Free Operation Zulu Redemption--Complete Season 1 by Ronie Kendig

fear as she stared at the multistoried building ahead. The scratch across her cheek looked angry but not stitch worthy.
    “I need a doctor more than you after you dropped me twenty feet onto the hard ground.”
    “It was seven feet, and you’re a big guy.” Her gaze traced the hospital, worry evident and strong.
    “Relax,” he said as he slid the vehicle into a parking spot. “Keeley’s here.”
    Nuala’s pink lips parted. Then she closed her mouth, apparently not willing or ready to face the questions that were no doubt plaguing her.
    “I need to check in,” Boone said. “Then I’ll take you to the safe house.”
    Nuala nodded, her gaze tracking the movement of pretty much everyone in the parking lot, especially the security truck. “Should I come in?” she asked, dragging her attention back to him.
    “Yeah.” He’d never thought of her as the “easily spooked” type, but the scared-rabbit look on her face made him reconsider. Besides, he wouldn’t want her sitting out here. They couldn’t trust anyone or any situation right now. Everything posed a risk. A threat.
    Nuala, a petite thing at five-four, made his height and size seem monstrous as they walked. Maybe it was just that he was more aware of the difference after five years. Her round, cherubic face didn’t help things—she still looked fifteen, though her dossier read twenty-five. He’d always had this big-brother feeling toward her, wanting to keep her safe. Though his instincts said to protect her, Boone knew Noodle could take care of herself. The girl’s skills with a Remington had outshone his in no time.
    They entered the CICU wing, and he strode down the hall toward the secure area. Nerves on fire after their adventure in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone immediately zeroed in on the lanky guy sitting in the chair outside Keeley’s room. Rusty Gray, former Army and Special Forces, came to his feet and settled his gaze on Nuala.
    “You remember each other?”
    They both nodded. The less said here the better. Boone moved to the door. “How’s she doing?”
    “Same,” Rusty said.
    “Hang tight.” Boone let himself into the room. A sort of dusky feel had fallen over the room with the subdued lights and soft beeping and hissing of machines. Sun poked defiantly past the closed shades and curtain, demanding access to the still form in the bed.
    Auburn hair curled around her face, Keeley lay there the image of peace and beauty. He touched the soft strands, smiling as his gaze shifted to her face. “Hey. Time to wake up, beautiful. The team needs you.” He wanted to kiss her cheek, but they had an audience—he could feel their gazes boring into his back. “I need you,” he whispered.
    He squeezed her fingers. “I’ll be back later.” Linger here too long and they’d start asking questions. Ones he didn’t want brought up. Ones he couldn’t afford to be exposed. Boone stepped back out and jutted his jaw toward Rusty. “Doctors been by?”
    “Not yet,” the guy said, his brown, curly hair longer than regs. “But it’s early. Nurse was here, said she’s doing good. They might downgrade her to the ICU by the end of the week.”
    With a nod, Boone felt the pressure in his chest ease a little. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Thanks for doing this.” He caught Nuala’s arm and started moving.
    Back in the SUV, Boone headed north on Fairfax County Parkway and hit Route 7, instantly feeling like a trout trying to swim upstream. “Hungry?” he asked, glancing at Nuala.
    She shook her head.
    “We have a full kitchen at the bunker, but it’ll take us an hour to get there in this traffic.”
    “I’m fine.”
    This
is why he’d steered clear of Nuala. She would seem fine and strong one minute, moody the next. He didn’t get it. “Well, I’m hungry after you strung me up.” Besides, stress made him crave protein and a good workout. And with the attacks, the murders, and being around Trace and Zulu once more, Boone was