Page 70 of Airborne
She wanted to yank out the IV and run down the halls screaming unfair. Instead she wept and cradled her stomach. “Tatum?”
“Her condition hasn’t changed. Thomas Powell contacted me while you were in surgery. He hoped you were resting comfortably.”
“Tell him and the others thanks. Jordan, I’m so thirsty.”
“Would you like a few ice chips?”
“Please.”
He spooned some into her mouth. They tickled her tongue and throat... a rare delicacy.
“Are you in pain?”
“A little. But I’m okay.”
“Ever the strong FBI agent.”
“I wish, and I’m tired. Will you fly back to quarantine?”
“Later. A few things are on my list first.” He expelled a sigh. “Chad will be here soon.”
She groaned. “He probably brought papers for me to sign.”
“Don’t think so. He’s upset. I won’t leave you alone with him.”
“I’m a big girl.”
“I might need to protect him.”
She smiled.
“Go back to sleep.”
And she did.
CHAPTER FORTY-ONE
CHAD PAID THE UBER DRIVERa generous tip to drop him off at Jamaica Hospital in New York City. He hoisted a backpack onto his shoulder and adjusted the bill of his cap lower on his forehead. At least it wasn’t a hundreddegrees with 100percent humidity but a mild seventy-fourdegrees with a wonderful breeze. Did every circumstance revolve around him and his comfort level or was it his imagination? Grasping his carry-on, he stared at the impressive glass hospital and studied those in the immediate area for signs of trouble.
Heather’s welfare consumed him. Even when he treated the sick in a remote area of the world, he longed to hear her voice... see her face. Could he ever eradicate those once-precious moments from his heart? He thought so, told himself so, but now doubts swung like a pendulum.
Was Heather aware of his visit? Would she refuse him into her room? He couldn’t blame her since he’d rejected her countless times.
Outside, he texted Javier and told him he’d made it to the hospital. Reporters didn’t swarm the outside entrance, a relief. He walked inside the hospital and searched for a familiar face. The time confirmed Jordan’s tardiness. Earlier Chad promised to wait on his old friend for an escort. He refused to creep into a dark spot in his mind where Jordan had changed his mind, and Chad would face Heather alone. He wasn’t a coward, just needed moral support. Jordan’s last text concluded they’d enter Heather’s room together.
Perhaps he’d been stupid to fly here. He’d told Javier part of his reason was to uncover the truth about Heather’s feelings. But he had reasons difficult to admit, and twisted soul-searching pushed his confusion into off-limits. Heather referred to an off-limit topic as the issue beneath the issue.
“Hey, doc.”
Chad turned to Jordan, who pulled him into a hug. Years of solid memories and recent emotional tension caused a lump in Chad’s throat.
“Good to have you here despite the circumstances. I’m sorry.”
“How is Heather?”
“Better. She’s asleep but we can go on up.” Jordan handed him a mask and gloves. “Hardly recognized you.”
“My intentions.”
