Page 18 of Long Past Deadly

“Not good enough.” Fuck.

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Emergency rooms were an exercise in patience, even when you had the charge nurse and one of the best physician’s pulling strings. Their stay at the LA General Hospital had been brief. QM’s helicopter pilot had swooped in and carried them both back to San Diego.

Quaid kept the pissed at bay by pacing. They were in an open area with no support or weapons. He could handle whatever came his way, but he’d prefer a full response team with weapons loaded.

Dr. Swami Paramar, orthopedic surgeon and colleague of Cait, hurried in. He had a surgery scheduled with Cait when she got back. “Bets called me. What happened?”

Quaid shook the man’s hand. “It’s not orthopedic, but we got caught in an explosion. Alanna’s hearing is compromised, and she dropped through a plate glass window into the pool. Fifteen feet, approximately.”

Paramar pointed at the doctor with Alanna. “He’s the on-call ER Doc. Dr. Ben Trolley. He’s the best. Smart, experienced, but I’ll check with him. Get an update.”

“Appreciated, Doc.” Quaid eyed Bets moving toward him.

“Cait won’t be happy,” the doctor added.

Quaid groaned. “You’re telling me.” The man slapped him on the back and went into the treatment room.

Quaid stayed in the hall on guard. Alanna’s eyes never left him until the ER Doc stepped into their line of sight.

Bets stopped beside him. Petite and perky, the woman had mocha skin, wide brown eyes, and an attitude that allowed her to use body language for command results. “ENT Doc will be here momentarily. I didn’t wait for doctor’s orders. What happened?”

“Someone has us in his crosshairs. Other than that, I have no idea.” Quaid shifted to put Lani back in his line of vision.

When had he started calling her Lani?

Mother freaking unprofessional.

Bets adjusted the drape over the cubicle. “These assessments take awhile, but it’s necessary.”

“I’m worried about security. Two attempts in less than twenty-four hours. I don’t want anyone getting hurt.”

“I hesitated to alert security. It can sometimes trigger a police presence I wasn’t sure you wanted.”

“Thanks for that. You’re right. Mackey will be here soon.” Although, he had no burner phone to confirm. “Can you text QM?”

“No, but I can call the main office. Who do you want?”

“Harrison, if possible.”

“Let me get my personal phone. I’ll be back.” She darted away, directing other incoming patients to rooms with the ease of a slow day. Which it wasn’t.

Dr. Trolley and Dr. Paramar both exited the room and came to his side. “Numerous bruises, one cut needing stitches, and an ENT consult. Her eardrums are trashed. I’ve order meds to handle the pain. Once the adrenaline wears off, she’s going to be hurting. What about you?”

Quaid shook his head. “I was getting out of the pool. Not even close.”

“Any cuts.”

“None that need attention.” He wouldn’t have them messing with him if Alanna needed him. “QM has a medic, and my body man is a medic. They can handle it.”

“Dr. Meeks should be here shortly. Once we get his assessment, we can proceed with stitches and get you both released.” Dr. Trolley’s short, practical assessment settled him. “Especially since Dr. Paramar and Bets can provide backup. Dr. Hunter should be available to you in a day or so.”

“Yes, We’ve got this. But I very much appreciate the care you’ve given her, Doctor.” He couldn’t stop from gazing at her, some of the worry leaving him.

Bets came to his side and handed him her phone. “Harrison.”

“Thanks, Bets. Thanks to all of you.” He stepped away. “Harry. Talk to me,” Quaid growled. “I want this bastard found and taken care of.”