Garrett called Harrington and asked him to get them another vehicle. Then he took Haley to the west side of Baltimore and booked a room at another hotel. This place had only two adjoining rooms, but it was well off the beaten path and Garrett felt confident they could make it work.

The night grew late and they still hadn’t eaten. “Let’s run down to a local joint and grab a bite. I’m starving,” Her stomach growled. “And my guess is you are too.”

Haley didn’t answer. She was staring silently at the wall, still in a daze after being shot at. He hoped she’d snap out of it if he got some food in her stomach. He wished none of this had happened to her. Haley was innocent and was dragged into something she had nothing to do with because she was the best surgeon around.

She crossed her arms, hugging herself. “I don’t think I can eat.”

“Let’s get out anyway. I’m sure you’ll take a few bites once there’s food in front of you. Did those assholes feed you at all?”

She shook her head. “No. I never saw any food, but I sure smelled it.”

He took her arm and led her to the door. “Let’s find someplace where we can at least get a burger.” He looked down at her waggled his brows and sing-songed, “I know that’s your favorite meal.”

She tried to smile but failed. Looking away, she whispered, “I think I can handle that.”

They walked out into the chilly air and he remembered she didn’t have anything on but a thin pair of cotton scrubs. She needed clothes. He made a mental note to stop at a store on the way back to the hotel and pick up something for her to wear.

Once downstairs, they approached the car. She hesitated a little.

“It’s fine,” he said. “No one knows we’ve changed vehicles.” He pointed to the rear plate. “Look, out of state plates. It says we’re from Virginia. No one will be looking for that.”

“I guess you’re right.” She glanced around the dimly lit parking lot. “It’s just kind of frightening when someone comes out of nowhere and starts shooting at you.”

“I know. And it’s hard for you to understand, but we will get through this. It’ll be over before you know it.”

He put her in the car, patted her shoulder, and shut the door. Moving around to the driver’s side, he got in and started the engine. He backed out of the parking space and drove to the busier part of town. He found a hamburger chain she loved and pulled into the parking lot. He turned to her. “How about your favorite burger?”

She smiled and glanced down at her clothes. “I look a hot mess.”

“You’re beautiful. Besides, this place isn’t all that fancy. Let’s go eat.”

They entered the popular restaurant and were immediately seated where he could watch the front door. He’d also noticed the back exit. He refused to take any chances with Haley.

Sitting across from each other, they ordered, then waited for their food. “So,” she studied her hands, the peeped at him through her lashes. “What have you been doing these last two years?”

He shrugged. “Same as always.”

“Nothing changes?”

“Why should it?”

Her brows dragged together, and she tilted her head. “You know, I half expected you to resign and come back to me.”

He lowered his head and glanced up at her with his serious brown eyes. “I love you, but I never had any intention of quitting my job. I love what I do.”

“As much as you loved me?”

He didn’t like these kinds of conversations, where everyone emptied their souls while keeping their secrets close to their chest. “I think we’re talking about two different things.” He glanced away. “Would you quit your job for me?”

“Well, no.” Her eyes were huge and she was obviously flummoxed. “But I went to school for years and trained hard. Besides, I save lives.”

He cocked a wry brow. “You know, I could say the exact same thing. We just go about it in a different way.”

She pouted, not liking his answer. “I don’t agree. There is very little chance I’ll be killed while doing my job.”

“I don’t know...” he laughed smugly. “You were kidnapped.”

“Come on. That does not happen every day and you know it.”

“I’ll give you that, but what if there wasn’t someone like me around to save you? What if those men used you to fix El Hashem, then killed you?”

“Well, of course, they could’ve done that—”

“Haley, you know very well that was their plan all along. And while the world needs people like you, they need men, and women, like me as well.”

“But that doesn’t have anything to do with our relationship. I worried about you night and day. I practically went out of my mind.”

He took a sip of his iced tea. “And after you booted me out, did you sleep better?”

“No, not really,” she admitted, grudgingly. “For a while, a long while, it was actually worse.”

Their food came and they both changed the subject and enjoyed their burgers and fries. Both replete, they returned to the hotel. Stepping out of the car, Garrett surveyed the parking lot, ensuring no one lurked in the shadows or other vehicles had arrived while they were gone.

She headed for her room, but he stopped her. “I’m going to run to the local dollar store and grab you a clean change of clothes. Lock the door and flip the security latch. And don’t let anyone in. I’ll rap twice on the door between our rooms.”

Her eyes widened. “You’re leaving me here alone?”

“The place is right across the street. I’ll only be gone a few minutes.”

“Okay,” she replied weakly. “But please hurry.”

“I’ll be back before you know it.”

He’d almost reached the door when she stopped him. “Do you need me to write down my size?”

He glanced over his shoulder and smiled. “I have a good memory.”

Closing the door behind him, he’d got a certain amount of pleasure from her blush. He hurried down the stairs and out the back door. He nodded to Harrington, then hopped in the car and drove to the store.

Inside, he made quick work of getting them both a few personal items along with a change of clothes. He was at the checkout counter when he saw a man in a pathani suit and keyffiyeh who looked familiar. He took his phone out and dialed Harrington.

“Yes?”

“You’re not going to believe this, but I think one of El Hashem’s men is doing a little shopping.”

“You’re kidding.”

“Nope. He’s got a little blue basket on his arm and he’s shopping in the pharmacy. That tells me El Hashem might still be alive.”

“It also indicates they’re trying to keep him that way.”

“Yeah, but I find it a little ironic that they’re so close to where we are. You think they’re on to us?”

“No, Grey’s keeping an eye on their other suspected hidey-hole on the other side of town. Maybe this guy just decided not to shop in the neighborhood.”

“Could be.” Garrett paid for the purchases then said, “I’m going to leave, then I want you to stop this guy on his way out. He’s wearing a green shirt and a Dodger’s ball cap.”

“I’m parked right outside. You go ahead and get back to the hotel. We’ll snatch him and get him to tell us everything he knows.”

Garrett ducked his head and darted out of the store before the man recognized him. He sped away, anxious to check on Haley. He realized the man could be a distraction.

He breathed a little easier when he rapped twice and quickly opened the door connecting their rooms and found her making a pot of coffee in the small hotel carafe.

He tossed the bags on her bed. “I hope there’s enough for me to have a cup. I sure could use it.” He decided not to mention anything to her about El Hashem’s man being so close. She had enough to worry about. “I hope sweatpants are okay.”

She fisted her hands on her hips. “You didn’t,” she hissed. “You know I hate sweats.”

He grinned. “Nah, I managed to find some cheap jeans. But don’t expect anything special.”

“As long as it’s not sweats, I’ll be happy.”

He went to the pot and poured them both a cup of coffee. “I can’t promise anything.”

She took her cup and went to a chair in the far corner of the room, he followed, but sat on the edge of the bed.

“What happens now?” She nibbled on her lip. “I mean, how do we get away?”

He cleared his throat. “I know a guy. Tomorrow I’ll pay him a visit and see if he can help us find out exactly what El Hashem is planning. He’s pretty knowledgeable about his community.”

“I hope you can get to the bottom of this.” She took a sip of coffee. “I’m off work for the next two days; and if it isn’t safe by then, I’ll call in and get my shift covered.”

“We may not have a choice.”

She frowned. “I don’t like the sound of that.”

Preston answered his phone, hoping it was Nagi. Much to his displeasure, it wasn’t. Instead, it was the devil he’d made the deal with. “How is our pet project coming along?”

“There have been a few hitches but I’m taking care of them.”

“I hope you don’t disappoint me. You know what happens to people who displease me.”

“Oh, stop talking like some kind of movie villain. I’m doing everything I can to make this work, I don’t need shit from someone like you.”

Silence filled the line.

“Not many men have the nerve to talk to me like that. Perhaps if something should happen to your family, your mood might soften.”

“Listen, you son of a bitch. You pull anything stupid and I’ll bury your ass. You may have a lot of power in Europe, but here, your twenty-year-old son is just another rich, spoiled college kid, smoking weed and screwing sorority bitches. Someone I can get to in less than an hour.”

A deep sigh traveled over the line. “Touché,” his caller laughed wryly. “I knew I’d picked the right man to do business with. My only concern is can you get it done on time?”

“I’m in the process of making all the necessary arrangements. Not something that can be pulled off without a lot of planning and coordinates. You’re going to have to be patient.”

“That’s not my strong suit.”

“Too fucking bad. I’m not here to babysit. Grow up and get your head out of your ass. I’ll keep you posted.” Preston disconnected the call and tossed his phone onto the desk.

He left his office and went to see his accountant. When he entered her office without knocking, she neither appeared shocked nor concerned. Annoyed with the current state of affairs, he slumped into a chair in front of her desk. Janice was a rare beauty but she didn’t put out for anyone that he knew of. He often wondered if she might be gay. What he did know was that she was smart, damn near brilliant.

And he wanted her ass so bad it hurt.

Haley clasped the warm coffee cup in her palms. She was hoping to avoid spending so much time with Garrett. It was too dangerous for her heart. Yes, she’d broken off the relationship, but she’d regretted it before he even walked out the door. Only her unrelenting pride prevented her from begging him to return.

“It sounds like we’ll be together for a while,” she managed to say. “I hope that doesn’t make you uncomfortable.”

He shrugged. “Just doing my job.”

“You mean, it doesn’t bother you to be around me?” She stared down into her cup. “You have no feelings left?”

His eyes narrowed. “What I felt for you got tossed in the trash two years ago. I can’t afford to play games with a woman who can’t make up her mind. I’m assuming you still feel the same way and have decided we can’t make a go of it.”

“It was your job, not you.”

“I am my job, and you should’ve realized that. I can’t change any more than you can.” He slapped his knees and stood up. “You know what the difference is between you and me? I would never expect you to.”

His words cut her deeply and Haley casually set down her cup, trying valiantly to hide her pain. Had she been unfair? Her fears for his safety were real, so real it nearly drove her crazy every time he packed to leave. Too many sleepless nights, never able to eat, and having to be overly cautious in the OR so she didn’t make a careless mistake, had all taken their toll on her.

She had been wrong to think cutting him out of her life would ease the heartache and worry so her life could get back to normal. What a crock. If anything, it made the hole in her soul larger and more painful...like a toothache that faded, only to be excruciating when you ate something hot or cold. Being so close to him now, her heart felt like it was breaking all over again. But what could she do?

It was so difficult to be in the same room with him. To stare at his handsome features, to recall their lovemaking and the tender way he touched her.

She closed her eyes.

“I think it was a difficult time. You were gone so much, and I always imagined the worst.” She shook her head. “I don’t know how Emily, Kate, or Abby stand it. I guess they’re stronger than I am.”

“Obviously,” he ground out dryly.

Her head came up and her eyes burned furiously. “Are you insinuating that I’m weak? That if I were stronger we’d still be together? That’s not fair.” The pitch in her voice rose. “You don’t know what it’s like to sit home wondering if the person you love is alive or dead. To be afraid the minute you’re out the door I may never see you again.” She took a dangerous step toward him and pointed her finger. “That’s not fair, Garrett.”

He put his hands on his hips and cocked his leg. “Then what is, Haley? Tell me, how do I take your fear away? What can I say or do to stop you from worrying? That’s something you have to learn to deal with, I can’t help you.” He turned away, presenting her his broad back. “Dammit, why are we beating a dead horse? This conversation is over.”

Haley thought perhaps he was right but the more she thought about one thing, the angrier she got. “So, you have no responsibility in this? It’s all up to me, huh? Take it or leave it?”

“And you are obviously happy to send me away.”

“Wrong. I’m not happy now and I sure as shit wasn’t happy then.”

He turned back to her, his expression weary. “I don’t know what to say, Haley. I can’t make things better. I’m going to chase after bad guys as long as I can. You think Brody, Mac, and Tony’s wives are braver or stronger than you are. They aren’t.”

“Then what? What’s the difference between them and me?”

He moved closer. They were so close she smelled the soap he’d used at some time during the day when he’d washed his hands.

“They’re proud and respect the things their husbands do. Sure, they always worry and I’m sure they’re often afraid, but they don’t allow it to control their lives. They take pride in their husbands’ determination to serve their country, in or out of the military. Because that’s what I do, Haley. I serve my country, and each and every Falcon agent is willing to die to keep this country and her citizens safe.”

Her throat constricted, and Haley suddenly felt very small.

Nagi waited impatiently for the man he’d sent to the store for supplies to return. Hopefully, they would be able to heal El Hashem. Inwardly, he seriously doubted that their meager knowledge would help the dying man.

The medical items Dr. Kingston had written down were so complex they feared trying to use them. None of them could make sense of the directions.

Nagi had no choice but to go through the motions of tending to El Hashem in order to gain the men’s loyalty once their leader died. If they even suspected he didn’t care about Zareeb’s fate, they’d slice his throat. When El Hashem’s died, they still might.

Zareeb El Hashem lay on a dirty, tattered couch, with a stained pillow beneath his head. His breathing had grown shallower each time his chest rose and fell. Nagi wondered why he was still alive.

The youngest of the men sat at his idol’s head, sponging his forehead and muttering prayers, and hoping against hope that he’d survive. Nagi knelt and took his friend’s hand. “I’m afraid he’s not long for this world.”

The kid grew angry. “Don’t say that. He is the Anointed One. Allah has a great mission for him and he will see he does it.”

“I hope you are correct, but he’s gravely injured. Perhaps Allah wants us to complete the mission in his place.”

Abdulla’s face grew darker. “How can you say that? Allah only speaks to El Hashem. Not to you. We don’t even know you.”

“El Hashem told you we are great friends, that I’m important to accomplish all that Allah as set before us.”

“Do you wish him dead? For him to die so you can take over and get all the credit and blessings Allah would bestow on us?”

Nagi held out his hands and lowered his voice. “No, no, that is not my desire.” He put his palms together. “I pray my brother will be there with us to honor Allah by bringing many deaths to these vile and corrupt Americans. It is my dearest wish.”

The kid appeared satisfied by Nagi’s affected sincerity. He could not afford any dissension between him and El Hashem’s men. He had to keep them together. So far, one had been captured and two were killed in a car accident. Without help from the remaining four, he couldn’t pull off Preston’s plan. According to Preston, he and Zareeb had been making preparations for years.

Now, he prayed to see it all come to fruition.

The man from the store finally returned. He carried a plastic bag with everything they thought might help their leader. He dumped all the items on a chair. Nagi inwardly groaned. Gauze, rubbing alcohol, and Neosporin weren’t going to help in this situation.

They needed that doctor to remove the bullet and sew him up. At least then the men would think he was doing everything possible to save El Hashem. He had to get her back or he could lose everything.

“My friends,” he looked at each man, “we must re-capture the doctor.”

The men’s voices rose. “She’s a woman and cannot be trusted. She could kill him.”

“She’s the only one who can remove the bullet. And you...” he glared at the man to his left. “You shot at her? What if you killed the doctor? She might be a woman, but perhaps she’s the only one who can save Zareeb.” Nagi didn’t believe a word he said, but he had to convince the men that he only wanted to save El Hashem. “We need her alive.”

Sa’id, the man who recently moved to America said, “I know the man who rescued her is a Falcon agent.”

The Falcon agents’ reputations were well known, even as far away as the Middle East. “How do you know such a thing?”

“I saw his picture in El Hashem’s things. He said the one thing we were to be cautious of was to stay out of the reach of Falcon’s men.”

And here he’d brought them right to their doorstep. Sweat broke out on Nagi’s body as he stood in a cold, drafty house. He hated to have to explain to Preston that now Falcon Securities knew all about them. And they were the president’s men. Nagi hung his head.

The mission may well be over before they even got it off the ground.