Page 65 of Caught in the Crossfire

Mason gave a wry laugh. “Oh, I want to point out the error of his ways so bad I can taste it, but I want to attend my own wedding in two months and three days more.”

“What if he comes after you again?”

“I’ll be happy to demonstrate the skills Bravo and Durango drilled into me.”

Satisfaction gleamed in Linc’s eyes. “If you want help hunting for Riva’s killer, I’m in. I owe him for shoving Dawn to the ground and wreaking havoc in her life.”

He couldn’t do better than to have a Special Forces soldier for backup. “Thanks.”

A shrug. “That’s what friends are for, Mason. We have each other’s backs, no matter the circumstances.”

When a door opened close by, Linc rose and walked to the hallway. His face brightened when he saw Dawn. “You okay?” he murmured, cupping her cheek with the palm of his hand.

She smiled, humor dancing in her eyes. “I slept great when I sat beside you on the couch, but I only slept in short spurts after you carried me to bed.”

His expression softened into one of tenderness. “I’m glad I helped you get some rest.”

Mason cleared his throat. He didn’t want to witness the kiss Linc looked ready to plant on Dawn’s mouth.

Dawn’s eyes widened. “Good morning, Mason. I didn’t realize anyone else was awake. I hope I didn’t interrupt anything.”

“I couldn’t sleep, either, so I decided to fuel my caffeine craving.” He looked at Linc. “I’ll take the watch. Enjoy your coffee and the sunrise with Dawn before you have to leave.”

The other man linked his fingers with Dawn’s. “Thanks, Mase.” He led her toward the kitchen.

With a grin, Mason settled in front of the computer and sipped his coffee as he watched the screen. Nearing sunrise, the street traffic began to pick up and lights appeared in various windows in nearby houses.

Linc returned to the security room. “I need to go.” He told Mason the alarm code. “Set the alarm when you leave. Matt will be waiting at Pet Palace to watch over Dawn and Nicole. We have the women covered, Mason. Watch your back today. We’ll stir the pot tonight and see what rises to the top.”

“I have an idea on that.”

“Don’t investigate on your own. You need an alibi and backup in case of trouble. As volatile as emotions are in this situation, there will be trouble.”

“I hear you.”

A scowl. “You better. So far, you’ve survived the attempts on your life and Nicole’s. If the attacks continue, you won’t be so lucky.”

“The incidents might be an attempt to separate me from Nicole, not a threat to my life.”

“Don’t bank on that. Whether he meant it or not, the person who poisoned you could have killed you. Dead is dead, Mason.” Linc’s eyes grew shadowed. “I’ve lost too many friends. I don’t want to lose another one.” After a quick, low-voiced conversation with Dawn at the front door, Linc left.

As Mason continued to watch the computer screen, he considered what his first move should be. He glanced at his watch. Was it too early to call Zane? From what he’d observed, the Fortress tech wizard was usually up early because of his wife’s schedule and his infant son. This might be the perfect time to catch him before the day’s craziness at Fortress cranked up.

He grabbed his cell phone and tapped Zane’s name.

A moment later, Zane answered his call. “How do you feel, Mason?”

Huh. Guess someone had told the Navy SEAL about the poisoning incident. “Better.”

“Good. What do you need?”

He closed his eyes a second. No qualifications or questions. Just acceptance and an offer of help. “If you have time, can you run a check on the Fitzgerald clan to see if they’re still in Liberty?”

“You have reason to believe they aren’t?”

“I’m eliminating possibilities. I need to narrow my focus. The Fitzgerald family has the most reason to harm me although I don’t think they’d hurt Nicole. I know Todd Fitzgerald is here. I have a fist-sized bruise on my jaw from our confrontation two nights ago. I need to know if other Fitzgerald family members are here as well.”

“Copy that. I’ll get back to you when I track them down.” Zane ended the call.

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