Page 31 of Stone Cold Savage

Kenzie took the handkerchief from Shanks and applied pressure herself, pulling the cloth away every so often to see how soiled it was. “No, I’ll be fine. It looks worse than it is. I think I got them worse than they got me –– caught my slug.”

“You fired on them?”

“I sure did. Not sure where it hit, but I know I got them –– let out a nice grunt as soon as it hit.” She tried to smile and was quickly reminded of her wound again. “Shit, that one hurts. The rest will heal. Mostly just bruised my pride because they got the jump on me.”

Coy slid his phone back into his pocket. “Let’s get you out of here. Are you okay to walk?”

“Sure.” She said, but when she tried to stand, she grimaced. “I might need a second.”

“I’m sorry, darlin’, but we don’t have a second.”

She gripped Coy by the arm, and fear filled her words, “What happened?”

“Charlotte. She’s gone rogue. Nash went after her, and I’m worried he didn’t listen and take anyone with him.” Coy informed. “I got to get to him before he does something stupid, especially after this.”

“What’s going on? Your family in some sort of trouble?” Shanks asked.

“Nothin’ we can’t handle, Deputy.”

“If you need help…”

“Thank you, but we got it.” Coy didn’t intend to sound so harsh, but his protective instinct got the better of him.

“Well, if I can be of any assistance…”

“You’re the first one we’ll call,” Kenzie said, trying to pull herself to her feet again.

“Hang on, darlin’,” Coy got to his feet and swooped her off the ground before she could respond. “I’ll drop you at the ranch and…”

“No, you won’t. I’m going with you.”

“Kenz.”

“I’m going with you. End of discussion.” Kenzie warned.

Coy shook his head and turned to Shanks, “You going to be okay here?”

“Of course, I’m locking the place down and implementing the alert system.”

“Keep it as quiet as you can. No details,” Kenzie instructed.

“Got it, Sheriff. Whatever you say. I’ll see what I can find on that security footage, too. Somethin’ ain’t right about that.” Shanks said.

“Shanks, I have a team coming your way to sweep this area. Can I count on you to let them do their job, no questions asked?”

“So, it’s true,” Shanks said with a knowing grin.

“What’s true.”

“You’re some sort of Special Forces type.”

Coy snorted, “Special Forces?”

“I’ve heard the rumors. You and your sister. Some kind of secret military specialists.”

“Something like that,” Coy said, moving toward the stairs. “When they get here, you didn’t see them, if you catch my drift.”

“Saw who?” Shanks all but giggled with excitement.

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