Morgan's Wife by Lindsay McKenna Page B

nothing…." Her heart was pounding. She felt curiously exhilarated and at the same time wary. "I guess I'm not used to my team making a big deal over something like this," she muttered. "During a fire there isn't time to pay attention to minor injuries. We're always getting bruised, scratched and cut. It's no big deal."
    With a shake of his head, Jim said, "I guess I really didn't realize the kind of danger you and your team jump into."
    "Most people don't. Why should they? As far as I'm concerned, there are a lot of unsung heroines and heroes doing my kind of work. We're rarely given media coverage, but our work is intense and very dangerous." Pepper closed the first-aid kit. "Of course, people in the military aren't acknowledged much, either."
    Jim nodded in agreement as Pepper took a small, amber vial from the other kit and opened it. "Here, take these," she said.
    Jim stared at the small, white pellets she placed in his open hand. "What are these?"
    "They're sugar pellets that have been medicated with a high dose of Arnica. Just put them in your mouth and let them melt away." She smiled a little and closed the lid on the vial. "You'll see a miracle happen with that ankle of yours—the swelling should go down within the hour. Otherwise it will never be in good enough shape for a jump one day from now."
    Jim wasn't about to argue with Pepper. He put the pellets in his mouth. They tasted like sugar, not medicine. Pepper rose, carried the kits back up the hill, then returned to Jim's side. In the meantime, he shrugged out of his pack.
    She handed him the radio. "I think we need to call for backup. You're in no shape to walk ten miles."
    "Roger that," he agreed sheepishly. He took the radio from her and made the call. He no longer questioned Pepper's abilities. She'd saved his life. She'd dealt with his injury with grace and without recriminations. Soon the helicopter would be hovering over the hill above them and they would be winched up on a cable, one at a time, since there was no appropriate landing area. But first Jim silently promised himself one thing. Tonight, at his condo, he and Pepper would have a long, serious talk. It was time.

Chapter Four

    Pepper was unprepared for the flurry of activity that met them back at Perseus . The helicopter pilot had called in, alerting the team of their near disaster. As she entered the office, she was met by a number of people, some of whom she didn't know. Wolf and Killian guided Jim to another room, where Dr. Ann Parsons, the ex-Air Force flight surgeon who worked for Perseus , was waiting.
    "Pepper," Wolf said as he came back out, "I want you to meet Morgan's brother, Commander Noah Trayhern , and his wife, Kit."
    "Glad to meet you," Pepper said, extending her hand to a tall, spare officer with gray eyes. Noah Trayhern was dressed in his winter Coast Guard uniform, the dark blue wool a contrast to his tanned features and penetrating gaze. She liked his firm grip.
    "Same here," Noah said with a tight smile.
    Pepper extended her hand to the woman at his side. Kit Trayhern , tall as well, smiled warmly at her, offering an equally firm handshake. Her long, dark brown hair, alive with red highlights, was tied back with a red ribbon that matched the tasteful red suit she wore with a lacy white blouse.
    Marie approached Pepper. "You look worn out. Are you all right, dear?"
    "I'm okay." She looked down at her camouflage uniform and gave a slightly embarrassed laugh. "Dirty, bruised, but no worse for wear." She was acutely aware of Noah's assessing look, sure he was measuring her against what had happened and determining whether she had what it took to successfully complete the coming mission.
    "Let me get you some coffee," Kit Trayhern offered. "You look like you could use a cup. Actually, from what we've heard, maybe you'd rather have a stiff drink."
    Smiling sheepishly, Pepper nodded. "No thanks. If I drank alcohol, I'd probably ask for whiskey, straight up. Thanks, Mrs. Trayhern