Page 50 of Last Chance

She nodded. “Let’s do it.”

He chuckled and pressed the accelerator. Their SUV shot forward. Jesse stayed close. Together, they cut through traffic like two sharks swimming through a school of fish, threading their way through congestion and putting more and more distance between them and their tail.

Jesse laughed as horns honked at the driver of the van, who tried to keep up with them and get back into position or to cut them off. “Guess our friends in the van haven’t taken combat driving lessons. They’re ticking off everyone around them.”

“Don’t care, as long as they can’t run us off the road.”

Sawyer constantly scanned the traffic ahead and to the sides of them as well as the van still fighting to gain ground.

He tried to see the driver and passenger, but they were too far back for him to see their faces. “Did you recognize the men in the van, Jesse?”

“No, but I got a good look at them. I might do a session with Ian after Janie and see if he can get their ugly mugs in a sketch. They’re Hispanic.”

Ice water ran through Sawyer’s veins.

CHAPTER 13

JANIE GRIPPED THE sides of her seat as Sawyer weaved through heavy Davidson County traffic with ease. She envied the skill with which he drove. Whenever she drove in Nashville, her hands gripped the wheel as though gearing up for war. That’s what driving around the area seemed like to her.

She’d been so glad to move to Wilson County last year to open her business. Sure, Hartman had traffic, but nothing like this test of courage.

Another quick dash to the next lane made her heart jump into her throat. Janie squeezed her eyes shut and decided that was even worse than seeing what was coming and preparing for it.

“Still with me?” Sawyer asked.

“Oh, yeah. Do you drive like this all the time?”

He chuckled. “When I was on the job, I did. We do it if we’re in the field. Around town on a normal day, we focus on driving defensively. Too many people are distracted, sleepy, or in too much of a hurry to watch out for everyone else on the road.”

Spoken like a true cop. “Where did you learn to drive?”

“Police academy plus Fortress teaches its operatives and bodyguards combat driving skills.”

“Well, you’re certainly putting the training to good use.”

He reached over and squeezed her hand briefly. “Sorry to scare you.”

“Don’t worry about it. You’re keeping me safe. I have no right to complain.” Although she wished the speed was unnecessary. “Good thing you’re driving. I drive like Granny Irene. Slow and steady.”

Sawyer grinned. “Good for you.”

“Ha. You say that now. Let’s see if you feel the same when I’m driving you around town one day.”

“Looking forward to it.”

She eyed him, suspicion growing in her gut. “You wouldn’t be laughing at me, would you, Sawyer?”

“Who me? Never.”

“Heads up,” Jesse said.

Sawyer glanced into the rearview mirror in time to see the van swerve into the left lane and surge past Jesse and pull even with Sawyer.

Seconds later, the driver jerked the steering wheel to the right, slamming into Sawyer’s SUV.

He scowled. “Great. Now, I’ll have to explain to Bear why his handiwork is messed up. Someone is going to pay for the hardship I will suffer at the hands of the former Delta soldier.”

Janie stared at Sawyer, astonished. “You’re worried about the paint job when the people in the van are doing their best to run us off the road?”

---