Page 26 of Caught in the Crossfire

When the heating cycle finished, he handed the mug to Dawn and slid another one into the microwave. “Wish I could be more help. By the time I got outside, he was gone.”

With a nod, Josh walked outside to make his calls.

By the time Linc heated the other two mugs of tea, Dawn trembled all over. She knew what it was. Her father had talked about adrenaline crash often while he was in the military. Still ticked her off even though she was entitled to a small meltdown. She also had a close encounter with a killer, and the same man had decided she and Nicole were a threat. The incident happened so fast, she wouldn’t recognize him if she passed him on the street.

She eyed the mug. Dawn wanted the tea but was afraid she’d spill more than she managed to drink. Maybe she’d have better luck in a few minutes.

After Linc handed Grace the final mug of tea, he tugged Dawn to her feet and wrapped his strong arms around her. Surprised, she held herself stiff for a few seconds before the scorching heat of his body began to thaw her ice cold one. Wow. He was like a furnace.

By degrees, Dawn relaxed against him, soaking up the warmth as her body processed the shock. From the safety of his arms, she noticed that Trent and Mason were holding their women, too.

When the shakes subsided, Linc loosened his hold. “Okay now?” he murmured.

Dawn nodded. “Thanks.”

“Did I hurt you?”

“I’m fine.”

“You sure? I hit you pretty hard.”

“A bruise is better than a bullet any day.”

Low-voiced conversation drew her attention to the front room. Soon, Ethan Blackhawk strode in. “Is everyone all right?”

“No injuries,” Trent reported.

“Sit rep.”

While Trent spoke with Ethan about the events of the past few minutes, Linc urged Dawn to retake her seat and sip the tea. While she drank, he kept his hand on her back as though reminding her of his presence and protection. As if she’d forget. The PSI instructor hit all the marks for her.

When Trent completed his summary, Ethan turned to Linc. “Your turn.”

“A black pickup drove slowly up the street, turned right on Dogwood, and kept going. I didn’t think anything of it until the truck reappeared five minutes later, still doing a slow crawl. This time, however, instead of simply passing the house, the driver rolled down his window and aimed a weapon. I called out a warning to Mason and Trent, and tackled Dawn to get her out of the line of fire.”

The police chief’s eyebrows rose. “She wasn’t asleep?”

“Too revved up to sleep,” Dawn said. “I was in the living room with Linc.”

“Did you see anything?”

She shook her head. “I sat on the couch until Linc told me to go to the kitchen. Halfway there, he tackled me.”

Ethan glanced at the others. “What about the rest of you?” When he received a negative response from them, the police chief turned back to Trent. “You have a security breach I need to know about?”

“Zane’s looking into it. He’s at your disposal, whatever you need. Maddox’s orders.”

A nod, then Ethan turned his attention to her and Nicole. “Keep your cell phone charged and on your person at all times, even inside your homes. Don’t go anywhere alone. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep your doors and windows locked. If you have an alarm system, use it.”

“What is the chance that this is related to Trent instead of us?” Nicole asked.

“Slim to none. If you wondered whether the killer considered you a threat, you can take this incident as your answer. If he’s bold enough to come after you here, he won’t give up until we stop him or you’re dead.”

CHAPTER EIGHT

Mason and Linc positioned and secured plywood over the compromised living room window while Nicole and Dawn watched from the couch. His bride-to-be nudged her friend. “Nice view.”

“Best in town.”

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