“At the end of the hall on a phone call. I don’t think he’s aware Sarah’s gone AWOL.”

Dr. Kilgore released a short chuckle with no humor. “I’d like to keep it that way, but I suppose we need to tell the man.”

“I’ll stay here in case she comes back,” Gavin said. “Why don’t you see if anyone else has located her?”

“Good idea.”

The doctor slipped out of the room and Gavin raked a hand over his head. “Where are you, Sarah?” he whispered. “What are you doing?” He paced her room from one end to the other while he checked his phone. Nothing. Not a call nor a text. He stilled. Did she even have a phone? Probably not.

He stepped out into the hallway once more. Looked left, then right. And thought he saw a sock-encased foot peek out of the room next door before pulling back inside. He hurried the few steps to the entrance to find Sarah leaning against the wall, her face pale except for the bright flush to her cheeks. “Sarah!”

She swayed and he caught her against his chest. She blinked up at him. Focused. “Gavin,” she said. “Thank goodness.”

“What are you doing in here? Are you okay?”

“No, get me back to my room, please.” She tugged the belt of the robe tighter. “Hurry.”

“You shouldn’t be out of bed.”

“I promise I’m trying to get back in it.” She pushed away from him and took two wobbly steps.

Gavin gripped her arm, concerned when she leaned heavily against him. “Sarah . . .”

“Don’t let them know I was in here,” she whispered.

“Who?”

“Dr. Kilgore.” She swallowed and panted. “She’s in trouble,” she said, her voice low and weak. “They’ve done something to her.”

“Who?”

“She begged me for help. But now she’s not there. Need . . . to find . . . her, but I think I’m going to pass out.” Her last word ended on a whisper just a split second before she slumped. He caught her before she hit the floor and lifted her into his arms. Not seeing anyone at the nurses’ station or in the hallway, Gavin scurried back to her bed to deposit her gently on the sheets. She groaned and he noted the heat radiating from her.

“What’s going on?”

Gavin looked up to find the general in the doorway with a frown on his face. “I’m not sure, sir.” Well, that was the truth. “She said someone needed help.”

“Who?”

“Beats me. She passed out before she got that far. She’s definitely got a fever again.”

“I’ll get the nurse.”

CHAPTER
SEVEN