Page 43 of The Search

“I’m expecting a call from Galen. If I do fall asleep, will you see that I wake up to take it?”

“It’s that important? You need to sleep.”

“Will you wake me?”

She lifted her shoulders. “Sure. Why not? You’re the one who’s going to suffer for it.”

“How’s Bassett doing?”

“Okay. He’s covered with mosquito bites and he’s got a bad case of nerves. He wants to call his wife.”

Logan shook his head. “Not now. Tell him not to worry. She wasn’t told he was missing.”

“But why can’t he call her?”

“It could cause problems. He may not be able to go home yet.”

“Isn’t that his choice? He’s had a rough time.” She rubbed her temple. “We’ve all had a rough time. I’d spit in your eye if you tried to keep me from going back to the ranch.”

“Would you?”

“You bet your life. Why shouldn’t he go home?”

He didn’t answer.

She said slowly, “You’re worried about Rudzak?”

“He could still be alive, and he thought Bassett was valuable enough to take as a hostage before. I may have to find a secure place for him for a while.”

“What if he won’t go? His nerves are already shot, and it would be like being put in another prison.”

“Maybe it won’t be necessary. I hope not.”

“It should be Bassett’s choice. Not yours.”

“It became my choice when Rudzak destroyed that research facility. Everything Rudzak does is aimed directly at me. I’m the only one who can deflect him.”

“You talk as if it’s some kind of contest.”

“It’s no contest. It’s a war and Rudzak’s as tenacious as a bulldog.”

“Don’t malign any dog by comparing him to that murderer. He tried to kill Monty.”

He smiled. “I wonder what it would take to make you care as much for a human being as you do that dog.”

“Unswerving loyalty, courage, humor, companionship, intelligence, and the willingness to give his life for me.”

He gave a low whistle. “You’re tough.”

“You asked me. Total commitment is almost impossible between individuals. That’s why I like dogs more than I do most people. It’s a hell of a lot safer.”

“You’ve found that?”

“Haven’t you?” She felt his gaze on her back as she walked away from him. He was wounded and in pain, and yet he was still trying to pull Bassett’s strings. What a surprise. He’d probably have to be in his coffin before he’d give up control.

Maybe she wasn’t being fair. He was trying to help Bassett.

Well, she was too tired to be fair, she thought as she sat down beside Monty. Her emotions were in shreds and she was so tired, she was almost numb. She wanted only to go home and rest.