Page 85 of Disarming Caine

“Samantha Caine.”

The two officers shared a cursory glance. She nodded at me, and flicked her fingers to indicate I should stand, while her partner cuffed the driver and began reading him his rights. A few people had emerged from their houses to see what had gone on, and two more police cars arrived.

“Not sure of the total injuries, but one man is being removed from the scene.”

I swallowed hard, my stomach twisting in knots. “Is he—”

“It sounds serious, but he’s alive.”

My knees buckled, and I balanced myself by grabbing her shoulder. “Oh, god! Who?”

She was so calm, I wanted to shake her. “A man in his mid-thirties.”

My heart stuttered. “Name? Please?”

“No more details than th—”

“Am I free to leave?” I had a foot planted ready to spring.

She nodded. “Officer Williams said to let you go and we’d talk to you later.”

I spun on my heel and tore off to Antonio’s car. A glint of brass caught my eye near where he’d shot at me. Barely slowing, I scooped up the bullet casing. It would match the one from my apartment. It had to. But damned if I wouldn’t check.

One of the newly arrived officers was speaking with people on the sidewalk, while another was helping the dazed passenger out of the car.

I scuffed my boot on the pavement as I ran, almost tripping when I saw his face. The passenger—I knew him.

Theperimeterwasfiftyfeet from the Ferraro’s office, squad cars and officers keeping people away.

An ambulance was leaving. Lights flashing and sirens screaming.

I slammed on the brakes when I got as close as I could and leaped out of the car, almost forgetting to turn it off. My stomach churned, flooding my mouth with the taste of bile.

He wasn’t in the ambulance. He couldn’t be.

I dashed through the small crowd, but a police officer got in my way, telling me to back up.

The Ferraro’s reception area was full of strangers. Professionals. Plus Jimmy and the security guy. But no Antonio.

“Jimmy!” I yelled. “Jimmy Slater!”

“Ma’am, are you alright?” asked the officer who wouldn’t let me closer.

“My family’s in there!” One hand flew toward the studio, the other clenched at my stomach. A paramedic and officer inside moved, revealing Dominico holding Sofia at the reception desk. That left Antonio, Frank, and Zander. All fitting the officer’s description of a male in his thirties. “Tell Officer Slater that Sam Caine’s here. He’ll clear me.”

“I’m sorry, but this is a crime scene. I can’t let you—”

“Slater!” I screamed.

Jimmy spun to see me, and his whole body seemed to relax. He signaled to the officer in front of me, who stepped out of my way, and I ran for the building. Zander came around the reception wall. That left two of them. As I bolted through the door, I saw legs on the floor, obscured by a paramedic.

Gray slacks, that’s what he was wearing. My heart lurched one more time.

“Thank heavens,” said Jimmy, holding open the door for me. “We gotta stop meeting like this.”

“Is Antonio—”

“Samantha?” Antonio craned his neck around the paramedic who was kneeling over him.

---