Page 32 of Stone Cold Savage

“Um, yeah. Okay.” Coy started up the stairs, Kenzie in his arms.

Shanks quickly followed, “Listen, I was in the military. I tried SEALS but didn’t quite get there, injury. But I’m real good on a long gun and can shoot with ninety-nine-point nine percent accuracy from several miles out. Not too bad at working most facets of combat. I’ve seen it all. If you need me––”

“You’ll be the first one I call,” Coy said, leaning into the glass doors to leave.

“Anytime. I’ve always respected what you Stone’s stand for. You have a capable ally if you need one.”

“Appreciate that, Shanks. Be safe.”

Shanks saluted and quickly pulled his hand down, regretting the moment as soon as it happened. Coy nodded and let the door swing closed behind him, and Shanks was quick to lock it up.

“I think you have a fan.” Kenzie chuckled and reached out to open her car door for Coy.

He carefully slid her inside and helped her with her seatbelt. “Just what I need.”

“He’s a good kid. You can trust him if you need to.”

“Let’s hope we don’t need to.”

9

“There’s his truck.” Kenzie pointed out as they approached the Bridges ranch. “He had the sense to park out here and walk in. It’s a good sign, Coy.”

“No. None of this is good. He’s in over his head.” Coy pulled over to the side of the road by Nash’s vehicle.

Kenzie pulled out her weapon and had it at the ready.

“Where do you think you’re going?” he asked.

“With you. Got your six, remember?”

“Like hell you are.” He warned, pulling his gun case from behind his seat and unlocking it. “You’re hurt. I’m having Ran send an agent to get you and take you back to the ranch.”

Kenzie grinned and leaned her back against her door to face him, “Are we really going to do this?”

“Do what?” he asked, pulling on his shoulder holster and loading it with additional firepower.

“This game where you say stay here, help is on the way, go with them when you know full well the minute you disappear into those trees, I’m hot on your heels.” She smirked. “I understand that as a man, a macho one at that, you feel inclined to protect the lady at your side, but might I remind you, I’m no damsel in distress. Don’t need saving. So, you either accept that I’m going in with you or know I’m no more than ten paces behind you at all times.”

“I forgot who I was dealing with.” Coy shook his head. “Kenz, what if you have a concussion, or what if that bruised rib is a cracked or broken one?”

“Then I guess I sweat through it like we’ve been trained, and ice it all later. There’s plenty of time to feel the pain and nurse wounds later.”

“Don’t take a single risk. You hear me? Not a single one. You get dizzy or feel… anything at all, you tell me so I can get you out of there. Deal?”

“I’ll consider it.” Kenzie agreed.

“Kenz…”

“Okay, fine, I’ll let you know if I need out, but don’t count on it. I’ve battled bigger demons with far worse injuries more than once in my career, and here I sit to talk about it.”

“Fair enough.”

Coy exited the vehicle, Kenzie immediately on his heels as promised. Though she winced a time or two, Coy noticed that Kenzie managed to adjust to her injuries and find a rhythm that worked. They methodically and stealthily moved through the trees and brush until the main ranch house came into view. A single light was on inside. Then… it went out.

“Shit,” Coy whispered, worry coursing through him. “Kenz, you sure you’re up for this? We’re literally in the dark, with no gear.”

“I’m not letting you go in alone.”

---