Page 7 of Back the Blue

“Shit,” he hisses. “How is the woman who took a hit?”

“She’s fine,” I tell him tightly. “Her vest did its job.”

“That’s good, but I’ve got some bad news for her.”

Lorna’s brow is furrowed now that she knows I’m talking about her. And I hate asking for the bad news concerning her even more.

“What?”

“Apparently, the victim she rendered aid to is the kingpin in the gang Diamond is trying to take down,” he sighs. “If he lives, Diamond is going to put a hit out on her.”

My entire body goes cold. Rage pulses through me at the thought of those bastards coming after her. And I make a quick decision.

“I’ll take her into protective custody right now,” I tell him. “Tell me which location to use and have a car waiting for me at the next scene.”

“She’s going to be exposed at that scene,” he reminds me. “And if Diamond is there, he might take another shot at her.”

“I’ll figure something out,” I tell him.

“10-4. You’ll have a location in a few minutes.”

“Thank you, sir.”

No sooner do I end the call, my fiery Lorna is leaning forward with her fists balled on her thighs. And I cannot wait to spar with her on this.

“What the fuck are you talking about protective custody?” she snaps. “I’ve got a fucking job to do.”

“If you step out of this ambulance at the next scene, there’s a chance you’re going to take another bullet and this one probably won’t be aimed at your vest.”

“It’s a risk I’m willing to take,” she says firmly.

If I wasn’t already gone for her, I would be now. But I promised to protect her, and I intend to do just that. No matter how much it pisses her off.

“The man whose life you probably saved earlier is the rival kingpin to the one we’re trying to take down. And if he does indeed survive, you’ll have a hit on you. And those motherfuckers won’t stop until you’re good and dead. So, I’m going to take you into protective custody until we can take him out first.”

Five

My breath leaves me at his words. Then I drop my head into my hands. Curses and pointed conversation blossoms all around me between Pitbull, Malcolm, and Lenny. And as much as I don’t want to be pulled off my shift, tonight or any night, the sensible part of me knows that it has to happen. Yes, I took an oath to help others, but I can’t continue to do that if I’m dead.

A shudder runs through me as a pitiful moan escapes my lips. Then everything goes quiet and two strong hands grip my shoulders. When Pitbull speaks, his voice is pained.

“Lorna, look at me.”

After a deep breath, I lower my hands to my lap. When I lift my head, he’s right there. Nothing but concern and determination reflected in his eyes.

“Yeah.”

“I’m not going to let anyone hurt you,” he says softly. “I swear it.”

“I believe you,” I tell him.

“I’ll stay with Malcolm while he assesses the victims at the next scene. When we’re en route, we’ll make a quick stop so we can get in another vehicle and be taken to a secure location.”

“Okay,” I nod. “But…what about my family? Can I tell them what’s going on?”

“Not tonight,” he sighs.

I nod again. Then I pull back and close my eyes as I try to wrap my head around this nightmare that has now become my life. I try not to listen to Pitbull’s clipped conversation as he makes the arrangements. I’ve heard about protective custody before, but I never thought I’d have to experience it. And what the hell am I going to do wherever I’m going? I’m in my damn work clothes with only my cellphone. What the fuck am I going to do with myself?

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