HERS TO PROTECT

Chapter 34

The Hunting

Lucas and Lia's hearts pounded in sync with the slow creak of the door. As they braced themselves for whoever might enter, tension thickened the air. The door inched open, revealing Kevin, his eyes widening in shock upon seeing Lia point a gun at him.

"Kevin?" Lucas's voice was taut with disbelief.

Kevin raised his hands in surrender, his voice trembling. "W-wait! I have a doctor with me."

Realizing her mistake, Lia quickly hid the gun behind her back. Lucas moved swiftly, taking the gun from her and tucking it into his waistband with deliberate care.

Kevin blushed slightly as his eyes met Lia's, recalling the earlier incident. He swallowed hard and looked away, shaking his head.

"Let the doctor in," Lia instructed.

Kevin nodded quickly and opened the door, his brow furrowing when a different doctor stood before him.

"Who are you?" Kevin asked, frowning.

"Doctor Remedios had to leave suddenly for an emergency," the male doctor explained.

Kevin scrutinized the man before fully opening the door. The doctor and his accompanying nurse quickly entered, and Kevin shut the door behind them, noting their unusual attire.

Kevin's eyes darted between Lucas and the doctor as the latter approached Lia. Lucas couldn't shake his anxiety; his instincts were on high alert. Sensing something was off, he subtly signaled to Kevin.

Kevin, catching Lucas's unease, nodded in acknowledgment. "I'll be outside," he said, his voice tinged with concern.

Lia nodded slightly, understanding their silent communication. "Alright, Kevin," she replied, her eyes fixed on Lucas as if urging him to be cautious.

Lucas hesitated, glancing one last time at Lia before following Kevin out of the room. As soon as the door closed behind them, Lucas grabbed Kevin's arm. "Did you notice anything?"

Kevin nodded, his expression grim. "Yes, Captain. I don't trust those people. Something feels off."

Lucas's jaw tightened.

Inside, the doctor approached Lia calmly, but her instincts told her to be careful. "Miss, I'm here to check your vitals," he said, reaching for his stethoscope.

Lia narrowed her eyes, her senses heightened. She noticed the doctor's shoes and quickly averted her gaze. "Go ahead."

The doctor nodded professionally, but Lia felt uneasy under his gaze. The nurse stood silently beside her, glancing at the door every few seconds. Suspicion clouded Lia's mind.

Outside, Lucas and Kevin stood watch, their senses on high alert. "Kevin," Lucas murmured, his voice low but urgent as he eyed the nurses and doctors passing by. "None of the doctors are in sneakers, right?"

Kevin nodded, scanning their surroundings. "We need to move, Captain."

"Okay." Lucas turned to go, but Kevin grabbed his arm before he could take a step. "We need to get back to Lia."

"We don't have time, Captain. We need to head downstairs." Kevin's tone was hurried.

"No, I'm not leaving Lia." Lucas's voice was resolute.

"Captain, Lieutenant Santos gave us a go signal. We need to leave now."

"I can't leave Lia," Lucas insisted firmly.

"Captain, please, we have to go." Kevin persisted.

Back in the room, the doctor finished checking Lia's vitals and stepped back. "You're stable, Miss. Just make sure to rest," he said politely, but his demeanor suddenly turned tense.