After the Storm (KGI #8)(45)

“Well, let’s get to it then,” Maren declared. “I’ll examine Travis and take X-rays and then go from there.”

Donovan made no move to reclaim Cammie from Swanny’s arms. Cammie looked as though she’d protest until Donovan put his hand to her cheek.

“I need you to let Swanny carry you, honey. I need to help your sister. Is that okay?”

Eve would have spoken up but as if sensing she’d do just that, Donovan silenced her with a look.

“’Kay,” Cammie said, sliding her thumb back into her mouth.

“I’ll take good care of you,” Swanny said in a grave tone.

Cammie cracked a half smile and settled back against Swanny’s chest. Tears stung Eve’s eyes. They were all so . . . nice. So very gentle and understanding with all of them. People just didn’t do what these people were doing. Going out of their way for complete strangers. Taking such a personal stake in their well-being. It flabbergasted Eve and rendered her unable to comprehend their generosity and kindness.

“Steele, can you help Joe with Travis?” Donovan asked as he bent over the couch where Eve sat. “He’s in a lot of pain and it would help if he doesn’t further aggravate his injuries.”

Handing the baby over to Maren, Steele moved to Travis’s other side and he and Joe helped Travis to his feet.

“Lean on me,” Joe said kindly. “Steele and I will bear your weight.”

Then Donovan turned his focus back to Eve. He extended his hand down but at the same time moved his other arm behind her back and gently eased her forward until she was on the edge of the couch.

“I’m really okay,” she said quietly. “My head hurts and I’m sure I have bruises in places I don’t even know about yet, but nothing feels broken or too badly hurt.”

“You’re in shock,” Donovan said bluntly. “I’d be more surprised if you were feeling it yet. But when the reaction sets in, you’re going to know it. Now let me help you and don’t argue.”

She conceded his point and allowed him to ease her to her feet. His strong arm came around her waist, anchoring her firmly to his side. And God, did it feel good. To lean on this man and his strength. It was like being held up by an immovable boulder. In that moment, she knew nothing could hurt her. That Donovan wouldn’t allow it. It was a crazy assumption, but she had no intention of thinking differently. She—they all—needed a moment where they felt safe and secure.

They moved slowly toward the door, Swanny leading the way holding Cammie. Travis, with the help of Joe and Steele, filed out after Swanny, and Maren, holding the baby, walked on Eve’s other side, hovering as if worried Eve would face-plant. Did she look that bad? She didn’t feel so terrible. But maybe Donovan was right. When the adrenaline diminished, maybe she would start screaming for mercy.

She tightened her lips, determined that no matter what happened she’d remain stoic for Travis and Cammie. They were afraid enough without her adding to their worries. And the truth was, she was far more worried about them. Travis was moving slowly, each step making him grimace. And Cammie was still running a fever and it was doubtful a night in the rain helped matters any.

“Will Travis be okay?” Eve whispered as Steele and Joe helped him into the backseat of an SUV she guessed must belong to Maren and Steele.

“He’ll be fine, Eve. I’m more worried about you at the moment. You’ll see that we have practically a damn mini hospital here on the compound. Sam, my oldest brother, outfitted it from head to toe with everything Maren could possibly need to treat our teams.”

Her eyes widened. “Do they get hurt so often?”

Donovan carefully put her into the front seat of his truck while Swanny climbed in back with Cammie. Joe got in with Travis, and Maren and Steele climbed in front, so they were taking two vehicles to the infirmary.

It wasn’t until Donovan slid behind the wheel that he answered Eve’s question. He regarded her with a serious expression as he cranked the ignition.

“I told you what we do. I realize you don’t fully comprehend the scope of what it is I do—that we all do—here, but our job is to help people who need it. To protect people. It’s a dangerous job and yes, we incur injuries from time to time. Maren used to have a rural practice in Costa Rica. Before that, she worked in Africa. We used her whenever we were in close proximity, but now that she’s moved here and is living here with Steele, we’ve taken her on as our doctor in addition to the patients she sees in the private sector.”

“Have you ever been seriously injured?” she asked in an anxious tone. Granted, she didn’t know Donovan, but the thought of him being hurt bothered her. It bothered her a lot.

He grinned. “Nothing too serious. All of us have suffered a bullet wound or two. Nothing that has ever taken me out of action for a long time. Two of my brothers had more serious gunshot wounds. Took them out of action for a bit and laid them up. They weren’t too happy about it either.”

She shuddered. “How can you be so nonchalant about it? You make getting shot sound so . . . normal.”

He shrugged. “Like I said. Hazard of the job. We’re all very aware of the risks we take when we go on a mission. If we weren’t prepared for that possibility, then we wouldn’t be doing our jobs very well.”

“Not many people would risk their lives for a stranger,” she murmured.