Page 41 of Cassidy

He was glad to hear the crisis was over, but it wasn’t good that it had taken place at all. Shootings in general had gotten out of control. Not just those individuals with a personal vendetta, but those seeking notoriety or lashing out in anger.

It made the shootings targeting him pale in comparison.

He glanced down at the computer. Was that why he’d chosen to fight crime from behind a desk using a computer as his only weapon?

Man, he really wished he could remember.

“Come on, let’s get back inside to wait for Roscoe.” Cassidy tugged at his arm. “It’s cold out here.”

The Brookland detectives didn’t say anything as they walked by, but Rippon was on the phone, his expression betraying his anger. “Yes, sir,” he said. “I understand.”

Cassidy waited until the lobby door shut behind the detectives. “I’m sure Rhy has been in touch with their captain.” A smile tugged at the corner of her mouth. “Our boss has a way of getting what he wants.”

From his interactions with Rhy Finnegan, that wasn’t a surprise. He was about to ask again about the incident last month when Cass’s phone buzzed.

“Hey, Roscoe.” She listened for a moment, then said, “Yep. We’re here in the lobby. See you in ten.” She tucked her phone away. “We’ll be out of here soon.”

“Good. What about our suitcases?”

“They’ll have to stay here until the crime scene has been cleared.” She shrugged. “Not important now.”

“Yeah, okay.” He couldn’t deny he was glad to put this recent shooting behind him. In that moment, it struck him how close they’d come to dying today. And not for the first time.

He set the computer on the lobby sofa, then turned to face Cass. He reached out to draw her close. Without allowing himself to talk himself out of it, he brushed a kiss over her mouth, giving her plenty of time to back away or even to slap him.

She didn’t.

Instead, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, deepening their kiss. His heart soared as he held her close.

If he’d ever kissed her before, he felt certain this time was different. Better. Far, far better than anything he might have imagined.

And he wished he never had to let her go.

Being heldand kissed by Gabe was amazing. So much so that Cassidy wondered why they hadn’t done this before.

“Did you get the—oh, sorry.” Gary sounded cheerfully apologetic. When Cassidy broke off their kiss, she could see the motel owner grinning at them. “Just wanted to be sure you got the video.”

“I, uh, Gabe?” Flustered, she glanced over as Gabe picked up the laptop he’d tossed onto the sofa.

“Checking now,” he said, looking adorable with the tips of his ears burning red from acute embarrassment. As if he’d been caught stealing a cookie.

It helped to know the impact of their unexpected embrace was not one-sided. Although she couldn’t help but wonder if Gabe would have kissed her if he had his memory back.

Somehow, she didn’t think so.

“Um, yeah. I have it,” Gabe said a moment later. “And it opens without difficulty. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome.” Gary was still grinning like a fool.

She caught a glimpse of a black SUV pulling up to the lobby. “We need to go. Roscoe’s here.” She nodded at Gary. “I’ll talk to Rhy about fast-tracking the repairs.”

“I appreciate that.” Gary’s smile faded as the seriousness of the situation returned to the forefront of their minds. “And stay safe. Both of you.”

“That’s the plan,” she said, heading toward the door.

The cold wind slapped them hard as they headed outside. Funny, she hadn’t noticed it as much when they were outside watching the search for the shooter.

With a shiver, she slid into the front next to Roscoe. Gabe took the back.

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