Ambush

Chapter 17

Alex kept the surgical mask on as she hurried out of the room. The corrections officer didn’t move. She’d remember that dose of ketamine.

As Alex reached the end of the hallway, the elevator directly in front of her opened. She was surprised to see another uniformed corrections officer with a pistol in a holster on his hip.

This guy was taller and older than the corrections officer she had just dealt with. That might mean he had more experience and common sense. He smiled at her, then looked down the hallway.

She held her breath.

The corrections officer looked right at Alex and said, “Where’s the officer who’s supposed to be guarding that room?” He had a hint of annoyance in his voice.

Alex stayed very calm and said with authority, “He followed a doctor and the patient down to the CAT scan room.”

She stayed right in front of him, hoping he bought her story. She casually reached behind her back and gripped the Taser, tucked into the pants she was wearing beneath the surgical scrubs. It would be a little messy to Taser this officer right in front of the elevator. But she’d do it.

Then she had an idea.

Alex said, “Come with me, and I’ll show you exactly where they went.” She waited for his response. If he hesitated too long, she would just use her Taser. It was either that or her stiletto into his brain. She didn’t really want to spend the time on either option.

The corrections officer said, “They should’ve told me. But okay, I guess it’s no big deal if I meet them in the CAT scan room.”

She stepped onto the elevator with him.

He wasted no time in asking, “What’s your name?”

She was ready to answer. “Nancy Gorant.” Her reconnaissance had included finding a nurse that was about her height with similar hair. It would muddy the waters later.

“How long have you worked here, Nancy?”

Alex knew to say, “A little over four years.”

When the elevator opened on the main floor, she pointed in the opposite direction from where she was headed and told the officer, “The CAT scan room is all the way down this hallway, then take a left and go to the end of that hallway. You should see it on your right at the very end.”

Alex watched him walk away in the direction she had pointed. Her plan had worked.

She left her mask on and exited by the main door. No one would get a clear view of her face.

They wouldn’t be able to see the smile underneath the surgical mask as the feeling of satisfaction swept over her.