Sworn to Protect by DiAnn Mills Read Free Book Online Page B

idea how much she knew about her husband’s work as an immigration activist. Alex realized now why Toby had never invited him to his home, refused e-mail contact, and asked him to use Toby’s cell phone only. Certainly with his wife a BP agent, their controversial views about immigration must have been an issue in their marriage.
    “Better call your supervisor,” Alex said, writing out his orders. “I need to keep this young woman at least overnight for observation and additional testing. Don’t suppose she gave you her name?”
    Danika stared at her bruised face. “I couldn’t get her to say anything. In fact, I wondered if she could speak at all.”
    “She’s in shock and afraid. No wonder, considering she’s been sexually assaulted.”
    Danika shook her head. “Two of the illegals were gang members. Although they denied abusing her, my guess is it was them. One of them claimed it was the guide.”
    “Perhaps she’ll tell us when she’s not so frightened.” He thought back over the number of abused women he’d treated during the past few months. Could this poor girl be a link to the brutal beatings of late?
    “I’ll do my best.” Danika bent to the girl’s face and smoothed back her black hair. “Pequeña, ¿cómo te llamas?”
    Tears formed in the girl’s eyes. Yet she didn’t utter a sound.
    “Perhaps I can earn her confidence while I’m with her,” Danika said.
    Many times Alex had seen compassion and pity in Border Patrol agents, and Danika appeared to genuinely grieve the abuse of the young woman. “She had a picture of Saint Toribio in her back pocket.”
    The saint who was supposed to help Mexicans cross the border safely.
    Most of the undocumented immigrants only wanted to work and were afraid of the Border Patrol. Which was why he believed the U.S. immigration laws needed reform. Those who needed U.S. jobs to feed their families deserved an opportunity to better themselves. However, he had no solution. Did anyone? What he despised were the drug smugglers. The gang leaders and cartels were in the news daily—often with gruesome pictures of those they’d killed. Lately they’d begun to exploit their cruelty via the Internet. Those lowlifes deserved all they received.
    “I have a niece about her age. Protecting our border is not all I do.” Danika patted the young woman’s arm. “Me quedaré contigo por ahora,” she said, then looked at Alex. “I’m thankful this hospital treats those who need care—without question.”
    “Which is why I’m here. I have a few minutes. Could I bring you some coffee or something? Cafeteria coffee is not Starbucks, but it’s not too bad when it’s fresh.” Alex sensed the same attraction that he’d felt before, not so much the physical as a sincere desire to establish a friendship.
    Danika blinked. Had he said something stupid—again? “That would be nice.”
    “I’ll get us both a cup and be right back. It will take a little while for admitting to complete the paperwork and locate a bed.”
    “And a bath,” Danika said. “Sorry. I can be a little blunt.”
    He smiled. “No problem. And you’re right. I’ve already noted it on the orders.”
    “Now I’m really embarrassed. I didn’t mean to tell you how to do your job.”
    “No need to apologize.” He glanced at the girl, who trembled and most likely wished she knew what Alex and Danika were saying. He explained to her about being admitted to the hospital and assured her that no one would hurt her. “I’ll be right back.”
    Alex noted Jacob Morales in the hallway of the ER. He stood wide-legged with his thumbs stuck in his belt, reminding Alex of a cowboy. Even the crusty exterior seemed in character. “How’s the girl Agent Morales brought in?”
    “I’m admitting her.”
    Jacob frowned. “Sorry to hear that.”
    Did his disapproval come from not being able to process her and get her back across the bridge or because of her injuries? Alex chose not to ask. “She’s