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G abby nervously played with her handbag the following day as Knight drove them through Seattle. Doc showed up with Samantha earlier in the morning. He made a longer cast from her original one, extending it up to her shoulder. Samantha worked on giving her bruises under her makeup. Matthew added the tiny micro camera.

“Breathe through your mouth and out your nose,” Knight instructed as he held her fingers. “Remember, after the accident, we reconciled. As far as they know, we’ve called off the divorce. Did you tell them why you needed next Friday off?”

“No. I’m allotted a month of vacation, and they think I wanted to prep for the baby.”

“Good. We’ll hold hands and seem inseparable. With your injuries, it’ll appear as if I can’t leave your side.” Knight pulled into the parking space and scanned the lot for his, no, the team. Spotting their undercover vehicles, he exited the car. Helping Gabby, he handed her the flowers. “It’s best if I keep my hands free.”

Fear trembled through her as she nodded and walked by his side as they rehearsed. Glancing up, she saw the shine of something metal and noticed the man on the roof.

“Marcus.”

“It’s fine, Gabby. It’s one of Saint’s men scouting the buildings as a safety precaution,” he whispered as he opened the door, allowing her inside and covering her back. She didn’t know how he did this for a living when she played spy for three hours and wanted to call it quits.

She swallowed as her coworkers stared as they walked in. A well-dressed man approached. “Hello, Gabrielle. I’m your assistant, Thomas. Mr. Wilkinson asked if you might visit him before they get started. May I lead you back?”

“Hello, Thomas. I know the way. My husband will escort me. As you can see, I won’t be staying long. Will you help me gather a few things from my office? Marcus can you help me get my list?” She handed her assistant the flowers.

She turned toward him and opened her bag, allowing the camera to capture everyone in the room as Matthew instructed.

“Here it is,” he handed the paper to Thomas. “I’ll take her back. Can you ensure she has a chair close to the restroom during the luncheon? I’m afraid she’s not fast on her feet.”

“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.” Thomas rushed off to do her bidding.

Co-workers stopped to ask about her and the baby as she headed to Mr. Wilkinson’s office. When they approached, the older gentleman rose from his seat and opened the glass door.

“Gabrielle, it’s good to see you. Of course, I wish it under better circumstances.” Mr. Wilkinson attempted to block Knight, who pushed his way in.

“Thank you. I believe you’ve met Marcus. I’m afraid the doctor didn’t feel comfortable with me coming alone,” she explained.

“May we sit over on the couch? I’m afraid my wife tires easily.” Gabby leaned against Marcus as if she found standing difficult.

“Oh, yes. I instructed Thomas to bring us some refreshments while we chat. You’ve impressed me with your ability to work from home. We planned to send flowers, but I didn’t know where you stayed.”

“We’re in between housing. Gabby and I plan to search for a new home. We’re staying with friends,” Knight explained as he adjusted Gabby away from the window.

Thomas rushed in with a basket of bottled water, fresh fruit, and yogurt.

“Thank you.” Mr. Wilkinson dismissed him and waited for Gabby to make a selection. She gave a little laugh. “Go ahead. I’m afraid if I eat or drink anything, my husband will escort me to the restroom the entire luncheon. Do you know if anyone contacted Jackie’s sister? I hoped to send her flowers for the service in Ohio.”

“She flew in and picked up Jackie’s belongings. I’m afraid they cremated her and returned home. She mentioned scattering the ashes.”

Knight moved, taking a water from the basket. “If you don’t mind, I’ll take this with us.”

“Please,” her boss encouraged. “When do you think your doctor will release you to return to work?”

“I have an appointment on Friday and will know more then.” She felt Marcus squeeze her hand. “Did you have any questions about the work I’ve turned in?”

Mr. Wilkinson waved her away. “As usual, Gabrielle, you’re competent in all things. Some of the clients have asked about you and prefer to meet with the person in charge of their accounts. I hoped to give them a date to expect you back.”

“I’ll call you directly after the appointment,” she assured him as Marcus stood.

“The luncheon starts in fifteen minutes, and you asked Thomas to gather your things. It might be wise for you to take another bathroom break before it begins.” Knight turned loving eyes toward her, making her melt into a puddle of goo. She missed when he peered at her as if she resembled his entire world.

“Ah, yes. If you’ll excuse me.” Her husband helped her to her feet and she leaned into his side. “It seems like I tire easily these days.”

Mr. Wilkinson stood, appearing discomfited by Gabby’s abrupt departure.

“Thank you for your understanding and support in my wife’s time of need.”

Her boss smiled coldly. “Take another water. I hear expectant mothers need to stay hydrated. One never knows if you’ll need one for the road.”

Knight graciously accepted his offering as he led her to her office. When the door closed, Gabby turned to speak, when he shook his head slightly.

“I’m sure you gave Thomas an extensive list. With your doctor’s appointment next week, I don’t foresee you not returning at least part time. I can drive you in and drop you off.”

Taking his cue, she continued. “The list I gave Thomas only contained what I thought of. With my baby brain these days, I want to check my office to ensure I don’t need anything else.”

Knight smiled. “Fine. We need to take you to the bathroom before the funeral luncheon starts. You know how long it takes you with your injuries.” Gabby turned around slowly, giving Matthew a view of her office.

“I understand. But I’ll be frustrated if I forget anything. Let me get my bearings and we can head to the bathroom. There’s a larger bathroom downstairs and you can help me.”

She sat at her desk, opened her drawers and pretended to go through the files.

“I’ve worked on these. I’m only missing the ones Jackie promised to bring me. I’ll ask Thomas if he can email me the files since we’re on a time constraint. I swear I’m already getting tired.”

Knight helped her to the elevator and they took it to the floor below. When they entered the bathroom, he put his fingers to his lips. “Here let me help you.”

He motioned for her to use the bathroom, and she furiously shook her head. Rolling his eyes, he held the water bottle up and held a hand to his ear. Somebody listened to their conversation. She moved to the toilet, fuming as she lifted the black maternity dress Bryanna let her borrow. She motioned for Knight to turn his head and the bastard laughed.

“Darling, you’re expected to say a few words for your friend. If you don’t hurry, you’ll be late.”

Her mouth firmed as she glared at him while peeing. Finishing up, she washed her hands. “I’m ready. I need a moment to collect myself before going inside. Can we get a bit of air? These things never start on time.”

“If you wish,” Knight replied as he set both water bottles on the sink.

They exited the bathroom, as Matthew slipped inside to pick them up for testing and bugs.

“You have exactly five minutes to download what you need and put the drive back into your cast. Drop your purse beside your boss,” Marcus instructed as he unzipped her purse. “You’re doing good, sweetheart.”

She rushed inside and sat at the computer while he watched the door. Her fingers flew through the files as she searched and saved.

“Gabby.”

“I’m almost done.” She pulled out the drive and stuck it inside the cast. Knight helped her up as he pressed something inside his ear. “Tiger’s ready.”

She glanced at him, confused as to why he muttered the phrase. He peered at her sheepishly.

“Let’s get you to Jackie’s luncheon. You’ve done your part. Now, pay tribute to your friend.”

When they returned, the employees all gathered around a beautiful centerpiece. An employee passed out drinks as everyone waited for her boss to begin. “Today, we gather to honor one of our employees. Jackie was a hard worker, a wonderful person who cared for us when we fell sick and kept us on our toes. When Gabrielle Hutchins joined our firm, Jackie took her under her wing and became her assistant. As we all know, Gabrielle suffered a car accident recently, yet she insisted on coming to say a few words about our friend, colleague and associate.”

A slight pause filled the room as Knight escorted Gabby to the podium.

Pulling a tissue from her purse, Gabby took a shaky breath. “When I first started at the firm, Jackie greeted me and made me feel welcome. During my first week here, she discovered my pregnancy. She became like a second mom, insisting I ate regular meals, brought me dinners for the nights I worked late, and became my confidante.” Gabby dabbed her eyes and inhaled. “Seattle can be a lonely city when you’re all alone. Jackie made me feel loved and took away my fears and anxiety. She even attended a couple of doctor appointments with me while my husband served in the military. Jackie held my hand when I heard our child’s heartbeat for the first time. I will always cherish the memories.” Gabby held her sparkling apple juice in the air. “To Jackie. May you always know how much you mean to me. We will miss you deeply.”

The group held up their glasses in a silent toast as tears ran down Gabby’s cheeks. Knight held her arm to escort her back to the chair as Mr. Wilkinson approached, taking Gabby’s hand. His hand felt wet, almost too sweaty. Her purse slid down her arm, falling to the floor, spilling all the contents. Marcus knelt to pick up all the items scattered across the floor. “Oh my,” she bit her lip.

“I’ve got it,” Marcus assured her.

“I’m so sorry,” Gabby peered at Mr. Wilkinson, embarrassed as they waited for the return of her items.

“It’s all right. Excellent toast, Gabby. Jackie carried the same sentiment about you. I believe you became like a long-lost daughter to her.”

“Thank you. I’m afraid I’m not feeling well. Perhaps we should leave.” Her chest felt heavy and she suddenly felt clammy and leaned toward her husband.

One glance in her direction sent Knight into motion. His arm went around her and the crowd parted as he partially dragged Gabby to the truck. He buckled her in while he spoke into the coms. “I need Doc, something’s wrong with Gabby.” He listened to instructions as he peeled out of the parking lot. He gripped her hand. “I’ve got you, sweetheart. Doc’s around the corner.”

He turned into a parking garage, jumped out of the vehicle, and ran to Gabby’s side. Doc and Saint pulled up alongside him. Jerking the door open, he unlatched her seatbelt and put the seat down.

“Move out of the way, Knight,” Doc ordered.

He ran to the driver’s side and climbed in, gripping her hand.

Doc took her blood pressure. “Did you eat anything?”

She shook her head. The car seemed to spin, and their voices sounded far away. Gabby closed her eyes to prevent dizziness.

“What’s wrong with her?” Knight cried. “She seemed fine one minute and then he took her hand and she said she didn’t feel good.”

Doc inspected her hand. “Help me transfer her to our vehicle. Saint, grab my bag,” He helped her sit up, tilting the world on its axis. She tried to speak, but her body became sluggish.

Knight lifted her as Doc opened the backseat. “Lay her flat.” Doc jumped in behind the seat and pulled an IV out of the bag. “Saint get us to Seattle Health. Knight get your ass in the car,” Doc shouted. “Gabby, fight it. I believe he drugged you. Try to keep your eyes open. Can you blink?”

She moved her eyelids to let him know she heard him. Her heart sped as he inserted the IV and spoke into his phone, “Get Doc Beecham to Seattle Health. Use the helo asap.” Her gaze moved from Doc to Knight.

“You’re doing great. Keep your eyes on me, sweetheart. Doc’s giving you something to help. Did you feel a prick or anything? Blink once for yes, twice for no.”

She did as he requested, blinking twice. Her eyes moved down to her stomach and back to Knight. He must’ve seen her fear.

“How’s the baby?” he asked Doc as he gripped her hand.

Doc leaned over her and listened to her stomach. “The heartbeat’s in good range. You’re doing great.”

Saint sped into the emergency entrance as staff arrived with a gurney. Doc helped them transfer her. They rushed inside, and she lost sight of Knight. People swarmed the room as Doc and another physician began calling out orders. People tugged at her clothes, and she closed her eyes, trying to shut out the monitors and the chaos. The darkness beckoned her and offered her peace. She opened her eyes to see Marcus at her head, encouraging her. Her heartbeat sounded loud in her ears, fading out what he said. I love you, Marcus. I never stopped. Gabby closed her eyes and let the black surround her, wrapping her in the quiet void.

“What the hell happened?” Knight cried as Gabby lay limp on the gurney. Her heartbeat sounded erratic and the staff hooked her up to another monitor to watch the fetus…no Little Tiger.

Saint came up from behind him, pulling him back. “Come on. Let them have room to work.”

“No. I’m not leaving her. I’ve already done it once. I won’t do it again. If something happens to her, shoot me because I refuse to go on without her. Do you hear me? What have I done?” Knight cried.

“Here.” Victoria, the scary woman, thrust a warm drink into his hand. “Drink this, it’ll help.” She held the cup to his lips, making him drink the warm liquid.

Bryanna wobbled toward him. “How’s Gabby?”

He turned his tormented expression to his sister. “I’m losing her. She’s in there because of me. If I only sought help sooner.”

“Take him to the waiting room,” Victoria instructed two of her men. “Saint, go with him and Bryanna.”

Kassie hugged her friend as they walked behind the men holding Knight.

Knight’s body began to tingle and feel warm. He glanced at his brother-in-law as they placed him in the chair. “Shit. I think they got me, too,” he muttered before his eyes rolled back into his head.

Kassie leaned over him, feeling his pulse before her eyes narrowed and she turned them on Victoria. “Tell me you didn’t.”

The older redhead waved her hand. “He’s fine. I only gave him enough to take a short nap. In case you didn’t notice, he gained the attention of security when he started yelling for us to shoot him,” she hissed.

“You can’t go around offering people…coffee. Stop it,” Kassie ordered.

“What happened? Will he be all right?” Bryanna asked her friend, panicking.

“He’ll be fine. It seems he drank the same coffee as Ragu when he first met Victoria.” The two women shared a silent communication before she turned back to the older woman. “How much time?”

“Probably less than fifteen minutes. When he wakes, he’ll feel more relaxed.”

Kassie turned to Saint. “He’s fine. Call Claire and have them bring her by helo. I don’t know what’s happening with Gabby. He may need help.”

Saint reached down to grab his phone and left the room.

“Bryanna. Stay here with Victoria. I’m checking on Gabby. I want my husband to have some news for him when he wakes to discover what happened.” Kassie turned to Victoria. “You’ll be lucky if he doesn’t press charges.”

Victoria smirked. “You know he has demons, including what happened between him and Gabby. We don’t need him carted off to jail or barred from the hospital. Gabby will be concerned for her child, she doesn’t need a hysterical husband, too.”

Kassie left the room. Bryanna held her brother’s hand. “I’ve never seen him like this. He never loses control.”

Victoria patted her hand. “Even strong men have an Achilles heel. I didn’t give him much. Only enough to get him calmed. I’m sorry Bryanna.”

Her brother stirred and sat up slowly. “What the hell happened?”

“It’s a long story. Kassie went to check on Gabrielle. What happened?”

“She made her speech and dropped her purse. Mr. Wilkinson took her hand to commend her on the speech. She said she didn’t feel good. I stood there while that bastard drugged her. I’ll kill him,” he vowed.

“Shhh, Marcus.” Bryanna glanced across the room at the strangers staring at him. “Gabby’s strong. She won’t allow anything to happen to this baby. You’ve got to have faith.”

Knight squeezed his eyes shut. Even his sister seemed oblivious to the evil in this world.

Doc entered with Kassie and crossed the room. Knight stood, weaving slightly.

“Gabby’s fine. The baby’s moving and the heartbeat’s strong. They drugged her. We can’t discuss it here,” Doc said in a low tone. “We’re moving her to Serenity, where we can secure her. They need your consent. Dr. Beecham’s waiting with Gabby.”

Knight rushed out the door to where he last saw Gabby. Dr. Beecham smiled encouragingly. “She’s fine. The drug’s wearing off. She’s a bit groggy. I’m running bloodwork. Do you want us to transfer her? I want to keep her for a few hours at the hospital. If she improves, we can send her to the cabin.”

“I want her safe. Do you have everything you need if something…happens?” he asked, staring at his wife.

“I’m equipped. I’ll ride back with you and Doc in the helo.”

“Thank you,” he whispered.

“You and Doc did all the work. I’m keeping a fetal monitor on her for precautions. The baby seems sleepy, but the vitals appear normal.” Dr. Beecham left, leaving him with his wife.

“Marcus?”

“I’m right here. How do you feel?” he crooned as he brushed the hair from her eyes.

“The baby?” She sent him a tearful gaze.

“Dr. Beecham says Little Tiger’s fine,” he reassured her. “She said you’ll feel better soon. We’re taking a helo back to Serenity. She’ll monitor you from there.”

“I don’t like those things,” she complained tiredly. “Are you sure Tiger’s fine?”

“Positive. Why don’t you rest? I’m not leaving.”

“Does this count as one of your jobs? Cause I won’t fight you this time. I’m scared.”

“Hey.” He wiped away the tears. “I’ll always keep you safe.”

She closed her eyes, making him wonder if he said the wrong thing when he really wanted to tell her how much he loved her. Knowing she’d refuse to believe him, he kept quiet. Maybe she blamed him for lying in the hospital bed now? Unease filled him.

“Hey, beautiful.” Patch walked into the cubicle. “Doc asked me to ride along with you. Do you want me to do you a solid and push this big lug out when we get into the air? Here’s your chance,” he joked as he wrote her vitals on paper.

“Doc and Dr. Beecham said they planned to take her.” Knight frowned. They switched the plan without discussing it with him.

“Don’t get your panties in a wad, big guy. Doc got delayed,” Patch informed him. “Do you feel up to sipping lemon-lime soda and eating a few crackers?”

She nodded.

“Wait a minute. I want Doc and the OBGYN to go back with us. We’ll wait if we need to,” Knight insisted, his voice growing louder.

Patch sent him a warning glare and smiled down at Gabby. “Doc Beecham wants to run through the list of items she wants at the cabin. Bryanna and Kassie are outside and asking to see you. How about I take the cretin off your hands and your visitors can come in? The hospital’s strict about the two-at-a-time rule.”

Knight’s jaw clenched as Bryanna and Kassie entered. Patch grabbed him by the arm, practically dragging him away.

“What the fuck is your problem?” Patch hissed angrily. “Can you not read between the lines? No wonder your last team asked for your transfer,” he grumbled.

Knight stopped in his tracks. “What did you say?”

Patch walked out of the hospital’s entrance with Knight hot on his heels. “My team didn’t ask me to transfer. I took the black ops job,” he spit out angrily.

The corpsman shook his head. “Your commander found you the black op. The team no longer wanted to work with you. Doc rushed Gabby’s bloodwork. Matthew has a lab analyzing the water from the bottles you left in the bathroom. They contained a tracker now sitting in the bottom of the trash can. The water was laced, asshole. When Wilkinson discovered you two walking around instead of dazed and confused, he took matters into his own hands.”

“Can we arrest him?” Knight ran his hand through his hair.

Patch paused. “Not yet. You planted the bug on his shoe. He’s pissed you disappeared. He didn’t give Gabby anything to hurt her or the baby. He wants her because she knows something. You, however, became an unknown he didn’t expect. Wilkinson ordered a hit on you. He doesn’t want Gabby and the baby harmed. We want you back on the mountain. It won’t help Gabby’s stress if you’re freaking out or if she knows about this conversation. When I tell you something, freaking listen.”

“My team didn’t want me?” He sat on a bench by the doors, stunned. His commander suggested the black ops to solve the problem. His chest tightened and his throat seemed to close.

Patch ran his hand along his scruff. “It might’ve slipped out. Word has it you’re difficult to work with. When we return to the mountain, Claire’s coming to see you and she’s sending Dr. Hill, her associate, to speak with Gabby. This incident’s bound to bring up some fears for her. Personally, I find your asshole personality refreshing. These people act like a cult. They care all about each other and shit. When they adopt you into their fold, you become one of them. You, on the other hand, see me for what I am.”

“The biggest dick on earth?” Knight snarked.

“Usually I only let Claire tell her closest friends, but I’ll let you say it just this once. Now, Saint’s covering your wife. You’re getting in the helo and then having a session with Claire. The women will tend to Gabrielle. Kassie will stay with her after Dr. Beecham leaves.”

“Who called this mission Little Tiger?” Knight narrowed his eyes in Patch’s direction.

The team member held his hands in the air and laughed. “You named your kid Tiger. I wonder if there’s a bit of wishful thinking about the gender.”

“I hoped Gabby might soften up and allow me to go to her doc appointment,” Knight confessed wearily. “I feel like we make one step forward and two steps back.”

“You’ll get there, man. I know it doesn’t feel like it. Keep showing up and working on yourself. It’s the best thing you can do for both of you and the baby she’s carrying. I may talk out my ass, but if anyone can help you, you’re in the right spot. They didn’t give up on me and I’m not giving up on you.”

“Why do you give a shit? You call me asshole every chance you get and offer to off me to a woman who I’ve hurt a million times over. You don’t even like me. The team barely tolerates me.”

“Because everyone deserves a second chance. I got one. Tex and Wolf harassed me nonstop. When I arrived here, this group gave me a choice. They offered me more than friendship. They gave me a home and a family. With Claire, I found love. I see the anger in you. Gabby’s hurt, but if she didn’t harbor feelings for you, she’d refuse to allow you to stay in the cabin with her. You have love and Bryanna’s your family. It seems to me you need to find your home and gain a friend. I drew the fucking short straw.”

Knight glanced at him, punched him in the arm and stood. “You’re an asshole,” he muttered as he smiled.

“I’ve been telling you thatall along. It takes one to know one. Let’s get you and your wife safe. Hopefully, Doc will find out more while we get everyone settled.” Patch slapped him on the back as he went inside.

Knight shook his head. The universe held a funny sense of humor, and it gave him Patch as a friend. If things didn’t seem dire enough, it threw a little chaos in. He laughed to himself. Patch hit the nail on the head and carried the cojones to tell him the truth. Since coming to the small town, he found a new respect for his brother-in-law and his co-workers. He loved staying close to his sister. In fact, he enjoyed living there more than Seattle, which was close enough to visit. Maybe Serenity gave him family, and a friend. Could it possibly give him and Gabby the peace to find their way back to each other?