Page 40 of Raven’s Claw (Raven’s Cliff #2)

Kash sighed then leaned forward, taking her left hand in his. “I’d say, welcome back, but you don’t look like you’re quite here, yet. How’s the pain?”

She swallowed, coughing against the dry rasp of her throat before smiling her thanks when he offered her some water. “Where…”

One word, and she was exhausted.

He brushed some hair back from her face.

“Providence. You had surgery to remove the bullet from your scapula. It was shattered, by the way. You’ve got a plate and some screws holding it all together.

The doctor said it went well. Expects you to make a full recovery, though, it’ll take some rehab to get all the mobility back. ”

Kash leaned in closer. “Looks like you’ll be stuck here for a while.”

“Good.” She tried to push through her memories, but it was all a jumbled mess. “Atticus? And did we…”

Five more words, and she was ready to sleep.

“Atticus is fine. Had a rough night from the Ketamine and a lot of his time with Rook is blurry, but all-in-all, no worse for wear. Mac’s insisting that he takes a full week off.

Needless to say, there were some colorful words exchanged.

And if you’re asking if we finished the job…

Rook’s in custody, as is Tucker. Shit’s hitting the fan with regards to Scythe and Sandman.

All-in-all, it’s been one hell of a few days.

But we’ll talk about that once you’re stronger.

For now, all you need to do is rest. Trust me to have your back. ”

“You know I do…” She sighed. “You promised you’d say it often. So, say it again.”

Kash smiled, and her heart gave a hard thump. “I love you, Jordan.”

“Love you, more.”

“Not possible, but I’m sure you’re gonna prove me wrong. Sleep.”

She faded, his words bouncing around inside her head until they finally connected and she woke with a start.

“Whoa, easy, sweetheart, or you’re gonna pull out the IV and everything else.”

She blinked, groaning against the pain. Better than before, but still there. Still raw.

Kash leaned in — cupped her face. “I knew you’d be waging war once you woke for good. So, now I can say it for real. Welcome back.”

Jordan accepted the water, downing several sips before relaxing against the pillows. “You said something about it being a tough few days. How long have I been out?”

“Five days.”

“What?”

He shushed her, keeping her from bolting upright with gentle pressure on her left shoulder.

“You nearly died. Actually, you did die. Right in front of me on some crappy gurney. They worked for ten minutes to get you back, and only because Chase threatened to kick their asses if they gave up before he thought they’d tried everything.

” Kash raked his fingers through his hair.

“The fact you were hypothermic probably helped, too. That old saying that you’re not dead until you’re warm and dead. Still…”

She nodded at the bed, smiling when he raised the back until she was level with his face. “I’m sorry.”

“Just don’t scare me like that, again.”

“Are you gonna tell me what happened?”

“Soon, just…” He rested his forehead on hers. “Give me a second.”

She lifted her left hand and palmed his cheek. “You can have them all.”

She closed the distance — kissed him.

“Sheesh, leave you alone for five minutes, and you’re already making out.” Chase stood at the end of the bed, arms crossed, toe tapping the floor. “Give the girl a chance to breathe on her own before you compromise her airway.”

Kash laughed. “It’s called kissing.”

“The way you do it, it’s more like resuscitation.”

“You’d know, buddy.” Kash made kissing noises as he puckered his mouth at Chase. “Everyone else on their way?”

“Grabbing food, which Jordan might appreciate.” Chase moved to the other side of the bed. “How’s the pain?”

She sighed. “Better.”

“That’s not saying much when you admitted you’ve treated your own wounds.”

“Let’s put it this way. I’ve done complete missions hurting far more than I am, right now.”

“Again, not a benchmark I’m looking for.” Chase motioned toward her back. “May I?”

“From the way Kash tells it, you’re the reason I’m still alive, so, knock yourself out.”

“Kash tends to exaggerate. I simply kept the staff motivated. Reminded them of all the transfers Raven’s Watch does on their behalf.” Chase checked her shoulder blade. “Everything looks good, and your vitals seem stable. You keep this up, and we can bust you out sooner than expected.”

“I’m ready.”

“Relax, Houdini . The doctor’s coming ‘round in an hour or so. Let’s get at least one more assessment before we’re breaking ranks.” Chase looked up when the rest of the team walked in. “Food’s here.”

Foster rolled his eyes. “I swear you’re always thinking with your stomach.” He smiled at her. “Look who’s back from the dead.”

Kash grabbed her some food, and she nibbled on a couple fries, drifting in and out as his buddies chatted, their voices soothing that rawness. They’d finished eating and changed places, maybe changed their clothes, when she roused, again. Clearer than before.

Kash cozied up to the bed, leaning over her as he brushed his fingers along her jaw. “You’re awake, again. That’s good.”

Jordan frowned. “Again?”

He laughed. “You ate two fries then passed out, which was to be expected. Feeling any stronger?”

“Ready for you to bust me out.”

“Easy, tiger. Let’s see if you can stay awake for more than five minutes before we make a run for the border.”

“Or, I can just sleep all the time in our bed.”

Kash’s lips quirked. “You said that on purpose to sway me.”

“Is it working?”

“More than you know.” He twisted when footsteps sounded in the doorway. “Greer’s here. She’s been hoping to chat for a couple days but didn’t want to push. You up to talking for a few minutes?”

“That depends. Does she have handcuffs?”

Someone laughed, then Zain moved in beside her. “Nothing in your size. I’m pretty sure Kash has a pair with pink fur if you’re interested, though.”

Kash groaned. “You’re such an ass.”

“I’m sorry. Is the fur blue?”

“Don’t listen to him. He’s sore because Nyx insisted on sleeping at the foot of your bed last night instead of curling up beside him on that couch.” Kash grinned. “And the fur’s purple. I’ll get you some water.”

He reached behind him, offering her more water as Greer shuffled over, Bodie at her side. They both wore uniforms, looking alarmingly official, despite Zain and Kash hinting that they weren’t there to arrest her.

Greer tilted her head. “I gotta say. I wasn’t sure you were gonna make it based on how pale you were a few days ago. Glad you proved me wrong. You sure you’re strong enough to talk?”

Jordan winced when she shifted. “I can’t promise I won’t black out on you, but…”

“I’ll risk it.” She glanced at Kash and Zain, then sighed. “That was quite the adventure. Do you remember everything that happened?”

Jordan relaxed against the thin mattress, easing when Kash held her hand. “Up until Tucker shot me. After that, it’s fragmented.” She frowned. “It was Tucker, right? I didn’t imagine that?”

“You didn’t. Which puts a whole new spin on that night in the café. Guess I should have locked him up, after all.”

“You couldn’t have known who he really was. I didn’t know.”

“But you picked up that something was off about him, other than the obvious. Anyway, he’s being moved to a high security psychiatric facility in a few days. I doubt he’ll ever leave.”

Jordan nodded. “And Rook? Is he…”

“That’s where things get a bit trickier.

I’m sure it’s no surprise that every agency has gotten involved.

Wants their piece of flesh or to have him defect to their side.

It looks like the CIA might get final custody of him.

I can’t promise you it’ll be the kind of ending he deserves, but Jericho and Cannon are pulling out all the stops.

They’ll keep me posted. Which is why they and Miller aren’t here, but they said to call if you need anything.

Miller also left you a message. Said if he ever made a go of it with that guy you joked about, he’d bring him around for a visit.

” Greer motioned to Kash and Zain. “It might be wise if you stuck around for a while. For safety purposes, of course.”

“Will that be an option? Or do I have few of those?”

Greer beamed. “That’s another complicated situation, but putting it briefly, Jericho and Cannon pulled a save there, too. I’m not sure what kind of connections they have, but,” Greer held up a folder, “I received this the other day.”

“Not sure I’m up to reading without it setting off a chain reaction.”

“I’ll summarize. Basically, it states that Admiral Jonathan Hastings approached you three years ago and offered you immunity if you agreed to be part of a joint JSOC unit dedicated to toppling Scythe and Rook Donovan.

That intel Rook still had on him was more than enough to do that. Which means, you’re free and clear.”

Jordan stared at Greer, wondering if she’d faded out, again, and this was all a dream. “I’m what?”

Greer sighed. “I think that’s enough for today.

You look like you’re ready to pass out, again.

I just wanted to let you know that it’s going to be okay.

I’ve been told you’ll be getting a number of visitors who’d like to woo you into joining their agency, but we’ll go over that later.

And I’ve told them, they’ll have to go through me and my office, first. But for now, rest. Try not to kill anyone else for a while, okay? ”

Jordan nodded, hating the way her head already felt heavier. “Bodie…”

Bodie stopped chatting to Chase and looked over at her. “Yeah?”

“Thanks. If you hadn’t brought in Cannon and Jericho…”

“Pretty sure you would have come out on top regardless. But I’ll accept if it means I’m no longer on your shit list.”

“Would you settle for moving down in rank?”

He laughed. “It’s a start. Oh, and Becca said she has one last surprise for you, but she’ll be in touch once you’re fully upright.”

“That sounds… scary.” She gazed up at Kash, blinking when his face got blurry. “Hey.”

“You’re fading on me, sweetheart.”

“Still strong enough to go home.”

He broke into a stunning smile that had butterflies fluttering in her stomach. “I love the sound of that almost as much as I love you. Rest until Chase can make the arrangements. Then, I’m gonna keep your ass on lockdown until you can toss me on mine. Deal?”

“Deal. And Kash…” She drew him closer with a nod of her head. “Love you more.”