Page 65 of Security Breach

“Revenge for putting a family member in prison.” He cupped her cheek. “While this isn’t the norm, Emma, I can’t guarantee someone else won’t try something similar. Family and friends of people we arrest aren’t afraid to let us know how they feel.”

“That won’t scare me off, Sheriff. I love you too much to give you up.”

“I’m glad because I’m not above begging to keep you in my life.”

She smiled. “No need to beg, love. You’re stuck with me.”

Ethan drove into the clearing.

“There’s Ethan. Do you need anything before you go with him?”

“Something carbonated, please.”

“I’ll get it,” Cal murmured. “Where do I go?”

“Abe has a vending machine in the lobby of the main office. You’ll be able to get in although he’s down at the lake this time of day.” Good thing he was out, or his friend would have been caught in the crossfire. Abe would consider it his duty to protect his guests.

With a nod, the operative jogged to the main office.

“Come on.” David lifted Emma from the SUV and carried her to Ethan’s vehicle.

“I can walk,” she protested.

“Maybe I need to hold you close.” Not a lie.

Emma melted against him. “I won’t complain, then.”

He set her inside the vehicle. “Emma, this is Ethan Blackhawk, police chief of Otter Creek. Ethan, my future bride, Emma Tucker.”

Ethan smiled. “It’s good to meet you, Ms. Tucker.”

“Call me Emma. Thank you for driving me to the safe house.”

“I’m happy to help.” He inclined his head toward the large bag on the dashboard. “Madison said she included a few extra supplies for you. If you don’t like them, return them when you have the chance.”

Cal handed one soft drink to Emma and one to Ethan while keeping the third for himself. “You’re on your own, Montgomery.”

“Thanks a lot, buddy. Better get going, Ethan. I don’t want to delay you.” He also didn’t want Emma here when the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation showed up to start their work. If they realized she witnessed the shooting, the investigators would separate him and Emma for questioning.

David kissed Emma, then stepped back and closed Emma’s door as Cal climbed into the backseat.

He waited until the SUV carrying Emma to safety was out of sight before calling the TBI. Once that was done, he and Elliot set up a perimeter around the area since David couldn’t take an active part in the investigation. The afternoon promised to be a long one.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Emma stared through the front windshield of Chief Blackhawk’s SUV. She shouldn’t have left David. Yes, his brothers were with him, but she wanted to be with David to offer moral support.

If she’d stayed, though, he would have worried about her safety. News of the shootout would spread like wildfire in the community, and people from every corner of the county would come to see for themselves what was going on. Standing in the open with people staring at her, possibly the men who killed her family, sent a shudder cascading over her body. With her at the safe house, David could concentrate on protecting himself instead of her.

“Cold?” Chief Blackhawk asked.

“No, sir.” She tugged the blanket tighter around herself for comfort and, yes, maybe to fight the trembling that still wracked her body.

“Call me Ethan.” He placed the bag of knitting supplies on her lap. “Check the contents. Madison will ask what you thought about her choices when I return home.” He glanced in the rearview mirror. “Cal, you’re navigating. I’ll watch for a tail, but no detours unless we run into a problem. I’m consulting on a case in another county.”

“Yes, sir.”

After sipping her drink, Emma peered inside the bag of supplies. Her eyes widened. “Oh, wow.” She hadn’t expected Madison to include so much in the bag.

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