Page 16 of Caught in the Crossfire

“No problem. I’ll have a shadow for a while anyway.”

An eyebrow rose. “Fortress is providing a bodyguard?”

“The Fortress teams at PSI are in charge of security for Nicole and Dawn,” Trent said.

“If you feel the need for a safe house outside of town, I need to know the location before you make the move.”

“Yes, sir.”

Ethan turned to Mason. “You have my number. Use it. If you need me, I’ll be there.”

“Thanks.”

The police chief left the room followed by Rod.

“What do you want to do about your meal, Mase?” Trent asked.

“Go eat, Mason.” Nicole gave him a wan smile. “I’m not going anywhere, and I don’t want you to starve. Trent will watch over me.”

“I’ll be fine.” His stomach chose that moment to growl.

“Don’t be stubborn.” She released his hand. “If it will make you feel better, send Matt in here. He can keep me company for a few minutes.”

Knowing that she’d worry if he didn’t take care of himself, Mason bent and brushed his lips over hers. “I won’t be long.” He turned and looked at Trent.

The operative smiled. “I’ve got her, Mase. No worries.”

Why did he wonder when the next disaster would strike?

CHAPTER SIX

Nicole opened her eyes to slits to identify the person who slipped into her room and was relieved to recognize the dark-haired medic from the Bravo team. She’d had more than enough poking and prodding by the doctors and nurses at Memorial. “Thanks for staying, Matt. I figured you would abandon ship and go home to your wife.”

“I have a soft spot for Otter Creek’s favorite pet groomer. How’s the nausea?”

“Starting to ease. I could use something for the headache, though. I feel like my head’s going to explode at the next loud noise.”

“Your nurse is making the rounds now with the med cart. She should be here soon.” He removed the limp ice pack. “Mason seemed upset when he left your room.”

“He has a right to be,” she murmured, shutting her eyes again. She didn’t have to be on guard with Matt at her bedside. “He’s the prime suspect in Riva Kemper’s murder.”

“Kelter is a good detective. He’ll find the real killer.”

Nicole’s lips curved, pleased the medic assumed Mason was innocent. Would other people in town give him the benefit of the doubt or believe the worst? “One of Mason’s wrenches might have been used as the murder weapon.”

“Does he have an alibi for the time of the murder?”

She’d been too lost in a haze of pain to remember much about Mason’s answers. “That depends on when Riva died. Part of the afternoon, Mason was on a job site by himself, inspecting work completed by construction crews.”

Matt blew out a breath. “Too bad someone couldn’t vouch for his whereabouts during that time.”

No kidding. The timing couldn’t be worse. Otter Creek wasn’t that large, though. Someone had to see him going to the Willow Run site or leaving it, and verify the timeline for Rod and Ethan.

Nicole sighed. Even if they found someone, that wouldn’t be enough to convince Rod to focus his attention elsewhere. Mason could have slipped away from the site and returned to Riva’s place with no one the wiser if he was careful.

What Rod seemed determined to ignore was that Mason didn’t have a motive to kill the real estate agent. Second, the construction worker would never lay a hand on Nicole in anger. In the past year, he had treated her with respect and gentleness, grateful that she’d given him a chance instead of condemning him for his wayward past. No, she knew in her heart Mason wasn’t responsible for her injuries.

A light tap sounded on the door. Trent said, “The nurse is here with your medicine, Nicole.”

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