Page 40 of A Colby Christmas Rescue

Rather than risk looking back, Jamie braced her feet against the back of the passenger seat and eased down low in her seat.

The crash of metal was followed by a hard lurch forward as the other car rammed them. A new wave of adrenaline rose inside her.

Abi righted their forward momentum. “There’s a weapon under my seat if you can get to it.”

Jamie eased down into the floorboard and felt around under the driver’s seat. The weapon sat snugly in a holster that had been secured to the bottom of the seat. A bit of creativity was required to remove the weapon from behind since it had been installed with the driver in mind.

“Got it.”

She eased up into the seat, keeping her head low.

“He’s coming again,” Abi warned.

Jamie got onto her knees facing the rear window and watched as the vehicle neared. It was impossible to determine if there were more occupants than the driver. She powered the window down and leaned out as far as she dared.

“He’s coming,” Abi warned.

Jamie closed one eye and focused on the front passenger side wheel barreling toward her. She took the shot.

Tires squealed as the car seemed to spin sideways and rush backward. In fact, it was only because they were going forward that the distance stretched out between them.

“Bravo!” Abi shouted.

The car rocketed forward as he pushed the accelerator for all it had to offer.

Jamie powered the window back up but kept her focus on the disabled car. It was dark, black maybe, and it wasn’t moving.

Once it was out of view, she climbed over the console and settled back into the front passenger seat. She placed the weapon on the console and secured her seat belt.

“Who could have known about your plan?”

He slowed for an upcoming traffic signal. “I don’t think this was someone who had advance knowledge of our plan. I’m thinking this was more like security picking up on our interest in the doctor’s departure from the party.”

“You’re suggesting they monitored the guests who left when or soon after the doctor did.”

“I am.” He made a left turn.

“Maybe.”

“Either that or your friend Poe tried taking us out of the game.”

Of course he would come up with that scenario. “No. Poe would have followed us and then confronted us at our destination.”

“At least one of us has faith in his motives.”

“Whoever that guy was, if he works for the doctor, he’s going to notify security at the hospital. They’ll be watching for us.”

“No problem.” He glanced at her. “I have a plan.”

Two more turns and he pulled into a slot in a parking area between two other vehicles. When he’d shut off the lights and the engine, he shifted in his seat to face her. “There’s a sweater back there for me and a pair of sneakers. It might be easier for you to reach them.”

The two items were in the floorboard after the erratic driving. She released her seat belt, got on her knees in the seat and reached into the rear floorboard. She passed the sweater and then the sneakers to him. His grin told her he’d enjoyed seeing her in that awkward position. She rolled her eyes.

His jacket, shirt and bow tie flew over the seat. He tugged the sweater over his head and rolled it into place. He powered the seat back to facilitate changing his shoes.

His cell vibrated and he took the call. “Yes.”

Jamie surveyed the area. A multistory building sported a Nashville Eye Center logo. The hospital that was their destination, Saint Thomas, stood across the street. On that side of the street there were steps leading up to the parking area, making their current position well camouflaged from anyone who might be watching for their arrival.Good move.

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