Page 76 of Caught in the Crossfire

“Why would he risk his life? He’s a trainer now.”

“Linc is a warrior and always will be.”

When they returned to the house, they discovered Linc and Dawn sitting on the couch, holding hands and speaking in low tones. Quinn Gallagher monitored the security screen.

After escorting Nicole to her room and kissing her goodnight, Mason closed himself in his room and called Zane. “I apologize for calling so late,” he said when the tech guru answered his call.

“What do you need?”

“I forwarded an email to you. The person who sent pointed Gage Fitzgerald my direction. I want to know who sent the email and why.”

“I’ll let you know what I learn.”

“Thanks, Zane.”

“Yep. Later.” He ended the call.

That done, Mason got ready for bed. An hour before his alarm sounded, he woke in a cold sweat after dreaming of losing Nicole to Riva’s nameless, faceless murderer.

A few minutes after midnight, Mason walked to the kitchen, hoping Quinn made fresh coffee recently. He needed something to wash the bitter taste of fear from his mouth. A breath of relief whooshed out when he saw the half-full carafe. He poured a mug and sipped half the liquid before refilling it and heading for the security room.

Quinn turned as Mason crossed the threshold. “Couldn’t sleep?”

“Nope. Go home and get some sleep, Quinn.”

“I don’t mind staying if you need someone to keep watch with you.”

“I’m sure Heidi would appreciate having you home.”

Quinn flashed a grin. “I’ll have to nudge Charlie out of my spot. He keeps her company when I’m gone.”

After the operative left, Mason wondered if Nicole would like a dog for their home. She loved her four-legged customers and they loved her.

That conversation would have to wait until Riva’s killer was behind bars, though. He refused to endanger an innocent dog.

“Two months and two days to go,” a soft feminine voice murmured from the threshold.

Mason spun to see a sleepy-eyed Nicole dressed in her yoga workout clothes. He clasped her upper arms. “Why are you awake? Are you okay?”

She hugged him. “I’m fine. I woke up thirsty and saw you in here.” Nicole made a soft sound of contentment. “Two more months, Mason. I’m looking forward to the day I become Nicole Kincaid. The name has a certain panache to it.”

He chuckled, joy filling his heart. “Get your water and go back to bed. You need rest.”

“You sent Quinn home early, didn’t you? It’s not time for your shift.”

“Couldn’t sleep. I’ll be fine.” He dropped a soft kiss on her mouth. “Get your water and quit distracting me from my job.”

“Yes, sir.” Nicole snapped off a quick salute and went to the kitchen.

Smiling at the smart-aleck attitude, Mason settled in front of the computer screen again and scanned the sectors around Linc’s house. All but the view of the back of the house looked the same.

He stared at the screen. Something was off, but what? Mason frowned. A second later, he sprinted toward the kitchen. Nicole’s scream shattered the silence.

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

“Nicole!” Mason raced into the kitchen.

“Someone was looking in the kitchen window. When I screamed, he ran.”

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