Free Secret Delivery by Delores Fossen

door.
    Dr. Bartolo caught her arm. She didn’t trust him, didn’t know the reason for the distrust, and hated that if he hadn’t caught her, she would probably have fallen flat on her face.
    “Jack’s not going to let anything happen to that little boy,” the doctor assured her.
    He led her back to the gurney. He was right about Jack and she honestly couldn’t stand on her own, so Alana had no choice but to sit down. Maybe after a minute or two, she could think straight and figure out how she could help Jack.
    “I took a blood sample,” the doctor continued. “It’ll tell me what kind of drug you were given.”
    She glanced down at the injection site on her arm. It was a reminder of just what this man was willing to do to kidnap her. He wouldn’t be any less ruthless with her child.
    “You got a good look at the man who did this?” Dr. Bartolo asked.
    Had she? Yes. She had. Alana clearly remembered his face. That was something at least. She’d be able to give a detailed description to Jack. Of course, it was possible that Jack already had an up-close and personal view of the kidnapper since the man might have driven straight to the ranch.
    “I need to talk to Jack,” she said. “I need to find out what’s going on.”
    She was about to get up again, but she heard the footsteps, looked up and saw Jack. His breath was fast, and there was sweat on his face.
    “Where’s Joey?” she asked, almost too afraid to hear the answer.
    “He’s okay.”
    Alana’s heart beat even faster. She was relieved, but that wasn’t relief she saw in Jack’s expression. “Where is he?”
    “Here, at the hospital. Aunt Tessie hadn’t gone back to the ranch yet. When I called her, they were at the grocery store, so I went over and got them.” Jack looked at the doctor. “How soon before she can leave?”
    Dr. Bartolo volleyed glances between them. “I take it you want her out of here?”
    “Immediately. We weren’t able to find the guy who did this. Reyes is still out looking for him, and the Rangers are sending someone down to assist with the search. But for now, I can’t guard Joey and Alana if they’re in two separate places.”
    That got Alana on her feet again. “What are you going to do?”
    “I’m taking you, Joey and Tessie to my office. There’s a small break room with a sofa sleeper. It’s pretty sparse, but you’ll have to use that until I can make other arrangements.”
    She didn’t care about sparse. Her only requirement was that it be safe for her son. “And Joey will be there, too?”
    Jack spared her a glance, but he didn’t look directly at her. His body was tense and tight. His chest, still pumping. “I don’t have a choice. Joey will be there.”
    How ironic. The threat of imminent danger would bethe reason she could see her son. But Alana gladly would have postponed that meeting if she could be guaranteed that this man wouldn’t go after Joey.
    “She’ll probably be woozy for a while,” the doctor said. “She should rest. This sounds like the start of big mother and child reunion, but my advice is for her not to hold Joey until we’re sure this virus has run its course.”
    Even that didn’t dampen Alana’s spirits. For now, she would be satisfied with simply meeting the child she’d given birth to.
    “Bring her back tomorrow for a checkup,” the doctor added.
    “Will do.” Jack went to her and took her by the arm. He pulled the blanket from the gurney and wrapped it around her like a cape. “Once things have settled, I’ll see about getting you some clothes.”
    Settled . Heaven knows when that would be. “Thank you for this, Jack.”
    He didn’t answer. He got her moving. There was a sense of urgency and unease in his every step.
    Her feelings mirrored his. She was afraid, but the fear lifted in a snap when Jack and she walked out of the ER and into the adjacent waiting room. His aunt Tessie was there.
    She was holding Joey, just a few feet away.
    So close that Alana