Page 51 of Flynn

She slouched in the corner of the sofa. “I don’t hear anymore gunfire.”

“I think our perp took off,” Flynn said with disgust. “I’m not sure why he fired three shots in rapid succession like that. Anyone with half a brain would know that we wouldn’t allow you to leave the building first.”

“I was wondering about that too,” Cassidy said with a frown. “I hate to give this guy too much credit, but it seems as if the shooter wanted to draw out Doug and Brady, while making sure the rest of us stayed put. Especially if he was firing from a position in the structure across the street.”

“Tell me about it.” Flynn’s expression was grim. “The shadow passing by the window didn’t have time to get all the way out to the parking structure across the street. So either I saw a local hotel patron or there’s more going on. I plan to stay here, covering the window.”

“Then I’ll keep an eye on the main door,” Cassidy said.

“Close the two bedroom doors first,” Flynn said. “We need to be ready for anything. Especially another ambush. I wish we could lock the bedroom doors from this side, but I checked, and there’s no way to do that.”

Taylor shivered. Was this an attempt to divide and conquer? She’d assumed Nickoli Yurgis was acting on his own, but what if he had help? Not just from someone inside the FBI but also from another gunman?

Whoever had hired Nickoli could have easily dipped his hand into the pool of hired killers to find another. Especially if he or she had money to burn.

Why was it that bad guys who were rich always wanted to be richer? She truly didn’t understand the mentality that a comfortable lifestyle wasn’t enough.

A heavy silence hung between the three occupants of the room. She could tell that Cassidy and Flynn were listening and watching intently for someone to appear. Cassidy had her eye pressed against the peephole looking out into the hallway, while Flynn continually searched the area outside the window.

Taylor felt useless. Other than being curled in the corner of the sofa with her head down, she wasn’t doing anything to help the situation.

She was only the cause of the situation.

The minutes passed with painful slowness. She imagined the three men outside, searching every nook and cranny for the gunman. When Flynn’s phone rang, she startled badly, her heart nearly beating out of her chest. She glanced over to where Flynn was bringing the phone to his ear while still watching out the window. “Hey, Rhy. Did you find him?”

When Flynn’s mouth flattened into a thin line, she knew the response wasn’t reassuring.

“Okay, I guess it’s good to know where he was and that he left a shell casing behind this time. That’s progress and gives us something to work from. Hopefully, the crime scene techs can find more evidence.” Flynn finally turned from the window to look over at her. “Yeah, I agree with the plan of getting Taylor out of here ASAP.”

Cassidy turned from her position at the door. “The hallway is clear, and I hear sirens. That’s our cue to hit the road.”

Flynn nodded, still listening to Rhy. “Understood. We’ll meet you out back.”

Out back? The same place they’d been standing when the gunfire had erupted? Taylor swallowed hard, determined not to second guess the decision. These guys were the experts in this sort of thing.

She didn’t know much of anything. Which was why it was so frustrating to be in this position. She was a nanny. Had a teaching degree. Enjoyed caring for kids.

Not hiding from danger.

“Yeah, I see you.” Flynn had turned to look out the window again. “And we hear the sound of sirens as well. Best to get out of Dodge before we’re stuck answering questions. Which vehicle was damaged?”

Taylor saw Cassidy wince at that. Remembering the conversation about budget issues for Rhy and the team, she understood the concern.

If she had money, she’d gladly pitch in. But she was still paying off her student loans.

“Yep. We’re on our way.” Flynn pocketed his phone, then crossed to the sofa. “We’re taking Brady’s car. Doug’s SUV is damaged.”

“Interesting that the fed’s car was targeted,” Cassidy said, peering through the peephole again before stepping back to open the door. “Almost as if the gunman knew which SUV to hit.”

“It’s hard to say for sure, there are three vehicles back there,” Flynn said with a shrug. “Brady’s SUV was first in line, then Doug’s, and then Rhy’s.” He joined Cassidy at the door. “I’ll take the lead. You cover Taylor from behind again, okay?”

“Yes,” Cassidy agreed, looking over at her expectantly.

She rose on shaky knees and quickly headed to where the two officers waited. She instinctively grabbed the back of Flynn’s winter coat as they stepped back out into the hall. Flynn hugged the wall as they made their way toward the rear exit.

The second attempt to leave the hotel was a success. Rhy was outside near an SUV, and he gestured for them to approach. “I’ll follow you in my vehicle. Doug and Brady are staying here for now. They’ll handle the questions from the local police.”

“Good.” Flynn took the key fob from Rhy’s hand, then opened the back passenger door. “We’ll want you in the back seat, Taylor. I need Cassidy to ride shotgun.”

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