Page 55 of A Soldier's Destiny
Chapter 19
The ambulance finally arrived, and Jasper insisted they check Rori, she’d been through hell in the last twenty-four hours. The doctor would have his ass in a sling if he realized how “stress-free” her life had been. After they gave her the all-clear, she insisted he let them make sure he was okay.
“I’m fine. I’ve been through much worse.”
“You’re still coughing. Let them take a look at your feet if nothing else. Please. For me,” she pleaded as she squeezed his hand. Life would never be boring around her, that’s for sure and she already had him wrapped around her finger.
“Fine.” Jasper gave in as he climbed into the ambulance for the EMTs to check him out. While they looked at his feet to determine if he needed treatment, he had a few questions for her. “You know I can’t turn you down. But dammit woman, now you need to tell me why you left the apartment. And why didn’t you call Chase like I asked you to?”
“I was going to, but it rang before I had a chance to call him. I thought it was Lily, it was her number. When I answered it all I could hear was crying and then a man’s voice telling me if I didn’t come outside they would kill her. She’s one of my best friends. I didn’t know what else to do?”
“It showed up as her number?”
“Yeah.
“They must have cloned her phone. But still, didn’t you think it might be a trap?”
“Of course, but I couldn’t risk it. She’s like fifty months pregnant, what if she really was in trouble? What would you have done in my shoes?”
It was a typical ploy and one that took more effort than just a couple of assholes being paid to harass her. But Rori was right, he’d have done what they’d asked, but he was a professional, trained for this.
Whoever was behind this whole thing had brains and money, or some damn good connections. It all led them back to Jim’s sister and he hoped Alex had made some headway there.
“I would have done the same thing, but it’s different.”
“Why? Because you’re a guy?”
“No, because I am Delta and not dealing with a concussion and bruised ribs among other things.”
“I’ll give you that. I guess. But it worked out okay.”
“Because we got lucky. I was terrified they’d get you into that van and do God knows what to you.”
“But they didn’t. You saved me. See, all good,” Rori said and she spun around like a little girl. Except she forgot about the concussion and almost fell over. Jasper hopped out of the ambulance and caught her before she could fall and hurt herself further.
“Apparently, saving you is going to be a full-time job for the rest of my life.”
“Very funny.”
“You both good? Have the police cleared you to leave?” Chase asked as he walked up to Jasper.
“We’re fine. What’s up?” Jasper had hoped he’d be able to take Rori to a hotel room and relax for a bit before they had to deal with anything else.
“Alex called. Lily’s in labor.”
“Is she okay?” Rori asked. The part of her face that wasn’t swollen and purple, had a worried expression.
“Apparently, she’s used curse words no one in the hospital has heard before.”
“Sounds like she’s fine.”
“Chloe and Logan are already at the hospital, so is Faith and probably everyone who works at ESP. I’m heading over, want a ride?”
“Thanks, that’d be great. Let me just run upstairs and put on more clothing and my sneakers. It also reminds me that I’m going to have to get a new vehicle.”
“What about your Harley?” Chase called after him as he disappeared into the building. Five minutes later he was back and answered his question as they made their way to his SUV.
“I can’t take Rori around on that.”
