Page 34 of Under Fire

A grin. “Blackhawk always had the best luck. Tell me what went down here?”

Still holding Delilah tucked against his side, he gave Russell a rundown of events and ended with the news of the shell casing on the hill.

“Show me.” The detective turned to the uniform officers. “Barker, with me. White, take statements from the other three.”

Matt dropped a quick kiss on Delilah’s mouth. “I won’t be long. Stay with Cade.” He looked at his friend, who gave a short nod. Knowing Cade would protect Delilah with his life if necessary, Matt led Russell and Barker to the hillside, following the same path he’d used before. He crouched and aimed the beam of his flashlight at the shell casing.

Tugging on rubber gloves, Russell dropped to his haunches and studied the casing. “A .308. Rifle with a scope.” He glanced at the hotel in the distance. “Around a six-hundred-yard shot. You’re lucky to be breathing, Rainer. Did your enemies follow you to Harmony?”

“You think I have enemies?”

A snort from the detective. “You’re a member of a black ops group that routinely takes on the worst of the worst around the globe. Somebody at home drops a word in the wrong place and your enemies will know where to find you and yours. Is that what’s happening here?”

Matt rose, gut churning at the possibility the attacks on Delilah might be connected to his job. He’d contact Zane to make sure his name and location hadn’t been leaked. “It’s possible. More likely this is related to my girlfriend. She grew up in Harmony. Delilah was attacked in Otter Creek last night.”

Barker stirred. “I went to high school with her. She looks different than the last time I saw her. I didn’t recognize her at first.”

“She worked hard to change her life.” Matt looked at Russell. “I want to check on Delilah. Need anything else from me?”

“Contact information.”

He gave the detective the main number for Fortress. “Leave a message. I’ll call you back.”

Irritation lit Russell’s eyes. “We’re on the same side. I won’t post your number on my Facebook page.”

“I’d be surprised you had one. It’s a precaution all Fortress operatives take. We don’t pass out our contact information. As long as your questions are answered in a timely manner, a slight delay won’t matter.”

“What about Ms. Frost? Will I have the same roadblock with her?”

“Delay, not roadblock, and yes, you will. She’s mine to protect. I take my job seriously.”

“How long will you be in town?”

“Unknown. Delilah’s mother passed away a couple hours ago. She has responsibilities to fulfill before we return home.”

“I’m sorry to hear about Mrs. Holloway.” Russell looked at Barker. “Rope off the scene while I call in the crime techs.”

“Yes, sir.”

“Rainer, drop by the police station tomorrow. I’ll have your statements ready to sign.”

When Matt returned to the suite, Delilah looked relieved. Bemused, he sat beside her on the couch and wrapped his hand around hers. He could get used to having Delilah worry about his safety. The question was, could she handle his job and erratic schedule?

Man, he prayed she could. Losing Delilah Frost now would gut him.

Two hours later, the police left and the hotel manager arrived to offer them a new suite. Matt considered taking the new accommodations since Delilah was still reeling from losing her mother and the shooting, but their security had been compromised and he wouldn’t risk her life.

Matt shook his head. “Have our bill ready in fifteen minutes.”

The manager looked troubled. “Do you have another hotel in mind? I can call ahead and make reservations for you.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“I’m sorry your stay was unpleasant. There’s no charge for the suite. When you drop your key cards by the desk, I’ll have a complimentary basket with snacks and drinks waiting for you.”

After the manager left, Matt squeezed Delilah’s hand. “I’m sorry to move you again.”

“Not your fault.” Delilah stood, hand pressed to her ribcage. “I’ll be ready in five minutes.”

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