The Midnight Hour - Brenda Jackson [89]
Introductions were made and immediately Tori appreciated Drake, Ashton, Trevor, and their two friends.
"All right, Sir Drake, what do you think Cross's plans are?" Trevor asked as he leaned back in the chair. The kitchen had become a mini-office. Both Alex Maxwell and Jake Madaris had their laptops open. Jake's laptop monitor was displaying a computer map of all the land surrounding the cabin and was advising Drake and Tori as to what areas a vehicle could gain access without them knowing about it. He was also pointing out where, if there became a need, they could hide out and take refuge.
"If Cross wants you and Tori brought to him alive," Ash-ton was saying, "his guys might try using tranquilizer guns, so there are no mistakes, plus it's less messy."
Drake stopped his pacing. "Makes sense. Can't do much about a bullet wound… but is there any way to fight off the effects of a tranquilizer?"
"There's more than one kind of tranquilizer and the tough job is figuring out what type the men coming after you will be using," Alex said, leaning back in his chair. "If they are using the most sought-after brand on the black market today, then that's the one that's used mostly with animals, specifically livestock. However, I recall reading somewhere that there was a special antidote being tested that is supposed to counteract the serum that's used in most tranquilizer guns." He sat up straight in the chair. "Jake can explain that better than I can since he works with livestock."
Drake quickly crossed the room to Jacob Madaris. "Is that true, Jake? Is there an antidote that works against most tranquilizers?"
Jake slowly nodded. "Yes, but like Alex said, it's in the testing stages. It works more like a vaccine than an antidote in that it's injected into the body at least twelve hours before a hit might take place and stays in the system for only a limited amount of time, usually seventy-two hours. The good thing is that it's supposed to counteract most kinds of tranquilizers, but I haven't heard anything about it being tried on humans. I'd hate for you to be the first since it might be risky, Drake."
Drake shrugged. "Hey, what do I have to lose?"
"No!" The word was torn from Tori's lips before she could stop it. Everyone in the room turned to stare at her. "You heard what Jake said, Drake. It hasn't been tried on humans. You'll be placing yourself at risk."
He frowned. "And I'll be placing myself at risk if I don't try it. Someone is hunting us down and at least we have an advantage in knowing how he plans to do it. If there's a way that one of us can retain control of our capabilities and take him on, then I'm willing to give it a try."
"But what if it doesn't work? What if the antidote does more harm than good?"
He met her gaze. "Those are risks I'm willing to take."
Tori inhaled deeply. Over the past five years Drake had become a man without illusions; a man who thrived on taking risks. He didn't avoid danger, he embraced it. When he'd been a marine, he had a job to do, but he hadn't taken unnecessary risks. He hadn't been as hard, as unyielding; but not anymore. The years had changed him.
And she knew at that moment that the two of them could never have a future together. She would always love him, but when this incident with Cross was over, she would go her way and he would go his. That thought made a pain settle around her heart, but she knew there was no other way. She owed their child a normal life, not one filled with chaos and danger lurking around every corner.
"Then do what you think you must," she said, before turning to walk out the cabin.
Drake stared after her. He knew she was upset with his decision, but there was no other way. He would not sit and wait around for someone to hunt him down like some animal. And he'd be damned if he would continue to run. But more importantly, he would die before letting Cross or his men put a hand on Tori. He had nearly lost her before and didn't intend to lose her again.
"Are you sure about that antidote, Drake? Like I said, it's Pretty damn risky."
Drake