Page 124 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Fisher’s cousin was in the gang as had been his father and uncles before them. Fisher and Patton rode with them some, but they weren’t interested in full-time membership. In the Devils, they’d have been low down on the chain of command. Neither of them wanted that. Fisher’s cousin was the group’s leader which is why Fisher and Patton recruited the Devils to kidnap Gage Fitzgerald and stash the three hostages on the campground.”

“What would the Devils get out of it?”

“Relatively safe places to do weapons deals. Fisher believed he’d get the promotion at Elliott Construction with Mason out of the way. With multiple job sites around the county and supplies being delivered all the time to those sites, no one would have noticed an extra vehicle or box. Safe places to complete weapons deals was the price of aid from the Devils.”

Ethan stood. “I’m going home to sleep for a few hours, but wanted you to know you won’t have to worry about Patton or Fisher again until their gray-haired old men. You’ll have to testify against them in court unless I convince them to save the taxpayers some money. Those men are out of your life for good. Also, Ivan left town an hour ago. He says he won’t be back.”

“Thanks, Ethan.” Mason got to his feet and shook the police chief’s hand.

“Both of you get some rest. I’ll see you Friday, Mason.” Ethan left.

An hour later, another knock sounded on the door. Nicole’s eyes widened when Todd and Gage Fitzgerald entered the room.

Mason stood, wariness in his gaze. “Todd, Gage.”

“We wanted to check on Nicole before we left town,” Gage said.

Stunned, she stared at the two men. “Aside from bruises and cracked ribs, I’m fine.”

“I’m glad.” He shifted his attention to Mason. “Thank you, Mason. I’m embarrassed to admit that I froze when the gunfire erupted in that compound. If you hadn’t shoved me to the ground, I might be in the morgue instead of on the way home to hug my family.”

“You were a pawn in a bid for revenge.”

“You could have left me to fend for myself. You risked your life to save mine. I won’t forget that.” He studied Mason a moment, then said, “You aren’t the man I believed you to be for the past 15 years.”

“I haven’t been that same stupid kid since the moment I walked into prison,” Mason said.

A slow nod. “I can see that. I’ll tell my family what happened last night, the risk you took for me.”

“That’s not necessary.”

“It is if I’m to have any hope of convincing them to drop their vendetta against you. We’ll never be friends. The loss my family suffered is too deep. However, I’ll do my best to smooth the way for you to visit your father without fear for your safety or that of your family.”

“Thank you.”

Todd held out his hand which Mason accepted. “Truce. No more pictures.” After nodding goodbye to Nicole, the two men left.

When Mason sat beside her again, Nicole kissed him, her touch gentle. “You can go home now.”

He shook his head. “Not home. You’re home to me. I’ll never be comfortable in Liberty, but it’s good to know I’ll be able to help my father move without fear of reprisals.”

The door opened an hour later, and Grace walked in with Trent who carried a small duffel bag with a change for clothes for her and Mason. She hugged Nicole, her embrace gentle. “You look colorful, Nic.”

Nicole wrinkled her nose. “Thanks a lot. Where’s Dr. Anderson?”

“He just started his rounds on this floor. He should be here in a few minutes.” Grace laid her hand on Mason’s shoulder and kissed his cheek. “Thank you, Mason.”

“For what?”

“Protecting my sister. You put your life on the line for her. I won’t forget that.”

“Good job, Mase.” Trent clapped him on the shoulder. “I think you would make a great operative.”

“No.” Nicole glared at her brother-in-law. “You can’t have him.”

He flashed her a grin. “Figured you’d say that. No worries, Nic. I’ve already had the same conversation with Grace.”

“I’m happy in construction,” Mason said. “Besides, I want to be here in case Grace needs something when you’re deployed.”

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