Page 31 of Caught in the Crossfire

“I wouldn’t turn it down. I’m running late, too, which is why I’ll be arriving at the Oakdale site with an empty stomach.”

“Thanks, Brian. I’ll make up the time.”

“Mase, you work over frequently without turning in the extra time. If anything, I owe you. Are the cops hassling you about Riva’s death and Nicole’s injury?”

Trust his boss to cut to the chase. “They’ll uncover the real culprit soon.” Being Ethan and Rod’s primary suspect in Riva’s murder and Nicole’s attack rankled. No question that he was innocent of the drive-by shooting. Of course, he could have had an accomplice pull the trigger. He grimaced. Yet more fallout from his conviction and prison sentence.

“If you need me to put in a good word for you with Ethan, let me know. I’ll be happy to vouch for you.”

“I’ll see you in an hour with breakfast.” He ended the call as he turned into the lot in front of Pet Palace and parked beside Nicole’s SUV.

He opened the driver’s door for her and walked Nicole inside the shop. While she and Dawn turned on lights and booted up the computer, he and Linc checked each room in the shop for signs of a break-in. Everything was normal. Excellent.

Back in the reception area, Mason cupped Nicole’s cheek as he leaned in for a quick kiss. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

“Something light for me,” she murmured. “I’m not up to a full meal this morning.”

Concern knotted his stomach. “Are you feeling sick again?”

“A little. It’s not bad. Maybe the patch Matt used is wearing off.”

And maybe Nicole was downplaying how she felt so he wouldn’t worry. He looked at Linc with a pointed glance. The PSI instructor’s lips twitched as he inclined his head in acknowledgment of Mason’s silent order to look after Nicole.

After another brush of his lips over hers, Mason drove to Perk and ordered food and drinks for five. When he returned to the salon, he placed the food and drink carrier on the counter.

He tapped the largest of the three cups. “Tea for you, Nicole. The other two contain coffee. I bought a bagel for you. Take it easy today. If you need me, call. I’ll get here as soon as I can.”

“I’ll be fine. Go.”

As he left the salon, Mason held the door open for Tank and his owner to enter.

“Tank!” Nicole leaned down and hugged the Lab. “It’s about time JT brought you in. I’ve been missing you, buddy.”

The dog’s 80-year-old owner chuckled. “Tank and I have been visiting my grandchildren. We just returned to Otter Creek yesterday.”

Mason smiled as he cranked the truck’s ignition and backed out of the parking space. At least, Nicole’s day had started off with a favorite customer. He’d have to call and check on her at his break time.

Another idea occurred to him, one that would be sure to irritate Nicole but give him peace of mind. As soon as he parked at the Oakdale job site, Mason called Matt.

“Rainer.”

“It’s Mason. I need a favor.”

“Name it.”

“If you have time between classes today, swing by Pet Palace and check on Nicole.”

“She’s worse?”

“I don’t think so. Grace kept tabs on her during the night, but I’d feel better if you evaluated her yourself. Nicole is complaining about nausea again this morning.”

“I have a break around 10:00. Is that soon enough?”

“That’s perfect. Thanks, Matt.”

“No problem. Everything quiet overnight?”

He told the medic about the shooting.”

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