As If The Whole World Were Watching (The Dom's of The Cage Series Book 6)

by P Nelson

  “Understood, Bobby.” Linkin sounded respectful.

  “Now, let me see at that wrist, miss.” Bobby came forward and pointed to one of the old overstuffed green chairs. Calla sat down as ordered more interested in the woman in front of her than her wrist. She held out her wrist and allowed the other woman to unwrap the t-shirt. “I’ll get this over with faster without the peanut gallery.” She commented and squinted up at Flynn.

  “She’s my fiancée.” Flynn said back.

  “Suit yourself.” Bobby finished unwrapping the t-shirt and held the battered wrist in her hands. Her scarred fingers appeared more accustomed to manual labour than anything else. But she turned, prodded and tested Calla’s hand, finger and forearms with firm, gentle fingers.

  “What do you think?” Flynn asked. Bobby replied to Calla rather than acknowledging Flynn’s question.

  “It’s broken. You will need to get into a hospital in the next twelve hours. The danger of it healing while not aligned can mean permanent damaged to your hand.” Calla looked straight into Bobby’s eyes as she continued to speak. “I worked as a cook and did first aid on lots of logging sites. Came up against some big hairy assholes who thought they could keep working with broken bones. They were none too happy to have those bones are rebroken and set. You understand.”

  “Yes. Don’t be a big, hairy asshole.” Calla replied. Daring Flynn to issue her twenty smacks in front of the hardened woods woman.

  “Good girl.” Bobby looked around at Linkin standing near the sink. “There’s a first aid kit under there. Grab it for me.” She ordered before turning back to Calla. “Now there’s a hospital in town. But if you’re trying to lie low, then it’s not the best option. There’s a field clinic to the northeast of the city. About 200 kilometres. It’s got everything you need to perform minor surgeries. I’d suggest going there.”

  “Thank you.” Calla smiled at her. Bobby said nothing as she re-wrapped Calla’s wrist and cleaned up after. No one else spoke in the cabin. Her stomach grumbled.

  “Get one of these boys to make you a hot meal.” Bobby nodded at the room. She placed the kit back under the sink. “My number’s on the list.” She turned for the door and Linkin disappeared outside with her.

  “I’ve had a look at that truck out in the barn.” Nick said as he put a pan on the stove. “If it will drive two hundred kilometres this century, we’d better get a move on.”

  “She needs proper sleep.” Flynn interjected.

  “We all need proper sleep.” Linkin remarked from the front door. He closed it on the sounds of Bobby driving away. “There is no way of knowing what the next twenty-four hours holds for any of us.” Linkin looked over at the helicopter pilot. “Your work here is done. Go home. As for the rest of us, we will ride this out. Eat. Sleep, and get Calla proper medical attention.”

  Linkin made it sound so easy. The pilot spoke with Linkin and Nick for a minute. He nodded at us before leaving. Calla noticed the light in the sky. It was just before dawn. A second later Nick dropped bacon onto the hot skillet. Her mouth watered. Everything else would wait. Food was the most important thing in her world right now.

  Chapter Twenty Three

  “Come, we’re on the road in ten.” Linkin sounded cheerful. Flynn wasn’t sure he wanted to know why he was so fucking cheerful. He had gotten to sleep after Calla ate and took a couple of painkillers. Her face ashen from everything that had happened. A hot bath would have done her some good, but there wasn’t any hot water.

  “You have to run the generator for hot water.” Survivalist Linkin informed him. “And we’re conserving gas.” Flynn hadn’t been able to make the man budge.

  “Anything else you want?” Calla asked. Her expression tight. Flynn had done his best not to jostle her when they slept, but the bed was small and he refused to sleep without her in his arms. Talk about your pussy Dom.

  “No. That’s all I need to survive the apocalypse.” Nick informed her. He was staying at the cabin in case Chamberlain or anyone else showed up. From Mr Asshole’s line of questioning last night, Flynn didn’t think he had learned of Chamberlain or his mission. But it was better to be cautious at this point. Linkin had a laptop and a couple burner phones from the helicopter. But they had no other way to communicate with the outside world.

  “Be careful. I’ll see you when we get back.” Calla sounded small and tired. She tried to smile, but it was more of a frown. “Tell Linkin I’ll be out to see him.” She nodded and limped out of the cabin, leaving the door open a couple of inches.

  “She’s a fucking trooper. I never would’ve gotten out if she hadn’t come along.” Nick stared at where she’d walked out for a minute before refocusing on Flynn.

  “Calla surprised herself. But she was a hell of a lot tougher than she dreamed.” Flynn shook his head. “I’ll spank her ass.”

  “True.” Nick agreed.

  “Listen. If things go to shit and you need money or whatever and you can’t contact your people, go to Banroch Industries and speak to my secretary. She’ll know what to do.” He told Nick. “Thank you for taking care of my sub.” He held out his hand.

  “By rights she took care of me.” They grabbed one another by the elbow and nodded at one another. Nick laughed. “You better get going before we hug and shit.”

  “Right.” Flynn took a last glance around the cabin and understood he wouldn’t be coming back here. They were going north to the clinic as Bobby had instructed. There shouldn’t be any problems on the highway and back roads Linkin mapped out earlier, but Flynn couldn’t explain it. He knew bone deep inside he wasn’t coming back here. “Stay safe.” He called out from the porch and closed the door.

  Calla had tucked herself into the middle bench seat. Linkin had done his best to wrap her up in a blanket to keep warm. Flynn jogged down the stairs and to the side of the truck.

  “She’s going into shock. The wrist is infected or it could be her knees.” Linkin threw the old pickup into gear and they were off. The drive didn’t appear bumpy but Flynn did his best to anchor Calla. She was sweating and had her eyes closed.

  “Her fingers swollen, too.” Flynn looked down at her flush with fever. “We should go into town.” He left the rest unsaid. He’d give up his life, freedom to keep her safe.

  “She’ll make it to the clinic.” Linkin’s tone dared Flynn to contradict him. “Keep giving her water.” It took ages for them to get to paved roads. The paved roads didn’t bring more civilisation. Farmhouses were all off the road at a distance.

  “At least no will recognise us.” Flynn commented.

  “Oh they know we’re here, and I’m sure they’ve already called around to everyone.” Linkin drove faster now the pavement was more even. The old truck pushed to its limits.

  “Rural communities are tight.” Flynn hugged Calla to his side. She looked like she was getting worse by the second. “We need to go into PG. Just drop us off at the hospital and take the truck.”

  Linkin pulled over to the side of the road. He took one peek at Calla’s face and swore. With two fingers he pressed the pulse point in her neck. He shook his head.

  “You’re right, but I’m not leaving you there.” Linkin put the truck back into gear and they were off again.

  “I need you on the outside.” Flynn argued back. “Who will save my ass?”

  “Together.” Linkin reaffirmed. “I don’t like these asshole feds thinking they can play games with my family.” Flynn turned to stare at the other man and considered for a second.

  “We are family.” Flynn affirmed.

  “Damned fucking right.” Linkin sped up as the road twisted and farms became closer together the closer they drove towards the city. “Stop thinking like you’re an island. I did that, a long time ago. But then I met Martin and Delaney. There is no space to be an island with Calla in your life.” They came down a long hill and turned left at the first light they’d come across.

  “I wouldn’t have been able to do all this without you.” Flyn
n looked across Calla at the man who had fought for him. “Thank you.”

  “You can thank me by spanking submission back into your sub.” Linkin was all business again. “She is getting out of hand.”

  “You spend too much time with Delaney.” Flynn shot back in happy camaraderie.

  “On Delaney it’s cute. Not so much on Calla. She looks like a brat.” Linkin informed him.

  “But she’s my brat.” Flynn leaned down and placed a kiss on her hot forehead. They drove down a rural street and the hospital came into view. Linkin parked at the side of the road and turned to Flynn.

  “When we get in there. Let me do the talking.” Linkin told him. “Your face has been the only thing anyone has seen over the past few weeks.” Linkin rummaged around the cab of the truck and found a baseball hat in camouflage. “Here. At least the stubble will hide that Celtic jaw of yours.”

  Flynn jammed the hat on his head and pulled the brim down. It would not fool anyone for long, but Calla looked like she was getting worse by the minute. He opened the passenger side door and lifted Calla into his arms. She made a sound as he lifted her from the truck, Linkin shutting the door behind them. Heart thumping, Flynn walked up the small hill to the emergency room doors. The glass panels slid open.

  “Showtime.” Linkin announced under his breath. They were met by a triage nurse who took one look at Calla and motioned them to a bed. Flynn wished Dr Selkirk were here. But he was the head of trauma down in Vancouver. He’d have to trust whoever was on duty here.

  “Can you tell me what happened?” The nurse asked. She helped Calla onto the bed with efficient hands. Her tone concerned, yet professional. She took Calla’s pulse and reached for the blood pressure cuff.

  “We were rock climbing when our friend got into trouble.” Linkin explained to the woman. “Her hands and knees are beat up and she took a tumble. Her wrist is broken.” Flynn approved of the lie. It considered all of Calla’s injuries.

  “Why has it taken so long for you to come in?” The cuff beeped, and the nurse took Calla’s temperature in her ear. “She’s burning up.”

  “Long drive back into town. We didn’t realise how bad off she was until this morning.” Linkin added. “She’s so tough, we didn’t think about it.” The nurse muttered something that sounded very much like men under her breath.

  “Well, we will admit her right away. She’s fighting a fever and” The nurse paused as she took the bandages from Calla’s hand away “it’s broken and infected.” She stared at Linkin and Flynn hard. “How could you let her get this way?” Neither of them responded. The nurse stared at both hard before walking over to the nurse’s station.

  Flynn didn’t give a crap about evil stares. He wanted Calla better. Placing a hand on her forehead, she opened her eyes.

  “Where are we?” Calla glanced around. Her voice sounded groggy.

  “We’re at the hospital in Prince George.” Flynn confirmed trying to convey the message she needed to keep her mouth closed. “There was no way we would make it to the clinic.”

  The nurse came back with a doctor. He studied Calla from head to foot. “We need to give her a broad spectrum antibiotic and fluids to start. Put her on the wait list for an x ray for her wrist.”

  “Accident?” Calla frowned.

  “Yes. You were in a climbing accident, Calla.” Linkin looked at the nurse and the doctor. “Maybe she bumped her head too?” The nurse narrowed her eyes at him. He’s fucked. Was all Flynn could think. Too damned observant.

  “Oh right.” Calla nodded her head on the pillow.

  “Can I speak with you a minute?” The doctor asked Linkin. He nodded, and they stepped away from the bed. Linkin nodded as the doctor spoke.

  “I will change you into a gown.” The nurse said and closed the curtains around the bed. She stared at Flynn.

  “I’ll help.” He smiled back at her. Flynn worried she might argue, but before he could get his arguments together. The nurse had turned to a chair where she left the gown. Once Calla settled in a hospital gown, the nurse nodded at her.

  “A line will be inserted into your arm. I will get the antibiotics and fluids the doctor ordered now.” Her smile warm and concerned, before turning a narrowed gaze to Flynn. “You both better be here when I get back.” She walked out of the curtained area and Linkin came back in.

  “Does she seem familiar to you?” Flynn stared at the gap in the curtain where the nurse exited.

  “Yes.” Linkin replied. “But I’m not sure why. Let’s get her name when she comes back.”

  “What did the doctor want?” Flynn tried to sound casual as he stroked the hair away from Calla’s face.

  “Details of the accident.” Linkin shrugged.

  “You need to fill these out.” Another nurse came in with a clipboard. “You must help her.” She nodded at Calla and handed the documents to Linkin. The nurse bustled out again.

  “Shit. It’s not like we can use her Care Card number.” Flynn whispered under his breath.

  “I told them we were Americans.” Linkin scribbled away.

  “Good idea.” Flynn relaxed again.

  “Everything will be all right, Master.” Calla half smiled at him.

  “Yes it is. We will get you fixed up.” He did his best to reassure her. But he was exposed here in the curtained off room in the emergency room. He knew people could listen in on his conversations.

  “Stop fidgeting so much.” Linkin ordered without lifting his eyes from the clipboard. “You’re making me nervous.”

  “I’m nervous.” Flynn blew out a breath. “Something is not right.”

  “Act normal.” Linkin nodded over at Calla who was still on the bed. “Your sub is doing a much better job than you.”

  “Fuck off.” Flynn said under his breath. “I’m going for a walk. Do you need anything, baby?” He had a few dollars from one of the emergency packs in the helicopter.

  “She shouldn’t eat anything.” Linkin held out the clipboard to Calla. “They will have to operate on your wrist. You need sign here.” Flynn read the fictitious identity on the papers. He was about to question Linkin about it when the curtain opened and the nurse from earlier came through. And she wasn’t alone.

  &

  Calla sat frozen. The man in front of her alive. He grinned at her, but it didn’t reach his eyes.

  “You’re back.” Calla was the first one to recover.

  “I am. And you look like hell.” Chamberlain grinned at her. “My mom tells me you’ve been in a terrible climbing accident.” He winked at her.

  “No flirting with my fiancée.” Flynn ordered. Chamberlain focused on Flynn. “Shit. I never lost hope. But he did.” Flynn pointed a thumb at Linkin.

  Chamberlain shook his head. “I guess I know who my real friends are.”

  “Good to see you man.” Linkin held out a hand. Chamberlain gripped it before shaking Flynn’s. “I’ll give you a hug once you’re out of bed.”

  “Thank you.” Calla tried to smile at him, but it was a lot of effort.

  “You’ll feel much better once we get these going.” Chamberlain’s mom offered an IV kit and two bags.

  “I’ll feel much better when Chamberlain tells us his news.” Calla tried to sit up further.

  “Listen to my mom. Nurse Bet. She’s pretty much as old as the hospital and as ornery.” Chamberlain’s expression turned cheeky. "Besides, I’d much rather hear your story.” His calculating gaze took in the three.

  “We’re on the run.” Linkin was matter of fact. “But Calla’s injuries are so bad we needed proper medical attention.”

  “You made the right call.” Nurse Bet remarked with grim features. She pressed the IV into Calla’s skin. It pinched, but she finished the whole operation before Calla could say anything. Tape held the IV in place while the bags hung on a pole by her head. “She wouldn’t have managed much longer without at least some form of antibiotic.”

  “And you’re not on the run any longer.” Chamberlain gave them a
ll a superior smile.

  “How so?” Calla asked. Her heart thumping in her chest. She wanted nothing more than the whole nightmare to be over. But it didn’t seem possible with everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours.

  “It might be better to show you.” Chamberlain brought a smart phone out of his pocket and held it out to Calla. She accepted it with her good hand and laid it on the bed in order for everyone to see. A woman in a tailored suit was speaking from in front of the federal courthouse in Vancouver. She was talking about a dramatic turn of events. The federal prosecutor’s office was drawing up charges against a Member of Parliament for Ontario for corruption, tampering of evidence and the misuse of government resources.

  “It was this Bishop guy?” Flynn asked above her. Eyes glued to the screen. The script underneath the woman flowed. The prosecutor’s office had dropped the pending charges and investigation against Flynn. And an internal investigation of the special prosecutor Alwen and her team was under way.

  “I don’t understand.” Calla squeezed her eyes shut. How could it all just be over?

  “Bishop didn’t do as a good a job as he thought covering his tracks. He was on the board of Enbridge for years before he retired and moved back to Canada to take up politics. Once I found him the paper trail was easy to unravel.” Calla opened her eyes to see Chamberlain’s chest puff out.

  “Bragging doesn’t suit you, dear.” Bet commented and left the small curtained area.

  “Once I got down into the states, it was the little matter of getting everything I needed from the Enbridge servers.” The corners of Chamberlains mouth turned down, and he winced. “Getting back across into Canada took a little more effort. And I might have burned a few bridges. But here I am.”

  “Again, bragging doesn’t suit you.” Linkin’s dry comment made Calla laugh. She coughed and Flynn handed her a cup of water.