Page 30 of Dark Angel
The nurse pointed to the bed.
“Aren’t I supposed to walk to prevent a blood clot?” Gabriel asked.
“He’s got a point,” Teddy agreed. “And no matter what you say, he won’t listen.”
“Let me take your blood pressure and check your vitals.”
Gabriel sat in the chair while the nurse did his job.
“Your vitals are great.”
As Gabriel stood, his shoulder, chest, and leg muscles screamed. Caught by surprise, he steadied himself with a hand on the bed.
“You want me to bring you something?” Teddy asked.
“I’ll go with you,” Gabriel replied.
“Before I can discharge you, you have to listen to my lecture. Change the dressings on your shoulder and leg twice daily.” Nurse Baker lifted a pill bottle off the side table. “Take one antibiotic twice daily for three days to prevent infection.”
Gabriel shifted toward Teddy who nodded. “You gotta do it.”
“Do you need anything for pain?” the nurse asked.
“I’ll take Tylenol.”
“I’d go easy for the next few days,” Baker continued. “The bullet in the shoulder was a clean removal. Doc expects a full recovery. The bullet in your thigh was a little messier. Still a full recovery, but you’ll probably need PT. That one might hurt a little longer.”
“I’ve got a high threshold for pain.”
“It’s the Santini way,” Teddy said.
“Poppin’ those motherfuckers is the Santini way,” Gabriel snapped.
“Yeah, so please don’t make me an accomplice to a murder,” Baker said.
Gabriel smiled. “Three murders.”
“I’ve heard too much.” The nurse slung his backpack over his shoulder. “Teddy, can you escort me out?”
Gabriel extended his hand. “Thanks for everything.”
The nurse shook it, then the three headed down the hall. Pain shot through Gabriel with each step, but that wouldn’t stop him. Wasn’t the first time someone had tried to kill him… wouldn’t be the last.
Teddy and Baker veered toward the exit, Gabriel continued on to the kitchen. As he approached, he heard familiar voices.
Gabriel stood in the doorway. Standing at the stove were two of his favorite people—his NSA contact, Kathrine Austin, and a woman he’d met through Sin and Evangeline, Stoni Alexander.
Kathrine had a muscular build with shoulder-length blonde hair and a warm smile. Stoni was petite with long salt and pepper hair that she’d tucked behind her ears. Both wore sweaters and black pants.
“Six cities,” Kathrine said.
“When?” Stoni asked.
“Yesterday.” Kathrine grabbed four plates from the cupboard.
Stoni filled a glass with water. “Which cities?”
“Portland, Maine; Wichita, Kansas; Tampa, Florida; Richmond, Virginia; Baltimore, Maryland; San Jose, California; and Santa Fe, New Mexico.” Kathrine pulled the toast, started buttering it.
