Sarah grabbed his arm and leaned close. Too close. “What’s going on?”
“I wish I knew.”
Just as he was about to suggest they sit, the nurse opened the door. “Sarah Osmond and Mr.—?”
“Bishop.”
“Mr. Bishop. Come this way.”
She led them down a long corridor lined with numbered rooms. If the women were put in there, it might be more difficult to help them escape. When they arrived at the end of the hall, the receptionist opened a door that required a combination keypad. “The doctor’s office is the last door on your right.”
When they stepped inside the hallway, the door clicked behind them, and Sarah grabbed his hand, causing inappropriate sparks of desire to course through him. Damn. Riley had to draw on his military training to calm down.
“It’s creepy in here,” she said.
The low ceiling, no windows, and lights spaced far apart gave off a tomblike atmosphere. Not to mention the hallway sloped downward. “We’re heading underground.”
He didn’t like this. He might have considered turning around had Ford and Tyson not mentioned that Statler had an escape route from his last location. Riley wouldn’t be surprised if Elkhart did, too.
They arrived at the last door. “Ready?” he asked.
She straightened her shoulders. “Yes.”
Chapter Seventeen
Riley knocked, and the door latch electronically opened. Twisting the handle, he pushed on it and held it open the door for her.
The overhead fluorescent lights were so bright Sarah had to squint.
“Ms. Osmond, how nice to see you again.” Dr. Elkhart came toward her with a smile and his hand held out.
Yuk. She highly doubted he was delighted to see the inspection committee. Not wanting to piss him off, though, she shook his hand. “This is Riley Bishop. He’s security for Mr. Statler. Would you like to show us around?”
“Certainly. Come this way.” He led them through a door at the back of the room that opened up to a much larger space. “As you can see, I have ten beds set up for the women.”
The arrangement was similar to what had been in Statler’s clinic. “Did Mr. Statler explain that we need to heal these women as quickly as possible?”
His smile came out fatherly, but his eyes remained cold. “Yes, and they will be. As you can see, each bed has an IV stand ready to give them antibiotics and any needed fluids. I’ve installed a small gym in another room to provide some form of exercise for those who are ready.”
“A walk outside would do wonders for them.”
He tilted his head, acting as if she was being highly naïve. “I’m sure it would. If you wish to take pictures to show your boss, be my guest.”
Sarah glanced at Riley who nodded. She hadn’t figured out the doctor’s game, but it wouldn’t hurt to have the layout documented. As much as she wanted to send the photos to Jay, if Elkhart confiscated her phone, it might put him in danger.
As she checked out the beds and equipment, Riley wandered about. Hopefully, he was looking for another exit.
“How are we to bring the women in here? Though the front door?” Riley asked.
“No, Mr. Bishop. There’s a back entrance. Come I’ll show you, assuming Ms. Osmond is satisfied with the conditions.”
Satisfied was a strong word, but she nodded, wanting to get out of there. She and Riley followed him out the back of the clinic. This time, Riley didn’t seem to mind that she kept a few steps behind him. For a second, she wondered if she was walking to her death, but then decided that unless they were met with five shifters at the end, Riley could take out the doctor.
Elkhart leaned over an eye scanner and the door clicked. He faced them. “As you can see, security is tight. I won’t need to keep the women chained as they have no place to go.”
Whoopee. The freedom might give some of the women hope that they’d soon be freed. Their disappointment would be massive unless the Pack could save them. Sarah pushed that terrible thought out of her head since she believed in the General and his men.
“I haven’t communicated with Mr. Statler,” Riley said, “but when were you expecting the women?”
“I need to take care of a few details tonight, but tomorrow after dark would be ideal.”
“We’ll let you know when we’re on our way.”
“Good. I’ll open this door as soon as you arrive.” Elkhart nodded. “If you parked in front, your car is around the corner to the left.”
“Thank you,” she said, instantly trying to figure out how hard it would be for Riley and Connolly to snatch the doctor and free the women. They could then go back after Statler, assuming they could find him. The buyers, however, would never be caught.