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“Let me know what the crime scene team uncovers.”
“Copy that. Doubt they’ll find anything, though. Rachelle?”
“Yes, sir?”
“We’ll discover what’s going on. Your job is to remain safe and heal. Follow the orders of your bodyguards.”
“I will.”
“Eli.”
“Yes, sir?”
“Watch your backs. Whatever you need, you’ll get. We protect our own. The person who targeted Rachelle will pay.”
“Copy that.” He ended the call. “When the rest of our team arrives, we’ll set up guard rotations. In the meantime, I’ll check on the food supplies. If we have enough for tonight, I’ll go to the grocery store in the morning. Rachelle, do you need a drink or snack?”
“I’d love hot tea or a soft drink.”
Jackson studied her face. “Do you feel queasy?”
“A little,” she admitted.
Cal watched her, unsure if the nausea stemmed from a concussion, reaction to the latest news, or something else.
When she started to rise, Jackson motioned for her to stay put. “If we don’t have tea bags or a soft drink, I’ll place an anti-nausea patch behind your ear.”
The medic and Eli walked to the kitchen together. Jesse crouched in front of Rachelle. “Is there anything I can do to help you?”
“No, but thanks for offering.” Rachelle’s voice sounded thick.
Oh, man. Rachelle’s eyes glistened with unshed tears. Gut clenching, he glanced at the medic, feeling helpless. He could fight the enemy all day, but how did he combat this woman’s tears?
Jesse patted her hand. “My best advice is rest. The terrorist attack, traveling through several time zones, and the accident exhausted you. Your body’s been through the ringer in the past 36 hours. Have Cal whisper sweet nothings in your ear for a few minutes, then call it a night.” After another pat on her hand, he returned to the second floor.
Jackson walked in carrying a coffee mug. “We’re in luck. I found mint tea.” The medic handed her the mug. “We also have enough food to feed an army when you’re ready to eat.”
Cal threaded his fingers through Rachelle’s hair, the texture like silk. He’d wondered for months how her hair would feel. Now that he knew, Cal would have a difficult time keeping his hands from her soft tresses.
“I’m grabbing a snack,” Jackson said. “Tell me when Rachelle’s ready for me to tape her ribs.”
Cal remained silent while she sipped her tea. When she finished, he set the mug on the coffee table. “You can sit with me for a while to see if the tea works, go upstairs to prepare for bed, or sleep here.”
She stared. “Where will you be?”
“Wherever you are.”
“Even if I choose to sleep on the couch?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’d sleep on the floor or one of the recliners.”
“That sounds painful.”
“I’ve slept on worse. You’ll be more comfortable on a bed. My room is next to yours. If you need me, call out. I’ll hear you.” He’d also be checking on her throughout the night.
“Will you take a guard shift?”
“We all will.”
