Page 81 of Final Approach

“We’ll do what we’re trained to do,” Kenzie said. “Keep them safe just like we would anyone else.”

Nathan frowned. “Exactly. That’s what I meant.”

“I know,” Kenzie said with a small grin. “Just giving you a hard time. Wouldn’t want you to feel left out of the group, you being the newbie to this little community.”

Kristine chuckled and Cole snorted.

Nathan rolled his eyes. “Thanks, but I’m not the newbie anymore. Hank is.”

She looked at Hank, who’d raised his brows. “Okay, I guess that’s true,” she said. “Welcome to the crew, Hank.”

Hank smiled. “Thanks?”

“They’re a good group,” Andrew said. “Just be warned, once you’re in, there’s no way out.”

“Only because no one ever wants out,” Kenzie said with a light punch to Andrew’s shoulder.

“On that note, we need to get out of here before we’rekickedout,” Cole said. “Andrew, sit tight for a bit. Your FBI buddies are trying to track down Leary and find who just tried to kill you. Until they do, we’re going to work on finding whoever is after Hank.”

“That works for me.”

“Good. I’ll be back to get you. For now, come on, Hank. Let’s get this done.”

“On it,” the man said and headed for the door.

They left and quiet descended. Kristine stood by the window, arms crossed, looking at Andrew through her lashes. “How do you really feel?”

He shrugged with the shoulder that didn’t hurt. “Like I said, a little beat up, but nothing that will slow me down.”

“I want to be there. At the safe house.”

“You can’t.”

“I know. I just want you to know that I want to be there. And would if I was allowed.” She walked over and hugged him. Gently. Oh so gently. “You scared me.”

He closed his eyes and breathed deep, touched by her concern. “I’m okay, Kristine. Really.” He could stay like this, in her arms, for much longer than the moment would probably last.

She nodded and pulled back. Yep. Way longer. He studied her and frowned. She’d been worried about him, yes, but there was something else bugging her. “What is it?” he asked.

She pursed her lips. “What?”

“What’s bothering you? Besides all this?”

Surprise flared in her eyes and she opened her mouth to speak, then snapped it shut. “Hmm. You read me that easy?”

“Trust me. It’s not necessarily easy. I’m just looking.”

“It’s not important right now. I’m not making this about me.” She gave a small dismissive laugh.

“You’re not. I am. Please. I don’t want to think about me right now. Do me a favor and tell me.”

“Well, when you put it that way...”

“You’re stalling.”

She sighed and pursed her lips. “Fine. I haven’t signed up again for a solo flight and I’ve been trying to figure out why. I couldn’t put my finger on it until Emily just told me something that made everything click.”

“What’d she say?”