Page 78 of Seal of Honor
A moment later, Quinn responded in a whisper. “This is Achilles. Go ahead. Was that a S.O.S. call?”
“Affirmative.” He looked at Audrey, realized his glasses were askew, and straightened them. “Stonewall is home.”
Pause.
“Say again.”
“Stonewall is home and needs medical attention ASAP.”
Another pause. “Aye aye.” Quinn’s voice was tight with emotion. “ETA fifteen minutes. Out.”
Relief washed over Audrey in a great wave that took the last of her energy reserve with it.
They were safe.
Finally.
Gabe would get the help he needed, and she could relax, break down, throw a tantrum—everything she hadn’t had the luxury of doing in the past thirty-six hellish hours. She slumped against the door’s frame, suddenly so very weak.
“Hey, Audrey.” Harvard, sweet man, was right there, propping himself under her arm. He hid surprising strength in that rangy body, taking her weight easily, but he still wore only his briefs and looked like a whitewashed broomstick in underwear.
Audrey had to laugh at that mental image, though it came out sounding more like a sob. “You always did strike me as a tighty-whities guy.”
“Yup, that’s me.” He either didn’t care that he was nearly naked in front of her or hid his embarrassment well. Back in the living room, he guided her to a chair. “Boring as vanilla pudding.”
“I like vanilla pudding.”
“Sit down,” he coaxed. He spared Gabe’s motionless form the briefest of glances before focusing all of his attention on her. “Are you hurt?”
“No. No, I—I—I’m bruised and blistered, but?—”
“You’re bleeding.” His hand came away from her arm red, and she looked down at the wound in shock.
“Really?” was all she could muster, staring at the fresh blood dripping down her arm. She’d completely forgotten about the bullet’s grazing blow. She felt a pulling sensation there, but no real pain. It was distant and surreal, like a scene from a movie she wasn’t a part of.
“Yes, really.” Harvard had already crossed the room, opening a cabinet and pulling out a first aid kit. He was back before she could blink, pressing a clean cloth to her arm with one hand as he pulled out disinfectant wipes and rolls of gauze.
Efficient. Calm.
Harvard was in his element here, providing a sense of comfort and control that Audrey desperately needed. She took over holding the cloth and waved him away.
“I’m okay. Help Gabe. He’s been shot in the chest. Please, help him. I don’t want to lose him.”
Harvard’s eyes widened behind the lens of his glasses, and she realized how telling that statement was.
Well, they’d all find out sooner or later.
She met his gaze with a challenge in her own. “Yes, I’m in love with him.” At Harvard’s disbelieving laugh, she shot back, “You heard right. Now stop gawking and do something.”
Harvard grinned but sobered up fast as he took the First Aid kit over to Gabe and saw all the blood. He got to work, doing what he could until Jesse arrived.
“I’m sorry,” Audrey said after a second of silence. “I didn’t mean to snap. I’m scared and on edge, and I—” Her voice wobbled, and she cleared her throat.
“You love him,” Harvard finished. “I get it.”
“Is that a problem?”
“Nope. Not for me, at least.”
