Page 99 of End Game

“You’re not going to take him in yourself, are you?”

“I’ve dealt with a fair number of bad guys. No need to worry.”

“I’m not calling him unless you get Morgan, Lawson, or another cop here to assist. If he killed the governor in cold blood, he’ll have no problem taking you out.”

“You don’t appear to have a lot of faith in my abilities.”

“I work in the realm of odds and I don’t like yours going up against a combat veteran who’s a suspected murderer.” She covered his heart with her palm. “If Mason is who you believe him to be, he lacks an essential part of his humanity. You do not.”

“I want it noted for the record,” he trapped her hand against his chest, “that I could kick Wade’s ass twice on Tuesday. By myself.”

“Duly noted.” She smiled. “Now call for backup.”

“After you ring Wade.”

“Ash—”

“Let’s make sure you can get him here first.”

She stared at him for a long, contemplative moment. “I confirm, you call?”

“Promise.”

“I absolutely hate this plan.” She lifted her phone and tapped Wade’s name.

“Speaker.”

She hit another button and the ring tone seemed to rattle the air around them. It rang several times, and Ash feared his imperfect plan was DOA.

Then . . . “Hello, Kayla.”

“I’m sorry to bother you, Mason, but I’m going to need a ride home after all.”

“Is everything all right?”

“Yes and no.” The tips of her fingers holding the phone turned white. “I feel really ridiculous, but there’s a guy who’s creeping out on me and I’m afraid he’s going to follow me out of the bar. I’d rather have you waiting for me at the curb rather than some unknown, muscle-challenged driver.”

When Wade didn’t immediately reply, they glanced down at the screen to make sure the call clock was still ticking. It was.

“Mason, did I lose you?” Kayla asked.

“I’m here.”

“Did I come through okay?”

“Loud and clear.”

Pinpricks of unease skittered down Ash’s spine. Something about the Ranger’s voice was off. He didn’t display the normal emotion of being called back to work. No irritation, exasperation, or joking comment about what would she do without him.

He was calm. Too calm. Focused. His words penetrating.

“Are you able to pick me up?”

“You and Special Agent Blackwell?”

Shit. Ash scanned the road both ways, across the street, the buildings above. Nothing.

“I didn’t kill Governor Stokes.”

---