Page 37 of No Bed Of Roses

The air bags had done their job and were now depleted. The car was tilted with the front of it down and the trunk in the air. They wouldn’t be able to get out the front window. He might be able to get her out the side window, but he wouldn’t fit and would have to go out the back.

The sound of sirens reached him, and he hoped that was Marcus and the town firefighter riding in to help.

Levi ran his hands over Isla and kept talking to her.

“Levi?”

“I’m here, Isla. The car flipped, and you’re hanging by the seatbelt. I’m going to get you out. Where does it hurt?”

Her eyes opened, and she turned to find him. “Are you hurt? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. You?”

She blew out a slow breath. “I think I’m good. You’re sure you’re okay?”

“I am. It sounds like help is on the way, but I’m going to get you out of that seatbelt.” He showed her where to put her hands and feet and clicked the belt free. She sagged down and into his arms.

The space was tight, but he kept her from banging anything else, and she moved easily as she turned upside right. She put her hand to her head and leaned into him. “Sorry. Head rush. Give me a second. Wait, do we have a second? Is the car going to explode? Let’s get out.”

He kissed her forehead and allowed himself two seconds to just hold her. “I don’t smell gas, but let’s get out, anyway.”

“Levi? Isla?” Marcus’ voice.

“Looks like the cavalry has arrived. I’m going to holler.” She nodded, and he called out. “We’re inside. No obvious injuries, but some help would be appreciated. Treat it as a crime scene, Arrow. Someone tampered with Isla’s car. Brake fluid and power steering fluid. Potentially brake lines as well.”

Marcus swore. “Got it. Hold up, everyone. They’re okay, but this is officially a crime scene. I want pictures, gloves, and limited people. Mitch, I need you here. Send Graham down as soon as he arrives. Bella, start snapping pictures of everything down here. Troy, take care of that up on the road. When one of the former FBI agents shows, have him talk to the witnesses.”

“You think someone did this on purpose?” Isla’s voice shook.

“I do, but we’re not worrying about that until we get you out of here.”

She rested her head on his shoulder. “I was worried that you might not fit in my car earlier. Now I’m worried about how you’ll get out.”

He managed a chuckle for her. “The back window should be big enough. If not, I’m sure Mitch has some equipment on his firetruck to help. We’ll be out soon.”

Isla lifted her head to kiss his jawline. “Thank you. I’m so glad you were with me. I wouldn’t have been able to steer clear by myself. What if I’d hit that car? What if there were kids inside?”

He held her tightly. “You’d have managed. You did great. You didn’t panic, and you did everything right.”

“Do you think they’re okay?”

“I do. They had to be the ones to call Marcus and Mitch. We’ll find out once we’re outside. Are you sure you’re okay?”

She nodded. “I’m going to have a few bruises, but nothing feels worse than that. You?”

“Me too.”

They sat for a few minutes in silence while the people outside worked out the logistics of getting them out. He kept half an ear on them while keeping most of his attention on Isla.

“Do you really think someone tried to kill us?” Her whispered question didn’t surprise him. He’d been waiting for her to ask.

The thought scared him to his soul. “This wasn’t an accident.”

She shuddered, and he held her more tightly.

“I think it’s time to dig into where Asshole Ed has been hanging out. And maybe check in on your father and your slimy cousin, too.”

“My father wouldn’t do this. I’m not important enough. Never have been. He barely noticed me when I lived in the same house. I haven’t seen him in about twelve years, but he’s not a violent man. Arrogant and self-absorbed, sure, but not violent.”

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