“Eric,” I holler, getting his attention from the bound and gagged Taylor. He has her under a light and her arms and legs are tied to a chair. Tear stains mar her cheeks, fueling my anger for the fear and pain he’s caused her. When Eric realizes it’s me coming farther into the room, his face goes as white as a sheet.
“Slade, don’t come any closer or I’ll shoot her. If I can’t have her, then no one else will either.”
It pains me to not look at Taylor, but I need Eric’s attention on me for Travis to do his job. “I won’t, but why don’t you put your gun down and talk man to man?” I suggest.
“No, I know there are men all around. I bet we’re surrounded.” He does a full circle, waving his gun. I dive to Taylor, holding her head so she doesn’t knock it on the concrete floor. I hear the bullet whizzing through the air and the grunt of someone falling down. “Are you okay?” I ask Taylor as I gently pull the duct tape off her mouth.
“I am now. Who shot Eric? Why the hell did he take me? Where’s Leo?” She has a bruise forming on her forehead, her arms are scraped up as well as her knees.
“Travis took family leave. Apparently Eric had some sick infatuation with you. Leo’s in the hospital, but last we heard, he’ll make a full recovery. Which is where you’re going as soon as we can get you out of here,” I tell her as I unbind her wrists and ankles.
“I love you, Slade.” She tightens her arms around my neck, holding on tight. “I had no doubt you’d find me, none at all.” She kisses my jaw, and as much as I want to take her mouth, I need to get her the fuck out of here.
“Go, I’ll take care of the cops then meet you at the hospital. Travis already found the bullet and dug it out of the wall, so he’ll be going with you. Eric and I will be having a nice little discussion when the cops come rolling in,” Bridger suggests.
“Thanks, man. I owe you. You want me to see if Kellie will pick you up?”
“I got it covered. I texted her a bit ago. She’s picking up a truck and heading here now,” he says with a shrug.
I pick Taylor up, wrapping her in my arms and carry her outside to where Drake and Travis are already waiting.
“She’s got a nice goose egg on her forehead and a few scrapes. I’d feel better if she got checked out at the hospital,” I state as I slide in the back with Taylor in my arms.
“Travis Adam Daniels, what were you thinking coming home and not telling me?” she chastises from the backseat even though she’s groggy.
“What is up with her using middle names. Not to mention, how the hell did you get mine?” I ask her.
“Why don’t you ask Travis?” she pouts.
“Figures,” I grouse.
“I didn’t have much time. I still don’t. Wheels are back up in twenty-four hours. It’s best that we get the story straight that Bridger is telling the cops, so when they come and question you, we’re all on the same page,” Travis states, but he’s detached. Taylor hasn’t seen this side of him, and I know for a fact he never wanted her to see this side, but when you’re a trained sniper for the Navy Seals, you do what you have to. We get our story nailed down, and I can see Travis’ anger simmering on the edge, something I know I’ll have to deal with soon.
Eighteen
Taylor
“I can’t believe you brought me to the emergency room. I’m okay, Slade.” My body was trembling when we got here, which I’m sure was me coming down from the adrenaline rush, but Slade wasn’t having any of it.
“Do it to appease me, at least?” He rubs his hand down his face. Slade barged his way back in here with me, not even giving me a chance to plead my case. I take another look at him. The stress from today has aged him ten years in a matter of minutes.
“All right.” I nod my head in consent. I wonder where Travis went. The look on his face was like nothing I had ever seen.
“Is Travis okay?” My voice is weak. I’m not sure if it’s because I think he’s upset with us, or if it’s because he had to come home to help take care of a threat and lose time from his platoon.
“Yeah, Trouble, he’s okay. He just needs to calm down. Hell, I feel every bit of my thirty-two years right about now.” Slade comes to stand beside me while I’m lying in a hospital bed.
“I’m sorry, Slade. I’m so sorry you guys had to go through all of this.” Tears are gliding down my cheeks.