Page 126 of Broken Wheels

She shook his hand. “Where is my husband? Is he here?”

Dix didn’t want to be in Michael’s shoes right then.

“No, ma’am, I’m sorry. You’re here because he wanted to ensure your safety.”

She swallowed. “He’s still alive, though? I mean, he has to be, if he gave you that message for me.”

“Yes, he is.”

Dix’s stomach roiled as he thought about the words Michael couldn’t say.

He’s alive—for now.

Chalmers stepped off the elevator, and Mrs. Carson stared at him. “Don’t I know you?”

“Yes, Mrs. Carson.” He walked toward them. “We met last summer at your place.”

She gave a weak smile. “You work with David. You came to our cookout.” She paused. “Has he been in touch with you?”

He nodded. “We haven’t spoken, but he messaged me to make sure you and the kids were taken care of.” He gestured to the elevator. “I’ll take you to your apartment.”

Dix could see the moment it all became too much of a strain for her. Mrs. Carson crumpled, and he put his arm around her, supporting her. “Come on,” he said in a low voice, leading her toward the elevator. He glanced at Chalmers. “Can you send a message?”

David Carson needed to know his family was safe.

Chalmers nodded. “I’ll be up there in a while.”

Mrs. Carson called to the children, and they headed to their new home.

Dix hoped to God they wouldn’t be at CrossBow for too long, but with no clue when—or even if—Carson would be out of Spencer’s clutches, the future looked uncertain, not to mention bleak.

Come on, Doc. We need you.

Josh hurt, but he was putting off taking painkillers. He knew Dixon would give him hell for that, but he didn’t want to become too dependent on them.

The safe house was okay, but he missed Dixon. Thank God he had Coby. Gary was decent-enough company, but Josh longed for his own bed.

For Dixon curled around him, close enough that Josh could feel his heart beating.

“Any news yet?” Gary asked as he poured coffee for them.

Josh glanced at his phone. “Not yet.” Dix had called to say the Carsons were safely ensconced at CrossBow, so it was only a matter of time before Chalmers got hold of the link his boss had promised.

I hope it’s worth it.

Actually, he hoped it would be the dynamite they needed.

Dixon had promised to send the link as soon as possible, but waiting was hell.

He glanced at Gary. “I don’t have a clue what I’m being given access to, but just in case it’s a lot of information to sift through…. Ready to do some work?”

Gary’s face lit up, his eyes shining. “Yes! You have no idea how ready I am. I love Michael to death, but he won’t let me do much of anything these days. I want to feel useful again.”

Josh’s phone pinged, and he smiled.

About time.

“Then as Pink said, let’s get this party started.”

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