Baby On The Run. Hope White

into uncontrollable tears.

      Snap out of it. Stop thinking about yourself, and focus on the little boy.

      “Want me to hold him?” Matt asked.

      She glanced up. They were alone in the examining area. The doctor and nurse had left and she hadn’t even noticed. She must pay more attention to her surroundings.

      “Are you ready to go?” she said.

      “Not quite. The nurse is getting me an ice bag and ibuprofen to take home.” He shook his head. “Home? What am I talking about?” he muttered.

      “How’s your... Did you tell them about your memory?”

      “No. Didn’t want to give them a reason to admit me.”

      “Maybe they should do a CT scan.”

      “Not necessary. You’re not the only one who’s suffered a concussion before.”

      She sensed his comment was meant to be an opening for her to share more about herself. But that was not happening. Ever. The shame would choke her before the words passed her lips.

      “It will be okay,” Matthew said.

      He was offering comfort because he sensed how stressed she was, how nervous and maybe even terrified about what would happen next. The list of options flashed across her mind—she’d be arrested for kidnapping; Eli would be handed back to his abusive father and Jenna would be imprisoned for trying to save a child; or worse—she’d be found by Chief Billings.

      The image of Chloe’s lifeless body dropping to the floor sent shockwaves of fear all the way to her fingertips. The little boy sighed and stirred against her shoulder. It gave her strength.

      She stood. “I’m glad you’re okay, Matthew.”

      “I hear a but at the end of that sentence.”

      “I need to find Chloe’s cousin Marcus.”

      “We can help with that.”

      “But you won’t, will you? You’ll be required to place Eli back with his father.”

      “As I said, if you have proof that he is harming the child—”

      “Chloe’s word is enough for me.”

      “I understand, but it may not be enough for the law.”

      “The law.” She couldn’t stop a sardonic chuckle from escaping her lips. “I don’t care about the law. I care about protecting this little boy.”

      “I can’t let you leave.” He shifted off the exam table.

      Panic shot through her body. Not again. She couldn’t deal with another domineering man.

      You’ll never leave me.

      Her mind whirred with options as she clung tighter to Eli. Why had she trusted Matthew?

      “Jenna?” he said.

      She stared across the room at an IV stand, planning her escape. He placed his hand on her shoulder. She nearly jerked away, but didn’t want to upset the child.

      “Don’t touch me,” she ground out.

      He withdrew his hand and studied her.

      “I’m trying to help,” he said. “I don’t want you to be arrested for kidnapping.”

      She was about to fire back a retort when the nurse returned with an ice bag and pain reliever. “Everything okay?” she asked, glancing from Matthew to Jenna.

      No, it wasn’t okay. She’d been trapped in a cage again, unable to break free.

      “We’re good,” Matt said.

      “Someone’s asking for you out front,” the nurse said to him and left.

      As he headed for the door, he turned to Jenna. “Wait here.”

      What did that mean? That he didn’t trust his own people—the agent who was asking for him?

      The moment he left the examining room, she grabbed the diaper and messenger bags. There was an exit on the other side of the room. Perfect.

      Was she overreacting? No, Matthew’s comment about custody and giving this precious child back to his father had strengthened Jenna’s resolve to keep Eli safe and away from that monster.

      A monster like Jenna’s ex.

      I can’t let you leave. Matthew’s words came back to her. Did he belong in the monster category as well?

      Holding Eli against her shoulder, she went to the door and cracked it open to determine the positions of Matthew and the agent. The waiting area was empty. Strange.

      “I can’t help you, sir,” a receptionist said. There was something in her voice...

      Fear.

      Jenna cracked the door a little wider. She spotted two things simultaneously—Matthew on the floor, and a man, wearing all black, pointing a gun at the receptionist.

      Jenna snapped out of view. It wasn’t one of the men from the community center. Which meant there was a whole army of thugs looking for her and Eli?

      Struggling against fear that threatened to consume her, she rushed to the other door, swung it open and started down the back hall. She had to get away. Find Marcus. Get this child into the hands of someone who could protect him.

      Guilt snagged her conscience. She’d brought danger into a hospital full of innocent staff members and patients.

      The minute she and Eli were safely away, she’d call police about the gunman in the lobby.

      “Stop right there,” a male voice demanded.