Minutes passed as she closed her eyes to soak up the strength he offered. Nothing compared to the depth of contentment felt in Luc’s arms.
“Hey, the wolf has quieted.”
Megan stepped back to check on her patient. Placing one hand on the makeshift harness and the other low on the animal’s chest, she counted the heartbeats while observing her watch. “His pulse is slowing. We need to give it a few more minutes, just to be sure.”
“Yeah. Plus, it’d be better to inject Billy when he’s a little calmer.”
“We’ll leave him muzzled and tied to the post but untie his legs, so he can stand. We can note any changes in balance. I don’t know if those issues are permanent or will wear off in time.”
Chapter Twenty-Seven
Minutes spun an eternity of possible outcomes as Lucas checked his watch. Each tick drummed another horrific consequence for delaying Billy’s treatment. They needed to vacate the premises in case the drone had transmitted vital information, but treating his brother took priority.
Quiet tread carried Megan from Billy’s side, now calm, back to the wolf, tethered to a supporting post of the back-porch roof. Growls and stiff posture accompanied the hard stare but lacked the previous supercharged aggression.
Gravity dropped Megan in the wooden rocker. “The wolf’s gait is steadier, and the tone of his grumblings is different. I’ll bet if I had a thermometer, his temp would be lower, too. Though I’d be hard pressed to guarantee the specific origin.”
“He’s trying to keep his distance and hasn’t challenged me again.” Lucas stood behind Megan’s chair, massaging the tense muscles in her neck.
“Good. I think it’s time.” Megan dropped her chin to chest, taking a quiet moment. “How are Ethan and Matt holding up?”
Lucas paused in his ministrations, aware of the responsibility Megan carried. “As well as can be expected. They’re chomping at the bit since Billy’s last fit.”
Megan stood, a helpless plea etched in her gaze.
“We’re in this together, Megs. The only reason you’re doing the injection is because you have the medical expertise and we’re strong enough to hold Billy immobile.”
“A thousand things could go wrong, ranging from an unexpected antibody already present in his system and causing a weird interaction, to an altered metabolism, and many things beyond my comprehension of the forces at work.” Hesitant steps carried her inside where Lexi and the men, so stoic and sure on days prior, now regarded her with hopeful expectation.
“The wolf seems to be better, but I can’t guarantee that when I inject the antidote into Billy that we’ll get the same result.”
“We’re not asking for a guarantee, Doc, just a chance.” Matt pinched his lower lip between his teeth. Frustration gave way to anticipation, wiping away indecision.
On the table, a vial of yellow liquid promised death or cure. Megan’s fingers shook as she picked up the bottle and pulled back the plunger to draw the questionable solution into the syringe.
Luc moved to stand behind her, wrapping his arms about her waist. “It may be you administering the dose, but it’s our decision to do so. Now, you’re just the tech doing her job. Okay?” Soft whispered words added encouragement.
As if fate conspired against them all, Billy snarled his warning, “Keep your shit the hell away from me, bitch. They can’t keep me tied up forever. When I’m free, I’m gonna screw you senseless. I saw the way Lucas looks at you.”
“She’s trying to save your ass, dickweed. If you don’t shut it, I’ll video you naked and put it on YouTube once you’re back to your obnoxious, normal self.” Luc’s body tightened, the empty threat costing a price to his soul he could never hope to pay.
A glance over his shoulder saw Billy yanking at his bonds and twisting in a bid for freedom. Both Ethan and Matt took position at his sides to hold him steady.
“If I don’t get this in his vein, it’ll be longer before it’s absorbed and takes effect.”
“What about giving him some Ace, that sedative you used on me?” Luc latched onto Billy’s hips to minimize the contortions.
“I don’t know how it would interact with the antidote. That’s a risk I don’t think we should take.”
More threats from their patient intensified the fine tremble of Megan’s fingers. What the McAllisters asked of her went against every aspect of her training. After hearing the path leading to his partner’s death, she would feel firsthand, the guilt from hindsight’s enlightenment if the scenario went south.
The bellow filling the cabin with her approach was deafening. “Take this blindfold off! I’ll kill you!”
“He’s not in his right mind, Megan. You don’t know him well, but it has to be evident after meeting the rest of us.” A rare moment of weakness entered Luc’s plea.
“I know. I just pray I’m doing the right thing.” Billy’s writhing movements continued as Megan selected a vein at his elbow and swabbed the area with alcohol.
“You’re the only one here with doubts, Megan.” Lexi knelt at Billy’s head, trying to calm him the only way she could. A soft touch smoothed over his forehead and massaged his temples.
He shook his head in an effort to fling her away.
Lucas watched the yellow liquid flow into his brother’s arm. The next few minutes would either see him dead or recovered.
Less than a quarter hour later, his violent twisting eased, whether from the drug or exhaustion couldn’t be determined. Time would tell if the vicious nanos had degraded internal organs or produced permanent damage. To see him resting imparted one part relief and two portions dread.
“The wolf was infected for a lot longer and he seemed normal not long after the shot. No problems walking the last time I checked.” Luc offered Megan an encouraging smile.
“I don’t have access to medical equipment, but I can do some simple tests to check for major neurological damage.” Megan continued to stroke Billy’s arm while he lay sleeping. “I wonder what, if anything, he’ll recall of all this…I think we should remove the blindfold, now. It’ll be less frightening to him when he awakens.”
In his mind’s eye, Lucas took pleasure in torturing Dr. Schmidt, Reinhardt, and most of all, Morfran. While waiting to see which way fate tossed his brother, he studied the floor plan of ClickChip Lexi had stashed in her satchel.
“When Billy’s up to par, we’re still gonna need help to take these bastards down.” Lucas looked up from his blueprints. He watched Megan at his brother’s side, realizing guilt kept her from making eye contact with anyone in the room.
“Even if Lexi and I were properly trained, there’s not enough of us to take on that facility.” Megan stood and stepped back when her patient opened his eyes. “How are you feeling?”
“Like a God damn orchestra set up camp in my head. What the fuck happened?”
“You were attacked by Morfran and they—implanted a chip in your skull.” Megan moved forward when Billy focused on her without spewing a storm of hate.
“Then why am I still alive? No one else has survived.” Lack of strength saw his head drop back to the pillow.
“Because you’re too stubborn to do anything else.” Ethan stood near the foot of the bed and hesitated before loosening the bonds to his brother’s feet.
A slight squirm, as if confirming his state of dress preceded a gravelly command. “Who put me in fucking boxers?” Impatience and frustration churned within his gaze.
“The newest fad in sex toys, bro. If they work, you should probably enjoy them for a while. It’s the only way you’ll find release.” Luc’s attempt to lighten the mood produced a chuckle from Matt and Ethan. “We had to strip you down to examine you.”
“Oh fuck. Then you put me in these? I’m sure they’ll be at the top of your Christmas wish list, Luc,” Billy replied with a huff.
“What’s the last thing you remember?” Megan laid her palm on Billy’s forehead. “Doesn’t feel like he’s running a fever.”
“T
hen why was I still trussed up like a pig?” He relaxed in his bonds and looked at the ceiling. “Damn.”
“Because you are a pig, dude. You seem okay, but I don’t think you should carry a badge for a few days.” Matt grunted, then strode to the side of the bed, scrutinizing his brother.
Billy frowned and surveyed the room. “I went to the morgue and took the picture. I’d texted Caden to go back to watch over Kaylee, then opened the door. How’d they know I was there?”
“Not sure. Maybe the captain was tracking your car. He’s been chipped. Or he could’ve called and asked about the timing of the autopsy. You weren’t followed?” Luc frowned, wondering who else was involved.
“No, I wasn’t followed.” The drawn-out sibilance attested to a lack of patience.
“I’d say ask the feds, but we’ve no way of knowing who’s on our side,” Matt admitted.
“It’s not like I can run around shoving a rubber tube up people’s noses.” Megan smoothed her hand over Billy’s forehead, wincing at his look of disgust.
“We’ll have to wait a bit and see, Megs. Give it time.” The despair written on her face nearly destroyed Luc’s composure.
Sudden barking from Damien, Leyna, and Hoover directed toward the front yard pushed them all to their feet. Luc inched the front door open while Ethan covered the back.
The slivered gap provided a view of the federal agent striding from the woods. “It’s Kilregard, bold as brass.” Luc watched as forty yards of cleared space granted ample time to gauge the man’s appearance and gait. “Lexi, keep the dogs inside. And Megan, get your dart gun ready.”
“Maybe the drone was Kilregard’s surveillance tool.” Matt ordered Damien to sit while checking his weapon and moving to stand beside Luc.
“How’s he look?” Lexi latched onto Leyna and Hoover’s collars and sat at the table.
“He’s listing to the left. Can’t see enough of his face due to his baseball cap and the sun’s shadows.” Lucas palmed the gun at his back waistband and called out. “Hold it right there, Kilregard.”
The agent stopped and held both hands up. “Hey, I’m on your side, remember. I helped Megan escape from ClickChip. I just want to talk with her.”
“Shit. He’s not acting like a raving lunatic, but something is definitely off.” Lucas shook his head when Matt tried to open the door wider.
“Let me tranq him. I can verify if he’s had recent surgery if not what was specifically done, then give him the antidote if necessary.” Megan’s whispered words lent a solution to the standoff.
“Yes, let’s allow the woman who’s wanted as an accomplice to murder shoot the federal officer so we can tie him up.” Lucas sighed.
Matt huffed out a weary sigh. “You two have been busy. More mess for me to straighten out.”
“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Megan tucked her dart gun in the back of her jeans.
With no other viable option coming to mind, Luc pushed the door wide, stepping out before Megan padded to his side.
“All right, Kilregard. You can come closer. But if I see a weapon appear in your hand, you’re dead meat, and no one will find your body. Got it?”
“After what you’ve been accused of doing the past two nights, I don’t think my death would bother you. If I thought you had killed Bernhardt, do you think I’d come here alone?” Wearing jeans, a flannel shirt, and corduroy jacket, gave the officer a leaner appearance than when wearing a uniform.
“We have no way of knowing if you’re alone or not.” Luc scanned the woods, searching out possible threats.
“Raccoon eyes,” Megan murmured when the officer’s gaze rose. “We don’t have time for this. He could be transmitting a signal as we speak.”
Kilregard’s eyes belied the relaxed stance. The shrewd gaze roamed over Luc then Megan, not as a welcome visitor, but more as a seasoned detective, assigning threat values to each piece of a puzzle. The cool façade converted to shock as Megan raised her arm and took a shooter’s stance.
“Hey! What the hell?” Kilregard’s balance faltered when the dart struck his chest.
“Sorry, dude. Your sinuses need a clean out.” Lucas stepped forward and grabbed the agent by his upper arms.
“What? What are you rambling about? My nose feels like—”
“Like a freight train is making another round? Yeah, I’ve heard that before. You’ll feel better in a bit,” Luc promised.
“Only if you cut my head off. But at this point, I don’t think I’d complain. It hurts like a bitch.”
Matt strode out to join his brother. “We don’t know if he’s communicating with anyone now. I’ll fashion a blindfold and Luc can secure his weapon. Megan, get back inside.” Matt pulled his handkerchief from his back pocket. “We don’t know his partner’s location. C’mon, Luc. Move it.”
“Communicating with who? You think I’m telepathic? I’ve been helping you from the start.” Kilregard’s words slurred as he stumbled forward and up the steps.
“Don’t talk now. Wait until you’re feeling better. We can help you.” Megan rushed to open the door.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
“How long’s he gonna be out?” Matt eased their heavy burden to the floor as Leyna, Damien, and Hoover started another chorus of barking. “Ethan, check the front.”
“Considering his size, a half hour at least.” Megan unbuttoned the shirt cuff and rolled up the officer’s sleeve. “We should probably secure him until we’re sure he’s not gonna go ballistic.”
Lucas recalled meeting Megan and the sluggish rate at which his body eliminated her drugs. A sliding scale of confusion had tormented him for several hours.
Sudden brisk wind from the door thrown open tugged the brothers’ attention from Kilregard. Whether the agent’s partner or from ClickChip, the intruder held a gun, pointed at Megan. Ethan lunged for the weapon, missed as the assailant stepped aside. Three dogs growled and lunged. Lexi grabbed Leyna and Hoover. Matt ordered Damien to sit.
“Hold it right there. Do not inject him with that crap. I’m Special Agent Darin Metger.” His intense gray gaze never wavered as he shut the door.
“He doesn’t look infected.” Megan froze midair with syringe in hand.
“Doesn’t mean they didn’t put it somewhere other than up his nose.” Ethan eyed the new threat and his proximity to Lexi.
“Get these ropes off me, damn it, Matt.” Billy’s ensuing epithets detailed Matt’s incompetence in securing a room.
Lucas sidestepped to stand between Megan and the gun aimed in her direction. “We’re trying to help Kilregard. He’s had unauthorized surgery, complements of ClickChip.”
“You’re giving him the antidote you got from Schmidt last night?” Metger narrowed his eyes before swinging the gun in Billy’s direction. “Move out of my sightline, Ethan.”
“What makes you think we were with Schmidt? And why haven’t you arrested him? Hell, you’re a federal agent.” Lucas stepped aside only after Metger lowered his weapon.
“I know the prick did something to Charles. I’ve no idea what they put inside him or what it’s supposed to do. That’s why I’ve kept my distance and observed.” In a show of good faith, Metger returned his gun to its holster at his hip. “I knew you’d show up at the doctor’s home sooner or later. When I questioned him, he spilled his guts. Said he’d already called the Washington office where he thought no one had been compromised, yet.” Metger shook his head. “What I don’t get is—what’d you put inside him?”
“Nothing.” Megan spoke up. “It is convenient if he thought different.”
“To gain his cooperation…” Metger smiled. “Looks like it worked. He’s still talking. I couldn’t shut him up. When I got there, he had research notes and reports spread out and babbled furiously over the phone. I didn’t have time to get the full scoop since I wanted to keep an eye on Charles.”
“Was the drone we shot one of yours?” Matt asked.
“No.” Metger nodded to Megan. “So that’s
the antidote? The stuff that dissolves the chips?”
“No, it destroys the nanos. We’ve tested it on the wolf tied up on the back porch, and I’ve given a dose to Billy.”
Metger smirked in Billy’s direction. “I don’t know enough to judge whether it’s working or not. According to his jacket, that one isn’t Mr. Sunshine to begin with.”
“It is working. Please, let me help Kilregard.” Megan hovered over her patient, waiting.
Metger shook his head. “We need the information Kilregard obtained. If your attempt to help goes south, we won’t get it.”
“Listen, unless I’m wrong, and I don’t believe I am, this man’s had a chip implanted through his sphenoid sinus. Whatever he sees is transmitted out—just like a wireless computer. If there’s a receiver within distance, say, on a drone or a partner, those bastards know everything that’s going on now. We might not have a lot of time.” Megan’s hand hovered over the tourniquet on Kilregard’s arm.
“At the very least, I handicapped the drone. It may or may not make it back to its base.” Luc nodded for Megan to proceed.
“All right. Do it. But if it fails, you’ll be charged with assaulting a federal officer.”
“And when Kilregard recovers, you’ll give her a fucking medal,” Lucas finished.
“We have to assume Morfran has pinpointed our location and is sending a greeting squad as we speak.” Matt untied Billy’s bonds then tossed his shirt and pants on the bed.
“Then why are you still here. It’s time to haul ass. We can reconvene elsewhere and figure out how to take the bastards down.” Metger strode to the window to peer out. “Before they descend on us like a bunch of rats.”
“We couldn’t risk waiting to treat Billy, and we couldn’t very well carry him down the mountain quietly.” Matt replied. “Then Kilregard showed up. Morfran has lookouts that we won’t know about, so we need to firm up our plan and hit the ground running.”
McAllister Justice Series Box Set Volume Two Page 21