Seeking Asylum by Mallory Kane Read Free Book Online

stared at Decker. “A safe house? You’d lock me up?”

    He shrugged. “If we can’t rely on you, we can’t protect you. I can’t have you going back to the Meadows, putting yourself and my agent in danger, unless I can count on your full cooperation.”
    Rachel glanced at Eric, who hadn’t spoken since they’d arrived at the luxury hotel near the Washington, D.C., field office of the FBI.
    Like a caged leopard, sleek and restless, he paced from one side of the room to the other. He’d removed his sports jacket and his crisp white shirt hinted at the long, graceful muscles that rippled under his skin as he pushed a hand through his hair.
    Caleb’s ravings had sounded unbelievable. But he’d been telling the truth about his brother.
    Eric stopped suddenly, as if he’d been interrupted. He frowned. “Have you heard anything about my brother?”
    Decker shook his head. “Nothing yet. I’ll let you know right away. I’m sure Caleb will be fine.”
    Eric’s gaze slid to Rachel’s, and she saw in his chocolate-brown eyes that he knew as well as she did that Caleb’s chances of being “fine” were slim to none.
    Mingled with concern for his brother was his suspicion of her. His expression, his very bearing, told her he didn’t trust her. Nor did he think much of her abilities, obviously.
    For her part, her impression of him had ratcheted up a few notches as Decker had explained Eric’s job and outlined his background on their way to the D.C. hotel.
    He was a special agent with the FBI’s Division of Unsolved Mysteries. He served as the Division’s profiler. He had a Ph.D. in Abnormal Psychology, and had done a fellowship on diseases of the brain at a highly regarded research hospital. No wonder he’d known all about the newdrug. Rachel had heard in Decker’s voice how much he cared for and admired the younger agent.
    Decker’s cell phone rang. Eric went rigid. Rachel held her breath.
    After speaking briefly, Decker flipped the phone closed and sent Eric a slight negative shake of his head. “I’ve got to go. I’m testifying before the Senate early tomorrow and I’ll be up all night myself, preparing.”
    “Mitch.” Eric stopped pacing and rubbed his face wearily. “I apologize for getting you involved in this. Thank you for your help.”
    Decker shook Eric’s hand. “I’ll let you know as soon as I hear something. Rachel, what’s your decision?”
    Eric’s troubled gaze called to her. Deep inside, she knew she’d already made up her mind. She moistened her lips and felt a small flutter under her breastbone as Eric’s gaze lowered to her mouth.
    She looked away and swallowed. “If patients’ lives are in danger, then I have no problem with cooperating. I will not be locked up. I won’t abandon my job, or my patients.”
    “You have about seven hours to bring Eric up to speed on the hospital’s layout, the names of nurses and patients he should know, and how Caleb would normally respond to specific situations, including his reactions to his medications.”
    Is that all? Rachel sighed. “I’ll do my best.”
    Decker nodded. “Eric will explain the surveillance equipment.” He indicated a nondescript black bag that had been delivered to the room just moments before.
    With a last caution not to leave the room and to call the FBI agent stationed in the adjoining room if they needed anything, Decker shook Rachel’s hand, thanked her for her cooperation, and left.

    The door swung shut behind Decker, leaving Rachel alone in the room with Eric. His back was to her and he was staring out the hotel window, his legs braced apart and his arms crossed. He looked like a warrior, ready to defend everything he held dear. The strong bands of muscles across his back looked capable of supporting any burden.
    Rachel wondered what it would be like to have someone like him at her side. Strong, fierce, willing to throw himself into danger to protect those he loved.
    His body gave off tension like a fever.