Page 105 of Caught in the Crossfire

Nicole stared. “Are you normally armed with a deadly weapon?”

“Linc was worried about my safety. Since I don’t know self-defense or how to fire a gun, a knife was the best option. I need help retrieving it.”

“Which leg?”

“Outside of the right calf.” Dawn rolled until her back pressed against Nicole’s. “The knife will slide easily from the sheath.”

“I hope I don’t cut you.”

“If you do, I’ll heal. Hurry, Nic. One of the men will check on us soon.”

She tugged on Dawn’s jeans-covered leg until the material cleared the sheath. Working by touch alone, Nicole wrapped her hand around the hilt and inched her way up the bed until the knife slid free. “Got it.”

“Turn the knife around so the blade is pointing toward our heads, and I’ll take it from there.”

Nicole rolled onto her right side. Working by touch, she turned the knife, stopping each time the rumble of male voices neared the door.

A few more minutes, and they’d be free. Then came the hard part, escaping this room.

CHAPTER THIRTY

Mason finally freed himself from the knot of well-wishers offering congratulations on the new promotion. Under normal circumstances, he’d appreciate the sentiments from friends and coworkers. Now, however, he wanted to return to Nicole’s side.

Every moment he spent away from her stoked his worry. Didn’t make sense to be anxious since she and Dawn were in the middle of a crowded yard. Of all people, though, Mason understood things changed in the blink of an eye. He couldn’t escape the feeling danger stalked his bride-to-be tonight.

After another coworker shook his hand and asked to be considered for the new crew, Mason eased around groups of people chatting and headed for his table.

Mason stopped when he noticed the table was empty and scanned the area. Although he didn’t see Nicole and Dawn, Linc was conversing with one of the construction crew.

Linc looked up, saw Mason, and mouthed the word, “Kitchen.”

The knot in his stomach eased. Nicole and Dawn must be helping Emily. He turned as another friend called his name.

“Congratulations, Mase. That promotion is well deserved.” Henry slapped him on the back, his gray hair gleaming in the outside lights.

“Thanks. Would you be interested in working with the home rehab division?” Henry was the best Mason had ever seen with an electrical grid. Some of the old houses had tricky electrical problems. He and Dean had called on Henry more than once for his expertise in the field.

A slow grin from the older man. “If I’m working with the right crew.”

“Throw in with me, and I’ll make sure you’re with a good team.”

“Sounds like a plan. Thanks for taking on an old man like me.” He shook Mason’s hand. “Brian made a wise choice when he hired you, my friend.” Easing closer, he dropped his voice, and said, “Some folks aren’t as pleased with this change in leadership as I am, though. Watch your back, Mason.”

“I’m not surprised. What have you heard?”

“I sat close enough to Patton and Fisher to hear their reaction when to Brian’s announcement. They were hot under the collar, and that’s stating it mildly.”

“Did they say anything in particular or were they mouthing off?”

“I didn’t hear specifics, but they used the word payback.” Henry laid his hand on Mason’s shoulder. “I recognized the tone, though. Those boys believe you wronged them, and they intend to cause trouble.”

What was that about? As far as he knew, he’d never wronged either of them. “I appreciate the warning.”

“Fisher has dangerous connections.”

“I’ll be careful.”

With a nod, Henry moved off to speak to someone else.

---