Page 75 of Caught in the Crossfire

“They were watching from the shadows and weren’t happy that I insisted they answer questions.”

“What did they say?”

“They heard raised voices and wanted to be sure their coworker didn’t need help.”

Mason snorted. “They wouldn’t lift a finger to help me if I needed an assist.”

Linc’s lips curved. “I got the impression they’d prefer to watch you beaten to a pulp rather than help.”

“They were in the bar while we ate dinner. I noticed them keeping an eye on us.”

“They smelled like they bathed in a vat of beer.”

“Great. They won’t be worth anything tomorrow.” Mason sighed. “I wonder how much of their work Dean and I will have to redo.”

“I’d steer clear of them. Those boys weren’t cooperative at first, but I convinced them that answering my questions was best for their continued good health.”

“You threatened them?” Oh, man. That wouldn’t be good. He was sure to hear about that at some point tomorrow.

Linc shrugged. “Dawn’s safety is at stake as well as Nicole’s. I don’t care who I offend.” He opened the driver’s door and climbed behind the wheel.

A moment later, Linc drove them from the lot and toward his home. Once there, Mason escorted the women inside while Linc checked the perimeter of the property for signs of incursion onto his property.

“Stay near the door while I check the house.”

Nicole brushed her mouth lightly over his. “Be careful.”

With a nod, he searched each room, checking every hiding place along with doors and windows for signs of tampering. He found nothing.

By the time he finished, Linc had returned. “Clear,” he told his friend.

“Same. Anyone want coffee?”

“I can’t handle that right now, but I’m sure whoever is on watch will need it.” Dawn headed for the kitchen. “I’ll start a pot.”

Linc watched her go, concern in his eyes. “I’ll be back,” he murmured and followed her.

Nicole slid her arms around Mason’s waist. “Any chance you have time to star gaze on the deck tonight?”

He dropped a quick kiss to her forehead. “For you, I’ll make time. Besides, my watch shift doesn’t begin until 1:00 a.m.” Mason eased back from her. “Wait here a minute.” He went to his room, snatched a quilt from the end of the bed, and carried it to the living room. “Come on. Let’s see how many constellations you can identify.”

Wrapping his hand around hers, he led Nicole to the kitchen. His eyebrows rose when he saw Dawn with her face pressed into Linc’s neck, holding him tight.

Linc gave him a slight head shake and motioned for them to go on.

Hmm. The parking lot incident must have upset her more than she let on. Mason ushered Nicole into the yard. He scouted for an open area sheltered enough to protect Nicole.

He spread the quilt on the ground and stretched out beside Nicole. She propped her head on his arm and gazed skyward.

“The sky is clear tonight,” she murmured. “You can see many constellations.” She named one after another. Mason wouldn’t be able to identify them without her pointing them out.

Nicole looked at him. “Do you think Dawn is all right?”

“She will be. It’s the first time she’s come face to face with what Linc’s trained to do.”

“He’s an instructor.”

“Linc has the same training as Durango. When Fortress needs him, he goes. If Dawn is in a relationship with him, she’ll have to accept that part of his life.”

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