Page 4 of Caught in the Crossfire

Linc chuckled. “Told you.”

“For a man who doesn’t cook much, your kitchen looks well stocked.”

“That’s because my mother and sister drop in frequently to cook and freeze food.” He rolled his eyes. “According to them, I have the food habits of a teenage boy. Doesn’t matter to them that I’m 35 years old and capable of feeding myself.”

“Didn’t you hire Serena Blackhawk to prepare meals for you?” Serena, a personal chef, was also married to the police chief, the policeman Mason reported to once a week.

Linc nodded. “I told them about Serena. They insist on coming anyway. I think they’re making sure I don’t live like a slob. The Army drummed laziness out of me during boot camp.”

Their conversation drifted to the upcoming baseball season, speculating on which major league team would make it to the playoffs. When their glasses were empty, Linc eyed Mason. “When will you start your own business?”

Shock held him immobile. “Why do you ask?”

“Buddy, you’re a skilled artisan. I’ve seen your work. You have an impeccable work ethic. You’re dependable and easy to work with. You should be running your own crew.”

“Maybe.” He hadn’t considered that option too seriously. With his past hanging over his head, Mason wasn’t as confident as Linc that he’d be successful as a small business owner. Plus, he counted himself lucky that Brian Elliott of Elliott Construction had taken a chance on hiring him as soon as he was released from prison. He owed his kind-hearted boss for extending the opportunity to work.

“Think about it. I can’t be the only homeowner in desperate need of your repair services.”

His cell phone rang. “Excuse me.” Mason glanced at his screen, eyebrows soaring. Ethan Blackhawk. Was this a home repair request or a surprise check on Mason? He reported to Ethan every week per the judge’s order. Not a hardship. The chief was a good man. Still, if Mason stepped out of line, Ethan would come down on him hard.

He swiped his screen and answered the call. “What can I do for you, Ethan?”

Linc’s eyes narrowed, his attention locked on Mason’s face.

“Drop whatever you’re doing and go to 457 Ash.”

At Ethan’s sharp tone, Mason straightened. He’d been at Riva Kemper’s home earlier in the afternoon. Had Riva filed a complaint against him for some reason? “What’s wrong?”

“It’s Nicole.”

Blood drained from his face. What was his girlfriend doing at Riva’s? “Is she okay?”

“She will be. An ambulance is en route to take her to the hospital.”

Oh, man. “I’m five minutes away.”

“So is the ambulance. See you in five.” Ethan ended the call.

Mason shoved to his feet. “I have to go. Nicole’s hurt.”

“Accident?”

“Ethan didn’t give details.”

Linc pulled keys from his pocket. “Where are we going?”

“I can drive.”

“We’re wasting time.” The instructor locked up and led the way to his SUV. “Where am I going, Mason?”

“To 457 Ash. Ethan said an ambulance was on the way to take Nicole to the hospital.” Did she fall? Why was she at Riva’s to begin with?

Seconds later, Linc raced toward Ash. “We’ll be there in two minutes and find out what’s going on.”

“I could have driven.”

Linc sent him a pointed glance. “You could. Doesn’t mean you should. What kind of friend would I be if I let you drive while you’re upset?”

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