The Edge of Trust: Team Edge by K. T. Bryan

locket from Dreena’s neck as she’d slept.  As the entire family had slept.  And no one, not him, nor one of his many men, had seen it happen.
    Yes.  This man was dangerous.
    Even more so because he had so quickly won Dreena’s affection and loyalty.  Something rarely given, and certainly never to someone she’d only just met.
    Dario settled Dreena back in her chair with a kiss on her forehead, then fastened the locket around her neck.  “There.  Back where it belongs.  Safe and sound.”
    Those words ricocheted in Rafe’s mind.  Safe and sound had not lasted. 
    And neither would it last for Caldwell.
    <><><>
    Sara recognized Dillon’s voice even before she’d opened her eyes, even before she was fully conscious.  She started to look at him, wanted to see him again after so long, but self-discipline said no.
    Survival first.  Get away, get to Craig, get Ellie.
    And never, ever, show fear.
    Do the unexpected. 
    She giggled, hiccupped.  Dillon’s Spanish was better than hers, so she went for drunken French, hoping the medic would shrug her off and let her go.  “Je semble avoir perdu mon mari.”  
    “Vous n'êtes pas américain'?”
    Well, crap.  Of all the medics in the world she had to get one who not only spoke French, but spoke it better than she did.  “Pas.”   No, she lied, she was not an American.  And she needed to get back to her hotel.  “Je dois retourner à mon Hotel Del Coronado.” She let her head sag forward and hiccupped again.
    The medic turned to Dillon.  “She’s married.  Looking for her husband.  Sorry, man.  She must’ve been pretty hammered to pass out that close to the shoreline.   Lucky she didn’t drown.”  He gave Dillon a look that said what he thought of stupid tourists.  “She wants to go back to the Del.” 
    “I see,” Dillon said.  Then added, “As for her husband--” He turned toward her and said, “Peut-être si vous recherchez, vous verrez votre mari bien ici.”   Perhaps if you look up, you will see your husband right here. 
    Sara’s heart ached and her shoulders slumped.  Of course Dillon spoke French.  She knew that.  He spoke several languages. 
    The paramedic gave them both strange looks.  Like maybe he was watching some new reality show and no one had told him the rules.  “Vous devez aller à l'hôpital.”
    “No.”  She sighed, gave up the drunken French bit.  “I don’t need to go to the hospital.”  Hospitals weren’t safe.  Hospitals meant names and records and long, endless questions.  And being trapped in one place.   Just the thought of being held overnight filled her belly with ice. 
    She had to leave.  Sanchez would be after her.  If he found her again--
    Or worse, found Dillon--
    Get to Craig.  Wait for Matt to bring Ellie.
    She was cold, numb, her body heavy, but the thought of getting out of there, now, gave her strength.  She pushed herself up.  “I have to go.”  Holding the blanket securely around her, she scooted out of the back of the ambulance and stood on legs made weak from fear more than exhaustion. 
    “I really think you should see a doctor, Ma’am.”  The medic finally figured the game and spoke to her in English. 
    She huffed out a worried breath.  “And if I don’t?” 
    “As a precaution, better safe than--”
    “Sorry.  Right.  Got it.”  Never show fear.  Go.  Move.  Leave now.   She gestured at the blanket, her lack of clothes.  “If you’ll excuse me, I have some shopping to do.”  She waved a hand, no cares in the world.  “Midnight madness sales and all that.”
    “It’s not even close to midnight and you’re in no condition--”
    It took all she had not to give in and snap.  “Guess I’ll start early then.” 
    The medic shook his head at all the weirdness.  “Okay, but if you start feeling worse later--”
    “Hospital.  Right.”  She was starting to vibrate with impatience now.  “My bag?”
    After having her sign a