Page 32 of Coveting Catherine

“Because I love you. You're my best friend. I didn’t want Ash to hurt you or Melody. I staked out the house, then Leo caught me.”

“Oh my gosh, Kassie. He could’ve killed you.” Catherine stood toe to toe with her friend, completely flabbergasted.

“Tell me about it. I'm not letting you run. It's an awful life. You will always look over your shoulder. You don't dare let your guard down. Melody won't make any friends, and the only place you’ll want to be is here with your family. Let me help you,” Kassie pleaded.

“I can’t.” Catherine’s voice faltered because her heart wasn't in it.

Four black vehicles and a van came around the corner, and began to block Kassie's truck, and surrounded them.

“Chase must've learned you left the cabin.”

Kassie jerked the door open and began grabbing Melody from the car. “Run.” she shouted, pulling Melody close and taking off toward the house.

Catherine ran behind her. When Kassie’s foot hit the first step, she heard Catherine's scream cut off, and she launched Melody toward the door. Carol's screams filled the air as Kassie fought, taking two men down and punching one of the men who held Catherine on the side of his head. Catherine struggled and yelled. Kassie reached for the knife at her side and stabbed the man closest to her in the leg, making him howl. She gripped the slippery handle and jabbed the man with his arm around Catherine's neck as he dragged her backward. Another man grabbed Kassie from the back as another hit her arm, making the knife fall. The sounds of a shotgun filled the air and mixed with the sounds of people screaming and Melody crying.

The side of the van opened. The men shoved Catherine inside. Kassie soon followed. A screaming and kicking Melody landed on her as the door closed. The driver sped off tossing them to the side. One of the men ordered another to do something in a language they didn't understand. Two men approached the women and child on their knees. Kassie's foot struck one of them in the nose as he leaned over Melody.

Catherine grabbed at her daughter as Kassie pulled Melody behind her, wedging the child between the two women.

“You've put us in danger again.” Catherine furiously whispered as she panted from struggling with the men.

Kassie's arms went behind her, protecting Melody. “These aren't Stanton's men,” she coldly told Catherine. “I have a feeling these men know your husband.”

The men moved in their direction as one pulled a knife and started making his way to Kassie. “Listen to me, don't show them any reaction. No matter what they do, stay strong. Chase called my phone. Maddie tattled. The team will come. Do you understand?” Kassie whispered to her terrified friend.

Catherine whimpered in acknowledgment as the man slowly crawled closer, brandishing the knife. Kassie watched the weapon and the way the man held it. She never saw the fist coming which struck her on the side of the head, causing her view to blur before turning black.

CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

Ash opened the door to the two men and scanned the area before shutting it. He swiped his jawline and his eyes darted between his former leader and Chase.

“Leo, I didn’t expect Doc to come with you,” Ash sounded surprised.

“You haven’t toured the team facility. I mentioned to you and Whiskey I wanted to start training. You’re part of the team. Doc and I finished some business in Seattle and are headed back to Serenity. We can talk privately in my office there,” Leo explained.

Ash paced before stopping and nodded his head. “Okay, let me get my things.”

Leo’s hand moved to his gun, walked toward the window, and drew the curtain back to guard the front area. Chase roamed through the kitchen checking for a secondary exit. The tension Ash gave off set both men on alert.

Ash returned, and they flanked him as the trio exited the house and got into Leo’s truck. Chase left Ash no option but to ride up front with Leo.

“Where’s the rest of the team?” Ash glanced in the sideview mirror checking to see if anyone followed. Leo sent Chase a look through the rearview mirror.

“Working on a special assignment. We received word Rahimi entered the States,” Leo casually dropped the news.

Ash’s eyes widened and his hands moved up and down his thighs. “Oh? Do they know his location?”

“Not yet. It’s only a matter of time before we connect the dots. I imagine he’s after something important to risk entering the country himself.” Leo let the statement sink in.

Ash wiped the sweat from his brow. His hand slightly shook, yet Leo kept from commenting as they grew closer to Serenity. The silence seemed to yank Ash’s anxiety even higher.

When the facility came into sight, Ash let out a relieved sigh. Leo parked the truck as Chase eased out of the vehicle the same time as Ash. Leo rounded the truck and motioned for Ash to follow as Chase covered his back. He opened the door and led Ash through the brand-new building. Ash slowed as he took in his surroundings.

Saint appeared beside Chase. “We gathered in the kitchen.”

Ash turned at the sound of Saint’s voice and realized the two men blocked him from running and Leo stood in front of him. He turned back around as Leo’s punch hit him squarely in the jaw. Ash fell back against Saint, who grabbed him by the scruff of his shirt and dragged him to where the team waited.

As they entered the room, Saint shoved Ash toward the table. The large, muscular men stared at him as Leo grabbed Ash and placed him on a stool. Ash’s eyebrows went up as Saint and Chase took seats with the other men. Leo sat at the head of the table.

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