Chapter Eleven
With the KORPS agents taking over the investigation into the trafficking situation, Barbie and CIRO hurried across the border into Germany. They didn’t really have to explain much—like the two dead bodies at the restaurant. KORPS agreed to take care of it all and they could leave.
There was really no need for CIRO to me mentioned. So, officially, the take-down was done by KORPS. Barbie preferred it that way.
All the way there, they couldn’t get Eden away from Crash who was barely conscious as it were. The little girl clung to one of his hand. Though it was dangerous, Crash was lying on the floor of the large fan, with his head on Barbie’s thigh.
“Would you like something to eat?” Barbie asked Eden.
Eden merely stared at her.
“He’s going to be okay, you know,” Barbie said. “He’s a good guy.”
Still, Eden said nothing.
Barbie gave up and turned to look at Benny who seemed to be studying her. Beast was driving with Pitbull sitting beside him in the front. Mouth and Zero were napping in their seats.
A few hours later, they pulled up to a hospital in Sankt Augustin. To not draw attention, Barbie and Benny helped Crash inside with Eden close behind. Since they were dressed as cops, no one really ask any questions, which was good. A doctor instantly appeared and they laid Crash on a bed. Barbie didn’t want to leave him but they didn’t really have a choice.
Benny picked up Eden. “We’re going to have to let the doctor look at him,” Benny told her softly. “Once that’s done, you can come back.”
“You promise?” she asked.
“I promise.”
All three of them left the room but didn’t go far. Barbie wasn’t going to take her eyes off that door until the doctor walked out. While Benny sat with Eden, Barbie paced before the door like a caged cat.
“He took care of me,” Eden said, her voice filled with emotion. “He wouldn’t let me be alone—wouldn’t let me be scared.”
“I know, sweetie. He’ll be all right.”
But Barbie wasn’t so sure. He looked really banged up. From a black eye which was the least of the worries, to areas of his ribs that had turned black and blue. He’d barely stayed conscious after they rescued him and each time he woke up, he would whisper her name. He sounded panicked and scared. Each time, she’d lean over him so he could see her face and once he did, Crash would close his eyes again.
“What’s taking so long?” Barbie grumbled.
“They’ll tell us something soon,” Benny said.
It took another eternity before the doctor stepped through the door. Barbie, Eden and Benny mobbed him immediately.
“Caleb is going to be fine,” the doctor said with a tight smile. “He’s suffered a couple of bruised ribs, and other scrapes and bruises—cigarette burns—but otherwise, he’s fine. Honestly, I’m surprised he was able to be standing when you find him. Those ribs alone should have taken him down. We’ve given him something for the pain so he should be sleeping it off for a while. I will send my report to Alric at GSG 9.”
“Can you take a look at Eden now?” Barbie asked.
“Is she the child Alric called about?” The man asked.
Barbie nodded.
“I’ll get a female doctor to perform the examination.”
“Thank you,” Benny and Barbie chorused.
“Can I see him?” Barbie asked.
The doctor seemed hesitant but nodded. “He probably won’t know you’re there. Don’t feel bad about that.”
“I won’t,” Barbie said.
Though Eden had no interest in going off with some stranger, Benny managed to talk her into it by promising that he would be right out the door. After she was gone into the room with the female doctor, Barbie turned to glance over at Benny who reached across to rub her shoulder. Inhaling deeply, she hurried to Crash’s room and dipped inside, closing the door behind her.
For a brief moment, she stood at the door, fighting the urge to rush across the room and toss herself on his chest. The doctor and nurses had cut his shirt from his body so he laid there, muscular, tattooed and hurt. It was hard to find arousal in any of that. Forcing one foot to move ahead of the other, she made it to his side and leaned forward. She replaced his hair on his forehead with her lips, dropping soft kiss to his warm flesh.
“I’ll be right here.” Barbie whispered. She sat at his beside and took his hand. “I’m not losing you a third time, Crash. I refuse.”
A while later as she stood by the window, Benny entered carrying Eden in his arms. He had a grim look on his face.
“Beast is coming to get us,” Benny said. “The doctor will be sending his reports to Beast. But, she’s okay.”
“Good.”
“I think she could use a shower and a change of clothes.” Benny continued. “Apparently, Miracle has already gone shopping.”
Barbie laughed softly. That sounded like Miracle alright.
Eden wiggled around in Benny’s arms so he placed on the side of Crash’s bed. She immediately fell to his chest and kissed his chin.
“He’s okay, Eden. The doctor gave him medicine so he could get some sleep.” Barbie explained. “We’ll bring you back to see him when he wakes up in the morning, okay?”
“Okay.” She whispered.
“Want to see Anya now?” Benny asked.
She nodded and Benny picked her up again.
“You’re going to be okay?”
Barbie nodded. “I’ll be fine.”
With hugs, Benny and Eden left her alone in the silence of the room. She couldn’t believe how scared she was in that moment. Barbie doubt she’d feel better until Crash opened his eyes. She went back to the window and remained there until Mouth stopped in to give her a cup of coffee and a sandwich. She hugged him tightly. Mouth rubbed her back.
“He’ll be right as rain in no time,” Mouth said. “But the moment he opens his eyes you have to tell him how you feel. Let this be a lesson, Barbie.”
“I know.”
“We’ll come back tomorrow, okay?”
She nodded.
Alone again, she set the food down, climbed into the bed beside Crash and snuggled into his side.