Blackstone quickly scans the perimeter before Cole draws closer to the road.
Mark opens the back passenger door, and Cole eases his body into the armored SUV with her still in his arms. It takes all his willpower to let go and buckle her in. Mark hands him a blanket, and he carefully makes sure she is covered and warm. Her nose gently presses into the fabric before her eyes shut momentarily.
Cole taps John on the shoulder, and they take off, leaving hell behind them.
Once they know it is safe, Cole removes his helmet and runs a hand through his hair. Savannah gives him a look, one that tells him she is curious about what is going on but still too weak to care.
“Savannah? You’re okay now. You’re safe,” Cole murmurs in a steady voice.
Her dark eyes hold his, and he sees a cut to her head. Without thinking, he reaches out, but she pulls back like she’s afraid of him.
His stomach twists into a knot, angry that he forgot his training.
He points to her forehead. “Looks like that hurt. Are you all right? Do you hurt anywhere else?”
He fights his anger and the urge to go back and blow the house to nothing but dust and bones. How could someone do this? Why is the world laced with monsters and villains? Cole loves his job, but some days are harder than others.
He sneaks a glance at Savannah before John speaks up.
“The jet is standing by, sir.”
He nods once. “Good. Tell them we’re ten minutes out.”
“Yes, sir.”
Cole watches as her head flops toward the window. No doubt this trip exhausted her.
The private plane Frank ordered is ready to go the moment they arrive.
Mark goes to move Savannah, but Cole shoots him a look that says he has her, and Mark moves aside and joins the others who are rushing toward the steps of the airplane.
They need to get out of here.
Hot air blasts as he ducks inside the private jet. The couch is heated, so he places her fragile body on the leather sofa and makes sure she is fully covered. Her deep, dark eyes follow him around the cabin. He tries not to notice, but just like her photo, she is captivating.
“Colonel.” John hands him an iPad and shows him photos of her room and house that Eagle Eye took after they left.
Savages.
Cole glances over and sees her eyes roll back. In two strides, he kneels and whispers, “Stay with me, Savannah.”
Her eyes flutter open, and he feels that warmth spread throughout his stomach.
“Crosscheck,” the captain says over the speaker, and Savannah loses her strength and gives in to sleep. Cole moves to sit next to her but keeps a careful distance. He catches Mark’s smirk before he settles into the warm leather while the team is making calls and filling out paperwork. He should be doing the same, but for whatever reason, he doesn’t want to leave her side. He knows he needs to be the one who protects her.
He shakes his head, trying to clear it. Then he lets out a long breath and makes a call.
“I wondered when I was going to hear from you.” Frank’s voice is quieter than normal.
Cole sips his brandy. “Anything?”
“Luka Donavan didn’t return with the mayor or Lynn.” He sighs. “We had a tail on them, but he only caught up with them at the airport. The mayor told the press that he and Lynn were on a much-needed vacation from the media. They were at the TJ airport.”
“So, you have nothing?”
There’s a pause.
“She’s been handed over, Logan. She was bought and paid for and, we believe, delivered to The American.” Frank clears his throat. “Whatever you need.”