on here?”
Trace explained about his remote cabin on Mt. Lemmon. “It’s safe, and Salvatore’s men won’t have any idea where she’s at.”
“I don’t like it.” Stillwater looked from Trace to Christie. “This puts your life at greater risk.”
Christie stood straighter. “Agent Davidson has made it clear that it’s a safe alternative to being under the FBI’s thumb.”
“I’ll send a couple of my best with you.” Stillwater looked angry enough to tear into Trace and slice him with her words.
Christie shook her head. “No. Just Agent Davidson.”
Stillwater looked like she was going to say something else about the arrangement Christie wanted, but switched gears. “We’ll need to coordinate this and make sure you’re not tailed until we can get you off on your own. Safely.” Stillwater headed for the door but stopped and turned back to Christie. “I hope you’re not making a mistake.” She turned away again and left the room.
Trace stepped closer to Christie and put his hand on her shoulder. “You’ll be fine. I promise.”
He was much taller than her and she tilted her head to look up at him. She zeroed in on his lips. She wanted to kiss him more than anything. An array of expressions traveled over his face, like he was having second thoughts, because he could probably see in her eyes how much she wanted him.
Feeling suddenly shy and embarrassed, she looked away. Maybe he didn’t feel anything remotely the same for her.
She liked the feel of his fingers as he touched her chin, raising her face. “I have food, if you don’t mind canned chili and dried fruit. I even have a bottle of wine or two up there.”
With a grin, she said, “Sounds like a gourmet meal compared to hospital food.”
It felt like it took forever to get released from the hospital. While she waited, Trace made a Wal-Mart run and took her prescriptions with him.
She knew he’d been teasing about only eating chili and dried fruit. He picked up a few things, including warm clothing for her, as well as some groceries and an ice chest.
When the staff finally did let her go, the nurse made Christie sit in a wheelchair until they reached the entrance of the hospital.
Before they went out, Trace pulled a ball cap out of his back pocket. “Hold on.”
He put the cap on her head and tucked her hair beneath it, trying to hide all the strands. She’d always been told her red hair was distinctive, so it made sense to cover it.
A wall of agents surrounded her as she was helped out of the wheelchair, through the doors, and into Trace’s SUV.
Once she was buckled in, Trace said, “I did get your prescriptions for pain meds filled in case you need them.” He gestured to a bottle of water sitting in the cup holder. “Water for you, and I put your Percocet and the prescription ibuprofen in the glove compartment. You can throw them in your purse.”
“If I don’t have to, I don’t like taking anything too strong, especially something as strong as Percocet.” She grimaced. “I had that after I had my wisdom teeth removed and it made me feel loopy. The ibuprofen I’ll take for now.”
“Need any help opening the bottle?” he asked as she reached for the compartment in front of her.
She shook her head. “I’ve got it, no problem.”
“You’re a little stubborn, aren’t you?” he asked with a grin.
She shrugged. “I have my moments.”
He put his hands on the wheel. “If you’re set, we’ll head for my place on Mt. Lemmon.”
“I’m looking forward to it.” She smiled. “Let’s go.”
He pulled the SUV away from the curb and followed one of the black FBI SUVs. “I have Tylenol and aspirin in the compartment, too.” He entered the street, still behind the black SUV.
“Thanks.” It was awkward with one arm in a sling, and it did make her arm ache, but she found the bottle of ibuprofen. She opened it and retrieved one of the huge tablets before putting the bottle of ibuprofen and the pain med