Page 42 of Final Approach

“I am too.”

“How’s your shoulder?”

“Fine. Just gouged the skin a bit.”

“Want me to stitch you up?”

“No need for stitches. It’s okay. I’ll be right back. Gonna check on Hank.”

Andrew moved to the open area of the kitchen to see Hank sleeping.

“Andrew?”

Kristine’s tense voice returned him to her side. “What?”

She pointed out the kitchen window. “That.”

A car was coming down the road, slow and intentional. Looking for them?

NINE

Headlights cut through the rain and swiped across the kitchen window. When the car pulled into the drive that would take the driver down the side of the house to the garage, the external lights came on once more and she recognized the vehicle.

She blew out a low breath and wilted against the sink. James was home. Oh, thank God. She wasn’t sure she had it in her for another fight to live right now. “You better go meet him at the garage door and let him know all is well so he doesn’t shoot us. And assure him that the squatters will be moving on soon.”

“Will do.” Andrew crossed the kitchen and opened the door.

She heard the sounds of the garage door rolling up and the car entering. The engine cut off and the two men walked back into the house.

James eyed her with concern. “Tell me what’s going on.”

“Your sat phone’s not here.” She couldn’t help the slight accusation in her tone.

“No, I have it with me. Lainie and I were going camping, but the rain kind of changed the plan. She decided to work the night shift and save the time off. I was working too and then decided to come home, get in my favorite recliner, and sleep for a few hours.”

“Sorry to ruin that plan,” Kristine said. “We’ve been on the runfrom a guy we believe is a member of the Serpentine Network sent to kill the man on your couch.”

“I have a man on my couch?”

“Wearing your clothes, no less,” Andrew said. “His name is Hank Gallagher. He and I were undercover together when I was in the gang unit, and he was checking into the SN for me, trying to see if they were behind the hijacking. His cover was compromised and he came to me for help, but it looks like someone followed him and tried to kill him. Kristine and I got caught up in the crossfire.”

“Hank’s car is down the side of the mountain,” Kristine said. “Once we got him out, we had to run. In the rain. To your house...”

“...to get the sat phone that wasn’t here,” Andrew finished for her.

“Do I need to get it?” James asked.

Andrew grimaced. “Yeah. We need to call it all in.”

“I winged him,” Kristine said, “so we’ll need to check the hospitals in case he seeks treatment there. I doubt he will, but...” She shrugged.

“Got it.”

“And we’re going to need a ride to the hospital,” Andrew said. “Hank needs to be checked out and probably admitted. He’s got a head wound, most likely a concussion since he was out cold for a while. He’s a Marine, so I’ve got no idea what other injuries he could be hiding.”

James nodded. “Get him and we’ll drop him at the hospital and get someone to the wreck site.”

Kristine gave a mental groan. It was going to be a very long night. She checked the clock. Make thatlongernight.