Page 30 of Caught in the Crossfire

Nicole rested her hand over his heart. “Josh checked it two hours ago. I’m sure it’s fine.”

“I’m not. You mean more to me than anything or anyone else in my life. It’s my responsibility to take care of you, a responsibility I don’t take lightly. You are my greatest treasure, Nicole.” Without her, his life had no meaning or purpose.

Her expression softened. “Have I told you how much I love you, Mason Kincaid?”

“Not in the past few hours.”

“How remiss of me. I’m blaming the head injury for that lapse. I love you. Thank you for checking my vehicle and keeping me safe.”

He relaxed his grip on the frame of his truck, relieved he wouldn’t have to insist. His lady was independent and stubborn, and he adored her. Her safety, however, was an area where he wouldn’t budge. “I won’t be long.”

After a brief kiss, Mason closed the passenger door again to better protect her and circled Nicole’s SUV, searching for signs of tampering. Rio’s teammate, Nate, was one of the best EOD men in the business and Mason had spent several hours with him over the past two years, learning the signs of sabotage in vehicles. Never thought he’d have to use the knowledge he’d gained to safeguard the woman he loved.

While he searched, he noticed Linc searching Dawn’s vehicle. If anything was wrong, the PSI weapons master would know.

Mason dropped to his stomach and surveyed the vehicle’s undercarriage. Nothing that shouldn’t be there. Breathing easier, he returned to Nicole. “All clear. I’ll follow you to work, then pick up breakfast.”

“You’re going to spoil me, Mason.”

“I’m taking care of you,” he corrected. “You’ll stay in the shop today?”

“We have back-to-back grooming appointments until six o’clock tonight. I’ll barely have time to eat lunch much less step outside of the shop.”

“If you need to go out for any reason, don’t go without an escort. If I’m not available, Ethan might have an officer available or Trent could send one of the bodyguard trainees with you.”

Nicole pressed her lips to his. “Don’t worry. I won’t go anywhere without taking along a big, burly male I trust.”

“Thanks.”

“Hey, I don’t want to be responsible for you slamming a hammer onto your thumb rather than a nail.”

His lips twitched. “I appreciate that.” He turned as Linc approached. “Clean?”

“No tampering. You?”

“Same.”

Linc’s brows knitted. “I’m surprised the killer didn’t try to rig up something even with the police activity. He had the perfect opportunity after he shot up Trent’s house. Most of the third-shift cops were securing the new scene.”

It was curious. Maybe the killer didn’t have the knowledge necessary. How could that be, though? A simple search of the Internet would yield directions for a bomb. Low-tech sabotage would have also been effective. Nicking a brake line or dumping sugar in a gas tank would make Nicole and Dawn vulnerable to another attack. “I’ll follow you to the salon, then get breakfast.”

“You’ll be late for work,” Nicole said.

“I’ll call Brian and explain.” Mason held out his hand. “Come on. You need to be at the salon soon in order to set up for your first customer.”

That brought a smile to her face. “My favorite four-footed guy, Tank, is coming.”

“Tank?” Linc’s eyebrows rose.

“He’s a big chocolate Lab with a heart of gold and the sweetest disposition ever. Don’t rat me out, but I’d do his grooming for free just to have a chance to work on him.”

He chuckled. “Can’t wait to meet him.”

A short time later, the entourage headed toward Pet Palace. On the drive, Mason called his boss. “It’s Mason. I’ll be a little late this morning.”

“You forget to set your alarm?” Brian teased.

“No, sir.” He summarized the events of the previous evening and early this morning. “Linc and I are escorting Dawn and Nicole to the grooming salon to be sure they arrive safely. Want me to bring you something since I’m picking up breakfast for the others anyway?”

---