Page 38 of Jina

And what a kiss it was. The impact sent her pulse into triple digits.

“Jina.” His voice was low and husky as he broke off their kiss. “I—we can’t.”

For a moment, she’d forgotten she was still a suspect in Bradley Crow’s murder. The realization popped the tiny balloon of hope in her heart. “Yeah, sorry. I—uh?—”

A knock at the door interrupted them, which was probably a good thing. Drawing a deep breath to steady nerves that had gone haywire, she turned to open the door. Seeing Gary, she managed a smile.

“There hasn’t been any damage to the rooms,” she said quickly.

“That’s good, but I’m just glad you’re not hurt.” Gary glanced between her and Cole. “Did you want a copy of the video too? I sent one to Rhy, but I thought maybe you’d want one for yourself.”

“Yes, please,” Cole said. “I know there isn’t much to see, but maybe the tech gurus can do something with the image.”

“I agree. I’m sure Rhy send it to Gabe.” She smiled at Gary. “Thanks for thinking of that. And don’t worry, we’re hitting the road soon.”

“Okay.” Gary looked relieved. “I’m sorry we didn’t catch the shooter on the image before he fired at you.”

“Not your fault,” she quickly assured him. “I think he was hiding in the trees, biding his time before making a move.”

“I’d like to know how he found you here,” Cole said with a frown.

“I’m not sure, but we need to leave.” She crossed to the table to grab Cole’s laptop. He took it from her as she went into the connecting room to grab her bag.

Being on the run wasn’t fun, and it gave her a new appreciation for what some of her teammates had been through over the past few months.

And how horrible it was to know someone you cared about was in the line of fire. Thankfully, Cole hadn’t been there tonight, but if he had been? She hated to think about what might have happened.

Five minutes later, they were on the road. Cole glanced at her curiously. “Did that guy’s voice sound familiar to you?”

She’d almost forgotten the guttural words the perp had uttered. “No, it didn’t. And it’s been bothering me that he asked, ‘Who’s sorry now?’ Makes me think I must have apologized at some point. But when? And for what?” She shook her head. “I have no idea.”

“I don’t remember you apologizing for putting the guys at the gym down on the mat,” he said.

“I may have, but if I did say sorry, I meant it as sarcasm. Not a real apology.” She tried to think back. She didn’t remember apologizing.

There was a moment of silence, before Cole asked, “Any ideas where to go next?”

“Oh, yeah. There’s a motel that Roscoe used last month called the Wildflower Motel. It’s nothing fancy, but it should do.” She pulled her phone from her pocket, then powered it down.

“What’s up with your phone?”

“Remember how you mentioned the perp must have assumed I was home when he started the fire at Mr. Glen’s?” When Cole nodded, she continued. “I think you were right on the money. My phone was there, so he assumed I was too. I didn’t have it at the gas station,” she added. “But other than that, I’ve had the phone for all the other attempts he made against me.”

“I see the logic, but I’m not sure how this guy can track your phone,” Cole said.

“Who knows? Either way, I’m keeping it off until we can set up another sting operation.”

“Wait a minute, what sting operation?” He sounded annoyed. “The last attempt blew up in your face.”

“True, but that was before I thought of the possibility this guy can find my phone.” Now that the idea had taken root in her mind, it blossomed. “Don’t you see? This will work even better. I can station myself in a semi-secure location with my phone on, while the rest of you surround the property. You’ll be ready when he makes his move, and we’ll grab him. I am sure this will work.”

“Famous last words,” he said with a scowl.

She ignored that. “The key will be to find a place that’s relatively isolated, so we don’t put innocent lives at risk.” Not a motel where there could be other customers in nearby rooms. Or a neighborhood. Something rural but not too far, or the perp might consider it a trap.

“And when exactly do you intend to do this?”

Glancing at her watch, she sighed. “It’s too late to do that tonight, but we can work on it first thing tomorrow.”

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