“I’m telling you, it’s an epidemic,” Anniston chuckles at the sound of my panic. “Ebola is loose in the house!”
I pace around my room, worrying my lip between my teeth. I have been holed up in here for an hour trying to decide on the best course of action. Commander left me in charge and I really want to impress her by handling my charges with efficiency but…this is different.
The house has been overrun with the flu. It’s bad. Like, so bad that if I see one more gag face, I am going to vomit right alongside them. And it will be profoundly disgusting.
“Stop being such a drama queen, Major,” Anniston sighs into the phone.
I know she is exhausted from the long week she endured with Theo and the team. I heard he was giving her hell with his training.
“Cade. Seriously. How bad is it?”
I pace to the window, moving aside the curtains to view the expansive backyard. “I don’t know. Hayes came home from the store looking pale and by the time I asked what was wrong he was shivering, complaining that his bones hurt.”
Actually, we were all out hunting Lawson’s ass down. We found him parked outside the sheriff’s house, doing some kind of stakeout. It took all five of us to drag him away. I am so fucking pissed that he would endanger Anniston’s life after I told him I was able to reach my guy at the FBI. They are looking into the case and specifically instructed us to lay low. Grant, my contact, said he would let us know what he finds out. Getting Nicole out safely is their primary concern. But does Lawson listen? Fuck no! And after tonight, I am one more incident away from chaining him in the barn. It would be for his own good. And ours.
“And within the hour, Vic, Mason and Lawson started.” I groan.
“And Tim?”
“So far so good,” I answer. “Hayes has been texting me, though. He says he needs something for his fever. I gave him some Tylenol but he can’t keep it down. I’m so sorry to call you but I just don’t know what else to do.” Inhaling a deep breath, I look to the ceiling for answers.
“A fever? He has a fever?” she ponders.
“Uh huh.”
“Did they go out for dinner or something?”
I wrack my brain trying to remember what we did for dinner. No one cooked. It was Vic’s night and we unanimously voted to go out. Although, Tim and I ordered in Chinese.
“Yeah, as a matter of fact, I think the guys went out. I don’t remember where. Tim and I ordered in.” I get a little giddy, thinking that just maybe the plague isn’t loose in the house. “Do you think it’s food poisoning?”
“Maybe. I’ll know more when I get home.” There’s a muffled commotion in the background. “No, Theo, we are not going to a hotel. And yes, I have to check on them. Don’t be a dick.”
I hear Theo grumble something about a bunch of nasty asses. I try to ignore him, but deep down, I know he’s right.
“I’ll be home soon.”
“What?” She’ll be home soon? That’s a surprise.
“Theo and I were heading home anyway, I should be there in about an hour if traffic cooperates.”
Fucking Theo. He was supposed to keep her in Washington throughout the weekend. I should have known he wouldn’t be able to hold up his end of the bargain. But, as much as I want to let Von Bremen have it, I’m relieved knowing I can keep my eye on her. No one will get to her with me by her side. Just try me, Lou.
“Okay. Should I do anything in the meantime?”
“Just make sure they all have fluids.” Almost as an afterthought, she adds, “And some cold compresses would be good for Hayes’ fever.”
I can hear Theo groan his disgust.
“Hang in there, Major. I’ll be home soon.”
I smile widely, already feeling better that Ans is coming home to deal with all these germs. And coming home to me.
A knock wakes me from my curled-up position in the sitting chair next to my bed.
“Cade?” Anniston’s melodic voice is a welcome sound after spending most of the night playing nurse aid to the guys.
I spring up, eager to greet her at the threshold. I drink in the sight of her. Typical leggings underneath one of Theo’s tees, her hair messy and wild like she tried pulling it up but it didn’t want to cooperate so she just saidfuck itand left it in a half-ass ponytail. When my gaze meets her tired eyes, I realize just how much I’ve missed her, and I’m not talking about with the whole Ebola thing going around. I missed her. I missed us binge watching our shows and arguing about the proper way to make a bed. FYI: the sheet must always be tucked. She is just wrong.
