“The fragments, as well as Mac’s clothing and other possessions, are ready for you to take. You’ll have my report as soon as I finish dictating it.”
She nodded. What else could she do?
“If Mac makes it through the next couple of hours, we can start to breathe a little easier. Even then, she won’t be out of the woods.” He rested a hand on Elizabeth’s and Jackson’s. “You need to be prepared, but you also need to remember that she is a fighter. If anyone can come through this, it’s Mac.”
“W-where is she?” Elizabeth asked.
“She’s in Recovery right now. They’ll clean her up some and then monitor her for a while. If her condition remains stable, she’ll be taken to a room in an hour or so. You’ll be able to sit with her then. In the meantime, wait here. Once she’s moved, they’ll come get you.”
Jackson nodded. Then he slid his arms around both Ellen and Elizabeth and held them close. Knowing they needed a moment alone, Pat motioned for Patek to join her a few feet away.
“What didn’t you tell them?” she asked softly.
For a moment, he didn’t answer. Then he took her arm and led her to the furthest point in the room from both the family and the cops waiting anxiously outside the door. Even then, he didn’t answer right away. She waited. Finally, he blew out a sigh and looked down, studying his running shoes. When he looked up, she knew she’d been right. There was more. But what?
“Pat, she will survive, unless something unexpected happens.”
She stared at him, sure she’d misunderstood. “I don’t understand.”
“I’m sorry. It wasn’t my idea.” Patek looked up and misery filled his eyes. “But, like you, I have my orders.”
“What does that mean?” she growled. Her cougar restlessly paced as it pushed against her control. Neither of them appreciated being manipulated, no matter what the reason.
He glanced around and she had the distinct feeling he’d prefer being anywhere but there.
“Pat, Mac is going to be all right. It will take time, but she will recover.” He gave her a moment to consider what he said. “And I may as well apologize for this as well. You’re get to tell them—” He nodded in the direction of Jackson, Ellen and Elizabeth—“the truth.”
“Why?” Her voice deepened as her cougar pushed forward.
“General Flynn and Chief Culver made it clear we aren’t to release Mac’s real condition to anyone outside of her immediate family and the inner circle. They want the shooter to think he might still succeed, and they don’t want to risk the truth leaking out. That means your cops needed to see them—and you—scared and suffering. I only hope they, and God, can forgive me.”
Pat rested a hand on his arm and her expression softened. Flynn and Culver put him in a no-win situation. She didn’t like it, but she understood. Of course, she’d prefer someone else being the one to tell Jackson and the others what he’d done and why.
“However,” Patek continued. “She’s got a long road ahead of her. I wasn’t lying about any of her injuries, especially the bruising and swelling to her spine. She very well might come out of this paralyzed or partially paralyzed. We won’t know until she regains consciousness. Even then, we might not know the full extent of the damage for weeks, maybe even months. The best thing, once she’s stronger, will be for her to go somewhere she can shift and stay in her animal form for several days, if not longer, and you know the danger with that.”
Pat closed her eyes and inhaled deeply. She knew the problem all too well. The longer their kind stayed in animal form, the harder it became to return to human. It was easy to lose oneself, to lose one’s humanity. When that happened, they became more like the weres who embraced their animal sides. Then there was the simple fact Mac was too well-known especially after what happened, to disappear from the public eye,
“We’ll deal with that when we get to it.”
What other choice did they have?
At least Mac came from one of the oldest and most powerful bloodlines of their kind. That might be enough to help her survive staying in her jaguar form that long, assuming she survived.
“What else?”
“If she makes it through the next few days.” He held up a hand to keep her from interrupting. “I meant it, Pat. I do believe she’ll survive, but I also believe in being prepared for the worst. You know what these sorts of injuries are like, even for our kind. Because of that, we’re going to make sure Mac sleeps much of the these first few days. It’s necessary to give her body the time it needs to start healing. You know as well as I do that her instinct once conscious will be to shift. That means someone who knows what she is and who she trusts is going to have to be with her all the time. A shift right now will kill her.”
“I’ll set it up. How about moving her to a safehouse?”
“Once she’s stronger.”
“I’ll see to it.”
Well, she wouldn’t but she knew someone who could and would. After all, he’d made sure she and the others had been safely cared for away from prying eyes when they were found.
“I’m going to leave orders allowing Jackson and two others to be in the room with Mac except when she’s receiving treatment. I assume you want a guard on her room?”
“I do. We’ll also have uniforms stationed at both entrances to the secured wing. They will be there for the duration.”
However long that might be.
“All right.” He glanced back at Jackson and the women, compassion softening his expression. “The three of them can see her as soon as she’s brought down.”
“Thanks, Doc. I’ll let them know.” And she’d send all but a few of the cops hanging around home or out to work the case. That was the best any of them could do just then.
“LT?” Murray said as Pat stepped out into the hall where everyone waited.
“You heard what Dr. Patek had to say. The captain’s out of surgery and is being monitored in Recovery. Once she’s stabilized, she’ll be moved to a room in the security wing. In the meantime, all the rest of us can do is pray and find the person or persons responsible for hurting her.”
“Is she going to be all right, LT?” one of the detectives asked.
“We don’t know yet.” She waited, giving them time to accept what she said. “I’m not going to lie to you.” Much. “Dr. Patek told the family to prepare themselves. One of the bullets broke several ribs, nicked one of her lungs and penetrated the pericardial sac. The bullet to her back hit her vest. The doctors think it was after she was down.” Several of those gathered cursed at that. She lifted a hand, stopping further comment. “We all know what that means. The bastard who shot her was going for a kill shot. Fortunately, they didn’t shoot her in the head. Even so, the damage was done. Her spine’s bruised and there’s some swelling as well. The doc said she could suffer some paralysis as a result. But that’s a worry for later. It’s going to be touch-and-go for a while before we know if she’s going to make it.
“I know you want to be here for the captain and her family.” They nodded, expressions grim. “And I understand. I want to as well. But we have jobs to do, including finding the SOB who shot her. So, if you’re on the roster right now, get out of here and get to work. You can come back after your shift ends. Don’t forget, we need to have a presence at Malone’s funeral.” She glanced at her watch. “In two and a half hours. Check with Sgt. Kelsey to see who’s assigned that duty.” And she needed to remember to return to the station in time to change into her dress uniform so she could make an appearance. “Everyone else, it’s business as usual. Unfortunately, crime doesn’t stop just because the department is hurting.”
Heads nodded and phones appeared, fingers flying over the screens as texts were sent.
“Murray, you’re on the captain. You’ll stand watch outside her room in Recovery. Dr. Patek knows and will make sure no one gives you any grief. When the captain’s moved to the security wing, I want you on her door. Not at the end of the corridor. Not at the nur
sing station. On her door. You’re to stay there until relieved. Detective Timmons will let you know who your relief will be. For now, we’re working four-hour watches. No one in or out without hospital ID and without being on an approved list from the captain’s husband or myself. No exceptions. If you have any questions, you call me or Sgt. Lindsay.”
“Understood, LT.”
Pat glanced around, scanning the faces watching her. “The brass has already made it clear we aren’t taking any chances on the perp trying for the captain again. Most of you know the set up in the security wing. Guards will be posted at both entrances as well as on the captain’s door. If any of you want to volunteer to stand guard on your off-time, contact Timmons. He is coordinating the watch. Otherwise, we have jobs to do. Let’s go do them.”
As the others began to wander off, Pat motioned for Murray to stay. “Check every ID, no matter what they say or who they are. No one gets in without you confirming they are authorized to be there. And by confirming, I mean you confirm them with me, Sgt. Lindsay or Chief Culver if they aren’t on the approved list you’ll be given shortly. Go on up now. I’ll be there in a few minutes to check the set-up.”
“Understood, LT.”
“Murray, don’t hesitate to tag me or Sgt. Lindsay if you have any questions or if something doesn’t feel right.” She thought for a moment and came to a quick decision. “There will be at least one other member of the squad inside the secured area with you. We’re not going to advertise their presence. They’ll be in soft clothes or scrubs. They’re your backup if you need it. Timmons, Lindsay or I will let you know who once they’re in place.”
“Thanks, LT.” She glanced through the doorway into the waiting room. “Anything we can do for them?” She nodded to where Jackson, Ellen and Elizabeth sat.
“Not right now.” Pat looked over her shoulder and her heart broke a little. “If you’re the praying sort, you might say a prayer or two for the captain. She needs all the help she can get.”
She watched as Murray moved down the corridor in the direction of the elevator. Then she pulled out her cellphone and sent a quick text message to Timmons, asking him to assign Murray a backup as well as sending over two uniforms to watch the outer doors. Then she told him what Patek said about Mac, at least the part for public consumption. He’d make sure word spread. With that done, she returned to the waiting room.
“Ellen, why don’t we get everyone some coffee and something to eat?” she suggested.
Mac’s grandmother looked at her and, for a moment, Pat thought she might refuse. Then Ellen nodded. Pat waited as she leaned over and said something to Jackson and Elizabeth before climbing to her feet. As she did, Pat frowned in concern. For the first time in their acquaintance, Ellen looked her age. Grief and worry sat heavily on her, as it did on all of them. Worse, Pat knew she was about to add to it. Unfortunately, she saw no way around it.
Almost silently, they walked down the corridor. As they passed an open door, Pat glanced inside. When she did, she smiled slightly to find it empty. The bed was neatly made. The monitors in their places against the wall. No patient would be returning any time soon. Good.
“Ellen,” she began as she shut the door behind them. “There are a couple of things we need to discuss. I’m going to start with an apology and say that I knew nothing about this until after the fact.”
“I don’t understand.” Her brow furrowed as she looked at Pat in concern.
“Culver and Flynn told Patek they don’t want to risk the shooter making another try for Mac. Because of that, he purposely exaggerated the seriousness of her condition.” Ellen opened her mouth to say something and then snapped it shut when Pat shook her head. “She is seriously injured and she’s not out of the woods. But Patek does believe she’s going to make it. You need to remember that. I’ll tell the others once we’re away from prying eyes and ears. But, until she’s stronger, we aren’t going to let anyone else know. It’s for Mac’s safety. Remember that as well.”
Anger flashed in the woman’s eyes and Pat had a feeling Flynn would soon be getting an earful.
“Dr. Patek has arranged for the three of you to stay with Mac when she’s brought out of Recovery. Officer Murray will be stationed on the door to her room. We’ll have other officers stationed at each end of the corridor as well as someone in soft clothes in the unit as well.”
“Thank you.” The woman tried to smile but failed.
“Mac’s family, you know that.” Pat reached for her hand and gave it a squeeze. “That means I’m going to do everything I can to find the bastard who hurt her.”
“I know, Pat.” Ellen blew out a shaky breath and Pat saw her struggling for control. “She loves you, you know.”
A slight smile touched Pat’s lips and she nodded. “I know. She’s my sister by choice, not just one of my alphas.” That was why she’d named her son Michael Mackenzie King. She wanted to honor not only his father but the woman who had become friend and sister to her. “Ellen, we don’t have much to go on right now. Because of that, despite everything we do to protect her, I can’t be sure they won’t try again.”
“They’ll have to go through me if they do,” Ellen growled. Her expression darkened, and Pat saw her jaguar lurking in her eyes.
“Through all of us.” Pat glanced at the door, making sure no one could overhear what she had to say next. “I’d feel better if we could move her to the safehouse right away, but we can’t. Not until she’s stronger.” And she would get stronger. Pat wouldn’t consider any other option. She couldn’t. “So, I’m going to do everything I can to keep her safe.” She bent and pulled up her pant leg. A moment later, she held a holster and Sig Saur P938. “Take this and use it if you have to.”
“Pat.”
“Ellen, if something happens here, you won’t be able to shift. You know that. You know Mac wouldn’t want you putting yourself, not to mention the rest of us, at risk by shifting. This way, you won’t have to.”
The older woman didn’t look happy. Pat understood but she saw no other option. Finally, Ellen took the gun and holster and carefully secured it in place on her right leg. Then she adjusted her pant leg to hide them. Pat nodded in approval and slid an arm around the woman’s shoulders, hugging her close.
“I promise I will find the bastard who hurt her and make him pay.”
“I know.” Ellen rested her head on Pat’s shoulder for a moment. “We’d best get that coffee you talked about and get back. I don’t want to be gone long.”
Pat reached out and opened the door. As she did, she wished there was some way to turn the clock back and start the day over.
9
Jael stood on the front porch in much the same position she assumed the shooter had been. For a moment, she closed her eyes and ignored the sounds of cops and forensic techs working to find something that might shed light on who shot Mac and why. Instead, she visualized the scene from both the shooter’s point of view.
God, it took balls to casually stroll up the walk and ring the doorbell. It would have been so much easier, and less dangerous, to have lay in wait for her somewhere, shooting her from afar. The fact this was done up close made it personal. But for whom? For the shooter or was there someone else involved?
Too many questions and far too few answers.
She pushed aside her frustration and focused, letting the scene play out in her head. He came to the door and rang the bell. Because of the timing, Mac opened the door, probably without checking to see who was there. Jael pictured her surprised expression to see the shooter. From the locations of her injuries, not to mention the gun near her head when Jael arrived, Mac had time to not only know what was about to happen but to respond. Just not enough time.
Jael opened her eyes and glanced around. Three shots, all in fairly short order. No shell casings had been discovered. So either the shooter policed his brass or he used a revolver. Her money was on the latter. From what Jackson and the neighbors said, he hadn’t had time to police his br
ass. That meant he was either a pro or very lucky—or someone who did his homework.
The one thing she wished she could do was what she’d seen Mac, and even Pat and Norwood, do on occasion. For not the first time, she wanted to be able to shift and use the enhanced senses of an animal form to look for things the human members of their squad couldn’t see or scent. Unfortunately, she couldn’t. That meant she needed to have Norwood come back with her after dark. She didn’t care if he had other plans. Nothing was more important than finding out what happened to Mac and why.
Besides, if he’d acted like the excellent cop she knew him to be and had called Mac when he discovered his tires slashed, none of this might have happened.
Stop it!
She needed to give the man a break. He was beating himself up over what happened. Nothing she did or said would make more of an impact than what he was telling himself. He knew he fucked up. It was a hard lesson and one he wouldn’t soon forget. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to make sure he kept busy over the next few days so he didn’t beat himself up too much.
“Please tell me you saw something we missed,” Tanaka said as she joined Jael on the porch.
“I wish.” She motioned for Tanaka to walk with her to where her sedan was parked. “I don’t know what to think right now. Parts of what happened point to the shooter being a pro. Then I see something that screams amateur. All I know for sure is he’s damned lucky. If Jackson had been a few seconds quicker getting downstairs, if Mac had managed to get to her gun a split-second earlier, we wouldn’t be having this discussion.”
“I know.”
Tanaka glanced around and shook her head, a bemused expression on her face as she watched Mac’s neighbors. Some remained at the top of the street, helping the uniformed officers keep out the media. Others spoke with officers closer to the house. None seemed to wanted anything more than to do whatever they could to help find the man who shot Mac.
“Sarge, I don’t have to tell you this is the most important case I’ve ever investigated. If there’s anything you think I need to be doing, please let me know.”
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