Page 91 of Critical Doubt

"Food fuels the mind. You should remember that."

"I need to find Ryker first." She paused, wondering if she should tell Jax about Ryker's issues with noise.

Jax gave her a thoughtful look. "Something you want to tell me about Stone before we meet up with him?"

She debated one more second and then said, "No. We're good. Let's find him and then we'll get some food."

Chapter Twenty-One

Ryker didn't feel muchlike eating but after Savannah and Jax had tracked him down in the waiting room, he'd felt compelled to join them in the cafeteria. He'd managed a few bites of turkey chili, but the thought of anything else turned his stomach. The longer the surgery took, the more he worried that Paul would never wake up, that he'd die for real this time. He couldn't stand that thought. Not just because what he knew would die with him, but because he'd be gone, and that wasn't right.

He didn't know what Paul and the others were up to, and maybe he shouldn't feel one ounce of sympathy or worry for them, especially since at least one of them had wanted him dead. But until he knew who was behind the attacks on him and Savannah, he had to hope it wasn't one of his guys, that it was someone else, someone who didn't know him personally, who hadn't been such an important person in his life.

"Ryker?"

Savannah's voice finally penetrated. He saw both her and Jax giving him quizzical looks.

"Sorry? What did you ask me?"

He could see that she wanted to ask him if he was all right, but she was trying very hard not to do that. "I'm fine, just thinking," he told her.

"I'm going to get some ice cream," Jax said. "Anyone need anything?"

He shook his head.

"No, thanks," Savannah said.

Once Jax had left the table, he added, "The bells are quiet. You don't have to worry."

"I'm glad. What are you thinking about?"

"Everything," he said with a shrug.

"The surgery should be over soon."

"It will probably be tomorrow before we can talk to him."

"At least we'll know if he's going to make it until tomorrow."

"That's true."

She licked her lips, giving him a hesitant look. Then she said, "Does Jax bother you?"

"No. Why?"

"You haven't had much to say since he got here."

"I don't think we need a babysitter, but he's your friend and coworker, so if he wants to make sure you're protected, I have nothing to say. I'm sure you feel safer with him here."

"Really?" she asked. "That's what you have to say?"

"What?" he challenged.

"Why don't you like him? You don't even know him."

"Who said I don't like him?"

"I'm saying it now."