face nestled against his warm chest. “Thank you.” When she pulled away, she sensed he hadn’t wanted to let her go.

Funny thing. She hadn’t wanted to leave.

***

Nash drove around the back of the building where they had visitor’s parking outside. He reversed into the only open space at the end of the lot, closest to the woods. When he stepped down from the cab to head inside, he heard a strange sound he thought for sure was a voice, but he had no idea where it came from. He stopped with his head down and listened.

This time it came louder. “Nash?”

Again, he stood still… waiting.

Long moments passed before the girl spoke louder. “Nash, don’t look this way. We’re hiding. In the bushes behind the truck.”

Something in the tone made him sense he had to be careful. Not to rush or bring any attention to himself. As if he wanted to check something in the back of his vehicle, he sauntered over while trailing his hand against the side panel.

Pretending to check his tires, he crouched down. “Hanna?”

“Yes. It’s me. We need help.”

“Okay. Tell me what you want me to do.”

“I have someone with me. She’s been hurt. We need her to see a doctor. Can you help us?”

“Of course. Is it okay for me to come to where you’re hiding?”

“No, don’t. The car’s still driving around, looking for her. We just saw it. You can’t let him find us. He might shoot you. He has a gun.”

Not understanding completely but aware she meant business; he offered a solution she might agree to. “How about I leave the back door of my truck ajar and walk toward the building. You can take your time to hide inside so when I return with Ana, we’ll drive away like nothing is wrong. There’s a clinic a few miles away we can go to. Will that work for you?”

“Yes. That sounds perfect. We can’t take any chances, or we’ll die. You have to understand, Nash. He’s the devil. A horrible killer.”

Swallowing the million questions stuck in his tight throat, he answered carefully. “I understand.” Then he pretended to check in the back, moving things around, while actually making room for his passengers. Being sure to leave the tailgate slightly open, he headed inside the building.

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