Free WAR: Disruption by Vanessa Kier Page A

told her to hold her breath. Nothing derailed Rene once he set his mind to it. He bent and removed Emily’s sneakers before she could stop him. As he slid off her socks, he hissed in surprise, then said, “Mademoiselle, I think you and Max must have quite a story to tell.”
    “What?” Max moved forward. Emily’s feet were covered with blisters, most broken and bloody but a few still pregnant with liquid. “What the hell, Em? Have you been walking with blisters since the beginning?”
    She just shrugged.
    “Why didn’t you say something?” He ran a hand over his face. “Dammit, how was I supposed to know you were hurting? You didn’t even limp.”
    Face red, Emily wiggled her toes. “Take a good look at the state of my feet, Max.”
    Rene pointed to a thick callus on her big toe that was partially covered with blood. Emily nodded. “I’m—” The misery that filled her eyes made his chest ache. She quickly glanced away, cleared her throat, then started again. “I was a ballet dancer. Calluses, blisters, and broken toes are par for the course. I didn’t limp or complain because I’m used to pain in my feet.”
    “Then why’d you need Rene to carry you inside?”
    She gave a rueful smile. “Because I’d been sitting funny in the truck and my feet had fallen asleep.” She shrugged. “You know. Pins and needles.”
    Rene’s mouth curled into a smile. “I am relieved that it is not worse. Would you like to bathe? Afterwards, I will bandage your feet.”
    Emily nodded so violently, Max snorted. She pushed hesitantly to her feet, but her balance was good. She took one step, then halted. “Do you have a phone that can make international calls? I need to let my family know I’m okay. And—” Her voice caught and she glanced down.
    “Don’t worry about it,” Max said. “We’ll make sure word gets to your family and to the families of the women who were killed.”
    She nodded without looking up at him. “Thanks. The tour company needs to be notified as well. Also, there were three other women who were part of the tour. They were in the southeast region. Would it be possible for you to check that they’re okay?”
    “Of course we’ll check on the women. But it’s safer if the tour company thinks you’re dead.”
    Her head snapped up.
    “Don’t worry, we’ll make certain your family learns the truth. But until we know if anyone on the tour company’s staff was involved in sending the rebels to the way station, it’s better that they not know you’re a witness.”
    “Oh.”
    That one word made her sound very young and very scared. She searched his eyes. He had no idea what she saw, but she gave him a tentative nod.
    “Mademoiselle, I promise that we will take care of the notifications for you,” Rene said. “For now, if you will please come with me.” He turned and stepped into the hall.
    Max kept an eye on Emily as she followed Rene, just in case her feet gave out.
    “Mademoiselle, the bathroom is just there.” Rene pointed toward an open door. “You should find all that you need inside.”
    “Thank you.” Emily glanced at Max. “Uh… Good night, Max. Thanks for sticking with me.”
    He shrugged. “Nite.”
    Emily disappeared into the bathroom and shut the door behind her.
    “That is your room.” Rene nodded toward the guest suite across the hall. “Are you able to undress yourself? Because quite frankly, my friend, you stink. You should wash before you call Kristoff.”
    Max frowned. “I’m good to go. The ribs are just bruised.”
    When Rene raised one brow, Max rolled his eyes. “Okay, Dr. Dad. My ribs hurt like hell, but I’ll manage on my own.” Even if he had to cut his t-shirt off.
    “Ah, you Americans. So afraid to ask for help.”
    “Yeah, well, I didn’t tell Kris I needed medical care.”
    “Yet he knows you better than that, does he not?” Rene shook his head and jerked his chin toward the door.
    Max threw Rene an irreverent salute, then walked into the