Page 37 of Ranger Bravery

Emilia nodded. “That’s what I think too. You were the target that day, Jackson. He wants you away from Piper, and he’s willing to kill you to do it.”

TWENTY

The hospital was a bustle of activity. Piper shook off her umbrella before entering through the sliding doors. Plastic bags hung from a rack and she grabbed one, handing it to Jackson for his umbrella, before slipping one over her own. The scent of bleach and antiseptic seemed to permeate the air. White-tile floors shone in the florescent lighting. Goosebumps pebbled on Piper’s arms. She wasn’t fond of hospitals.

Jackson fell into step beside her as they navigated passed the busy emergency room to the elevators. Marcus had officially been arrested for attempted murder, and until a judge decided his fate at a bail hearing, was under armed guard in his hospital room.

Piper hit the button for the fifth floor, and the cabin rose. She glanced out of the corner of her eye at Jackson. He’d been quiet on the car ride over, his expression wedged in a permanent scowl. Piper elbowed him. “You’re doing that thing again.”

“What thing?”

Her mouth quirked. “Brooding.”

“Considering I was told half an hour ago there’s a killer hunting you down, is it really so surprising?” Jackson hooked his thumbs in his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “If it was up to me, I’d lock you in the house behind a set of armed Texas Rangers until this whole thing was done. Do you know how many of my colleagues have been in this kind of situation? Almost all of them.”

She blinked. “What do you mean?”

“Most of company A is married or engaged. They met their significant other under dangerous circumstances. Fell in love while protecting a woman in danger.” He turned to face her and cupped her cheek with his warm palm. “And every one of those women nearly died. Do you understand the odds aren’t with us, Piper? Sometime, someone in Company A is going to be on the losing end of this equation.” His gaze searched her face before he leaned forward to touch her forehead with his. “I don’t want it to be me. I don’t want to lose you.”

Her knees weakened at the tenderness in his tone. She wanted to fling herself in his arms and never let go. “I can’t, Jackson. I ran away once, and as a result, more women died. If I’d been here…”

He pulled back. “This isn’t your fault. Just like it’s not Derek’s.”

“Maybe not, but it doesn’t change how I feel. Elena died in my arms. If our theory is right, maybe the killer purposefully picked that day, that location, because he knew I ran in the nature preserve.”

Piper had been mulling that over since the task force meeting. She couldn’t prove it, but the idea felt right. She’d been targeted right from the beginning. The killer was playing a game with her, and she had every intention of finishing it.

“Elena and Gerdie deserve justice. I want to get it for them.” She also needed to prove she was stronger than the killer. Piper couldn’t put it into words, but the assault ten years ago had left a shadow over her life. “I promise to be careful and to use my training. The last thing I want is for someone else—like you—to be caught in the crossfire.”

The idea of Jackson hurt or killed was terrifying. Piper was falling in love with him. Or, if she was being honest, maybe she never stopped loving him. It was an impossible dilemma—their relationship couldn’t last—but her heart wouldn’t listen to reason or logic.

The elevator dinged, and the doors swished open. Jackson stepped off first, holding out a hand to show she should wait. His gaze swept the area and then he waved her forward. “What room is Marcus in?”

“510.” She pointed to a sign. “It’s around the corner.”

A deputy was stationed outside the door. Mike O’Neal. Piper greeted him and introduced Jackson. “We need to question Marcus. How is he?”

“Much better. Today he seems with it.” Mike adjusted his duty belt, and the leather creaked. “He’s got one hand cuffed to the bed, but I would use caution. He was violent with the nurses and the doctors when he was brought in. They had to sedate him initially.”

“Understood. Thanks.” Piper knocked on the door and then entered the room.

Marcus was sitting up in bed watching a sitcom. His hair was pushed away from his face, but he sported a new beard along his chin. The hospital gown swallowed his thin frame and one skinny leg peeked out from under the covers. A heart machine beeped regularly while an IV delivered fluids into his right arm. His eyes widened at the sight of Piper. He jerked upright. The handcuff securing him to the bed frame rattled.

“I’m glad you’re here, Piper. I’m so sorry for what happened. I didn’t know what I was doing.” His expression was beseeching. “You have to believe me. I’ve never fired a gun in my life. It all feels like a dream.”

“Hold on, Marcus, there are some things we have to take care of.” Piper pulled out her cell phone and activated the recording app. She announced herself and everyone in the room before reading the Miranda warning. Since Marcus was under arrest and in custody, he needed to be advised of his rights before any questioning could take place. Once that was done, Piper asked, “Do you agree to wave your rights, Marcus?”

“Yes. I want to help you figure out what happened.”

“According to the doctor, you were high on methamphetamine.”

She kept her distance, standing at the foot of the bed, well out of striking range. Jackson lingered near the door like a silent sentry. Piper appreciated that he hung back and let her take the lead.

Marcus looked down, twisting a bedsheet in-between his fingers. “I don’t remember taking anything.”

“What do you remember?”

“I was hanging out with Wally Hutchinson in his brother’s house. Next thing I know, I woke up here. I don’t even know how I got to the police station or where I got the gun.”

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