Code Red Read Online Free PDF

“I’m
sorry. I tried to move the gun away from you.”
    “I know. I watched the whole thing, except
when you were kissing me. Thanks. You spared me an even worse
vision of Max’s death by blocking the view.” She tried to smile but
tears started flowing down her cheeks. Her expression appeared a
bit off, as though she’d taken drugs that were slowing her down.
“What happened to all the other people?”
    “They were arrested. Drug dealers attached
somehow to Max.” He needed to change the subject, because lying to
her made his stomach sour and his head hurt. “Is your family coming
to pick you up?”
    “No. I’ll get a ride back home in a few
days.”
    “From who?”
    Her arm waved in small circles as though she
couldn’t decide. “Maybe Adam or his wife Lily. They called to check
on me. Adam has a concussion and broken nose but is otherwise fine.
Are you staying here for a while?”
    Someone knocked on the door. “Ready,
buddy?”
    Kieran’s heart and all of his emotions fell
to his stomach like a granite boulder. Red. He couldn’t leave her here unprotected. It
wouldn’t be right. His body remained anchored to the side of her
bed as though he’d be losing a piece of himself if he walked away.
He’d just met her under the worst of situations, and he knew
nothing about her except that she was lonely, feisty, and brave.
And Kieran needed more of her. He wanted her history and he wanted
her future.
    Her hand curled inside of his. A perfect
fit.
    What would his superiors do if he stayed?
Fire him? Doubtful. He already had one foot firmly planted in
retirement. Besides, she needed a ride home and should have someone
secure her place. He could help her out. The US government, after
all, had caused her to be here by choosing a dangerous and too
public place to make their swap.
    “Come on, we’re going to miss the flight.”
George opened the door, entered the room and pulled on Kieran’s
arm.
    Kieran remained with Jess. “I need to stay
for a few days at least.”
    “For what?”
    “Debriefing. I’ll see you back at the office
when I’m done.”
    “That’s not a good idea. You don’t need a
black mark on your file so close to the end.”
    Kieran glanced over at Red. She stared out
the window, not really focusing on anything. Her pain medication
must have kicked in.
    “I need a few days,” he replied. “They owe me
for placing my life on the line for a paycheck that barely covers
my mortgage.
    “Good luck with that.” George shook his head
and strolled out of the room, steaming coffee in his hand.
    Red remained silent for a few minutes,
breathing in an easy, steady rhythm, and then her eyes closed. Her
breathing slowed and she slept, her hand still in his. Kieran
settled in next to her, staring at her peaceful expression and
relaxing for the first time in twenty years.
    For two days, he stayed with her at the
hospital, Red’s fake fiancé. They compared her childhood in a town
of under five hundred and his own childhood in the suburbs of
Baltimore. She told him about Robert, the jerk who screwed with her
and then died in a car accident on the way back to his wife. Kieran
told her about Heather, his ex, and Heather’s new husband and three
children. They both drank their coffee with cream and preferred
chocolate chip ice cream over plain chocolate. She wanted to
travel. She wanted to find a life away from Ohneka. He wanted a
life away from Washington DC.
    They held hands on the drive back to her
apartment. Neither spoke during the ride. Instead, they absorbed
each other’s presence until they’d each left a permanent mark on
the other’s heart.
    He helped her out of the car and set up her
crutches. As they made their way to the door, his phone rang.
    “Brody,” he answered.
    “What the hell do you think you’re doing?”
His direct boss, Randy, sounded furious. Nothing new, but his anger
rarely focused on Kieran.
    “Tying up loose ends, sir.” He’d already
given his excuses, but no