Page 119 of Caught in the Crossfire

“You waltzed into town fresh from prison and immediately, Riva noticed you. Made plays for you, too, but you were too stupid to notice. Then, you got the promotion that should have been mine. Two years you worked for Elliott and because you kissed up to the boss, he gave you the promotion. I worked with him almost from the start of his business. But did he reward my loyalty? No. He was all about you.”

“You went after Todd, too, didn’t you?”

“Taking him out was pathetically easy. He thought I was you. If everything had gone the way I planned, I would have the promotion and Riva. I’d be Elliott’s right-hand man, not you.”

Mason dragged a hand down his face. “This whole thing has been an elaborate smokescreen, hasn’t it? You killed Riva and attacked Todd, then tried to lay the blame on me to send me back to prison.”

“Would have worked if the cops weren’t so stupid. Doesn’t matter now. It’s too late for all of you.” Fisher flicked a glance at one of the men holding a gun aimed at Mason. “Bring our other guest out here.”

Linc remained motionless although his eyes followed the progress of the man into the lodge. A moment later, his face lost all expression.

Mason turned and stared at the hostage struggling to break free of his captive’s grip. Gage Fitzgerald stumbled and fell to the ground at Mason’s feet.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Mason crouched beside Gage Fitzgerald. The man looked as though he’d gotten up close and personal with more than one pair of fists. His lip was split, one of his eyes fast turning black. He also sported a large bruise on the left side of his jaw. “Is Todd with you?” he murmured.

Gage shook his head. “He’s probably back at the B & B. A couple of these bruisers jumped me in the parking lot and stuffed me in the back of a van. What’s going on?”

“Get up,” Fisher ordered him. “I’m going to offer you the chance of a lifetime.”

Mason already knew where this was going. The only question was, would Gage take Fisher up on his offer? He assisted the other man to his feet.

“What are you up to?” Linc asked.

“Giving Fitzgerald the chance to avenge his wife and daughter’s death.”

Gage backed up a step. “I don’t understand.”

“Simple. I’m offering you the privilege of killing Kincaid.”

“You’re crazy. I’m not killing him or anyone else.”

Fisher shrugged. “By the time I’m finished tonight, the cops will believe you shot and killed him. His good friend, Creed, will die trying to protect him.”

Linc rolled his eyes. “The cops won’t buy that drivel.”

“Why not?”

“Even if Fitzgerald managed to kill Mason, I wouldn’t miss my shot. I’m one of the weapons trainers at PSI. With my military background and constant practice with weapons, Blackhawk won’t buy that story.”

Fisher scowled. “Fine. If Fitzgerald won’t do the job, I’m tempted to beat the daylights out of both of you. Dead is dead, whether from a bullet or my fists.”

“Try it,” Linc taunted. “You’ll lose.”

The construction worker slowly shook his head. “I don’t think so. I prefer to shoot you and save my energy for more pleasurable pursuits with Nicole.”

Nicole stared at Mason, determination gleaming in her eyes.

He gave a slight head shake. Mason didn’t know what she had in mind, but it could interfere with Ethan’s plan. Of course, Fitzgerald’s presence was a wild card no one had counted on.

Mason’s bride-to-be narrowed her eyes. A second later, she lowered her head. He drew in a slow breath, preparing himself for anything.

Fisher glanced at one of his friends. “Search them for weapons.”

“Wait for my signal,” Ethan whispered over the comm system.

A linebacker-size man lumbered over to Linc. “Hands locked behind your neck and legs spread, Cowboy. You move, you die a long, slow death.”

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