The Last Shot: The Men of Revenge Book 5

By Sue Langford

Inspired by A Star is Born

His one fear had come true. He'd spent so long trying to protect her so this would never happen, and now he was sitting in a hospital. He had no idea what to do. His life felt like it was over altogether. All the preparing, all the security and all the threats came down to that exact moment. That one singular moment that meant that life as he knew it was over. Maybe somehow he'd find a way to end this ridiculous war and this ridiculous few that Amy had against him. He'd find out the real reason why she was so determined to take him down and make him hurt. Could it all really be because he wouldn't accept her? That she was jealous of Piper all the way along?

When it happened, she was stunned, but she knew this was her second chance. The chance to end all of it. To live a normal life again. The chance to live without the constant threats and worrying and the heartbreak of having her be the subject of one too many fights. Now, they were fighting like they should've from day one. They were a team, and that team had one shot and only one to get the life back that they should've had all along.

The final shot to end it all. The revenge would be over.....or would it?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Sue Langford
• Release date: Jul 6, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005345631

Sue Langford

Sue Langford has been a practising psychologist for more than thirty years, the past twenty of which have been in private practice, working in both clinical and organisational roles. She has provided consultancy services to the Department of Defence and other government agencies over the years. Her particular interest is in trauma management.

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The Last Shot

Book 5 of the Men of Revenge Series

Sue Langford

Copyright © 2022 Sue Langford

All rights reserved.

DEDICATION

To the addicts, the lovers and the followers of the Revenge Series. To the friends that cheered me on, and to those who never failed to inspire me.

To J, N, D, E and M

If there’s even a slight chance at getting something that will make you happy, risk it. Life’s too short and happiness is too rare. —  A. R. Lucas

Chapter 1

He saw her bleeding on the floor in the new screened in porch. He was almost shaking and he felt tears stream down his face. Baby please. Tell me you’re alright, he begged. When he saw her wincing, he knew. Baby, please. Don’t do this. Please baby. This can’t be happening. Not now, he said as he faintly heard the sound of squealing tire rubber. Ow. He saw her grab her side and her hand turn a dark red from the blood loss. Piper, please baby, tell me you’re okay? It’s like time was running in slow motion. He heard sirens and saw red lights flashing, but when he looked at Piper, it felt like they were the only ones in the room. What happened, Jackson asked as he came running in. She got shot. Get the SUV. We’re taking her to the hospital, Jamie said as he went to get her up. Ow. We’re getting you to the hospital if I have to run there, Jamie said as he gently picked her up and practically ran to the front door. The ambulance is here, Miss Jones said as Jamie ran out the front to meet the attendants. He laid her on the gurney. Ow, Piper said. Babe, you’re gonna be okay. If you aren’t, these idiots are gonna feel pain, Jamie said. She barely said a word as she went in and out of consciousness. Sir, we have to go. If you’re coming… I’m not leaving you responsible for her. I’m not leaving her side, Jamie said as Jackson handed him his wallet. Jamie put his phone in his pocket and the ambulance doors closed.

All Jamie saw was wires and gauze and stickers monitoring her heart. Is she okay, Jamie asked. We’ll see when she gets there. For now, she’s still bleeding but stable. Jamie. What happened baby? I don’t know. I was in there to surprise you and then I heard glass shatter and I was on the floor. I heard you and couldn’t breathe. Please keep still Miss Piper. We don’t want the bandage to move, the EMT said as they tried to see how bad the damage was. When she passed back out, the EMT changed the bandage. We need to get her there now, he said as they headed down the main road to the trauma center. Where’d she get hit, Jamie asked. Mid-torso. Two in and outs. Nothing that can’t heal, the EMT said as he replaced the bandages. They pulled into the ambulance bay and the doors flew open as they got her out of the ambulance and took her straight back to the trauma room. No matter how badly he wanted to be at her side, they kicked him out. Sir, you’re gonna have to wait out here. They need to work on her, the nurse said. Don’t let anything happen to her." The nurse nodded and went back in, leaving Jamie helpless and worrying.

He filled out what felt like a million forms. Is this seriously necessary right now? Sir, we need them filled in, the nurse said. Not long later, Jackson came in with Andrews. Is she okay, Jackson asked. Jamie nodded. I think so. I don’t even know. I need to know what’s going on, Jamie said as his eyes welled up again. He couldn’t decide between anger and sorrow and devastation. His hands were shaking so badly that he couldn’t fill the forms out. Sir, I’ll handle them, Jackson said. Jamie handed them off to him and ran his hands through his hair. If we’d just stayed in London, Jamie said to himself as the tears fell. Sir. I need to know what’s going on. Andrews nodded, told Jackson and came back to guard Jamie so he was away from anyone that would distract him.

He paced, started cursing under his breath and was waiting until his stomach started growling. Sir, you need food. It’s almost 7. I’m not leaving her here. I’m not moving until I know she’s alright, Jamie said. The head nurse came and tried to take him to the private waiting room. I’m not leaving this spot until she’s out of that room, Jamie said. Sir, she’s going into surgery. It’s going to be at least an hour or two, the nurse said. He glared at her. Sir, Jackson said. Can I at least see her before… Sir, it’s emergency surgery. They’re taking her straight there as fast as possible. Then tell me she’s gonna make it, Jamie said pleading with the nurse. I can’t. Please just come into the VIP waiting room, the nurse asked as Jackson helped him up and walked him in.

I need my wife, Jamie said. I get it but yelling at the nurse is not gonna help you. Sit, Jackson said as he closed the door. Jackson called Miss Jones to let her know what was going on and almost instinctively, she said that she was bringing Jamie food. You don’t need to, Jackson said. Jackson, I’ve been his housekeeper for longer than you’ve been his security. He needs food. She hung up and busied herself making him soup and grilled cheese, enough to keep them all fed. Jamie paced the waiting room, then paced the hallway. He almost wore a path. When Hendricks came into the waiting room with a basket from Miss Jones, Jamie was still pacing. Miss Jones said you had to eat. She put sweet tea in there with it. Grilled cheese and the soup Miss Piper loves. Jamie burst into tears. Andrews and Hendricks stood in the hall and Jackson sat down with him. She’ll be alright. I promise you she will. Doc is taking care of her. Breathe. He handed Jamie a box of Kleenex.

Even though she was Jamie’s wife, Jackson had become even closer to her. She wasn’t just Jamie’s wife anymore. She was his friend. One that made sure he was just as happy as they were. One of the only people he’d protected that considered him in all of it. If she didn’t make it, life would be different altogether. Jamie would become a recluse. He’d be back to snapping at anyone and everyone. He couldn’t imagine that. Not after everything they’d made it through. He stepped out of the waiting room and took a breath. Keep an eye on him, Jackson said as he went to talk to the nurse. Is there any update at all, Jackson asked. There was more bleeding than they thought there would be. Beyond that, I don’t know. I’ll check, but he can’t go yelling at the doctors, the nurse said. Understood. Just let me know. The nurse nodded and went to get an update while Jackson came back into the waiting room.

I get that you’re upset, but eat something, Jackson said as he grabbed one of the grilled cheese sandwiches. Jamie picked at the grilled cheese. His anger was overpowering his hunger. Jackson poured him a cup of the soup and Jamie couldn’t even look at it. He shook his head and Jackson had the soup. He put the cap on the rest and zipped the bag back up. When the doctor finally came in, Jamie was almost faint. Is Piper alright, Jamie asked. She will be. There was a lot of blood to get under control, and she lost her share. She’s alright though. Two through and through shots. No organ damage at all. She’s headed into recovery now. We’re getting Piper a private room. She needs a big bed. I’m not leaving her side, Jamie said. Understood. I’ll get it set up, doc said as she headed off. Now eat something. You can’t even stand up, Jackson said as he handed Jamie the grilled cheese. He finished it, guzzled down a glass of sweet tea and Jackson handed him the soup. He shook his head. How the hell does this happen when we did a full sweep of outside? They were in a car. It’s just like when we got shot. I didn’t see the car and it wasn’t caught on the cameras either. I don’t know where they were that they could’ve got a shot like that. They’re checking everything. Jamie shook his head and took a deep breath, finishing the bowl of soup. He got up, pacing again. When the nurse came and let him know she was in a room, Jamie followed her.

He walked in to see her out cold on the bed. Tubes, wires and a heart monitor with a continuous beep surrounded her. He drew the blinds and sat down in the chair beside her. He wasn’t about to wake her, but he needed to feel her skin on his. He gently slid his hand in hers, tangling their fingers. He kissed her hand and shook his head. It should’ve been me. It’s my fault. His head fell forward and leaned against her hand, minding the IV that was in the way. How could I let this happen, he said quietly. Now we’re tied, she said as she passed back out. There she was. That fighting spirit, that attitude that he’d fell in love with. She was still in there. He shook his head and got up, kicking his shoes off. He pulled his hoodie off and got up, sliding onto the bed behind her and wrapped his arm around her, making sure that he didn’t hurt her. He kissed her shoulder with the faint scent of antiseptic. He felt her hand move and kissed her neck. Jackson knocked and came in. You two alright, Jackson asked. We will be. Just need sleep. I’ll get Miss Jones to get a bag together for tomorrow so Miss Piper can rest, Jackson said quietly. Thank you. Just let everyone know she’s alright. As soon as I can get her out of here, we’re going home. We’ll go to Aspen so she’s safe. Jackson nodded and headed out, leaving Andrews and Eleni to guard the room.

When Jackson came back into the house, Miss Jones was cleaning the porch. You know you don’t have to do that right now, Jackson said. If I don’t, it’ll permanently stain, she said as Jackson noticed the puffy eyes. She’s alright. She’s out of surgery and in a room. Jamie’s with her. Then she needs a bag, Miss Jones said. I can get it. Just come and rest. No. This is almost done. I’ll get it. She finished cleaning, threw the scrubber into the bucket and got up. She got a bag, threw a change of clothes and Piper’s toiletry bag inside and handed it to Jackson as she went back and grabbed the bucket and emptied it as she brushed tears away. it’s not your fault, Jackson said. I should’ve been in there setting the table. She… She’s alright. Miss Jones shook her head. How did it happen? I don’t know. Miss Piper is alright. Doc got her all sewed up. She just has to heal. Then she needs the soup, Miss Jones said. She’s on IV. She’s not gonna need it for a while, Jackson teased as he got the bag.

Jamie sat and watched her sleep, falling asleep not long later to the sound of the heart monitor. The continuous beeping was starting to wear on his nerves, but if it meant she was alright he’d deal with it. He kissed her neck and she stirred but didn’t move a muscle. He just wanted to be near her. When he nodded off, he was out cold within minutes. Whether it was the droning sound of the heart monitor or the feel of her in his arms, he slept better than he had in weeks.

He felt her fidget a matter of hours later and was instantly awake. You okay, he asked. Arm, she said as he got up. What do you need? Just needed you to move your arm. I’m alright. He went to get up and she stopped him. Just stay, she said. He kissed her shoulder. Are you okay? I will be. The doctor came in a little while later, flipping a light on, and Jamie slid off the bed so she could check on her. How is she doing, Jamie asked. There wasn’t a ton of damage, but you’re doing alright. Just be careful with the stitches. No workouts or yoga or anything. Nothing that has you moving around too much. You have to rest and let the healing begin. A week minimum. No lifting, no stress and no moving around. You alright with that, Doc replied as Piper nodded. Get some rest. We’ll talk again later. Doc headed out and Jamie kissed Piper’s hand. And be gentle if you’re gonna stay Jamie. He nodded and Doc shut the lights back off. Jamie snuggled back into the bed and wrapped her arms back around her. You okay, he asked. Just sore. Honestly, I’d sleep a lot better if we were home instead of here. He kissed her neck and pulled up the blanket that a nurse had brought in for them. I’m not leaving your side until you can go home. I don’t care if it’s months. It’s 8 hours Jamie. He kissed her shoulder. Just close the sexy eyes and do what doc said. Get some rest. She nodded and he smirked, snuggling in as close as he could.

He woke up at 7 and gently slid out of the bed. He saw a bag by the bed that Jackson had obviously dropped off during the night with his toiletry bag and hers. He freshened up and sat down by the bed, hand in hand with her. Jackson peeked his head in and saw Jamie awake. Miss Jones gave me something for you two for when she’s awake, Jackson said quietly so they wouldn’t wake Piper. Jackson handed Jamie the warming cooler and he saw a breakfast sandwich and fresh coffee. Thank goodness for Miss Jones, Jamie whispered. She came down to check on you both last night. She couldn’t sleep. Let her know I said thank you. She said for you to call once Miss Piper is awake. I did check the email situation and I didn’t see much. It’s all good that I saw. I’ll keep an eye. Just let it be for now. Jamie nodded. He had his breakfast and intentionally put the coffee aside. Waking her up was totally not in his plan. He had his juice instead and sat at her side.

When there was a change in the security outside, Jackson let him know and intentionally stayed. She’d already been shot on his watch. He wasn’t about to let anything else happen. Besides, it gave him a chance to see doc a lot more. Jamie was putting the wrapper away in the bag when Pipers eyes opened. Hey, she said. How we feeling, he asked. Sore. Seriously painful. She gave you a button yesterday. You telling me that you didn’t use the dang thing? She shook her head. Jamie texted Jackson to check with doc and see if Piper was allowed to eat. When he got a reply that she was on soft only, he smirked. Miss Jones had even packed breakfast for Piper that was all soft. The spinach omelet she loved was in the case where his sandwich had been. I need coffee, Piper joked. He kissed her. I love you. Love you back handsome. What did she pack, Piper teased. Your omelet. I’m checking with doc to make sure you’re okay. Jamie. Babe, you’re on IV. Food is more important. Jamie shook his head and texted Jackson. A few minutes later, doc popped her head in.

I gather you’re awake, Doc joked. Sore as all get out but hungry, Piper teased. What’d she pack for Piper? I saw Jackson with one of those famous breakfast sandwiches. Omelet and her fave coffee, Jamie teased. Did you use the pain meds, she asked. Piper shook her head. Forgot they were there. Fine. Eat the omelet and half cup of the coffee then take the meds. Piper nodded. And tell Miss Jones I said thank you. The sandwich was amazing, Doc said as she headed out. Babe, if you’re that sore then take the meds. Food first. He shook his head. Then open your eyes and have the omelet. He kissed her. Jamie. Mm. This seriously hurts. Babe, take the pain meds. You told me I had to like freakin clockwork. She shook her head and leaned onto her back, almost screaming. He pressed the button for her. He grabbed extra pillows and got her somewhat comfortable enough that she could sit up a little and eat. How did this even happen? He kissed her. Later. Eat, he said handing Piper the plate Miss Jones had packed for her. And she even put on the fresh peaches on the side, Piper teased. You sure you’re okay? She shook her head. It hurts. I can’t fix that. He looked at her like she was watching her shrivel. I’m alright. She had her breakfast and before she could even grab the coffee, she was tired. Jamie poured it back into the thermos and put it in the bag. You’re allowed to rest. Jason. I have to call him. It can wait. We’re not supposed to be back for another week anyway. Jamie. Just rest. Did you… He kissed her. Close those sexy eyes and rest.

He barely let go of her hand for the next 5 hours. When doc came back in, Piper was having her coffee. I gather breakfast went down well. How are we feeling, Doc asked. Sore. What kind of damage was there, Piper asked. Nothing major short of a nicked artery. Nothing major. We had it all patched up. We had to remove a tiny piece of your kidney. Nothing that will cause any problems. We need to change the bandages and make sure things are alright. If the stitches are holding, you can go home. If not, you have to stay another night. Piper nodded. She’ll have pain meds to take home either way, and I can come by and check on you in a week or so. Piper nodded and Jamie shook his head. How long, Jamie asked knowing full well that Piper would be asking if she wasn’t out of it. It’ll take time. More than a week or two. Jamie nodded. I gather flying is out too? Doc nodded. For the time being, yes. He nodded, not exactly happy that his plan had been foiled.

Once we get the bandages changed, we can see how you are so you can head home. If you decide that you want to get out of town, land only. Jamie nodded and the nurse came in. They changed the bandages and Jamie saw for himself how bad it was. She might not have made it if he hadn’t got her to the hospital that fast. His hands almost trembled in hers. Jamie. He shook his head. Showing how upset he was, wasn’t about to help the situation. Well, there’s a little seepage, but nothing like I thought there might be. I’ll make sure you have bandages and everything you’ll need. Just change them after you shower and don’t rub at all. We need the healing. Thank you, Jamie said. Doc nodded and headed out, giving Piper time to get changed. The nurse took the IV out, made sure she had enough pain meds to get her home, and Jamie helped her get dressed.

Babe, if it’s that sore… Just hurts. That’s it. Then let me help. When she was fully dressed, the nurse came in to wheel her down to the front door. I’ll carry her, Jamie said. I get that you want to be the hero, but it’s hospital policy, Doc said as she gave Jamie the prescription and the bandages. They made it most of the way there when Jamie saw a mess of press at the door. We can take you down to the back entrance, the nurse said as Jackson messaged Andrews where to meet them. They got most of the way there and before Piper could stand up on her own, Jamie picked her up and carried her to the SUV. Jamie. She slid in, holding in what he knew was a yelp of pain. He hopped in beside her, making sure she was flat and comfortable enough for the ride home while Jackson hopped into the passenger seat and they headed off. You okay? She nodded. Sore. Jamie kissed her forehead. We’ll be fine when we’re home. Just don’t get all mad when you end up getting pampered, Jackson said. Piper wanted to laugh but knew she couldn’t. Is it bad that I really want to soak in the tub, Piper asked. Jamie kissed her. Funny. When they got to the gate, they passed 4 officers and two security staff.

The car stopped and Jamie hopped out, helping Piper from the seat. Before she even touched the ground with one toe, Jamie picked her up and carried her inside. Jamie. No fighting me on it, he said as Miss Jones came and put pillows onto the sofa so Piper would be comfortable. I made some of your favorite soup. Thought it might make you feel a little better, Miss Jones said. Jamie could see deep down that she was devastated. It’s okay, Jamie said. Miss Piper, I’m so sorry, she said. It’s alright. I’ll be okay, Piper said as Jamie sat down on the sofa’s edge beside her. You okay? Do you need anything? For this to be a bad dream. Other than that, soup and a drink. He smirked. Sweet tea and soup, he teased as he kissed her. He got the sweet tea and Miss Jones got him a bowl of soup.

Jamie. Yep. Why are the cops surrounding the house? It’s fine. Just extra precautions. She shook her head. Jamie. How are you feeling? Sore. What’s the real reason? They’re keeping the house and the grounds safe so we can get some actual rest. He walked over to her, attempting to distract her from overthinking it. He kissed her and sat down with her. All mine forever right, he teased. Are you intentionally trying to cute your way our of this or what? He kissed her again. I’m taking care of my girl. I noticed Jamie. He got up and sat at the end of the sofa so she had room to lay flat. Jamie. Rest. I want you comfortable so you’re not sore. Not likely, she teased. He slid her shoes off and she motioned for him to come closer. He shook his head. You need to rest. Now more than ever, he needed to leave her to rest. She needed to heal up so they could get out of Savannah. At that point, he was about to get the tour bus set up to take them to Aspen. You do remember when I said the same thing after you came home from the hospital. Come over here. You didn’t sleep last night and I know it. I will tonight. Just rest baby. She shook her head and leaned back onto the pillow. Just as she was about to close her eyes, the doorbell rang. Did you tell Harley, Piper asked. He shook his head. You were my only concern.

Jackson got up and answered and all Jamie could hear was Harley pushing past Jackson. Where is she, Harley said as she came towards the living room. I’m right here, Piper said as she fidgeted and winced. What in the dang world, Harley asked walking towards her. I’m fine. Jamie knew when he wasn’t wanted in the room. What happened? I was setting up for a nice dinner and the window shattered. Then I got shot somehow, Piper said. Jamie got up. What? I’m fine Harley. A few stitches but I’m fine. Jamie. That was the only room that didn’t have the bulletproof glass yet. It was on order to install. Harley shook her head. Char said she was trying to call you and hadn’t heard back. Your phone is upstairs, Jamie replied as he got himself a drink. Why didn’t you tell me, Harley said glaring at Jamie. I was with her until she was allowed to leave. I wasn’t leaving her side. Harley shook her head. I guess we’re not going anywhere this weekend then. Two weeks minimum. Doc isn’t gonna let her do much. We can’t even go to Aspen to get out of here," Jamie said as he guzzled back the Jack from his glass.

He was almost happy that she couldn’t do shows that weekend. He wanted her home safe. He was about to go that much further and get the bus to take them to Aspen. After her being shot in a house that should’ve kept her safe, he didn’t want to be in Savannah. Not until she could fend for herself. Until she had the strength to fight off whatever would come. He didn’t feel safe. Worrying was becoming his new normal. He sat down on the chair beside the sofa. You should call Char, Harley said as she sat down on the edge of the sofa. I’ll call her in the morning, Piper replied as she fought off sleep. Babe, you need to rest, he said as he tried to get rid of Harley. I have to let Jason know what’s going on. He needs time to find a backup. Jamie shook his head. Fine. I’ll get your phone. He walked upstairs and got her cell, bringing it downstairs to see her trying to sit up. What are you doing, Jamie asked.

Sitting up. I’m fine Jamie. Harley couldn’t believe her eyes. The doctor said rest. That means lay down or I’m taking you upstairs. She got pillows and attempted to put them behind her so she wasn’t fully sitting up. He shook his head and got her set with the pillows. I can call her for you, Harley said. She could see that Piper was in serious pain. I’ll talk to her. She’ll have questions, Piper replied wincing. Jamie shook his head. If she’d just listen to him. 24 hours. She can wait, Jamie said. I’m gonna head out then. I guess we can go on that weekend away that Aiden mentioned, Harley said. Jamie’s phone buzzed and he kissed Piper, leaving and going into his office to take the call.

Mr. Hastings. Did you find them? Not even a trace. I’ve had the entire department on this all night long. We added in extra security at the hospital while she was there and we had people trying to track them down. Nothing. It’s like they vanished. That’s twice. First me and Jackson then my wife? What part of if you can’t handle it I’ll get the FBI involved didn’t you understand? I think it may be a necessity now. They’ve taken off. I think they figured that she was dead. That was kind of their end goal. We’ll find them, the detective said. Now works. If you can’t find them by the time that Piper is healed up, the FBI is going to be involved. Long term. Understood. The officers are going to be posted at the house until she’s healed. That may be a month or more. I want this over. Jamie had to hold back from yelling at him. She was his only worry and his only thought in his mind. He hung up with the detective and went back into the bedroom.

Jamie came back into the TV room to see Harley still there. Why do I get the feeling that you’re about to give me bad news, Piper asked. Just making sure you were okay, he said as his jaw clenched. He sat back down on the chair. I know that look Jamie. What’s going on? Nothing, he replied as he kissed her. Piper shook her head. I’m gonna head out and let you two relax. If you need me to come hang out, let me know. I’m not exactly far away, Harley teased and she gave Piper a gentle hug. I appreciate it. I’ll let you know, Jamie replied as Jackson walked Harley out.

Now, you can tell me what that call was about since I heard you screaming from here. It’s fine. Just work stuff. And what did the officer say? He looked at her and shook his head. It’s nothing Piper. Just say it. He got up and got her a sweet tea, trying to soften the blow with her pain meds. Jamie. It’s nothing. They can’t find them. They haven’t been able to find any trace. As soon as either Doc says okay or I get the bus to take us, we’re going to Aspen. It’s two days driving Jamie. We can take the bus. Ask Doc. See what she says then. He nodded and called Doc. He laid her back down on the sofa, getting her comfortable while he waited for her to answer. Mr. Hastings, Doc said.

I know that you don’t want her leaving town by plane or whatever. I need to get her somewhere safe. Are you gonna be okay with that? Jamie, she just got out of the hospital. And I need to get her to Aspen or somewhere else away from here. If need be, we can fly you in so you can keep an eye on her. I’m sure Jackson will appreciate it. Sir, Jackson said as he came into the living room. He handed his cell to Jackson, and Jackson talked to Doc, walking back into his office. Jamie went into his, closing the door. Sir, the detective said. Yep. We notified the FBI. Good. Handle it. Jamie hung up and came back into the TV room.

Doc said that you can go. She’s coming with us. She said that Piper has to maintain bed rest. No overdoing it, but she’ll come to Aspen, Jackson said as he traded phones with Jamie. You sure, Piper asked. Jackson nodded. Then we’re leaving tonight. Even if it’s midnight when we leave, Jamie replied. It was less than 24 hours ago Jamie. And you’re still coming so I know that we’re all safe. Piper shook her head and Jackson went into the office.

Jamie, can we not just stay another 24 hours? He shook his head. They shot you last night. I don’t want you here. Alright, but I just got out of the dang hospital, she said wincing. If I could’ve, we would’ve been there already. I would’ve taken you straight there from the hospital. I love you Piper. I’m not letting anything else happen. We have no idea where they are and we don’t know if they’re just aiming for another try. I’m not risking that. She kissed him. I love you Jamie, but you need to breathe for a minute. He shook his head. I can’t. He got up and told Jackson to stay with Piper. Where are you going? He walked off and went upstairs, getting the bags packed. He came downstairs with both bags in hand to see Piper asleep on the sofa complete with ice packs and a half-full glass of sweet tea. She okay, Jamie asked. She was sore. She’s good now. The pilot texted and we can head there before dinner if you want. Jamie nodded. Sooner the better.

Miss Jones, Jamie said. Someone has to stay with the house, she replied. That’s what security is here for. I don’t want anything happening to you either. Get a bag. She nodded, packed up the soup to take with them and headed into her bedroom to pack a bag. Once everyone was packed and ready, Jackson loaded the bags into the SUV’s. Do we have everything, Jamie asked. Loaded and packed. I loaded the vests as well just in case. I still think she should stay here. No. Jamie. I said no. Jamie saw Miss Jones bring her bag out and headed over to Piper. Do you have the pillows that she’ll need, Jamie asked. Already in the car. Harley and Aiden are available to come as well, Jackson said. Within minutes, Jamie’s eyes were rolling. Not right now. He gently picked Piper up and she opened her eyes. Seriously? We’re going now? Jamie nodded and he slid her into the SUV to head to the airport. Ow. Jamie slid in beside her, slid the pillow under her head and got her comfortable enough. Did you tell Harley? Jamie nodded. Jackson texted them and let them know. Where’s my cell? In your purse. I have all your stuff and your notebook and laptop and even your iPod. What now, Piper asked wincing. Doc is meeting us at the airport Miss Piper, Jackson said from the front seat. She shook her head. They pulled into the airport not long later and Jamie picked her up and carried her up the steps, laying her on the sofa. You okay, he asked as he sat down on the edge of the sofa. Jamie, just sit. He leaned back on the sofa, sliding her legs over his lap. Jamie. He put the seatbelt over her gently and Doc hopped on with Jackson. When the bulk of the security team was on board, they headed for the runway. He couldn’t get her out of there fast enough.

They landed in Aspen not long later and he watched her sleep right through the flight. When they landed, he slid his hand to hers and squeezed. We here, Piper asked lazily. He nodded. Everyone hopped off and got the SUV’s loaded and Jamie made sure the pillows were in the SUV. He gently picked her up, sliding the seatbelt to the side, and carried her off the plane and into the waiting SUV. Within a matter of minutes, they were headed straight to the house. They pulled in a little while later and once Jackson did a full sweep of the house, they headed in. Jamie intentionally carried Piper. I can walk, Piper said as Jamie shook his head. Just humor me for once beautiful. She kissed him. Fine, but you have to know that I’ll be alright. I’ll heal.

You get settled and I’ll see how she’s doing, Doc Emily said as Jackson nodded and kissed her. Jamie carried Piper upstairs and got the pillows set up for her. He leaned her onto the bed and she winced. I’m fine Jamie. He kissed her and sat down beside her. You sure? Sore but yeah. He kissed her again and Doc Emily came in to check on Piper. I’ll take a look and see how you’re doing. Give us a few minutes, Emily asked as Jamie nodded and refused to let go of Piper’s hand. Jamie. Don’t ask. I’m not leaving her side. Emily shook her head and checked the bandage. Well, stitches are holding. Jamie, can you grab my bag? Jamie walked over to the dresser, grabbed the bag and came back over to Piper’s side. She changed the bandages, cleaned everything up and taped the fresh bandage down. You’re staying stuck together. I made sure there won’t be any major scarring as well. You doing alright, Doc Emily asked. I still don’t get why I can’t walk, Piper teased as Jamie kissed her hand. I think he’s just worried right Jamie? He nodded. He couldn’t help the shaky hands. Seeing her that weak angered him to no end. You feeling alright, Doc asked. Piper nodded trying to take a deep breath. Sore, but that’s kinda to be expected, Piper replied as Jamie laid down on the bed beside her.

She got Piper’s meds. You’re supposed to take them every 4 hours. I’m fine. I don’t need them that badly. If you’re determined to leave when I tell you to stay, at least take the meds. I will later. I’m okay. Emily shook her head. Then you’re doing ice packs to keep the swelling and inflammation down. Piper nodded and Jamie messaged Jackson to bring the ice packs up. He wasn’t leaving Piper’s side. Within a few minutes, Jackson brought the ice packs in and handed them to Doc Emily. Am I allowed to get up and go downstairs, Piper teased as Jamie almost glared at