Eye for an Eye, an (Heroes of Quantico Book #2): A Novel Read Online Free PDF Page B

drill. But at least he didn’t comment on the oversized bouquet of roses Mark purchased. Unless a raised eyebrow could be construed as a comment.
    In any case, Mark ignored it.
    At the hospital, Coop parked near the service entrance in the back to avoid the press vans staking out the main entrance.
    Again, Mark waited until Coop did a sweep of the area before he got out of the car. Deciding humor rather than anger or frustration might be the easiest way to deal with the awkward situation, he grinned as he stepped out of the car and leaned back in to retrieve the flowers.
    “I could get used to this. It makes me feel important.”
    Coop gave him a dry look. “Don’t let it go to your head.”
    With a chuckle, Mark headed inside.
    They found a fellow agent sitting outside Emily’s door, and Mark did the introductions as Coop flashed his credentials.
    “I’ll take over for a while if you want to stretch your legs,”
    Coop offered.
    “Thanks. I’d appreciate it.” The man turned to Mark. “Steve said to let him know if you think she’s up to an interview. Oakdale would like to get a statement today.”
    “Okay, thanks.”
    As the agent disappeared down the hall, Mark turned to Coop.
    “I won’t be long.”
    “Don’t rush on my account.” Coop settled into the chair. “In light of the fact that I’ll be sleeping in a construction zone, I’m in no hurry to leave.”
    “I take it you talked to Nick?”
    “Yeah. I ran into him in the office when I arrived. He hasn’t changed much since you and I were in Richmond with Monica a year and a half ago. Anyway, he warned me about the house.”
    “It’s not that bad.”
    “It is if you’re allergic to drywall dust.”
    “Seriously?” After four years working in often too-close quarters with his partner, he thought he knew all of Coop’s idiosyncrasies.
    “Don’t worry. I came with some heavy-duty medication. I’ll live.”
    “If you’re trying to make me feel even guiltier, it’s working.”
    “Good. You’ll owe me.” Coop grinned and eyed the flowers.
    “Now go see the lady.”
    Shaking his head, Mark turned and tapped lightly on the door, cracking it a few inches. “Em? It’s Mark. May I come in?”
    There was a rustle of sheets before she responded. “Of course.”
    He stepped inside, shutting the door behind him. The top of the bed was hidden from his view, but he confirmed with a quick glance that the agent protecting Emily had drawn and closed the vertical blinds. It was a standard security and privacy measure. Reporters would do almost anything to get video for the evening news, and a plate glass window wouldn’t stop a sniper if he could get a clear line of sight.
    The latter scenario didn’t sit well with him, and he pushed it aside. Forcing his lips into a smile, he moved into the room.
    To his relief, Emily’s pallor had been replaced with near-normal color, and her eyes were alert. Strain had tightened her features, but considering the sizeable bandage on one arm, the IV in the other, plus her multiple abrasions and bruises, that didn’t surprise him.
    “We have to stop meeting like this, you know.” She managed a weary smile as she greeted him.
    “I don’t know. I kind of like those pajamas.” Grinning, he moved beside the bed and gave the pink satin top an appreciative inspection.
    Warmth tinted her cheeks. “You’ve gotten pretty bold since the old days.”
    “More flush too. As I recall, a bouquet of daisies was about all I could afford back then.” He leaned over to set the vase of pink roses on the nightstand, moving a worn Bible aside to clear a space for them.
    “Could you let me smell them first?”
    “Sure.” He switched direction. She attempted to sit up, but when she stiffened and drew in a sharp breath, he put a hand on her shoulder and pressed her gently back.
    “I have a better idea.”
    Setting the vase on the nightstand, he withdrew a single long-stemmed pink blossom and handed it to her. She lifted it