chance. The store, then home. Call Wrath if you want in on the action.”
Stowing the last of the groceries, Gunner did just that. “It’s Gunner.”
Wrath’s voice exploded over the phone. “Where the hell are you?”
“Home.”
“You left the damn hospital without the doctor’s release.”
“Yes, sir, I did. There was no way I was staying another day.”
“Who helped you?” Wrath ground out.
“Uber?” Gunner thought the answer pretty clever.
“Think again. And while you’re thinking, know Fargo is sitting in front of me.”
Scrubbing a hand down his face, he stifled a curse. “It’s all on me, Wrath. None of this should blow back on Fargo. What would you have done under the same circumstances?”
“That’s not the issue. Our ultimate employer requires clean health records. What it means to you, is they want everything neat and tidy. You are admitted to a hospital, you get a doctor’s release before leaving. Any of this new to you?”
“No, sir. It isn’t.”
“Good to know. Since the damage has been done, I’m sending someone over to stay with you a few days.”
It shouldn’t have surprised him. “No need. I’ve got that covered.”
“Is that so? One of the Brethren?”
“No, sir.”
A long silence followed before Wrath spoke again. “Fargo said he’d told you about Chaos locating the man stalking the Snowden family. The police have identified him through his fingerprints. Turns out he’s a soldier for the Chicago Mob.”
Gunner’s breath caught, a vise squeezing his chest. “An assassin?”
“I don’t know. Detective Darilyn Romero and Bettencourt have been questioning him concerning the shooting at the hospital. If nothing else, they can charge him with stalking. The problem is, he’s lawyered up.”
“Not surprising with his Mob association,” Gunner gritted out.
“I’ll let you know if we get more information from Bettencourt. Stay home and rest. Don’t even think of showing up at the clubhouse for a minimum of four days.”
“But—”
“You heard me.” Wrath ended the call, leaving Gunner to stare at the phone. It immediately rang again.
“Where are you?”
A smile spread across his face. “Hello, Kat.”
“Are you at home?”
“Yes. I told you I’d be leaving the hospital today.”
He could hear her expelling a long breath. “You should’ve called. I would’ve taken you home.”
Hearing the disappointment in her voice, he felt a flash of unease. “Are you still coming over?”
“Do you still want me to?”
“Absolutely. I’ve already started making dinner.” A lie, but he did have what he wanted to prepare. “What time can you be here?”
“Well, I’ve already asked Janie for the afternoon off, and I am parked in the hospital lot. Anytime that’s convenient for you.”
“Now would be convenient.”
Her heart fluttered at his immediate response. Gunner’s eagerness felt wonderful. “All right. Can I stop and get anything?”
“I’ve got everything I need. At least I will when you get here.”
Chuckling, she slid into her car. “Is that a line, Mr. Henson?”
“Did it work?”
“Actually, it did. See you soon.”
The instant he hung up, Gunner second guessed himself. If the shooter and his companion were watching the hospital, they might follow Katrina, maybe try to intercept her.
Moving to the door, he grabbed his keys, then stopped. The words of the nurse rang in his ears.
“Two days, Mr. Henson, and no less.”
He wondered if the warning was meant for his safety or those of others. In the end, the caveat didn’t stop him from leaving. Katrina pulling into his drive did.
Tossing the keys aside, he walked toward her. As she got out, he allowed his gaze to wander over her, from the colorful tennis shoes to the tight jeans, and the body molding white top. Desire ripped through him as she closed the distance between them.
Putting an arm around her waist, he dragged her to him, covering her mouth with a searing kiss. Raising his arms, he cupped her face with both hands, deepening the kiss, exploring the recesses of her mouth. She tasted wonderful, the same as the few times before. It was as if he’d come home from a long absence.
Wanting to get her inside, he ended the kiss, lifting his head to stare into glazed eyes. “I’m glad you came over.”
A slow smile spread across her face, her hands moving down his chest. “Me, too.”
“Anything to carry inside?” He peeked into the back seat, spotting a small bag.
“Just that one.”
Lifting it out with his right hand, he wrapped his other arm around her shoulders as they walked inside. She fit against his side so well, it was as if they’d always been together.
“Can I get you something to drink? I’ve got iced tea, soda,