Fourth Day

by Lisa Phillips

  The EMT said, “She needs a whole lot of stitches. And that’s the best case scenario.”

  “Fine.” He wanted her to go while he brought in Kennowich? She didn’t need to stay here if the guy who’d done this was here as well. She wanted to run as far away from him as fast as she could. “Let’s get this show on the road then.” The words came out louder than she intended.

  Allyson was more scared than she wanted to admit at the idea that Kennowich might still be out there. That he could escape.

  Sal had to have noticed her fear, even though she said nothing about it. He touched her cheek. “Everything is going to be just fine.”

  She couldn’t accept sympathy or empathy though. She would dissolve into inconsolable emotion if she did. Sal leaned in and touched his lips to hers.

  Allyson gave him a small smile. “Please go catch him.”

  If he had to kill Kennowich, she wouldn’t exactly object. But having the man in custody to answer for her kidnapping—among other things—both times, was the best scenario.

  Allyson looked down at her hands, and the red lines where she’d been tied up. She extremely disliked being a captive, and though she had enjoyed breaking her captor’s noses, the gun had been better.

  No matter what they’d done to her, she found a whole lot of satisfaction in recompense. Probably more than she ever should as a woman who had to operate within the boundaries of procedure and who needed to trust God to keep her in His hands.

  “I’m angry, as well as scared.”

  “That’s understandable.” His gaze was soft. “You’ll get past this, and your emotions won’t be so strong.”

  “I trusted that God would save me.”

  “He did.” Sal nodded, so sure of what he believed.

  “Because He sent you?”

  “No.” He squeezed her fingers. “Because He hears us, and His delight is to be our rescuer.”

  Allyson needed time, and the headspace, to think about that. Everything was all over the place right now. “Go, get him.”

  Yes, she was shutting down this conversation, but that was because she needed to ponder it. And right now she was keeping him from doing his job. She should probably get a journal or something. Write all her thoughts down so she could process the whole thing. Right after her middle quit hurting.

  Allyson swayed on her seat. He caught her and helped her lay down.

  “Time to go,” the EMT said.

  Sal touched her face, moving in close to her. He spoke softly when he said, “Be safe. And I’ll be there soon.” It seemed like he wanted to leave about as much as she wanted him to leave.

  She nodded. He kissed her again, softer than she wanted. But she couldn’t deny the sweetness. Then he was gone, closing the doors of the ambulance behind him.

  “Let’s get you to the hospital so we can get you patched up.”

  . . .

  The ambulance drove off. Sal turned away and headed back to where Daulton and Carl stood in a huddle with the others.

  Sal’s fingers curled into fists by his side.

  Carl saw him approach and wisely took a step back. “I was just warning you.”

  Daulton said, “Figure this out later.”

  “Nothing to figure out.” Sal shot Carl a pointed look. Though, later they were going to have a conversation. Carl had a thing for Allyson, and now that it was looking like Sal and Allyson might actually have something…he was getting snippy.

  Not Sal’s problem.

  It was entirely up to Allyson who she fell for. Sal had tossed his hat in that ring, and he was goal oriented.

  “She’s good?”

  He nodded in answer to Daulton’s question. “For now.”

  Sal was about to ask a question when they all took a step back. They each made a gesture of serious relief. Faces washed over, letting go of tension. Carl ran his hands down his cheeks. One of the agents scrubbed at his bald head. Daulton shut his eyes for a second and blew out a long breath that probably had nothing to do with the fact he’d caught a bullet to the vest.

  The ATF group supervisor opened his eyes then. “He was really going to take her organs?”

  Sal nodded. They’d all been listening in on his conversation with Allyson, wanting to know that she was all right now. That she was safe.

  They’d found her, rescued her.

  Carl muttered a few choice words Sal agreed with if he was honest. They just weren’t the kind of words he’d have said aloud. What he said was, “I know.”

  She’d been seconds away from getting carved up by Kennowich’s surgeon.

  “What kind of freak keeps a medical suite in his house?” Carl looked like he wanted to punch someone.

  Sal got the conversation moving. They all felt the relief now that Allyson was safe, and it was helpful to air their thoughts and feelings. But reality had to be faced.

  This job wasn’t done. “What’s the update on Kennowich?”

  “Still holed up in the barn, as far as we can tell. The men on the perimeter report no movement.” They started walking toward the outbuilding, set back from the house and surrounded by trees. Like an eyesore no one wanted to acknowledge.

  The homeowner had a staff, so he didn’t need to worry about things like yard work.

  “Let’s roust him out.”

  “Problem.” Daulton shifted an iPad so Sal could see it as they strode around the house. “Cellar on the original plans. He could be barricaded in there, and we’d never breach it. He could have a stock of weapons and traps set.”

  “Call your breecher, then.”

  “That would be me,” Carl said from behind them. “You want the door opened in two seconds so you can serve a warrant? I’m your man. But we used up what I brought on the doors, so we’re lacking in plastic explosives. Plus I’d have to get in there to see the layout. Then I’d know what we need to get in. And how much.”

  If Kennowich was even down in the cellar. Maybe he was just hiding and didn’t know there was another level under the floor because he didn’t spend that much time in the barn.

  Or it had been converted into a panic room at some point, and Kennowich could survive down there for months.

  Sal ground his molars as he stared at the barn. “Let’s get eyes inside.”

  No one moved. He glanced over at Daulton and saw the man’s raised eyebrows.

  “Or, you know, whatever your orders are.” Sal wasn’t the ranking agent here. And he wasn’t the one who cared the most about Allyson. He just had different feelings for her than the rest of them…except maybe Carl.

  But she was safe now and headed to the hospital.

  It was time to take down Kennowich.

  “The FBI is on their way. We’ve got an agent already going through all the computer files and papers he didn’t manage to destroy,” Daulton said. “We have men and women in custody, and the agents with them could use backup.”

  Sal nodded. Niall had been out front, standing over a huddle of handcuffed men sitting on the driveway.

  Two agents, along with Carl, headed off to do just that, leaving Daulton with Sal. Beyond them, Sal could see an agent on the barn’s front door. Two more were stationed around the outside. All of them were getting antsy.

  The ATF group supervisor lifted his chin. “Which brings me to your team.”

  “You have an update?” Sal turned to face him.

  “It’s tied to the FBI agents on their way. They want in on the search for Kennowich on account of what Haley turned over to them, and what they were sent by Talia.” He gave Sal a pointed look, as though he might not be sure he’d gotten their names right, so Sal nodded.

  Daulton continued, “Especially when they got my report I sent from the plane about the agents who handed my agent off to a suspected criminal. I’ll be forwarding additional information shortly about what that suspected criminal intended to do with her.”

  He looked sick, and Sal didn’t blame him. It would take a while for Allyson’s team to let go of this. B
efore then, there would be nightmares along with an irrational need to protect her.

  It was only because Kennowich still hadn’t been taken into custody that all of them hadn’t gone with her in the ambulance. Carl had wanted to until Sal had told him if one of them went, then it was going to be him.

  Once the FBI got there to do cleanup, Sal was pretty sure the ATF would just hand over the whole case in favor of being with Allyson.

  Sal would be first to head to the car.

  “The FBI also wants to talk to you.”

  “They can read my report,” Sal said.

  “Kennowich is a person of interest in what should be an ongoing investigation. They want him in custody for questioning. They’ll want to speak with Allyson as well, particularly concerning the agents who delivered her to Kennowich.”

  “So long as they’re not going to try and bury it.” Sal moved to study the window that gave him a view into the barn. It was clouded, but he watched. What had grabbed his attention? Maybe it hadn’t been movement. Could be there was a bird in there, or the wind had blown something.

  Kennowich was likely holed up in that cellar, biding his time until he could call for his lawyer like any good, rich criminal did.

  “I doubt Victoria Bramlyn will allow them to do that,” Daulton said, following Sal closer to the barn. “Not with the way I heard she’s tearing into the FBI office in Seattle about what’s happening with your team.”

  The barn door swung open. Before he could figure out what was happening, a horse tore out of the dark interior. Kennowich sat astride the animal, feet in stirrups, one hand using a length of leather to smack the animal’s flank where he sat.

  “Yah!”

  The man they needed to take into custody tore across the clearing and into the trees.

  Chapter 25

  “All done.” The doctor smoothed down the edges of a bandage he’d secured over her brand new set of stitches.

  Allyson stayed quiet while he gave the rest of his spiel about showering and keeping it clean. Taking it easy.

  She could still feel each pull of the needle, the tug of the thread as it ran through her skin. Maybe when she could push that away, she could worry what was next as far as cleaning up.

  “I’ll go get your discharge paperwork.”

  “Great.”

  As he disappeared through a curtain, she pushed herself up to sitting. The room spun. The curtain shifted and a figure appeared. Allyson blinked while her brain put the pieces together of who it was.

  “Niall.” The lips on his young face curled up. He was cute, in a “younger brother” kind of way. Probably older than he looked, but definitely younger than she felt, even on a good day.

  Dirt smudged the shirt he wore under his jacket. The ball cap read NCIS, and his badge was on display. Gun tucked out of sight. Enough credentials visible to get him in here without too many questions.

  “Right.” She’d have gotten there. Her brain would have caught up to when she’d first been introduced to him at the office.

  “We all figured a familiar face would be better.”

  But not Sal’s face, or one of her team? Allyson blew out a breath, waiting for the odd feeling to subside.

  “You have that look, like right after you give plasma or something.” Niall frowned. “Do you want me to get you juice, or a cookie?”

  “Both would be great.” So long as she didn’t immediately throw them both up. “But—”

  He was gone.

  She wanted an update first. There had to be news about what was happening. But she figured Kennowich wasn’t in custody yet, or Niall wouldn’t have been sent to babysit her.

  Though he wasn’t doing much good here, fetching her—

  The curtain parted and he appeared with a can of orange soda and one of those 100-calorie snack packs of cookies. He grinned. “Vending machine special.” He handed them over. “I figured that would be fastest.”

  “You’re here to keep me safe?”

  He nodded and perched on the end of the bed. Outside the curtain the sounds of a big city emergency room were like a low murmur. Like a hive of bees, busy at work.

  “While Sal does…what?”

  He glanced at his phone. “Brings Kennowich in, right?”

  Allyson studied him. They weren’t willing for her to get upset, so they were going to stick with the story. “I’m a big girl. You can just tell me.”

  What had happened at the house since the ambulance left? She figured it had been a couple of hours, even though she’d been a high priority because she was a cop and because of the type of injury she’d been brought in with.

  Now her middle was numb from warmth, and she was being released. All patched up. Stitched up.

  “Niall.”

  He glanced over at her, eyes narrowed.

  “I’m fine.” Okay, so that was a lie. “Whatever it is, I can handle it.”

  The thought that Sal was seriously hurt—or worse—because of Kennowich, rolled through her. Allyson’s hands shook. She bit her lips together and waited.

  “Sure you can.” He shook his head.

  “Niall. Just tell me.” Or she would just get his phone, and call Daulton herself. Get updated on what had happened at the house since she left.

  She shifted her foot, and kicked at his hip. “Now.”

  He tucked his phone away and stood. “It’s being taken care of.”

  “Good.” She shifted to get out of bed. “Let’s go help.”

  He flinched toward the curtain, as though ready to go with her.

  “So he does need help.”

  “He’s tracking Kennowich. That’s not a group effort.” Niall folded his arms. As though he needed to do that in order to hold himself here. To keep from joining the fight, and possibly getting in the way.

  Sal had always been so solitary, Niall was probably accustomed to holding where he was instead of jumping in. He was a capable man. That was the biggest reason he fit so well with that team. Why he was such a good marshal.

  They had to be self-sufficient. They were trained to be capable, to solve problems.

  To get the guy.

  “We can help.”

  Niall shook his head. He was about to say something when his phone chimed. He looked at the screen. “He’s talking to Talia.” Niall glanced up and held her gaze. “They’re dealing with it.”

  “So what can we do?”

  “There’s nothing to do but wait. You’re safe now, and we’re here.”

  “Nope. Wrong answer.” She looked around for her shoes. Where had they put them? She couldn’t go help Sal without shoes on her feet.

  Allyson couldn’t even remember if she’d worn any in the ambulance. What she remembered was Sal sitting there, holding her. Telling her everything was all right now.

  She closed her eyes, wanting to hold on to that memory, to never let go. What if he was hurt? Allyson wasn’t so sure that after coming this close to what she wanted, she would be able to live without ever having it. God wouldn’t be that cruel, would he?

  No. That wasn’t how He worked. He didn’t give and then take things away for spiteful reasons. There was no one taking pleasure in suffering that also had the power to provide relief. Not unless they were a human, like Kennowich.

  “Look, I’d like to go help him.” Niall lifted both hands, palms facing her. “Probably as much as you want to, but we can’t.”

  “I just need a pair of shoes.”

  “If there is something we can do, someone will tell us what it is. Right now we’re just going to stick to our part.”

  She understood that. Everyone was a piece in a bigger puzzle, and the team only worked effectively if everyone undertook their role. Going too far out of bounds caused confusion.

  Still, she said, “So your team is in custody, under suspicion, and Sal is “who knows where” in the line of fire, and you’re just going to sit here?”

  “I’m standing.” He didn’t move. Determined to follow orders, somethi
ng she admired as much as she disliked, especially when it didn’t help. He said, “And the team isn’t under suspicion, not as much now.”

  “Seriously?” What all had happened while she’d been Kennowich’s captive?

  He shrugged. One shoulder, and a shift of the skin over his nose. “Talia’s good. And Haley.” The note of pride was clear in his voice. “And whatever Victoria told Homeland about the FBI when she got to their office. It’s being cleared up, which is why the FBI from San Francisco is on their way here to talk to you. Which means when they get here, you need to be here.”

  Allyson shot him a look. “Find me some shoes.”

  “Sanchez—”

  “You can call me Ally.” She moved to the edge of the bed right as the doctor showed back up, holding a pink sheet of paper.

  She took it from the doctor before he could say anything. “I need a change of clothes, shoes, and a gun. But not necessarily in that order.”

  There was absolutely no way Allyson would stay here and wait for the FBI when Sal could use their help. Objectively she understood that there were plenty of good FBI agents. Probably most of them. Still, those agents were the ones who’d turned her over to Kennowich. She wasn’t going to trust a single one of them for the rest of her life.

  Not now.

  “We’re—”

  “—going to go help Sal. Got it?”

  . . .

  Sal tugged on the reins. The horse slowed its steady gait to a stop. Well trained, no matter that it was Kennowich’s animal. Someone—probably a hired hand—had worked with it.

  Sal patted the horse’s neck and spoke a few nonsense words while he scanned the trail ahead.

  He’d been in pursuit of Kennowich for hours now, high in this mountainous area of northern California. He’d never visited this part of the country before. It might be nice, but it wasn’t home.

  And if it took much longer to catch up to Kennowich, he was going to lose his mind.

  The only thing that kept him from losing it so far was Talia’s assurance that the man was ahead of her. Still on his horse. Headed uphill.

  Where he was going, Sal had no idea.