Page 23 of Relentless

Liam escorted her from the hospital, Matt and Trent flanking them.

The medic tossed Liam a set of keys and indicated the black SUV to his right. “That’s your replacement ride. Bear had this one ready to go. When he heard what happened on the highway, he and his wife brought this SUV to Otter Creek for you.”

“Great.” He helped Piper into the passenger seat and stashed her bag in the cargo area. His Go bag and equipment bag were already in the back.

He looked at Trent, eyebrows raised. “How did you get my gear? I thought the Cherry Hill cops would confiscate it.”

His team leader shrugged. “Ethan’s handiwork.”

Wow. The Otter Creek police chief had serious pull.

“Need backup?”

“Doubtful but I won’t rule it out.”

“We’ll be ready.”

“Forget going by yourself,” Matt said. “Simon has his bag packed. He’s waiting for a direction to drive. Call him, Liam. Otherwise, he’ll have Zane track you down.”

Yeah, he would. Liam would do the same if Simon was in danger. “I’ll talk to him.”

“Where are you headed?” Trent asked.

“Copper Ridge Ski Resort.”

“We’ll study schematics and maps of the area in case you need a hand. Watch your back.” He turned to Piper. “Be careful. Do exactly what Liam and Simon tell you to do. They’ll keep you safe.”

“I don’t want Liam in trouble for skipping work.”

Liam wrapped his hand around hers. “I’ll talk to my boss. I’ll be fine.”

“Brent Maddox is fiercely protective of women who are in trouble,” Matt agreed. “He won’t have a problem with Liam protecting the woman he’s dating.”

Trent clapped Liam on the shoulder. “Check in every two hours. If you run into trouble, I want to know.”

“Yes, sir.”

He shut Piper’s door, circled the hood, and slid behind the steering wheel. On the drive to the police station, Liam called Simon.

After his detailed explanation, Simon said, “I’ll drive to the resort and do reconnaissance. Want me to see if two rooms are available?”

Liam glanced at Piper. Would she like to spend time at the resort? He didn’t think Delilah would protest Piper taking another day off. “A suite.” After almost losing her to thugs, Liam preferred having Piper close.

“Let me know when you arrive.”

“Copy that.” He ended the call and glanced at the silent woman by his side. “Are you hungry?”

Piper twisted in her seat. “I’m starving. The food at Memorial is less than stellar.”

Liam chuckled. “Not surprising.”

“Have you been admitted to a hospital?” She rolled her eyes and held up a hand to stop him from answering. “Never mind. Of course you have. Perhaps a better question is how long were you admitted?”

“A few months. I was injured on a mission with my Marine unit.”

“How long were you enlisted?”

“Ten years.”

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