Midnight Rescue: A Killer Instincts Novel by Elle Kennedy Read Free Book Online Page A

wildly.
    “Oh, for the love of God,” Kane grumbled.
    The last thing she saw before fainting into Kane’s arms was his annoyed face.

Chapter 5
     
    With a frown, Kane watched Luke carry Abby up the steps leading into the cabin of the small jet. He didn’t particularly want to take her back to Tijuana with them, but she was in no condition to be left on her own. The fever had peaked when they’d left the safe house and she’d been in and out of consciousness since then. He’d shoved a couple more pills in her mouth and forced her to swallow, but it was too soon to tell if the antibiotics would do their job.
    “All set,” Morgan said as he entered the hangar. “When you get back to the compound, make sure she stays put, okay? Something’s going on with her.”
    “You’re not coming?”
    Morgan shook his head. “Holden and I are sticking around here. I want to do some digging, figure out what the hell happened to land her in the prison. She’s hiding something from us.”
    “No shit.”
    His boss sighed. “Look, I know you don’t like this. I don’t either. But you’re the only one I trust to keep her in line.”
    “D would probably have better luck,” Kane remarked dryly.
    “D would badger her until she killed him, or vice versa.” Morgan offered a cynical smile. “You’ve got more diplomacy.”
    “I don’t like being a babysitter, Jim.”
    “And I don’t like being kept in the dark. I can’t have her running around until I know what the hell’s going on. So keep an eye on her, and apply some pressure. See if you can get her to open up. I have a feeling she’s got something up her sleeve.”
    “I’ll do my best.” Kane shrugged. “She’s tough, though. I don’t think she’ll tell me anything she doesn’t want us to know.”
    “Holden and I’ll fly back in a day or two. Man the fort until I get back.” With a nod, Morgan stalked off, heading to the Jeep parked at the edge of the dirt runway. Holden was behind the wheel, and he offered a brisk wave in Kane’s direction before revving the engine.
    The Jeep raised a cloud of dust as it sped off. Kane watched it for a moment, then sighed and turned back toward the hangar. When he stepped aboard the plane, he found Ethan kneeling next to Abby’s seat, lifting a cup of water to her lips. Luke was next to her, looking slightly bored and impatient, while D sat on the other side of the small plane, scowling. Sam stood near the cockpit, silent as always.
    “The fever hasn’t gone down,” Ethan said when he caught sight of Kane.
    Ignoring the comment, Kane turned to Sam. “Get us in the air. Morgan and Holden aren’t coming.”
    Sam nodded and headed for the cockpit, adding over his shoulder, “Buckle up. The runway hasn’t been used ina while, so it could get bumpy.” He disappeared into the cockpit, shutting the narrow door behind him. He’d worked as their pilot for four years now, and Kane appreciated his quiet efficiency and his ability to follow orders without question.
    Moving into the cabin, Kane sank into the plush seat next to D. The plane’s engine coming to life made the cabin shake, a high-pitched whine filling the air. The takeoff was indeed bumpy, but they were in the air a few minutes later and Kane was finally able to relax. It felt like a weight had been lifted off his chest. The three days they’d spent in this country had been a total irritation.
    He glanced over at Abby. “How are your ribs?” he asked, unbuckling his seat belt once they’d reached the necessary altitude.
    Her blue eyes looked glazed and weary as she answered, “They’re fine. Don’t hurt at all.”
    “You know, you’re an amazing liar,” he replied with a pleasant smile.
    “Why isn’t Morgan coming with us?” she asked, sounding uneasy.
    “He had things to do.”
    An annoyed cloud floated across her face. “Checking up on me?”
    “We’re only trying to help you. There’s no reason for you to be so antagonistic.”
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