Page 75 of Last Chance

Wallace and Reese studied Janie for a moment before turning their attention to David. “What have we got, Blue?” Reese asked the older EMT.

“Mr. Moran has a head wound, broken nose, and broken fingers, along with contusions all over his body. He hasn’t regained consciousness. Probably has internal injuries. We need to transport him to the hospital as soon as possible.”

A nod from Reese. “A detective will be at the hospital later to talk to him.”

“If he’s awake,” muttered the other EMT.

Janie shuddered. She would gladly put up with his verbal tirades just to hear his voice again. Her brother had to get better. He was her only living relative.

After a glance at the cops, Sawyer gathered Janie into his arms again and held her while the medics prepared her brother for transport. Within minutes, they left the room.

“I need to go with them. David shouldn’t be alone,” Janie said.

“We have questions before you go,” Officer Wallace said. “We’ll get you out of here as soon as possible, Ms. Moran.”

“Get on with the questions,” Sawyer said. “She’s David’s only relative, aside from his wife.”

Both officers straightened. “Wife’s name and address?”

“Maria Moran,” Janie answered and rattled off David’s address and Maria’s cell number.

“They live in Chile?” Reese asked.

She nodded. “David works for Horizon Engineering. They have an office in Talca, Chile. David has lived in Talca for three years. That’s where he met Maria. They haven’t been married long.”

“All right. We’ll notify Mrs. Moran in a few minutes. What happened here?”

Sawyer told of their arrival at the inn and discovery of David unconscious on the floor. “We called for an ambulance. You arrived within a minute of the EMTs.”

“Any idea who might want to harm Mr. Moran?”

He shook his head.

“You sure?” Reese pressed. “Seems unusual for the vic to suffer such a dramatic beating for no reason.”

“Can’t help you with that.”

“Sawyer,” Brody murmured. “Tell them.”

“No proof,” he countered.

“It might help them look in the right direction.”

“And it might not.”

“Let us be the judge of that.” Reese looked from one person to the next until his gaze returned to Sawyer. “You used to be on the job, Chapman. Talk to us. Help us do our jobs.”

He blew out a breath. “Look, this might have absolutely nothing to do with what happened to Moran. I think it does, but I have no proof.” He explained about the hijacking and the subsequent attacks and threats. “We came to the inn to ask David why he lied about when he arrived in town.”

Wallace frowned. “When did he arrive in Hartman?”

“Three days ago. He came to town before Janie returned to the states.”

Reese whistled. “The detectives are going to have a field day with this one.”

“Wonder if Vatos Locos are involved in this mess.” Wallace shook his head. “Those boys are bad news. They’re dangerous and don’t care if innocents are caught in the crossfire.”

“Trust me, we know,” Max said grimly.

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