by KaLyn Cooper
All three men’s eyes grew wide. “Again?” They said in unison.
Katlin slapped her hand over her mouth. Well, that secret was out.
Maybe Dr. Tobias had given her truth serum. She couldn’t seem to keep her mouth shut.
“We can talk about that another time. Besides, I don’t remember much about it.” Katlin hoped her lie was convincing. “Tell me, what did Jack do now?” She needed them to answer the question, although she was quite sure she wasn’t going to like the answer.
“No. Not the way you’d think.” Alex said through clenched teeth. “IVF. He…he…” Alex swallowed hard. “found your eggs and…he fertilized them.”
Top stepped next to Alex. “We kidnapped you from the hospital just before the procedure.” He glanced at Alex before returning his gaze to her. “Technically, we’re federal fugitives because we kidnapped you. Jack is turning the world upside down looking for you.” He slapped Alex on the shoulder. “That’s why he hasn’t left the house. We were too afraid Jack’s men would follow Alex back here.”
They had saved her from a fate worse than death and were now wanted men, all because they loved her.
“Thank you.” She looked between the three men standing around her bed. Tears poured from her eyes. “If…if he’d…” Katlin didn’t know what she would’ve done if Jack had succeeded.
Her eyes went to Top’s and held.
“Thank you.” The words came from the bottom of her heart.
Katlin’s gaze slid to Alex. Had it been his baby, though, she had no doubt she would’ve done everything in her power to deliver them a healthy baby.
Once again, Jack had fucked up her future with Alex.
He would pay for his diabolical plan. She would cut off his balls, figuratively if not literally.
14
Two days later, Alex watched as Dr. Tobias made notes in Katlin’s chart. “To start, I’m putting you on six weeks of medical leave. I want to see you every other day for the next two weeks.” He sat down on the edge of the bed and dedicated his entire attention to Katlin. “I know your type. You won’t like what I have to say, but these are doctor’s orders. I want you to take it easy. Keep in mind that anything strenuous—like running five miles, working out in the gym with weights, or God forbid, sparring—increases your heart rate which increases your blood pressure. That same blood that flows through your heart, strengthening it, goes all the way around your body and flows over the top of the brain that you just hurt. Walk first. Then maybe I’ll let you run.”
The doctor patted her hand and gave her what he probably thought was a reassuring smile but looked more like a grimace. “Before your injury, you were in peak physical condition. I know you want to return to that point, but it’s going to take time. It took you years to get there so don’t expect that level of conditioning in weeks. Your body has had a traumatic injury. Although you seem to have bounced back quickly, you are far from out of the woods. It’s not unusual for you to discover areas that don’t return as quickly as you hope.”
“Like what?” Katlin asked hesitantly.
“Given the brain areas of greatest trauma, I’m most concerned about executive functions. Your physical body seems to be responding as normal. We’re not sure, and it’s far too early to predict, how you’re going to react in emergencies. You were responsible for making life-and-death decisions based on limited information with only seconds to decide. Your brain in those areas still must heal before we can accurately test them.”
Dr. Tobias stood and looked at Alex. “Is her cell phone here?”
After opening a nightstand dresser, he handed Katlin her phone.
“I want you to call your boss. Tell him what happened and where you’ve been. Tell him I’ve put you on six weeks medical leave and I may extend that to up to six months before you have to face a medical board.” Dr. Tobias nodded at the phone in Katlin’s hand.
Suddenly Alex realized what the doctor had done. She would have to use several different parts of her brain to accomplish everything he asked of her, including remembering three things. Smart. He was testing her executive functions, establishing a baseline.
Katlin stared at the phone in her hand.
She continued to stare at it.
Alex slid a glance toward the doctor who was covertly looking at his watch. He was timing how long it was taking her to make a decision.
Katlin giggled. “You told me to call my boss. I have several of them including the president of the United States, but I don’t have his phone number. Legally, I’m a lieutenant commander in the United States Navy but I don’t really have anyone in the Navy that I report to. And, here again, I’m pretty sure the…head man…” She glanced at Alex as though for help.
Alex wasn’t sure if he should give her the name she sought. He slid his glance to Dr. Tobias who nodded affirmatively.
“Babe, are you talking about the Chief of Naval Operations?”
Her whole face lit up. “Yes, the CNO. He wouldn’t take my call even if I knew how to get hold of him. The closest person I have to as a military boss is Army General…” She snapped her fingers. “With the squeaky chair. General Lyon. He’s the commanding officer of USSOCOM. But, I’m temporarily assigned to Homeland Security, and that would mean I need to call Jack Ashworth, the fucking sonofabitch who tried to plant his baby in my comatose body.”
Katlin rolled her lips in as she looked away. A few seconds later her gaze returned to Dr. Tobias. “I’m not sure I can address him respectfully, yet, as someone should speak to their boss. Forgive me, but I haven’t had enough time to decide how I want to deal with him.”
“I don’t think you should call Jack.” Alex squeezed her hand. “I think you should let Barry Howell talk to him.” Alex shifted his glance to Dr. Tobias. “Barry is our attorney, both corporate and personal. Kat had him draft a restraining order against Jack.”
“I agree, talking with him might put her under too much emotional stress.”
Katlin let out a long, slow breath, dropping her shoulders as though she was relieved. She shrugged. “I know I probably just failed my first test, but I’m going to call General Lyon.”
Alex was so damned proud of his woman that he couldn’t continue to simply hold her hand. He cupped her face gently in his hands and kissed the woman he loved. He’d spent the last two days watching Katlin eat small meals, bringing her bodily functions back online.
She’d been like a puppy. Eat and sleep. Gina had worked with her doing isometrics in bed. Every movement seemed to be tiring, but that morning she’d gotten out of bed and made it to the bathroom on her own. Tiny steps, but steps in the right direction.
“General Lyon seems to be the appropriate person for you to call.” At Dr. Tobias’s words, Alex stepped back. Both men watched as Katlin dialed the standard ten digits, listened, then dialed an additional series of numbers.
Dr. Tobias seemed pleased as he added another note to her thick file.
“Excellent.” The doctor said just above a whisper.
Katlin’s eyes lifted to meet the physician’s. He smiled. “Are your ears still ringing?”
She smiled and lifted the cell phone. “No. But the phone is.”
“Please put the call on speaker,” the doctor requested.
Within a few minutes, she was connected to General Lyon. “How’s the weather?”
“I wouldn’t know, I’m—” she paused then rolled her eyes. “The skies are blue, and the sun is shining.”
Dr. Tobias shot a glance at Alex.
Before he could ask, Alex leaned over and quietly whispered, “Code phrase for her physical condition and if she’s under duress.”
The doctor made a note of that. Alex didn’t hide the fact that he read over the doctor’s shoulder. Katlin did not respond correctly at first but in less than ten seconds gave the correct answer.
“Sir, I have you on speakerphone. I’m with Alex Wolf and Dr. Tobias.”
“It’s good to hear from you, Lieute
nant Commander Callahan. Alex, I’m glad she’s with you. Dr. Tobias, I know that you were her neurologist while she was at Walter Reed. I assume you’ve continued her care.” An ear-piercing squeal came across the line. Both Katlin and Alex winced, but Dr. Tobias covered his ears. “Are you able to tell me where you are?”
“Not exactly, sir. Somewhere in Tysons Corner. I was taken to a safe house after Jack Ashworth attempted to impregnate me while I was still in a coma.” Her voice shook but she visibly held herself together.
The squeal of the chair was immediately followed by boots hitting a tile floor. “Lieutenant Commander Callahan, please repeat. I don’t believe I heard you correctly.”
Katlin cleared her throat. Her eyes met Alex’s and held them as she squeezed his hand. “I was rescued by Guardian Security men minutes before an in vitro fertilization procedure was to take place on my unconscious body.” Tears started to roll down her face. “He was going to put his babies inside me.”
Katlin burst into tears.
“Alex!” The general bellowed. “What the fuck happened?”
“You obviously know that she was in Walter Reed with a TBI.” Alex began.
“Of course, I do. Fast forward to when somebody kidnapped one of my special operators.”
Alex wasn’t sure he should mention the Black Swan team visiting Katlin the night they left town, so he bypassed that information. “When my men were informed that an IVF was to be performed on Kat in the morning, they put together a rescue mission.”
“Thank Christ.”
“They brought her to this safe house. They needed to keep her hidden until the viability of the embryos had expired.”
“Goddamn sick motherfucker.” A loud slap on wood filled the air of the bedroom. “I don’t even know where to start with this.” The sound of heavy boots faded then returned. “Since Ashworth isn’t military, I can’t bring him up on UCMJ violations. I need to talk to our JAG officers. The military assigned her to Homeland Security so maybe there’s something we can do for her. Maybe I can start an investigation into that slimy fucker.”
The general must have sat down by the small squeal that pierced the ears of everyone in the Virginia bedroom. “This could ruin the JAFSOS program. Her team was doing a stellar job for Homeland. I hate to yank them away from the agency. Hell. I’m not sure I can. Those decisions were made at the highest levels. POTUS had to sign off on it.”
There was a long pause before the general continued, “Is there even proof that Jack Ashworth was behind the IVF?”
“Yes, sir.” Alex picked up Katlin’s file and double-checked. “Jack Ashworth signed the release form and I’m quoting here ‘allowing the planned in-vitro fertilization of their children into his wife, Katlin Callahan, to move forward as planned.’ There is verification here that the eggs were from Katlin and the sperm from Jack Ashworth.”
General Lyon growled. “This makes me fucking sick.” After a second, he asked, “Lieutenant Commander Callahan, did you ever consent to this IVF?”
“Hell, no, sir.” She shifted in the bed. “I’m now beginning to wonder if he stole my eggs. Several years ago they were harvested after I’d had reproductive problems.” She scoffed. “Back in the days when I thought I might want to have Tyler Malone’s baby.” She swallowed audibly. “While I was in JAFSOS, they went missing, supposedly stolen and sold on the black market.”
“Sometimes even I’m surprised at the depravity of humanity,” the general admitted. “Katlin, I’m sorry that happened to you. Hopefully, we’ll be able to find the rest of your eggs so you can use them as intended.”
“Actually, General Lyon, my men were able to find her eggs and retrieve them from the fertility center where they were being stored. They’ve been moved to a more secure location.” Pride shone through Alex’s voice.
“Thank Christ you got all the rest of them.”
“Yes, sir.” At least Alex hoped so. They couldn’t find any records of the original egg harvest so they had no idea how many eggs they were looking for.
“I’ve got to leave in a minute. Shit’s gone bad in North Africa.” The general’s chair squeaked. “Lieutenant Commander Callahan, you are no longer designated AWOL. I want you to compile every indiscretion by Jack Ashworth. You know what’s needed. Dr. Tobias, how long will Lieutenant Commander Callahan be on medical leave?”
“A minimum of six weeks. If I need to extend it up to six months, she’ll let you know, but I’ll file the appropriate paperwork up my command which will send it to yours.”
“Lieutenant Commander Callahan, I expect you to follow the doctor’s orders and keep me apprised of any changes. Before you can return to duty under my command, you’ll have to pass the special operators physical fitness test and be examined by one of our psychiatrists in addition to Dr. Tobias’s release. Any one of those doctors has the right to refer you to a medical board that can medically retire you. When you accepted the rank of Lieutenant Commander a few months ago, you signed an additional commitment to the Navy. Your expertise is invaluable. Even though you might not be physically able to return to the field, I’ll find a place for you here. You have a great deal to offer special operations command. USSOCOM—”
“Sir, before you go, may I ask a favor?” Katlin interjected before he could sign off.
“You can ask, but you know me well enough that you might not get the answer you want.” There was a distinct warning in the general’s voice.
“Sir, would it be possible for my teammates to call me? I know they’re on a training mission, but—”
“Granted. USSOCOM out.” The line went dead.
“Dr. Tobias, as soon as possible I’d like to leave the safe house and move to Guardian Security. They have excellent physical fitness equipment and it’s the safest place I can possibly be.” She glanced around. “I don’t believe I need this equipment any longer so it can be returned and made available for someone else who truly needs it. I can also come to the hospital to meet with you so you won’t need to make house calls any longer.”
Yes! Although the safe house was beautiful, Alex really needed to be in his own apartment and facility. Working in the home library was certainly quiet, but he had so much more at his fingertips at his office. Then it dawned on him. Katlin had stayed in the Guardian penthouse before they got back together because it made her feel safe. Was she feeling insecure in the Tysons Corner house? Maybe once she was in familiar surroundings her memory would return faster.
“I’m fine with those arrangements.” Dr. Tobias packed his things. “Alex, do you have a gaming console?”
“I’m male. Of course I do.” He smiled proudly. “I actually have several.”
“Good. I’d like Katlin to play as many video games as she can. Especially the 3D ones.” The doctor glanced up at Alex. “Card games, too.” He directed his attention to Katlin. “Poker will help you identify visual cues. Games like gin rummy will help you pay attention and remember. All these games will help you develop efficient scanning, problem identification, and judgment skills. Besides, they’re fun.”
He picked up his bag. “I’ll see you in my office in two days.” On his way out the door, he spoke with Gina, but Alex couldn’t hear his words.
“We’ve never played video games together,” Alex pointed out. “And I can’t ever remember playing cards with you. If you get into a poker game at the office, make it for pennies only. We have some real card sharks that work for us.” Alex made a mental note to warn his men.
“I know what you mean, Tori has cleaned me out more than once.” She sipped her water and picked up a Jell-O cup. “Cards are a great way to break up the boredom while waiting for the orders to move out.”
“Do you remember your missions?” Alex didn’t want to ask specifics, but the more she remembered, the better.
“Sure. I’m just having problems remembering people.” She lifted hopeful eyes to him. “When we get to Guardian, can we call my brother and ask him to come over? I want to fill in t
hat blank.”
“Absolutely, babe. Daniel has been very worried about you ever since you were taken to the hospital. He visited you several times, mostly late at night.”
Her brows knit together once again. “I still can’t picture him, as either a child or an adult.”
“It’s okay.” Alex rubbed his thumb over the creases on her forehead. “It’ll be fine. Your brother loves you and he understands the situation.”
“Will you call him for me?”
“How about I call him and I’ll put it on speakerphone. Maybe his voice will bring back those memories.”
“Okay.“ Katlin let out a deep breath. “Can we first call Barry and ask him to call Jack?”
“You bet, babe.”
15
Jack sat slumped in his high back executive chair and watched the gold dot pulse in Kosovo. He knew if he sent men to that location, Katlin wouldn’t be there. The dot disappeared, reappearing in Johannesburg, South Africa. He’d put his best computer geek to trace the movements, but he hadn’t been able to break the algorithm, nor pinpoint the origin which would lead them to Katlin’s location.
His audio team had added Katlin’s name as well as Lady Hawk to their search protocol. Not a single hit on either word in all the millions of communications they followed.
Where the fuck was his woman? Was there any chance that their babies had been saved?
Ever since he’d discovered that she was gone, he waited for the ransom note. He’d pay whatever it cost to get her, and their babies, back. Then he’d have his best men track down those fuckers and kill every last one of them using the most painful methods possible.
But no ransom had ever been demanded.
It had been as though she’d simply disappeared.
He’d assigned the head of his video department to go over every frame recorded on each camera throughout the entire hospital. Again, she was there, and then she was gone. His technicians couldn’t explain why that had happened.
His temper tantrum over the Katlin situation had gotten him another month of visits to the agency psychologist. At that point, Jack didn’t care. Finding Katlin was the most important thing in his life.
