Page 105 of Fractured Fear

CHAPTER 41

RIO

Blood is going to flood the streets. I’m not just going to paint this city red, I’m going to drown it.

They robbed my Babygirl of her peace. This was her hard work, her haven, and they took that from her. They can run as far as they want, but they won’t be able to hide from us, not for long.

The ambulance and police arrive three minutes too late. Good response time, but still late. They poured from their vehicles like ants. The cops recognized Zane and Liam instantly, lowering their weapons when Zane told them the assholes got away.

EMTs came straight to Lance who had been dead since the first shots, then Zane and me. Liam and Asher had to force Zane into the back of the ambulance so he could get stitched up. We were just grazed, but by Ash’s reaction you’d think we had lost a limb. Asher didn’t shout, but the beast within him was so angry the vibrations coming off of him were almost palpable.

Captain Williams was on the scene twenty minutes later. He questioned Liam and Zane privately, but he didn’t try to hide his anger at two of his detectives being involved in a shooting. He didn’t blame them. Williams is a level-headed man, butthat doesn’t mean he can’t be angry at the situation, it’s messy. He didn’t hesitate to point out that a victim in his jurisdiction should have had more protection especially if the FBI thought she might be a person of interest to a serial killer. As he walked away, he was on the phone with Asher’s boss.

Spencer sits quietly staring down at her hands, shoulders slumped. She’s wearing guilt like a thick, heavy cloak. She has nothing to be sorry for, but no matter how much I tell her that, she still hasn’t moved.

Hayes and Iris are with her now. Iris has an arm wrapped around her and Hayes is standing sentry on Spencer’s other side.

We have all given our statements to the cops on scene. Spencer was able to bring it together to answer questions, but she averted her gaze when asked if she saw anything that could help. I’ll be getting that answer out of her later.

Trusting that Spencer is in good hands, I make my way to the back of the ambulance where Zane is giving an EMT grief. Walking with a bullet graze on my thigh isn’t fun, but the pain doesn’t faze me. I refuse to limp. It would only cause Spencer to worry, and she doesn’t need that.

“I said I’m fine,” he lashes out.

“You really should go to the hospital, man. Maybe get some antibiotics to make sure you don’t get an infection,” Liam reasons.

“Yeah, listen to Rambo,” I tease.

“Rambo?” Liam questions.

“Yeah, man. Did you see yourself? The way you got Spencer to the ground and spun around on your knees like you popped out of a John Wick movie. Then you chased those guys down on foot. Definitely Rambo material.”

Zane and Ash give a nod of approval and Liam beams. I don’t think his smile could shine any brighter, but then he realizes he’sgrinning ear to ear like a little boy and quickly puts on a straight face, acknowledging our approval with a slight nod as well.

“But really Z, listen to Rambo. You should go to the hospital. Hell, I’ll come with you,” I say with wide-eyes hoping Zane picks up what I’m putting down.

Recognition dawns his face and he nods. “Yeah, you’re right. Ash, how about you drive us.”

Asher turns to Liam. “You should take off. You’ve earned it. Go home to your wife and kids.”

Liam lowers his shoulders. “Okay, but only if you’re sure you don’t need me.”

“Yeah, yeah. We got this.”

“Okay. I’m going to go check in with Fernandez over there. Once they’ve cleared the scene, I’ll catch a ride with one of them back to the precinct,” he hesitates as he turns to walk away. “You didn’t tell me you were dating her.”

“It’s not relevant,” Zane replies.

“You know Captain won’t see it that way.”

“If it was your wife, would you let anyone else investigate?” Zane poses the question already knowing the answer. No man would be able to stand aside when the person he loves needs them.

“Frick,” Liam mutters as he drags a hand through his hair.

Frick? Este maldito niño.

“Fine, but don’t do anything to jeopardize the investigation. I don’t want to get demoted just as I arrive.”

Zane just nods which must be enough for Liam, or Liam has acclimated to Zane’s silence, because he turns and walks away.

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