Beyond the Call of Duty Read Online Free Page B

a bit further. She didn’t give the three men more than a passing glance, but she saw the bulges in their jackets, and two of the men had ankle pieces as well. “Honey, Debbie is going to be so happy to see you when she gets home from school. I didn’t tell her they were letting you come home today. I thought you might like to surprise her.”
    Gabe mumbled something, but she didn’t hear what it was. She smiled at the three men as they moved to the side to give her the room she needed to wrangle the wheelchair past them. Lexi didn’t breathe again until she and Gabe were out the doors and next to her car. Hitting the unlock button on her key fob, she managed to get him inside and then pushed the wheelchair closer to the hospital.
    “I can’t believe you’re going to let them get away,” he said as she opened the driver’s-side door.
    “They are not my problem; keeping you safe is.” She pushed the key into the ignition and fumbled in her purse for her cell phone. She dialed a number and spoke quickly into the phone. “Monroe City Hospital, three men all headed for the eighth floor. The Elliott case.” She listened for a moment and clicked the phone closed.
    “Someone is coming. Now buckle up.”
    She fastened her own seatbelt and turned the key in the ignition, backing carefully out of the busy parking lot. She moved over when three cop cars, lights and sirens blaring, pulled into the long driveway and headed toward the hospital.
    Lexi barely looked at him as she drove back onto the road. “Keep your head down, Gabe.”
    “Thank you,” he said, sinking down in the seat until he could barely be seen. “Will they let you know―”
    “―if they’ve got them? Yes, and I will let you know, but remember, the only person that will know who they are exactly is you. They want you dead, Gabe. They know you survived the attack. You have to remember that they will be looking for you, and it’s my job to make sure you don’t get found. That means you can’t argue with me. When I tell you to duck, you duck. If I tell you to run and not look back, you do it.”
    He stared at her for a moment. “Wait a minute, Lexi. You expect me to just run? I’m not that kind of guy. Give me a gun, and I can protect myself.”
    “Not happening.” She glanced over at him. “So get over it and shut up. This is my job, and I’m damn good at it.”
    “I’m not doubting you or...that, but dammit, Lexi...”
    “No.” She reached down and turned on the radio, hitting one of the preset buttons and turning on the local country station. Turning it up, she allowed herself one last look, casting him a gloating smile. Carrie Underwood hit a high note, and Gabe reached down, changing the radio station and turning down the volume.
    “How can you listen to that?” he asked.
    “This is any better?”
    “It’s Nickelback.”
    “And that means?” She glanced over at him, smiling at the look on his face. “You’re too easy, Gabe. You need to learn when someone is trying to get to you.”
    “Where are we going?” he asked after a few minutes. “Are you taking me to a safe house or something?”
    “Or something,” she said with a smile. “Why don’t you sit back and relax, sleep. I’ll wake you when we get there.”
    Gabe shifted uncomfortably. Lexi reached out, hitting the lever on the seat that would let the back recline. “Thank you,” he said, closing his eyes.

Chapter Three
    Lexi pulled the car over and turned into the driveway, reaching up to hit the button that would open the garage door. Pulling in, she shut off the car and closed the garage door. Turning toward Gabe, she reached out and touched his shoulder.
    “Gabe, we’re here.”
    He groaned, opening his eyes and staring at her with confusion written all over his face. “What?” he asked huskily.
    “We’re here,” she repeated.
    “Where’s here?” He sat up, groaning at the strain on his injuries.
    “Home-sweet-home.” She got out of the car and